Japanese carmakers have issued a firm statement claiming that Block Exemption, due for renewal in 2002, “acts as a safeguard for consumers, dealers and automakers by providing a strict but clear and predictable legal framework”.
Claims by the SMMT that prices of new cars have already fallen by around 10% over the past year were dismissed by Stephen Byers.
The arrival of an MG-badged 75 coupe within 12 months will lead the recovery as Rover fights to regain market share and revive its fortunes. MG versions of the 25 and 45 (including an estate) are planned.
Increasing Government legislation and pressure from environmental groups is making many dealer groups reconsider out-of-town, US-styled retail parks and spacious greenfield showroom developments.
Ford's marketing strategists plan to use Daewoo in the way Volkswagen Group brands Skoda.
Nissan president Carlos Ghosn, who warned investment in his Sunderland plant could be reduced because of the strength of sterling, is to meet Tony Blair and Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers.
Two of the leading dotcom new entrants have announced from-your-door test drives as part of their attempt to woo retail car buyers.
A general slowdown in the building of glitzy flagship dealerships and car retail parks could be a reflection of an industry holding its breath.
Martin Dillow, business manager at Kent Jaguar dealership Lancaster Sevenoaks, is the first quarterly winner in this year's Award for Financial Excellence, sponsored by GE Capital Woodchester.
The used car market has seen falling residual values for more than two years but, for the 4x4 sector in particular, residual values have performed poorly over a much longer period. Starting from an index value of 100 in January 1995, the 4x4 sector has underperformed for almost the entire period.
Irish firm WCA has described its first grey imports auction, held in Durham, as an outstanding success after achieving a conversion rate of around 80%.
Dealers' confidence is beginning to bounce back after used car sales improved in May.
Manufacturers are warming to the internet as a way of helping dealers locate and retail used cars despite some reservations over new car stock locators.
Classic car dealers now have a dedicated internet site to sell and source vehicles with the launch of www.motoringclassics.com
Kalamazoo International will this summer provide users of its Motodata, Visi and Classic systems with low-cost upgrades.
Citroen briefly held third spot in the UK light commercial sales league at the end of the first quarter before dropping back to fourth year-to-date.
New corporate headquarters just off the M4 symbolises Honda's commitment to the UK as Ford prepares to end Dagenham car production.
Cherry picking -once restricted to the more desirable corners of the used car market -is now universal. Whether it is on late plate cars, where colour can make a difference of £500, or on three to five-year-old ex-lease and contract hire cars, cherry-picking is driven by the slowdown in retail demand.
Vauxhall's used car programme Network Q has teamed up with First Indemnity Insurance Management to offer low-cost insurance on selected Corsas, Astras, Tigras and Vectras.
Debis Remarketing Services is looking to expand into mainland Europe on the back of growing demand for internet retailing.
Motor retail executives will this autumn have a chance to compete for the industry's top awards and get in step with crucial issues at two Automotive Management events.
Razorback Vehicles, the Australian company that developed an innovative ground loading system for light commercial vehicles, is investing £19m in a UK manufacturing deal.
Martyn and Paul Carnell have returned to the motor industry after a three-year hiatus by launching a used car superstore venture in West Yorkshire.
Laurence Vaughan, Sytner Group managing director, has said he aims to make Sytner “the best company in the industry to work for”.
Axa repairers have been told to invest more than £6,000 in the Glassmatix III computer estimating system in order to be considered for a place on a reduced approved network.
A Lancashire BMW dealership's website design division is challenging specialist companies by offering the service to other car retailers.
A website at www.ukmotortrader.com wants to be a primary channel for leasing companies and dealers disposing of used cars. Dealers pay £35 per month.
Market Facts and Business Information claims insurers should concentrate on controlling time allowed per repair rather than clamping down on labour rates in its latest study of the European accident repair market.
More than 60 repairers attended the latest Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) meeting in London to call for an end to free services, such as courtesy cars, vehicle storage, collection and delivery.
The used car market represents the “best way for dealers to make money”, according to Cap Monitor chief European economist Mark Cowling.
