The new car market is returning to its former glory, and sales for the coming months look likely to keep on growing, according the RMI after figures published today, showed new car registrations rose by 11.6% last month to 173,160 units, prompting the SMMT to increase its full-year forecast.
Dealers will face an influx of ex-company car drivers, many new to the market without a vehicle to part-exchange and therefore looking for finance.
Inchcape's strong growth in profits has been driven by the success of its UK franchise operation, which is set for accelerated growth in the next few months.
Kia has unveiled a new manufacturer-backed five-year warranty, available across the whole Kia range and providing the opportunity for customers to increase the warranty to four years (up to 80,000 miles) or five years (up to 100,000 miles).
The Lexus LS430 has been named as the only car to achieve the maximum five-star rating for resistance to being broken into and to being stolen, according to security tests.
Polar Motor Group, the joint venture between Ford and the Lancaster dealer group, has reported record earnings for the first half of the year. Net profits rose from £25,000 to £4.23m year-on-year and turnover increased from £286m to £332m.
Jac Nasser's dynamic 30-month burst at the head of Ford Motor Company has been brought to a halt by non-executive chairman William Clay Ford junior and the board of directors.
A deadline for the motor industry to begin adopting new rules relating to the sale of insurance has been postponed indefinitely.
Capital Bank Motor is to take on more staff to cope with demand for Finax, its sub-prime motor finance division. The company is recruiting four new area development managers to work closely with its dealer network and nine more people to work in head office support.
Volkswagen Financial Services has put 350 dealer sales staff through new training programmes to help combat the threat from direct lenders. The move is one of a series of new initiatives by VWFS to take a more active role in the market.
Land Rover Financial Services is to focus on former company car drivers as it pushes its Freedom PCP package. The company believes the changes in taxation offer dealers a great opportunity to increase finance penetration as more customers seek advice on how to finance their next vehicle.
Ian Lancaster, Virgin Cars chief executive, continues the Block Exemption debate with a response to a statement from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Lex Service has reported pre-tax profits up 125%, from £19.3m to £43.4m, for the six months to June 30, after a strong contribution from its RAC roadside recovery business.
AC Cars plans to increase sales by at least 500% over the next five years with two new models and expanded dealer coverage.
A two-year police investigation that unearthed a £1bn used car fraud in the UK has forced Japanese carmakers to tighten controls within their franchised dealer networks.
Kalamazoo Computer Group was this week announcing results showing a better financial performance in the second half of the year than the first.
Motor manufacturers have stepped up their campaign in support of franchised dealers with changes to Block Exemption just over a year away.
Car owners can cut servicing costs by up to 35% by using independent garages instead of franchised dealers due to lower labour rates and cheaper non-original parts, according to a new report.
Badge snobbery, Proton on a rollercoaster ride and the hottest tips in the commercial market, Martin Ward, of Cap Network airs his views
Manheim Auctions has hosted its 100th sale for BMW Financial Services Group, attracting more than 150 registered buyers and achieving a total average of 102% against Cap Clean values.
Fiat Auto has entered a partnership with DHL Worldwide Express and Deutsche Postbank Worldnet,to enhance its spare parts logistics operation.
Toyota has awarded the achievements of its trainees in its apprentice of the year competition.
Further management changes have been announced by Proton Cars (UK) to strengthen the Malaysian car importer's sales and dealer network development.
Benfield Motor Group is to transform its new Rosehill site, Carlisle, into what it claims will be the most modern joint franchises.
Clutch manufacturer LuK is introducing a lifetime warranty for the UK passenger car aftermarket.
After seven years with the RAC, Peter Brownbill has joined the strategic accounts business team at Autoglass.
Mitsubishi Motors UK is extending one of their latest retail offers to include Shogun Pinin five door, due to customer demand.
Dermot Kelly, who heads the controversial reorganisation of the Mercedes-Benz retail network in the UK, will speak at an Automotive Management conference on October 4.
A newly relaunched internet initiative aimed at enhancing the used car sales performance of the UK's top dealer groups is claiming success in its first months of business, primarily through its acceptance of 'high risk' customers.
