News - Page 1386

Suzuki is pulling itself together. So it’s sayonara to bland-looking boxes, cheap plastics and stodgy dynamics.

Hartwell plc’s finance director Graeme Willis has been promoted to managing director following the departure of his predecessor Christopher Langley.

The odyssey of testing for Audi’s Q7 – taking in four of the world’s continents and extremes of hot and cold weather – is nearing an end, with the SUV’s official unveiling just a few weeks away.

Vauxhall is putting greater emphasis on retail buyers, which has led to a growth in market share for the first time in 12 years.

Scottish motor retailer John Martin Group has taken initial steps in a strategy to streamline its business.

Drivers of older Ford models looking for new car parts can now visit the newly opened National Clearance Centre facility in Amesbury, Wiltshire.

Pendragon, confident of raising turnover and profit in 2005 despite the decline in the new car market, is planning to buy many small motor retail businesses.

GB Sports Car Company Ltd is remaining tight-lipped about the exact details of its negotiations with Nanjing Automobile Group and its proposed collaboration to build low-volume, high-quality MG Rover sports cars at Longbridge.

Chrysler’s quirky retro PT Cruiser range is covered by a 0% HP deal, involving a minimum 50% deposit, between 24 and 36 month agreement periods and payments that vary according to the post deposit balance.

Are you a winner in business? AM is looking for the best dealers, carmakers, repairers, bodyshops and factors to enter the AM Awards 2006.

Mercedes-Benz has launched its television, print, web and mobile phone advertising campaign, costing £4m, prior to the UK on sale date of its new B-class, on September 15.

MG Rover's new Chinese owners told Birmingham civic leaders they were committed to continuing manufacturing at Longbridge.

XPart has reassured repairers that it is committed to sustaining aftermarket parts supply for MG Rover vehicles for at least the next decade.

Vehicle manufacturers that require franchised vehicle dealers to change their trading name to conform to corporate branding could be exceeding their authority, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI).

New laws introduced in July requiring garages to register as a producer of hazardous waste could lead to a ban on the direct sale of oils and lubricants to motorists – and on DIY servicing.

Unipart is aiming to boost the promotion of its loyalty award scheme for independent garages and bodyshop with the launch of a new Choices catalogue.

Audatex UK boss Paul Tucker received a 17% pay increase last year, as many repairers continue to struggle to break even.

Denso Aftermarket has seen spark plug sales grow 48% following its Japanese Take Away promotion, which ran from March to June.

One of only two female Saab master technicians in the UK is about to leave for Africa to teach car mechanics in a village in The Gambia.

MAM Software has launched an advanced electronic trading package for the aftermarket: Autonet.

Dorking Service Centre has been recognized as one of the most outstanding members of the Bosch Car Service network in the UK.

Manufacturers are being urged to give greater consideration to the rental market, which can provide business stability amidst a weakening new car market.

The Tyre Industry Council has launched a new training award and is seeking nominations.

TMD Friction UK, the brake pad manufacturer whose brands include Pagid and Mintex, has raised £2181 for Ben, the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund.

Kerridge Automotive Systems has become the first UK dealer management system provider to gain accreditation from the Institute of the Motor Industry.

Designer Vision, the in-car audio-visual entertainment systems specialist, has today announced that the company has agreed to a confidential out of court settlement with Centurion.

Internet solution provider Epyx has launched the 1link Disposal Network, which allows dealers to locate the stock they want from leasing and fleet companies, even before vehicles are defleeted.

Increased turnover and profits at mid-year point are evidence that Inchcape Retail is continuing to successfully buck the UK’s declining new car market.

Development of “buyers’ market” conditions in the new car sector has put pressure on the residuals of nearly new models.

Ford dealers could miss their September sales targets, putting volume bonuses at risk, due to supply disruption caused by industrial action at Ansa Logistics, which moves 300,000 vehicles annually for the carmaker.