Dixon Motors, which broke into the top 10 of the AM100 in November, will this summer launch an internet sales service in a joint venture with Direct Line.
Royal & SunAlliance has insisted it remains “fully committed” to an approved repairer network, despite axing 31 bodyshops.
A paint protection product is helping new car dealers to boost aftersales profits by “thousands of pounds” for minimal financial outlay, claims its supplier.
Volvo could benefit from a Ford purchase of Rover Group's engineering centre and test site at Gaydon, Warwickshire. The manufacturer is part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group which might gain extra engineering resources.
DC Cook plans to win business away from the new internet import companies like OneSwoop and Virgin Cars after launching a rival online operation.
DaimlerChrysler will pay £1.26bn for a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in a deal welcomed by the Japanese carmaker's UK importers and dealers.
Dealers wanting to stick with Rover do not know who will underwrite existing buyback agreements on the 75 and other models. They say Rover executives are unable to advise them.
Former Rover executive Chris Woodwark is returning to the remains of the group acquired by Alchemy Partners to run MG Car Company.
The Government is on the verge of forcing carmakers to slash prices by up to 35% by giving consumers fleet-type discounts, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.
Rover dealers are to press ahead with a compensation claim against BMW following their first meeting with the company since the announcement of the probable sale to Alchemy.
Bates Motor Group, the £100m turnover Essex and London dealer, has opened a £4m BMW dealership in south Essex.
Dealers hold the key to the ability of Rover residuals to hold up, according to Mark Cowling, Cap Monitor chief European economist.
A video conferencing system developed jointly by automotive computer giants Kerridge and video transmission specialist ImageCom is set to transform working practices in multi-location dealer groups.
BMW's disposal of Rover Group has triggered intense speculation about acquisitions and partnerships as leading manufacturers hunt the most valuable brands.
BodyMaster, part of the Glass's group, has finalised an exclusive contract with ByteBack Systems to integrate the Paint-It software into its management system.
Repairers are pressing ahead for action against insurance companies on anti-competitive measures, encouraged by the reaction of one MP who agreed to act as a focal point for the campaign.
The market for in-car electronic mobile equipment is growing rapidly, as demonstrated by IVM Automotive, the Munich based in-car communications specialist.
Rover dealers are hoping for a short-term sales bonanza as Alchemy seeks to clear unsold cars and generate cashflow for product development. There is confusion about the volume of cars in stock and how many will be inherited by MG Cars.
Ferrari UK boss Stuart Robinson believes the new 360 Spider will account for half its sales. He said the coupe had taken two-thirds of the company's orders.
Vauxhall is poised to go head-to-head in a price war with Suzuki when the manufacturers launch their microcars, the Vauxhall Agila and Suzuki Wagon R+ which are the result of the first joint venture since the US and Japanese groups formed a business alliance.
UK dealers representing BMW Group's five brands have been warned they must accept change, including the influence of the internet.
Derek Lindop, this week elected chairman of council at the Institute of the Motor Industry, was reluctant to work with Roy Ward who resigned suddenly as director general.
Dixon Motors, now backed by £65m from a syndicate of banks, was this week expected to reveal a major internet initiative.
Mitsubishi is to sell more than 2,500 nearly-new cars direct to the public in an attempt to clear central stocks and support residual values.
UK dealers are rushing to join new internet sales business OneSwoop.com “in their hundreds”, according to co-founder and chief executive officer Roeland van de Ven.
BMW dealers are to be offered a chance to sell the new Mini in a move that will clearly position the car away from Rover and as a separate brand within the Group.
Autobytel UK executives believe they are close to ending a long dispute with Volkswagen Group UK. Last year, VW and Audi dealers were warned not to sign with the internet-related company.
Rover has issued a “precautionary recall” for 20,000 flagship 75s worldwide - 8,552 in the UK - as EU officials cast fresh doubts over the future of its Longbridge plant.
The swoop for 32 Lex dealerships and four bodyshops was a Trevor Finn classic: buy while the market is down and your rivals are least expecting it.
Toyota, whose new MR2 sportscar hits UK showrooms in the spring, will introduce a two-wheel drive new RAV4 as an entry-level derivative.
