News - Page 1245

AM has announced a new category in this year’s AM Awards focusing on customer service. It takes the number of categories to 20.

Peter Vardy Ltd is implementing a new learning and development scheme across its dealerships in a bid to attract and train the best people in the industry.

John Grose’s Subaru outlet in Woodbridge, Suffolk is now fully operational, five months after the group acquired the dealership from Edmondsons.

Goodyear Dunlop plans to “blow the lid off the fast-fit industry” by expanding its Hi-Q operation, mainly through franchised outlets.

A long-awaited £6.20 increase in the MoT test fee has been put back more than six weeks by the Department for Transport.

Owen Developments, the Oxfordshire aftermarket turbo specialist, has launched a website to let customers buy online.

The new Jaguar XK Coupe has been voted overall ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Sporting Car of the Year’ at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2006.

Nissan and Marc Ecko have revealed a new customized Armada Pathfinder at a VIP event held at New York’s Splashlight Studios.

The Scottish VAT and Duties Tribunal has ruled that dealer group Arnold Clark was entitled to be refunded the VAT it had over-paid on bonuses received from manufacturers for vehicles used in the group’s rental and leasing business.

Renault has put the 2.0-litre 138bhp engine with new six-speed gearbox in the New Clio.

The fastest and most powerful production Golf GTI yet is set to kick off celebrations next year for the 30th anniversary of the original hot hatch – the Mk1 Golf GTI.

PSA Peugeot Citroen has announced a 1.8% drop in third-quarter revenue and issued its fourth profit warning in just over a year, blaming weaker-than-expected sales.

DaimlerChrysler Group will open its biggest brand experience centre, adjacent to the world’s oldest purpose built racing circuit in Weybridge, Surrey, this month.

Cars built in the UK have retained their crown as the most reliable and affordable.

After 12 years of service, Steven Hollings, head of Honda’s corporate sales, has decided to leave to pursue new opportunities.

Honda UK will be touring its 200-strong retail network next month to discuss new bonus standards following negotiations with the national dealer council.

BMW’s next-generation 7-series has broken cover, revealing the dynamic dimensions of the 2008 saloon.

Mid-market brands are under pressure as customers go upmarket to premium brands or down to economy ones.

Inchcape is looking to rapidly expand its retail presence in new markets, particularly eastern Europe and the Far East, with global partners like Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Mitsubishi is expanding its L200 pick-up range with a L200 Club Cab, L200 Tipper and a revamped L200 Elegance now available.

Dealers and repairers are being encouraged to take part in the 15th annual Sewells Pay Guide survey.

Carcraft has confirmed its acquisition of four used car supermarkets from CarLand, following AM’s report on October 6 that it was about to close a deal.

Following a slow start to the PAS 80 standard, UK garage owners are starting to look to the kitemark as a way of improving their business prospects.

Service centres are being offered an extra revenue stream with the latest range of TSW alloy wheels, distributed by Yokohama HPT.

Battery distributor Manbat is relocating to new premises with the promise of an improved service to its aftermarket customers.

Air-conditioning specialist Autoclimate made record sales of its range of air-con products.

The BSI has been forced to retract a statement made in a press release, which claimed that the Office of Fair Trading is preparing to inspect and shut down poor-performing garages from January.

Mahle Filter Systems UK has moved its administration team and headquarters to new offices in Oldbury, West Midlands. The move is in preparation for growth in the aftermarket.

Activant has launched Cover-to-Cover, an enhanced online parts database for motor factors.

The Chrysler Group faces a business overhaul after losing €1.5 billion (£794m) in Q3. Parent company, DaimlerChrysler, has not ruled out the possibility of a sale.