The Institute of the Motor Industry has today launched a method of testing the knowledge of vehicle technicians working towards new national qualifications, via the internet.
The latest prices from BCA, Manheim, Motorauctions Leeds, Brightwells and Premier Motorauctions
##Euro flag--left## The European Commission has issued a warning to manufacturers about restrictive selling techniques after finding new car prices in the UK are still higher than in the rest of Europe, despite reduced list prices and a fall in the value of the pound.
Pendragon boss Trevor Finn has described the company's full year financial results to December 31 which saw a slight fall in turnover year-on-year to £1.4 billion (1999: £1.8 billion) and underlying profits after exceptionals of £12.1m (1999: £15.3m) as “creditable”.
Nissan has played down reports that it is due to make an announcement soon that the new Almera will be built at Sunderland, alongside the Micra. A company spokesman accused the national press of “running away with the facts".
Volvo is launching a website aimed at given open access to its future product plans.
Representatives from leading credit hire/repair firms Auto Indemnity, Accident Assistance, Hallmarque, 3 Arrows, Helphire, National Car Rental and Ellen Group have set up a steering committee to establish a new trade association.
CCC International is to close its loss-making inspection services subsidiary DW Norris and concentrate on its Motor Claims Technologies and related consultancy services business.
General Motors has launched a UK fast-fit company that will provide competition to Ford's FTM network, acquired last year by its subsidiary Kwik-Fit.
Saab GB is looking for up to 35 dealers from its 100-strong network to spearhead a move to secure £40m of parts and accessories business from the independent, non-franchised sector.
Akzo Nobel Sikkens has developed a new generation of waterborne refinish paint systems with the introduction of an improved Autowave product.
Mitsubishi says only about 5,200 vehicles in the UK are affected by a global recall of 1.5m vehicles due to steering faults.
Vauxhall's car plants at Luton and Ellesmere Port will be hit by strike action next week as the biggest workers' union, the Transport & General Workers Union, stage a walk out in protest at redundancies.
Manufacturers failed to win the initiative during the European Commission review of Block Exemption this week, losing ground particularly to the dotcom new entrants determined to win an advantage in the new 'world order'.
Inchcape's biggest shareholder has called for its break-up and the return of £90m to shareholders.
Virgin Cars chief executive Ian Lancaster is talking to the bosses of leading motor retail groups about a possible partnership deal.
Ford Motor Company was this week believed to have acquired WH Group, Europe's largest supplier of mechanical breakdown insurance warranties.
A new enterprise offering UK dealers access to parallel imports is to launched on March 1 by Broadspeed, designed to capitalise on the mounting concern in the market surrounding dealer/manufacturer relationships and the future of Block Exemption. Broadspeed MD Simon Empson explains the new business.
##X-Type(2)--left## Jaguar will reveal its X-Type to the UK public for the first time at the Fleet Show, organised by Automotive Management's sister publication Fleet News.
Used car dealer confidence is at an all-time high, according to Cap.
Direct lenders were anticipating this month's Bank of England 0.25% cut in interest rates (to 5.75%) and moving to capture market share. Rates are on the way down and any dealer who does not follow is in danger of losing business.
Customers are returning to showrooms in record numbers to take advantage of the exceptional deals on offer. Carmakers have boosted special-offer finance packages to ensure March is likely to be a record month.
Vauxhall has boosted its aftersales marketing support for the dealer network with the creation of new management roles for parts and accessories, MasterFit and retail service.
January's rise in new car registrations, following a record December, has fuelled speculation about an all-time high for the UK market this year.
Are you ready for March 1 yet? It may be an uncomfortable thought but one of the busiest periods of the year is almost upon us. If you haven't got a game plan in place it is almost, but not quite, too late.
##spring conference--right## Buyers who have been looking to reduce vehicle ownership costs by demanding lower new car prices are taking a massive hit on used car residuals, wiping out any potential savings.
Renault has proclaimed this year to be one of growth based on consolidation and cost cutting.
##DC--right## The Retail Motor Industry Federation has taken the fight against DaimlerChrysler's recent decision to terminate dealer contracts to Westminster.
The chief executive of the Retail Motor Industry Federation David Evans (right) has urged European legislators to allow dealers to sell any make of car they choose.
Buyers who have been looking to reduce vehicle ownership costs by demanding lower new car prices are taking a massive hit on used car residuals, wiping out any potential savings.
