News - Page 1193

Volvo is launching four new flexifuel versions of its C30, S40 V50 and V70 for UK customers this summer.

Unite, the UK’s biggest trade union, has warned Ford it 'will not stand idly by and allow Ford to use car delivery workers as expendable pawns'.

Reagroup UK, Renault’s own dealer group, has acquired Lewis Reed in Birkenhead for an undisclosed sum.

Family-owned dealer group, Fawdington Newcastle, has been named BMW’s national Dealership of the Year.

Saab has redesigned its 9-3 range citing its Aero X concept car as the main inspiration for the new look.

Sales managers for the different franchises operated by Harrogate motor retailer Nidd Vale Group have taken part in a large-scale job swap.

Sherwoods, the family-owned car business, will be turning into a mini-group after expanding into Teeside with the acquisition of a new Vauxhall site.

BEN, the automotive industry charity, has appointed Brian Back to its board.

ADS, the UK warehouse distributor, has added its brands and product ranges to its website, <a href="http://www.am-online.com/external_link/?sl=http://www.adsparts.co.uk" target="_blank">www.adsparts.co.uk</a>, enabling customers to view and purchase parts online.

United Aftermarket Network has secured a supply deal with Walker Exhausts.

Pendragon has cut its dealership portfolio by 16 outlets over the past seven months, including eight under the OFT ruling, most of its Alfa Romeo sites and more than half its Fiat dealerships.

Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC) plans to appoint the UK’s first MG dealers this month. The company is remaining tight-lipped about their identities.

The Retail Automotive Alliance has appointed Marc Matthew, chairman of the multi-franchised Lifestyle Europe Group and a director of the IMI, as its new chairman.

Pentagon Group is piloting the appointment of a customer service manager at its Rochdale Vauxhall Chevrolet showroom in a drive to enhance satisfaction.

Walking around the AM Awards in late February and again at the IMI Annual Dinner last month I was struck by how few people were wearing BEN centurion badges.

Hyundai retailers can expect their margin structure to alter this year as the carmaker introduces new standards.

Results from sales around the UK.

Inchcape sales increased by 26% on a constant currency basis in the first quarter of this year and were in line with the company’s financial plans.

Specialist Audi dealers are holding more than £8m in deposits for a new sports car due to reach UK showrooms in July.

Nissan GB has announced plans for a specialist dealer network to handle its light commercial vehicle sales.

There was some relief last week when the Office of Fair Trading decided not to block the Inchcape acquisition of European Motor Holdings.

Van manufacturer LDV has retail growth squarely in its sights this year, fuelled by its expanding Maxus range.

Carter & Carter has said it will not rush into appointing a replacement for the company’s founder, Phillip Carter, who was killed in a helicopter crash last week.

Mondial UK’s automotive division has appointed Robert James as its technical services director.

Used car prices have risen again for the third successive quarter according to Manheim’s latest Market Analysis report.

Investment in car, van and truck safety has helped drive down road casualties, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Picador Motors in Hampshire has sold three new Vauxhall Corsas every two days since the car was launched last October.

Affinity insurance provider Junction, part of the Budget Group, has signed an agreement with Auto Trader’s own-brand insurance, of which the magazine/website group expects to write more than 30,000 policies by the end of July.

The National Franchise Dealer Association has reacted with dismay at the Bank of England’s choice to increase interest rates.

Royal Bank of Scotland, in partnership with Santander of Spain and Fortis of Belgium, are bidding around 13% more for ABN Amro than was offered by Barclays in an apparent merger agreement.