News - Page 1426

This year’s AM Aftermarket Conference, in Oxford on February 25, is dedicated to helping franchised dealers and independent garage workshops unlock their full potential in the aftermarket.

Extended service intervals on modern diesels could leave workshops liable for engine damage over the long term if they fail to use appropriate lubricants during servicing.

DIY enthusiasts in the UK may soon be able to diagnose problems and tune their car’s engine performance through a Game Boy handheld games console.

The 2005 RMI/Sewells Retail Motor Industry Pay Guide has just been published (see page 10 for full report), and there is good news on pay increases and staff turnover.

The world’s plushest MPV has almost completed its strip-tease, revealing the sleek lines of Mercedes-Benz’s production R-class. Shown as a concept four times, the MPV is undergoing final testing ahead of European sales a year from now.

Ford Motor Company has cut the cost of new independent checks on network workshops as a reaction to protests from authorised repairers that the proposed inspection programme was both too expensive and unfair.

The Bramall and Jones retail network has acquired a third Audi centre to take its turnover close to £100m and is planning a four-brand group with 12 to 15 dealerships.

MG Rover has terminated its supply agreement with Virgin Cars for an alleged breach of contract.

Today (January 14) is General Insurance day – the deadline for all motor retailers selling or advising on insurance or warranty products to obtain Financial Services approval.

The £500m turnover Greenhous Group says it will be business as usual after the company was subject to a management buyout for the third time

Volvo has launched servicing plans for the fleet and retail buyers of its S40 and V50 models to form retailers’ key marketing message for 2005.

Trevor Houghton-Berry, Mini’s inaugural general manager responsible for the brand’s strong success since its launch in 2001, has left the company.

MG Rover is calling on dealers to separate the MG and Rover sales areas in the showroom and refrain from joint-brand advertising as it seeks to create clear differentiation and tackle an alarming sales slide.

Kia ended 2004 with a record December, selling 2,708 units, a 114% increase on the same month in 2003.

Jeep’s Cherokee has been improved for 2005 with a new look, updated interior and a new 2.8-litre diesel engine.

Experian, the information solutions company, has announced that it will be supporting BEN – the Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent Fund - by making a cash donation on every sale of its new data cleansing service for the automotive industry, Experian Intact Automotive.

The Dodge Superbee and Volkswagen Mobile Lounge have been named joint-winners of the first ever automobile design studio competition at the Los Angeles auto show.

The boss of a dealer group that crashed last year when its bank called in receivers is urging other car retailers to check their businesses are safeguarded.

Peugeot is looking ahead to a strong 2005 after a tough 12 months last year when sales dipped 9.26%.

The largest Bentley dealership in Europe is under construction on the north-east outskirts of the city of Leicester.

A pilot scheme designed to provide an extra revenue source by disposing of low value part-exchanges is currently being rolled out to dealers nationally.

Used prestige car retailer Fortnums has doubled the capacity of its Staines dealership to around 150 vehicles by buying and redeveloping a neighbouring site.

Mystery shopping will be started this year at Toyota GB’s network of business centres as part of a programme to raise standards.

Mazda will take online orders for the new MX-5 roadster months ahead of its dealer launch in 2007 following the success of a similar initiative on the RX-8 last year.

Yes Car Credit, a top-five used car retailer in 2003, says it has struggled to break even in the last half of 2004.

Braintree, Essex Kia dealer Westdrive has come second in a global proficiency test set by the Korean car manufacturer.

Caffyns’ shares have been the subject of intense activity recently, sparking speculation that another company is trying to build a shareholding before making an outright bid for the Eastbourne-based AM100 dealer group.

Several leading figures in the automotive industry have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Reg Vardy blames the decline in its operating margins on the impact of interest rate rises on retail confidence, which is leading buyers to delay their next purchase.

Ford is predicting its share of the diesel market will rise over the next few years after announcing a £169m investment programme in its Dagenham diesel plant.