News - Page 1352

Essex-based Motorsales is to take on the Vauxhall franchise available after Charvills went into administration last month.

Mitsubishi expects to sell 9,000 units of its new L200 range next year, rising to 13,000 units for its first full year of sales.

Liverpool MP Peter Kilfoyle has promised an investigation into RAC personal injury promotional literature being handed out by police forces to accident victims.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, head of the Mercedes Group, will assume the role of chairman of the board of management at DaimlerChrysler on January 1.

The RMI Federation (RMIF) is keeping a watching brief on the unfolding situation at van maker LDV, after it went into administration last week.

Bodyshop satisfaction levels with industry suppliers remain poor, according to the 2005 Sewells Bodyshop Opinion Survey.

Trade associations will have to restructure if they are to give their members real value, claims Mike Monaghan, chief executive of the MVRA.

Land Rover is planning a drive to encourage buyers of its cars to use its approved bodyshop network if they are involved in an accident. Its decision follows a similar move by Jaguar, its Ford PAG stablemate.

Accident management firm Helphire has seen massive growth in revenue and operating profit for the first half of 2005.

United Aftermarket Network (UAN) has recruited Kevin Davison as its new business development manager for the North of England and Scotland.

Steve Bury has been appointed director and general manager of SSVG, the supplier of independently produced parts and panels.

Lee Howard is to take over as managing director of Kent-based Body & Paint Supplies in April 2006, succeeding his father Pip Howard who becomes chairman.

Honda has confirmed that a new Civic Type-R will return to UK roads in early 2007.

The chief executive of Zurich Insurance has called for the board of Endsleigh Insurance Services to clarify its position following the collapse of ARMS earlier this year.

Broker Assistance is to use Aquilo Accidentcare.

Suzuki’s Grand Vitara is now available with a diesel engine.

Ignition system parts supplier NGK UK had to establish a temporary headquarters last week when its base in Hemel Hempsted was caught up in the Buncefield fuel depot disaster.

Guy Harwood swapped his love of horse racing for selling cars for a living. Stephen Briers finds out why

New Kia commercial director Alex Smith will oversee restructuring of the sales, supply and planning operations following the departure of sales director Howard Slade after more than four years with the brand.

Findings published in the annual Sewells Used Car Finance House Survey reveal franchised dealers’ growing dissatisfaction with used car finance providers.

Citroën is bidding to return to the executive car sector in Britain with the new C6 – a position it has failed to occupy since the generations of DS, CX and SM came to an end.

Walon UK has won a contract with Land Rover to distribute new cars to its UK dealer network.

Four staff at Benfield Renault in Carlisle have been granted senior sales status by Renault UK.

Beryl Walsh-Atkins has been given the role of director of member relations at the RMI Federation, following its recent restructuring.

A row over warranties between car supermarket Motorpoint and International Motors could have serious repercussions for all resellers sourcing new cars from franchised dealers.

Trade-only treatments company Forte says it is helping hundreds of franchised dealers improve customer satisfaction levels and profits by encouraging them to establish emission control and air conditioning services as part of their service schedules.

More independent garages are starting to take advantage of Block Exemption changes to parts supply restrictions by setting up small motor factor operations in support of their main businesses.

A husband and wife team with no motor industry experience intend to “revolutionise” car servicing and MoT with a new business in Southampton.

The UK’s first national voluntary assessment system for technicians, the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) programme, has smashed its first-year target for registered technicians.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has cast doubt on the latest reliability survey from used car warranty provider Warranty Direct.