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>
Fiat Auto UK has launched 250 new websites for all 162 Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealerships as part of its continually developing e-commerce strategy.
Our series looking at sales trends across the UK region by region focuses on the South West. The analysis of the figures from DVLA has been carried out by automotive market analysts Polk. It covers new car sales, used car sales and vehicles in operation (the car parc) by manufacturer and model. All figures and tables relate to the year ending in June 2000. Anthony Lewis reports.
##Audi logo--left## The Audi Group has announced increased revenues and vehicle sales for its worldwide operations.
Physical auction facilities are to be added to the internet auction and stock locator services presently offered by debis Remarketing Services.
BMW has made clear its commitment to prosper as a specialist producer of vehicles - finally laying to rest the ghost of its aspirations to become a volume player - at the opening of its £400m engine plant at Hams Hall.
Ford Motor Company chairman William Clay Ford jnr has said the company might be operated differently if Jac Nasser retired.
Peugeot has released the first pictures of its 306 replacement, the coupe-like 307.
The SMMT has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to cut interest rates by 0.25% to 5.75%. It is the first rate cut for nearly two years.
Vauxhall boss Nick Reilly says Block Exemption must survive its forthcoming review in some fundamental form in order to preserve the quality standards customers have come to expect.
Auction prices from BCA, Manheim and Motorauctions Leeds
