News - Page 1463

Hartwell is about to close its Citroen outlet in Cardiff because it cannot make money out of the franchise. Other dealers in the network are also expressing concern.

Sir Tom Farmer has taken a 17% stake in ScootElectric, the eco-friendly scooter business which launched this year.

Mitsubishi importer Colt Cars has released the first pictures of its new-look dealer showroom designs, which will be rolled out across the network by the second quarter of 2005 (AM June 4).

A major European high street brand will definitely enter the automotive sector within five years completely revolutionising the way consumers buy new cars, according to management consultancy AT Kearney.

The opening near Manchester this week of a £6m second outlet for The Car People signals the beginning of a steady expansion plan for the company, which could see its number of locations across the North increased to eight by the end of the decade.

Shankar Ramanathan has been appointed managing director of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s car division, which includes Dixon Motors, Lombard Vehicle Management and the Jamjar cars internet operation.

Lookers says its links with Nissan will continue despite struggling sales forcing the group to close two of the manufacturer’s outlets in the North of England.

The Financial Services Auth-ority is planning a series of workshops in November and December to help dealers prepare for the new rules on the sale of insurance-related products from January 14, 2005.

Sewells Information & Research has just published its latest edition of ‘Who Owns Who in the motor industry’.

The sale by Phoenix Venture Holdings of the MG Rover parts business has been completed.

The Renault Modus – which goes on sale next week - is the first supermini to secure the maximum 5-star rating in crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP, it was announced today.

Jaguar has announced it will cut production by some 15,000 units for the rest of 2004 due to poor demand.

Used car history checker HPI is looking forward to developing further customer facing products following its acquisition for £120m by Norwich Union Insurance.

Sunwin Motor Group is putting out the feelers for further expansion after starting the rebranding process for the seven sites acquired in June from Ilkeston Co-operative Society.

Hartwell is losing its four Volkswagen car franchises as the manufacturer continues a shake-up of its network.

AM has added four categories to its 2005 Awards. The new awards will highlight the important role of van retail, recruitment, fast-fit and parts supply in the automotive industry.

An exclusive Black Horse Motor Finance survey carried out with AM and Sewells Information & Research has found that dealer sales staff are missing out on numerous opportunities to sell finance products.

A director of failed car business Harold Elston & Sons in Powys has been banned from being a company director for five years.

Auto Source of Stretham, Cambridgeshire, has merged with Mervin Smith Cars of Quy to open a new retail premises on the A10 between Cambridge and Ely.

Reg Vardy has contracted property consultant Lambert Smith Hampton to assist in its ongoing acquisitions programme.

Fleming Brothers Citroen and ChryslerJeep in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has been sold to the Ipswich and Norwich Co-Operative Society for an undisclosed sum.

Alfa Romeo has the potential to mirror the sales success of BMW over the next five to 10 years, according to its newest retailer, Islington Alfa Romeo in Melksham, Wiltshire.

Daihatsu is offering to pay showroom set-up costs to tempt new dealers to join its expanding network. So far this year it has appointed 23 retailers, almost one a week, taking the network to 117.

A new internet-based company is promising to help dealers dramatically slash the cost of vehicle collection and delivery through its online tendering service.

Volkswagen is helping its retailers take early orders for the Golf GTi, due in showrooms in January, through a dedicated website – www.newgolfgti.co.uk.

A trade only online car locator system has been developed by motor industry IT solutions specialist Flog International of Weybridge.

Renrod Group has appointed Brian Padfield to the new role of group business sales consultant.

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Buying a new car, holidays and home improvements are the most likely reasons for saving money, according to new research.