Citroen has announced that it is offering Smartnav, the latest satellite navigation system from Trafficmaster, as an approved accessory on all models in the UK. From 22nd September, Smartnav will be available through the Citroen network to both private and business customers.
Honda is offering a free mower to anyone who orders a new car next weekend, (13 and 14 September) for delivery by the end of the month, as part of a special Honda test drive weekend.
Phoenix Distribution Limited., a newly created subsidiary of MG Rover owner Phoenix Venture Holdings has today launched the Indian-built Tata range of utility vehicles consisting of the Safari SUV and TL single and double cab pick-ups.
Jose Maria Alapont, head of international operations for Delphi Corp., has been appointed CEO of Fiat Group's truck subsidiary Iveco. He succeeds Michel de Lambert, who took over when GianCarlo Boschetti was moved to head Fiat Auto.
Automotive News reports that Ford in the USA is setting up a 40-strong advisory committee of technicians including selected dealer technicians, to head off disputes over warranty repair times.
Total UK CV registrations were up 18.5% in August to 19,267 units, bringing registrations over the year to date up 13.6% to 227,999. mid-weight LCVs are still driving growth.
New car registrations in Scotland jumped 9.3% in August to 6,965 units, according to figures released by the Scottish Motor Trade Association.
A 2.4% year-on-year rise saw 89,338 new cars registered in the UK this August. Registrations were more than 11,000 units, or 14.6% up on the average August total since the introduction of the bi-annual plate change system in 1999. Year-to-date registrations are now 3,010 units or 0.2 per cent up, putting 2003 on track to meet the 2.52 million unit forecast.
H.R. Owen Plc has acquired the Chelsea BMW and Mini franchises from the Sytner Group - the final stage in creating one of the largest BMW areas of responsibility in the UK.
Ford retailers will get a new online authorisation system after the carmaker signed up to Epyx's 1link Service Network.
Problems facing automotive components suppliers – in particular pressures from carmakers to make efficiency gains and cut prices – are being exacerbated by a lack of employee skills, according to a new survey.
Bodyshops and insurers face a growing threat from consumer litigation due to poor repair standards, according to ABS.
The first prototypes of BMW's all-new E90 3-series, which is due to be launched at the 2005 Frankfurt Show, are now venturing out of the proving ground for extended testing. And although the cars are heavily disguised, it appears the E90 may be the least adventurous of Chris Bangle's recent designs.
Federal-Mogul Aftermarket UK has accused component suppliers and manufacturers of failing to deliver sufficient training support to the garage trade.
Essex-based DWS has established a new blueprint for high volume bodyshops – creating a dual business under one roof. Its new £3m facility in Thurrock has been split into two equal bodyshops, one focusing solely on Direct Line business, the other mixing eight insurance approvals.
Bob Hood has quit his position as director of marketing at SEL-Imperial, just months after joining the company from the RMI.
Major aftermarket parts distributor Motaquip has rejected claims that franchised dealer groups could put independent motor factors out of business by setting themselves up as “superfactors” under new block exemption laws.
William Jacks, the AM100-listed dealer group, is shifting its share capital from the Stock Exchange to the Alternative Investment Market in a bid to cut costs.
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BMW and Peugeot dealers are coming to terms with an uncertain future after the two carmakers issued five-year retail agreements under the revisions to block exemption.
MG Rover owner Phoenix Venture Holdings (PVH) is due to unveil detailed distribution plans for the Tata Safari off-roader and Loadbeta pick-up this week.
Low volume carmakers are acquiring key city centre sites to run as wholly-owned showrooms following the trend set by Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Ford.
Swedish carmaker Volvo is rolling out its car rental programme to its 150-strong dealer network after a successful trial period at a handful of dealers.
Seven out of 10 small automotive retailers have seen profits remain static for the last 12 months, according to a new report.
GM Daewoo has swooped to buy four dealerships from Hanover Automotive, which went into administration last month.
Mercedes-Benz Direct is planning to launch a series of smaller satellite sites to operate around the 10 main showrooms, mimicking the structure of the retail network.
Bentley, the luxury carmaker, is to create 350 new jobs at its UK plant as it prepares for production of the long awaited sports coupe.
Peter Whale finally reclaimed control of Ryland after a year of upheaval when both Guinness Peat and Pendragon threatened to buy the group.
Scotland's largest Ford dealership, Peoples, is planning to move from its home in Bathgate to a new multi-million pound flagship sales centre by the M8, the main route between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
LDV dealers are hoping for a sustained rise in sales next year after the van manufacturer unveiled plans to quadruple output and double its UK workforce.
