News - Page 1425

Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that Fiat’s 2004 results will be in line with guidance to investors given in July last year.

Mazda has reported its most successful year of sales ever in the UK, selling a total of 48,453 units, an increase of 24.7% on 2003.

The Suzuki Jimny Estate has been revamped at no extra cost.

Ford's Bridgend engine plant has been awarded the contract to produce two new Land Rover and Volvo engines.

Proton has rejoined the Motability scheme, bringing the number of manufacturers represented to 25.

Ford has announced that it's European operation and Premier Automotive Group, which includes Jaguar, made a pre-tax loss of $324 million (£173.4m) in the fourth quarter, down from a profit of $176 million (£94m) a year earlier.

Prices and specifications for the Range Rover Sport have been revealed today.

Fiat Auto UK has announced prices for its Panda 4x4 and Panda 1.3 16v Multijet, which will be joining the UK range early in February.

BMW is planning its largest ever launch to the fleet and leasing sectors for the new 3-series.

General Motors’ operations in the UK and Ireland are to work more closely together.

Vauxhall has revealed that prices for its stylish three door Astra, called the Sport Hatch, will match its five door equivalents, with the range starting at £13,795 on-the-road.

Tony Blair has given support to MG Rover's proposed joint venture with China's biggest carmaker.

Peugeot’s newest advertising campaign for the 206 Sport has been criticised by anti-gun campaigners who have branded the French firm, ‘irresponsible’.

New Block Exemption changes set to come into effect in October are already changing the market for dealer management systems, according to research from Pinewood.

Mitsubishi Motors UK has posted an all-time new vehicle sales record of 35,610 for 2004, up 13.1% on the previous year

East Anglian Ford dealer group John Grose is expanding by taking over the car sales business of AG Potter (Framlingham) in mid-Suffolk.

Bentley has announced the arrival of its fastest four-door – the Continental Flying Spur.

Carmakers are likely to maintain their discounts and incentives for new car buyers in the UK in 2005, according to a New Car Price index from PricewaterhouseCoopers and europrice.com.

The search for Britain's top mechanical mastermind has now reached its penultimate phase and competition organiser, Champion, has whittled down hundreds of entrants to just 50 after marking the Technician of the Year stage one paper.

Cars that avoid accidents by using radar to detect other vehicles are to become a reality following a major breakthrough in the regulation of short wave radio frequencies.

Mercedes has unveiled its new A-class, complete with a range of petrol and diesel Euro 4 engines and newly developed transmissions – as well as an offer to fly buyers to the German factory to collect their new car at no extra cost.

Fiat Auto’s new Croma will make its first public appearance at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show, (March 3 –13).

Ka keeps its cool in supermini war

Hyundai Car UK is celebrating its best sales year, with 37,611 sales (16% up on 2003) and a 1.47% market share in 2004.

Prices for the new Audi A6 Avant have been confirmed, ranging from £26,505 to £46,265.

Mondial Assistance is expanding its warranty division with the appointment of a new business development manager.

Peugeot retailers will be charged with retaining greater levels of aftersales business this year, with the emphasis on attracting customers that have never before used franchised dealers for servicing and repair work.

Kwik-Fit has begun a £1.5m pilot scheme of refurbishment aimed at modernising its centres and making them more customer friendly.

The DVLA is proposing a revision of regulations governing number plate suppliers less than two years after it introduced strict new rules to combat car cloning with false registrations.

Laser Tools has acquired diagnostic equipment manufacturer Gunson from Crypton Technology for an undisclosed sum.