Flat Blade windshield wipers will arrive on the aftermarket in autumn 2003 through Valeo's independent aftermarket networks, having been hitherto available only in original equipment.
AA members who have had their spare tyre fitted at the roadside by an AA patrol following a puncture or other damage are the targets of a new tele-marketing programme introduced by AA Tyre Fit.
The Insurance Times reports that two insurers, Allianz Cornhill and Admiral, have been piloting a scheme that withholds cover on new policy applications pending inspection of their cars.
Only 36% of manufacturer websites in Germany allow users to place an order online, and only 7 of 13 respond to enquiries inside five days, says a new study.
Tata has rolled out the first batch of CityRover cars, to be marketed by MG Rover in the British and European markets. Dr. Sumantran, executive director, Tata Motors, handed over the first car to Kevin Howe, chief executive of MG Rover at the ceremonial roll-out of the first CityRover off the assembly line at the Tata's plant in Pune.
Designed as a launch-pad for the next generation of GP drivers, Formula BMW, already running in Germany and some Asian countries, is coming to the UK next year.
Carroll Shelby International, Inc. has announced that Carroll Shelby, its Chairman and CEO, has once again partnered with the Ford Motor Company to jointly develop performance products.
Ownersite Technologies has launched a first-of-its-kind online consumer "pay for use" facility for motorists in the US. Ownersite.com (http://www.ownersite.com/) is billed as the Internet's first comprehensive vehicle maintenance reminder and expense tracking system.
Epyx claims dealer service outlets will have a single e-commerce standard for service and maintenance transactions now that it has acquired Oasis, the operator of the Advance online maintenance system.
The Rexton SUV from Korean car company SsangYong – heralds the return of the brand since it disappeared from the UK market on the failure of the former Daewoo importer, which had re-badged Ssanyong's Musso model.
Bentley is to reduce output this year of its top model the Arnage from 1,000 planned units to 800, chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen has told media in Germany.
The German store chain Quelle, which embarked on a series of discounted new car offers earlier this year, has advertised VW's new Golf at 10% off German list prices, to the disquiet of Volkswagen and its dealer network.
Renault UK has been awarded a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for its work in producing a record five cars with five EuroNCAP stars – and bringing the safety message to 15,000 primary schools across the UK with its Safety Matters programme.
While automotive industry consultants have regularly suggested that the car industry should emulate the commercial vehicle sector and move towards selling the use of cars rather than selling them outright, the trend in the US has moved away from personal leasing.
Consumer studies in the US, Britain, France and Germany carried out by Mercer Management Consulting indicate that motorists' loyalty to car brands has declined by 18 points from the index of 100 established by the firm's 1999 brand loyalty survey.
Tyne Tees Cars are opening a new purpose-built MG Rover dealership, Time Tees Cars Basildon.
VW CEO Bernd Pischetsrieder hits out at French competitors on discounting, and Jean-Martin Folz hits back – media report
Patricia Richards has been appointed Chief Executive of Automotive Skills, the body responsible for developing the Sector Skills Council for the retail motor industry.
XPart Ltd, the parts subsidiary of Phoenix Venture Holdings and sister company to MG Rover Group has, in conjunction with its distribution partner Cat Logistics, announced a programme of financial aid to support BEN, the motor industry charity.
BMW Group Financial Services Great Britain, which provides finance, leasing and insurance facilities to BMW and MINI customers in the UK, reached a milestone on 10 September 2003 with the company's portfolio of active customers breaking through the 100,000 barrier for the first time.
Among them, Bruce Blythe is the company's first chief strategy officer – returning to the company he left in 1993 when he was vice-president, business strategy for Ford Europe. In his new role, he will report to Bill Ford, chairman and CEO.
According to Kwik-Fit, nearly one in three UK motorists (32%) – over 10 million in total - admitted that they would fail the new driving test that requires candidates to demonstrate a basic knowledge of car maintenance.
The Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association (VBRA) and the RMI Bodyshop Services Division have begun talks to explore how they might join together to become one voice on behalf of their members.
The FNA, a French independent garage association, which speaks for the EASRA federation of associations in seven EU countries, has complained that manufacturers are not acting in the spirit of the new Block Exemption Regulation in respect of authorised repairer standards.
Some manufacturers are neglecting the opportunities presented for sales in a range of profitable, specialist UK fleet markets, believes Network Automotive Management.
September 10 saw the introduction of the first national accreditation scheme for individual body fitters, painters and panel repair technicians.
Customer expectations of manufacturer approved used car schemes are growing, says Network Automotive Management, which assists manufacturers with putting together the parameters and infrastructure for approved used car schemes.
The two in three dealers who use outdated prospecting techniques or fail to prospect at all are the same ones who have failed to see any growth in profitability during the last 12 months as a result, according to Pinewood Computer SolutionsThe two in three dealers who use outdated prospecting techniques or fail to prospect at all are the same ones who have failed to see any growth in profitability during the last 12 months as a result, according to Pinewood Computer Solutions.
Releasing data for July and August registrations today, 11 September, the ACEA reported July W. European registrations of 1,294,794 units and August registrations of 785,329. The July result was 1.2% up and the August figure 4.7% down year on year.
PSA Peugeot Citroën CEO Jean-Martin Folz has committed the group to produce vehicles with stop-and-start technology, beginning as soon as next year.
