Daihatsu UK is testing a five-year warranty on two models, hoping the ‘peace of mind’ approach initiated by Kia and Hyundai will help to continue the 24% sales growth achieved in 2007.
An Inchcape Retail Mercedes-Benz dealership, part of the group that wants to be the world’s “most customer-centric business”, has been accused of quoting £4,376 for a service job that cost £36.25.
Finance deals are expected to play an important role in sales of new cars this year.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is cutting back on detailed insurance-selling rules but tightening up where customers are not being treated fairly.
Perrys Motor Sales finance and insurance manager David Johnson is urging more dealers to rise to the challenge of winning back finance business.
The Finance & Leasing Association wants to raise point-of-sale finance sales above the 45% achieved in 2007.
Seat has added an economical version of its Ibiza to the model in its 2008 revisions to the range.
Despite poor market conditions in 2007 – pressures from the credit crunch, the demise of Northern Rock and falling house prices – Black Horse remains optimistic about 2008 and the future of the point of sale market.
Caffyns expects the success of its performance for 2007 to come down to the final two months of the financial year after a slowdown in retail demand.
The latest version of one of America’s most iconic sports cars, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be available in the UK in left-hand-drive only from the end of this year, although the order book is already filling up.
A potential strike by tax workers means that motor retailers subject to the self-assessment tax regime need to ensure that they complete their tax returns as soon as possible, warns the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).
The oddest-looking, and most bizarrely named cars at the Detroit Motor Show this week were three three tiny concepts from Chinese auto designer Li Guangming.
Volvo’s XC family will grow to four models by 2010, with the Swedish brand planning a 4x4 counterpart for the C30 coupé within a “root and branch” revision of its lower and upper-medium range.
China is likely to import 300,000 vehicles this year, 30% up on 2007, according to a forecast issued by the China Trading Center for Automobile Import (CTCAI).
Land Rover has launched a campaign called ‘Our Planet’ in order to tackle its negative image as a gas guzzling manufacturer.
New general insurance rules include changes to the way PPI can be sold.
Liquidators for Halstead Crash Repair Centre in Southend-on-Sea have blamed Norwich Union for the bodyshop’s collapse in November.
American refinish paint supplier PPG Industries has bought Unipart’s bodyshop distribution business Brown Brothers in the UK for an undisclosed sum.
After failing to retain the Citroën new car franchise, Barry Shelley, the new holding company for Lovekyn Garages in Ewell, Surrey, has taken on Kia.
North-west Clare James Automotive has exceeded budgets for turnover and profits in the year to June 30, 2007.
CI Holdings, owner of fast-fit chain Mr Clutch, is diversifying into car valeting and smart repairs after acquiring Carwash At Work, which went into receivership in November 2006.
Pendragon is believed to be losing all or some of its 11 Stratstone BMW/Mini dealerships.
Analysts have marked down Lookers profit forecasts for 2007 after the group released its trading statement this morning.
Mitsubishi has revealed its next generation sports coupe at the Detroit Motor Show this week.
Chrysler's new alliance with Nissan could lead to building Chrysler models in the UK.
Hyundai will be taking on its German and Japanese rivals in the luxury saloon market with its new Genesis, revealed at the Detroit Motor Show this week.
Mitsubishi UK has sold its 400 unit allocation of the Lancer Evolution X which goes on sale on March 1.
Watford Jaguar has appointed Simon Strickson, as its new financial controller.
Volkswagen has launched a coupe cabriolet version of its Passat which will go on sale in the UK this summer.
Chrysler UK has re-appointed Simon Elliott as its managing director.
