News - Page 1562

Motor traders have more consumer credit licenses refused or revoked than any other business sector, according to figures published by the Office of Fair Trading. The motor retailing industry accounted for nearly half of all the 'adverse determinations' delivered this year.

Volvo Cars UK has signed up to supply Auto Trader with a range of used cars every day. More than 10 per cent of its dealer network has signed up to the scheme so far.

The RMI has thrown its weight behind the Government's plans for garage licensing through the Good Garage scheme. RMI president Fred Maguire says: “The Government is serious and requires action from us as an industry.”

Audi has announced plans to grow the number of sites it owns and leases back to dealers from 26 to 40 over the next few years, mostly in high-cost metropolitan areas.

Head of Grant Thornton Motor Retail team Preston Ayres has co-driven his way to victory in the Minilite British Historic Car Rally championship. Joining driver Charles Golding in a Mark I Ford Escort RS 1.6, the duo secured the championship with a second place spot at the Bulldog Rally in mid Wales.

Kia Motors UK's last-minute decision to exhibit at the Birmingham motor show was taken to prove to dealers interested in joining the franchised network – and potential customers - that the company is developing “fresh and innovative” new products.

The automotive retail industry is facing an impending crisis over staffing levels, according to a new survey.

Renault UK is opening a second wave of Premier Centres, taking the network from 31 to 55, as it bids to boost flagging sales of its Avantime and Vel Satis prestige models.

Vauxhall boss Kevin Wale has dismissed fears – emanating from Europe – that the new Vectra is struggling.

Widespread dealer reports of a recent 'cooling' in the marketplace for new cars are expected to be confirmed by the official October registration figures released by the SMMT. Provisional figures obtained by AM point to a 2.5 per cent downturn to 180,979 units compared to October 2001.

Top retailer groups commission companies like Adonis Construction to build their flagship dealerships. But a new trend is emerging, says Adonis managing director Neville Clements.

DaimlerChrysler has announced that the Maybach, on UK sale in late spring 2003, will be priced at £243,780 for the entry 57 and £281,380 for the long wheelbase 62. At the other end of the market, Ford says the three-door Fiesta will be priced from £7995 when it goes on sale next month.

Mitsubishi needs to train its retail network to handle small cars in preparation for the launch of the new Colt supermini in 2004, according to sales and marketing director Lance Bradley.

The Ford and Jardine Motors joint venture Polar Group has emerged as a likely buyer for First Ford, the Glasgow-based retailer put into receivership by Ford Credit Europe.

The Vehicle Inspectorate is warning garages to ignore letters sent by rogue companies demanding a £95 fee to hold customers' names and addresses on a computer.

The potential for service workshops and fast-fits to offer their customers an acoustic “a la carte” choice when it comes to replacing their exhaust systems could open up a whole new USP for the products.

Vauxhall boss Kevin Wale has dismissed fears - emanating from Europe - that the new Vectra is struggling.

Renault UK is opening a second wave of Premier Centres, taking the network from 31 to 55, as it bids to boost flagging sales of its Avantime and Vel Satis prestige models.

The Ford and Jardine Motors joint venture Polar Group has emerged as a likely buyer for First Ford, the Glasgow-based retailer put into receivership by Ford Credit Europe.

Dealers piloting Nissan's new fast-fit operation, Nissan Rapid Service - due to be rolled out to the manufacturer's 230 UK outlets from next year - have been reporting booming sales of replacement parts.

Although AM (November 8 issue ) which went to press this week points to provisional figures suggesting a 2.5 per cent downturn in new car registrations in October, a late flurry of postal sales notifications have pushed up the final total for the month much nearer to year-earlier levels.

More than a third of replacement starters and alternators returned under warranty in the UK displayed no product fault or manufacturing defects, TRW Automotive claims.

GM Daewoo used the recent British International Motor Show at Birmingham to announce a centralised vehicle service booking facility.

Vauxhall has slashed brake disc and pad kit prices by up to 60 per cent as the precursor to a major promotional push for brake servicing work through its franchised dealer networks and independent garages.

Fifteen years ago a big Ford meant a Granada. And if you needed to shift more than five adults, a Transit minibus was the only option.

Big people carriers make little sense for the average-sized family. They're bulky, awkward to park, thirsty and expensive to buy and run. A medium MPV can do the job just as well at a lower price.

Buying patterns have changed dramatically in recent years. Where once November and December were very quiet for both trade and retail, now there's quite a flurry of trade buying during those months.

Kia Motors UK's last-minute decision to exhibit at the Birmingham motor show was taken to prove to dealers interested in joining the franchised network - and potential customers - that the company is developing “fresh and innovative” new products.

Gerard Murray has quit Reg Vardy after just 18 months as chief executive. An official statement said Murray had left to “pursue other business interests”.

Car World Direct.com, the wholesaler of nearly new vehicles and new EU imports, is predicting an annual turnover exceeding £170m after purchasing FRL, the UK importer of new European cars.