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.
##2nd Byte--left## Citroen UK has selected Surrey-based internet services provider 2nd Byte to launch and manage branded websites for the 240-strong dealer network, as well as the Citroen website (www.citroen.co.uk), incorporating a used vehicle locator.
Today Sir Richard Branson went before the European Commission as the self professed champion of the British car buyer.
Derek Cook has announced plans to sell cars again - using the internet - less than a month after the collapse of his company DC Cook, which lost £6.3m last year.
Motor dealer group Caffyns has purchased Ridleys Volvo of Eastbourne and Hastings for an undisclosed sum
The new Corsavan will cost the same as the outgoing model, Vauxhall has announced.
Proton is planning a major expansion of its UK dealer network to coincide with the launch of the Impian, the Malaysian manufacturer's first home grown model designed for the European market.
Subaru and Isuzu will not be attending this year's London Motor Show. Importer International Motors said it had made the decision because too many manufacturers had pulled out, denying the show any real credibility.
Today Volvo launched what it is billing as the biggest ever UK internet marketing campaign to promote the new executive sports saloon, the S60.
The Consumers' Association has launched the first salvo in the debate likely to surround the European Commission's review of Block Exemption which begins today.
##Jaguar badge--left## Prices for the new Jaguar X-Type, forecast to account for 50% of the brand's sales when it goes on sale on June 1, start at £22,000.<p>
DaimlerChrysler has started a recall of 55,000 Mercedes A-Class because of a brake problem.
Vauxhall workers have voted by a narrow margin for industrial action as part of ongoing protests at the ending of car production at Luton with the loss of 2,000 jobs.
Land Rover is understood to have been forced to make 200 workers redundant and cut Freelander production because of a shortage of engines.<p>
