News - Page 1205

It is still a commonly held myth that customers lose their right to reject a vehicle and reclaim the purchase price even though they’ve opted to have it repaired when a fault comes to light.

In last months articles we brought to your attention a case where a tyre and exhaust centre had been prosecuted for making false claims about what repairs were necessary when a customer asked for a ‘pre-MOT check!

As any client will know, it is never an exact science when putting a case before the Judge in the County Court small claims or otherwise.

Many clients with Consumer Credit licences will have been approached by their credit providers to ensure they have a complaints procedure and the other necessities required from April 6, 2007 to deal with consumer complaints.

Renault has this afternoon strongly denied claims made by its former PR manager Graeme Holt that it had ignored safety concerns surrounding the bonnet catch of its Clio II and Campus models.

Strong demand in the retail used car market during the first quarter of 2007 has brought an increase in sales compared to the same period last year – and this has led to a rise in used car trade values.

In a recent case (Blackburn etal v Chief Constable of West Midlands Police), it was held that a scheme-awarding bonus for police officers available to work at night was discriminating against women.

A number of clients will be aware that there are two approved routes to deal with as employee grievance.

Clients will be aware that when the number of employees exceeds four (i.e. five or more) then there is a legal requirement to have a written Health and Safety policy.

We have had a number of queries concerning slipping on floors due to wet/frosty conditions where it appears, in one case a customer, and in another an employee, are fraudulently trying to claim for injuries sustained.

Connaught Motor Company is setting up its global manufacturing and R&D headquarters in Wales.

The Volkswagen Group UK is working with Audatex to provide its approved paint and body network with a Volkswagen Group Estimator Accreditation Programme.

Central Scotland Audi has successfully opened a new dealership in Ayr.

The UK’s car manufacturing future has ‘mixed prospects’ according to the House of Commons Trade and Industry Select Committee.

Kia’s model range has returned strong residual values according to CAP figures.

The British Standards Institute (BSI) wants to get 1,000 bodyshops accredited to the Thatcham BSI Kitemark by the end of 2008.

Richard Fagan, managing director of Autodex, wants to add at least two sites to his eight-bodyshop business this year. This would move it into the AM50 top three.

Inchcape is ending its UK partnership with Ford and the Premier Auto Group.

An average of 20% of UK warehouse stock is unaccountable, showing that traditional storage systems are at risk from low inventory accuracies and losses.

Chinese carmaker Brilliance Jinbei Automobile has announced plans to sell 75,000 cars in Europe by 2010.

More than one million British motorists are now on the brink of losing their licences.

The decline in motor finance volumes is well documented. It’s a continuing trend with increased average balances masking a dramatic fall in used car finance case count according to recent FLA figures.

Ford has announced an expansion to its foray into alternative-fuelled vehicles with the launch of three more low CO2 flexifuel models, due early next year.

Allianz Cornhill has agreed a proposal that allows its network of approved bodyshops to operate with their own choice of quality control scheme.

Dealers should be aware that consumers who have bought payment protection insurance (PPI) with a single premium will now benefit from new measures from the Financial Services Authority.

The new vehicle first registration fee is to increase from May 1 from £38 to £50.

247spares, the UK car parts network, has relaunched with a new free website that comes complete with an endorsement by former Top Gear presenter Quentin Wilson.

Bodyshops could soon see their income protected in the event of their accident management company collapsing, thanks to a new agreement being negotiated by the RMI Bodyshop Services Division (BSD) a part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

Nine delegates from Suzuki’s dealer network have been awarded a certificate of management in the Suzuki GB aftersales management development programme (AMDP), with Paul Castle from James & Jenkins, Cardiff, named as delegate of the Year.

AM editor Stephen Briers talks to Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, at the Geneva Motor Show.