Chrysler's wacky but practical PT Cruiser introduced hotrod styling to the suburban family. With prices starting to soften now there are more about in the general trade, and used buyers are looking at it as a funkier alternative to a compact MPV or family hatchback.
Rally success gave the Subaru Impreza bags of credibility, but buyers have been slow to accept the quirky looks of the current models launched in late 2000.
BASF-owned R-M Automotive Refinish - Enfield-based for more than a decade - is moving to new corporate headquarters at Didcot in south Oxfordshire.
The Vehicle Inspectorate is moving diesel smoke testing into the digital age by specifying the Bosch RTM 430 as the new smoke sampling system.
TVR is shaking up its dealer network in a bid to improve customer service and drive forward sales. So far, the carmaker has withdrawn from six prestige marque outlets as it strives to create new open points for “enthusiastic and professional entrepreneurs”.
GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (DAT) senior executives have indicated General Motors might be prepared to acquire the assets at the company's huge Bupyong plant in South Korea should “certain conditions” be met.
The Government has given its support to a scheme calling for the motor industry to have a publicly funded and wholly dedicated sector skills council.
Peugeot is asking owners of 406 saloons built after March 1999 to contact their local dealers after BBC TV's Watchdog programme revealed a problem with the boot security - an action described by the car-maker as “irresponsible”.
Fleet vehicle remarketing specialist Cars Direct scored an unexpected double at the Rockingham Motor Speedway 500 weekend.
The on-line maintenance system for lease cars developed by Oasis Global Systems is almost halfway to its planned target of being used by 2500 dealers.
Bedford Genuine Parts, the aftermarket division of the former commercial vehicle manufacturer, has appointed Amethyst Group Logistics Division to handle sourcing and supply of components.
Recent weeks have brought repeated complaints over the shortage of good quality stock in the trade and at the auction halls.
VW's reincarnation of the best-selling Beetle has been officially imported in left-hand drive since 1998, with right-hand drive cars arriving in early 2000.
Trade-only engine treatments specialist Forte Lubricants has assembled a marketing support package for 8000-plus garage and workshop customers - based on Office of Fair Trading guidelines for car servicing.
UK automotive battery production is at risk of running flat after Tungstone Batteries announced plans to shut its factory in the East Midlands, making 180 people redundant.
All new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII supercars are to have Mighty Dot vehicle security marking fitted as standard at the importer's Portbury preparation centre.
RAC Auto Windscreens has completed the rebranding of 50 of its 161 fitting centres.
An innovative headlamp bulb developed by ABS and airbag pioneer Philips is tipped to become standard fit on volume cars within two years.
Dealer networks could be downsized as leading carmakers tackle the changes that block exemption is heralding. Industry sources reveal major marques such as Audi, BMW and Mini will use the chance to issue new franchising contracts as a way of stripping out “rogue” retailers from their networks.
Ken Thorne World of Cars, the South Wales based dealer, has temporarily ceased trading due to financial problems, according to sources.
The motor industry personality, car retailer and carmaker of the year will take the three headline honours in AM Awards 2003 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, on February 27.
Car registration taxes have come under renewed attack from the European Commission, which believes they should be reduced or scrapped in order to improve the movement of cars within the European Union.
In a turbulent week for the development of ultra clean transport, Ford Motor Company announced it was to pull the plug on its Think electric car division while one French firm was preparing to present its “air car” to business chiefs in London.
Britain's big three carmakers pushed down new car prices in August during the build-up to the 52-style numberplate, according to a report by CarPriceCheck.com. The study found the average discount was 0.69 per cent, which equates to a saving of £83 on a £12,000 small family hatchback.
Vauxhall is launching a new three-year customer care commitment programme to strengthen its aftersales support for garages and drivers.
Dixon Motors staff are ambushing car parks in the north of England to win new aftersales business.
Peter Lawrence, senior sales manager for Delphi Diesel Aftermarket Europe and overseas diesel aftermarket operations, has been made an honorary member of the Association of Australasian Diesel Specialists.
Mazda has the models to target an eight per cent share of the UK new car market in which it currently holds less than one per cent, according to European vice president of marketing Steven Cootes.
Toyota Motor Corporation and Nissan Motor Company have struck a deal to develop environmentally-friendly cars after years of rivalry to win new car sales.
