Norfolk-based Wilco Motor Spares, part of the Shortis Group, has bought Motosave, the largest independent chain of automotive shops and fitting centres in the north.
Caterham will stay British, insists managing director Simon Nearn, following the sale of TVR to Nikolai Smolensky, Russia’s youngest millionaire. “We’re not selling out to the Russians,” he says.
The scale of the future challenge facing the automotive industry in the UK and the rest of Europe from China, India and other low-cost Asian countries has been spelt out in London by Carlos Ghosn, Nissan chairman and chief executive officer.
Mercedes-Benz has announced that it expects full-year earnings to be lower than in 2003 following publication of its second quarter results that reveal a slip of 18%.
Almost a third of used car retailers feel less confident about their prospects in the sector compared with a year ago, fearing a dip in residuals and rising competition from used car supermarkets – not least those backed by financial organisations like Private & Commercial and Black Horse.
Fast-fit chain Hi-Q is looking to expand its network of 503 locations following the appointment of Mike Garwood as its new dealer/franchise operations manager.
A long-term sales initiative by Dixon Motors promises its customers the lowest prices in the country on 10 popular cars.
Hyundai UK is in the early planning stages of a sponsored retailer programme designed to fill gaps in the network in high cost areas.
The Honda Accord 2.2 CDTi diesel, launched in February (Tourer in March), has made its used market debut at BCA’s Measham auction centre in Leicestershire, an event which prompted more than 50 Honda dealers to register.
The president of Renault Europe Automobile Andre Bodis was in Birmingham for the unveiling of a £1.75m refurbishment of one of Renault Retail Group’s flagship dealerships.
The AA has linked up with Manheim Auctions in a move it says will give buyers added confidence when bidding for cars at auction.
Dealers using a sales management tool from Contact Advantage have enjoyed an average 200% increase in lead captures since implementing the system, the company claims.
Kia dealers are making it easier for customers to drive away immediately in a new car thanks to a new free seven-day insurance initiative from ASA Insurance.
Camden Motors’ vision for the future of automotive retail involves massive new car superstores in greenfield area complemented by high street advice centres, wrapped up in an online proposition.
Used car retailer Network Q has linked up with a scentologist to produce a scent that apparently mimics the smell of a new car.
Ontime Automotive, specialist in bespoke vehicle preparation and distribution services for prestige car manufacturers, has won the global distribution contract for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
A dealer from the Isle of Wight has received a two-year suspended prison sentence for defrauding the Inland Revenue.
Nissan’s Almera has just become the best selling imported car in Russia, selling more than 5,600 since the beginning of the year.
Used car experts on the auction floor give you the lowdown on what’s selling and what’s sitting
The first official photographs of the new Octavia Estate have been released.
The latest model/mileage and price information for auctioned used cars.
More than half of drivers believe it would take more than two units of alcohol – the equivalent of a pint of beer – to affect their behaviour behind the wheel.
Aston Martin has pledged that its 18 UK dealers and their customers will not lose out as it pushes for higher sales in the US. Dealers here are quoting 18 months to two years on the DB9 coupe, and high demand is expected for the convertible Volante derivative launched in the UK at the Birmingham motor show.
Uninsured motorists could have their cars seized by police and even destroyed under Government plans.
GM Daewoo product sold well at an auction at BCA Measham this month, recording a 94% conversion rate that achieved 100% of CAP Clean.
Eight months since its launch in January the Mazda3 has experienced a sales boom with over 5,000 units sold year-to-date. Sales increased with the addition of the 1.6-litre 107bhp diesel model and a stylish four-door saloon bodystyle to the Mazda3 range from June.
Women are choosing more powerful, better-equipped and more expensive cars than men, according to a new survey
Daihatsu has maintained its growth plans for 2004 to reach a 10 year high, after adding one new dealer every week throughout the first half of the year.
CarLand, one the UK's largest car supermarket groups, has just announced the completion of a 125,000 sq. ft refurbishment centre in Stockport, Manchester, with the capability of refurbishing up to 250 cars per week for its six major CarLand sites throughout the UK.
New car buyers in Western Europe will be offered many more body styles in the most popular class, the Golf class, as sales of standard hatchbacks continue to decline, according to R.L. Polk Europe.
