Chris Craft has been appointed as director of Skoda UK, effective from tomorrow. He replaces Rob Tracey, who has become managing director of gedas United Kingdom, also part of the Volkswagen Group.
MINI is introducing specification upgrades for 2004 models.
Aftermarket show activity is spreading. Hot on the heels of the SSMT's announcement of an ATS revival as part of the CV show next spring and London Eventco's plans for Auto-ExCeL early in 2005, Haymarket Exhibitions says it will expand the PACE parts and accessories section at Autosport International in the New Year, 2004.
Volkswagen has launched a new fast-fit operation called Express Fit. Alan Day in New Southgate, North London, is the first retailer to open a centre. If it proves successful, more retailers could open similar operations with most major cities covered by the end of the year.
ArvinMeritor has launched a $4.4bn (£2.7bn) hostile cash bid for US automotive parts maker Dana Corpor-ation. The company says its offer of $15 (£9.22) a share represents a premium of 25 per cent over Dana's closing stock price before the move was announced.
Audatex UK is to launch a body repair estimating system for motorcycle repair specialists, insurers, brokers and claims handling companies in August.
One year into its relationship with Nationwide Accident Repair Services – the UK's largest crash repair chain – Volvo Information Technology has been awarded a further £1.2m contract for the infrastructure and management of Nationwide's wide area network (WAN) IT system.
Accident repair centres will be forced to carry out expensive and time-consuming risk assessments on paint, oils and lubricants if new laws are put in place.
Share prices throughout the motor retail sector are booming for the first time in years. Investors are backing leading dealer groups to deliver significant financial improvements after October 1 when revised block exemption legislation comes into effect.
Priory Motor Group has become one of the first UK retailers to exploit revised block exemption regulations by opening a multi-franchised showroom in the north-east.
UK buyers are currently enjoying some of the biggest new car discounts in motoring history, according to new research – but there are signs that manufacturers will soon be insisting on higher deal prices to boost their flagging margins.
Two carmakers have the potential to challenge for number one status in the global new car market, says industry expert Garel Rhys. The motor industry professor at Cardiff Business Schools, says General Motors and Toyota have the potential to occupy number one positions worldwide.
Dixon Motors is targeting drivers of older cars with a new servicing scheme designed to win back market share from fast-fits and independent garages.
The AM Awards has a new assessor – leading management and business consultants Carter & Carter will be carrying out independent auditing and additional data for the 2004 Awards through a combination of face-to-face interviews and mystery shopping exercises.
Inchcape is expanding its power base with BMW in the south-east after reaching agreement to acquire dealerships in Cobham, Surrey and Wimbledon from William Jacks. The territories adjoin Inchcape's BMW franchise in Thames Ditton.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation has announced that Jeffrey Mack will fill a new role as head of bodyshop and recovery services following the departure of Bob Hood earlier this year.
Customer service quality and improved aftersales performance are central to a £5m retailer “partnership initiative” just launched by Hyundai.
Following the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz Direct in Tower Park, Poole, Dorset Mercedes retailer Jacksons has followed the manufacturer's lead and formed its own Direct-branded company.
PSA Peugeot-Citroen has developed a new diesel particulate filter with a service life of more than 150,000 miles, meaning the systemwill effectively be maintenance-free.
Refinish systems supplier Standox has put its weight behind the formation of an European association of bodyshops under the brand's Repanet network banner.
BCA Europe will launch its 2003 used car report at a Sewells Information & Research conference at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on September 10.
Unipart is to hold its annual BEN charity golf day at Puckrup Hall Hotel, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, on September 11.
John Squires, chairman of Benfield Motor Group, has been awarded an OBE for his services to community.
A replica of the car built to celebrate the five millionth Rover is being offered by the manufacturer.
Bridgestone Europe has doubled the size of its distribution centre in Zeebrugge, Belgium from 28,000sq m to 56,000sq m. The increase in area allows the centre to hold a much wider range for shipping throughout Europe.
Automotive businesses are failing faster than those in any other sector, according to a report from Experian.
Bodyshops continue to be hit by parts delays, despite trade body pressure on vehicle manufacturers to ease the situation.
Seat believes its retailers can solve overcapacity problems suffered by other VW Group brands like Audi and Volkswagen by becoming multi-franchised repairers.
Workers at Peugeot's UK car plant have agreed to take a pay cut in a last ditch attempt to save jobs.
Reg Vardy, the UK's second biggest dealer group, is to invest around £1m a year in a new customer service satisfaction programme.
