News - Page 1678

The Institute of the Motor Industry reports a major drop in the number of women employed in the motor industry, despite rising numbers of female car buyers.

Roy Ward resigned as director general of the Institute of the Motor Industry during a council management meeting.

Renault has ruled out any possibility of dual franchising with its Nissan affiliate in the UK, despite widespread speculation last year that it planned to merge the two networks by 2002 (AM 222).

The Direct Line Group is investing £50m into selling new and used cars on the internet.

Dealers can improve the way their cars are electronically marketed by using the latest interactive technology.

The Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association's national helpline has been plagued with technical problems.

Senior executives of Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler and Renault/Nissan were at the Geneva motor show this week briefing dealers and suppliers on why they have formed the world's largest virtual marketplace.

When they are setting residual values many forecasters do a great deal of research on the car itself. They ask the right questions, such as what market will this car fit into as a used vehicle, how desirable will it seem to the people in that market, how suitable will the spec, trim, colour, fuel and insurance groups be for those people?

Nobody should be surprised that the year began as strongly as it did - all the signs were there beforehand. Nor has the upturn been entirely trade-led, as some had feared. Re-stocking was always going to improve matters for a time but had there been no retail interest everyone would have been in big trouble.

Claims by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that new car buyers are returning to the market have been dismissed as “rubbish” by franchised dealers.

A leading industry expert has hit out at the insurance companies whose mergers have caused chaos in the bodyshop industry.

Ford hopes to attract more all-makes vehicles, including older models, into its 300-strong Rapid Fit fast-fit network after upgrading its servicing programme.

New car registration figures for last year have been branded a “sham” by the Consumers' Association after the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders claimed 1999 was “a successful year”, reaching its sales target of 2.2m units.

Forecasters, by their very nature, tend to take the pessimistic view of future residuals - they are happier when things turn out better than expected than vice versa. Unfortunately, however, it is these forecasters who tend to make themselves heard best because doom and gloom makes better headlines.

Dealers are unanimously reporting a distinct shortage of quality used cars available for stock, despite leading auction houses enjoying brisk trade to kick-start the new year. The period between Christmas and the first couple of weeks of January, traditionally a quiet time, has seen remarkable interest in the used car market.

Mitsubishi has followed up its new year price reductions with a series of customer-focused sales initiatives which begin this month.

Vauxhall believes that consumer confidence is returning to the used car market after its Network Q operation reported strong sales last month, compared to August 1999.

Jaguar has launched an own brand range of technically advanced lubricants developed in conjunction with Texaco. The development is part of its objective to provide the highest standards in customer service, to protect Jaguar engine life and keep Jaguar owners loyal to its franchised dealers.

For the third consecutive season Haywood Racing has lifted the Slick 50 Formula Ford Zetec championship - described as one of the most spectacular British motorsports. The team won two out of four of the European series races in 1999 and has produced the class champion driver two years in a row.

The spectre of the Block Exemption review hangs over UK franchised dealer networks like a black cloud. Still ignored by many, the fundamental European Union shake-up of the legal framework of the industry will soon become a reality. Those businesses which do not have a strategy in place will suffer.

Regular readers of the Daily Telegraph's motoring page will know that Honest John - their man in the trade - often solves readers motoring problems by recommending Texaco's CleanSystem3 fuel because its detergency additives are so effective in keeping engines clean.

A typical dealer workshop could produce an additional annual profit of £10,000, provide a better service for its customers and help the environment by promoting Texaco's Havoline Energy 5W-30, the leading fuel-efficient engine oil.

Customer focus; customer loyalty; gaining and retaining business - these goals are not easy, but we all know their book value. At Texaco we work hard to bring a distinct advantage to our customers throughout the supply chain; from the motorist, to the aftermarket and the manufacturer - and back round again.