News - Page 1665

Concept, the UK's largest independent used car retailer, has been bought by Interleasing, the contract hire and leasing firm formerly owned by Arriva.

The Association of Body Repairers is suffering from internal politics and wrangling four months after launch.

Within a week of opening for business the crowds were flocking to Star City, Birmingham's new £90m entertainment complex just off the M6.

The Internet Car Company (TICC), the latest entrant into the motor retail dotcom business, will open 12 “multi-media shops” in prime retail sites to support customers buying from its website.

Gerard Ryan, newly appointed managing director of GE Capital Woodchester, has warned smaller franchised dealers could be “marginalised” unless the Government acts.

Glencullen, the Irish motor distributor, appears to have failed in its bid to build an influential UK retail network through Whichford whose outlets have been reduced from 18 to six.

Manheim Online is preparing to launch a market analysis tool on the internet which will enable dealers to assess average vehicle values dating as far back as 13 months.

Volkswagen is advertising for business leaders to take “responsibility for strategic development, profitable growth and day-to-day success” of its franchised dealers.

Motor industry bosses have urged Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers to make a quick decision over wording of new laws to deliver price cuts. They believe only a Government statement can end uncertainty in the market.

Peter Vardy plans to grow his dealer group, ranked third in the AM100, to around 100 dealerships “in the medium term”.

Senior staff at the RMI are mystified by the shock resignation of Alan Hines after three months as chief executive.

Carmakers' claims that car prices have fallen - and will fall no further - are failing to bring customers back to the showrooms.

Sytner chief executive Laurence Vaughan believes the motor industry is entering a period where power is moving towards retailers, influenced by Government and consumer pressure.

Ben, the Motor and Allied Trade's Benelovent Fund, is banking on a positive industry response to resolve its “critical” financial position, said chief executive Geoffrey Atkinson.

Pendragon, the UK's biggest motor dealer with a £2bn-plus turnover, is on the way to becoming a global retailer after announcing expansion in the US and Germany.

Lookers' £3.9m acquisition of Mark Kass, with three Nissan and two Toyota dealerships in north London and Essex, strengthens its chances of winning further Nissan-Renault market areas as the two brands merge their dealer operations.

Inverness-based Macrae & Dick has increased its Ford presence in Scotland by taking over Frews in Perth. The acquisition follows the retirement of Frews managing director Bill Farquarson after 48 years.

Jaguar appears ready to accept multi-franchising with other members of Ford's Premier Automotive Group as it expands the dealer network ready for the launch of X400 next year.

Renault is offering van and truck owners a new way to buy used vehicles after launching Choice this month. Renault Choice, available at all Renault UK truck dealers, covers vehicles from 2.8 tonnes to 44 tonnes, and includes the popular Master van.

Ford is to give every customer who buys an all-new Transit an Ericsson R250 PRO mobile phone, subject to them signing on with the Ford airtime package, which is water, shock and dust resistant. The move is aimed at attracting more sales from the construction industry.

Ford aims to return Land Rover to profit in 2002 by boosting worldwide sales, cutting costs and introducing more 'lifestyle' models, some based on the Defender.

Japanese carmakers have issued a firm statement claiming that Block Exemption, due for renewal in 2002, “acts as a safeguard for consumers, dealers and automakers by providing a strict but clear and predictable legal framework”.

Claims by the SMMT that prices of new cars have already fallen by around 10% over the past year were dismissed by Stephen Byers.

The arrival of an MG-badged 75 coupe within 12 months will lead the recovery as Rover fights to regain market share and revive its fortunes. MG versions of the 25 and 45 (including an estate) are planned.

Increasing Government legislation and pressure from environmental groups is making many dealer groups reconsider out-of-town, US-styled retail parks and spacious greenfield showroom developments.

Ford's marketing strategists plan to use Daewoo in the way Volkswagen Group brands Skoda.

Nissan president Carlos Ghosn, who warned investment in his Sunderland plant could be reduced because of the strength of sterling, is to meet Tony Blair and Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers.

Two of the leading dotcom new entrants have announced from-your-door test drives as part of their attempt to woo retail car buyers.

A general slowdown in the building of glitzy flagship dealerships and car retail parks could be a reflection of an industry holding its breath.

Martin Dillow, business manager at Kent Jaguar dealership Lancaster Sevenoaks, is the first quarterly winner in this year's Award for Financial Excellence, sponsored by GE Capital Woodchester.