News - Page 1123

Seat is giving away nine free Ibiza Ecomotive models as part of a new campaign by the DVLA to promote online road tax renewals.

Bentley has revealed the first pictures of its refreshed its Continental Flying Spur range.

Peugeot has added a new Cielo special edition model to its 207 line-up.

Motor traders need to be aware of this case (St Ives Plymouth Ltd v Haggerty) which could have wide implications for staff employed on a causal basis eg drivers/valeters etc.

In a recent case, Collidge v Freeport plc, Mr Collidge attempted to argue ‘out of’ a compromise agreement as it had the effect of stopping his compensation promised in the agreements.

A company called Hi Com Business Solutions is reported to be setting up a scheme imminently in an initiative to reduce losses attributed to staff dishonestly.

In a recent case (Sheriden v Prospects) a Christian charity, Prospects, which had adopted a policy of not accepting new non practising Christian employees and denying promotion to existing non Christians was found to have constructive dismissal and discriminated against Mr Sheriden, a former employee who fell foul of their new policy criteria.

The Government has announced that agency staff will receive the same employment rights as permanent workers after the first 12 weeks of employment.

New car registrations fell by 3.5% in May to 179,272 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

BMW’s training and assessment is now using Automotive Technician Accreditation as part of its programme.

The European Union has threatened Germany with legal action over its law which protects Volkswagen Group from a takeover.

Sussex dealer group Caffyns has been appointed Ford dealer for Portslade, Brighton.

A south of England car dealer was jailed this week for ripping off customers in a string of bogus deals.

Insurers’ shake-up of body repair networks leaves firms looking for revenue streams.

The rate at which bodyshops go into liquidation isn’t going to slow down due to the increasingly small amounts of profit to be made, according to the ABP Club.

Helphire credit cases have risen by a quarter compared to the same period last year.

Bentley Motors is Accident Exchange’s first conquest.

Peugeot moves to reassure retailers facing big changes, shake-up in dealer network will help stem slump in new car sales, says carmaker.

Subaru (UK) has signed a full commercial agreement with Standox, the car paint company, covering the UK and Ireland.

HMRC in charge of VAT recovery have sought to force motor dealer groups to consider profit comparisons rather than income comparisons between VAT-able and VAT-exempt sales.

A recent case (Crowson Fabrics Ltd v Rider and others) set out useful guidance where ex-employees have deliberately used their present employment to set up in competition.

Northern Irish dealer group Lindsay Ford is using a temporary building to continue trading from its Lisburn showroom, near Belfast, during a £2 million refurbishment programme.

Former BMW UK executives Nigel Payne and Steve Mills are redeveloping their Benham BMW and Mini dealerships in Wolverhampton.

CircleRed ready to roll out retail park to other locations after the success of its Newcastle site.

Andrew Sproston (42), Sales director, Fiat Group UK

Apprenticeships in the automotive industry have been given a further fillip following a proposed parliamentary bill that says they will be available to all suitably qualified young people.

Robert Forrester, Vertu Motors managing director, is leading by example, by being the first to complete a new training programme for the company.

A round up of the latest appointments in the automotive industry.

AW Repair Centres is putting emphasis on customer service to drive it forward in the independent accident repair market.

Automotive Management Accreditation to start as pilot in September.