##FoF logo--left## A conference for senior managers in the motor industry organised by Sewells on March 28, 2001 at the National Motorcyle Museum, Birmingham.
Richard Barber, Quicks group chief executive, resigned last night. A company spokesman, who gave no reason, said Mr Barber had immediately cleared his desk and left.
##Used Mercs--left## Mercedes-Benz today launched its own network of used car centres, created out of what it says is the inability - or unwillingness - of its dealer network to win business in the sector from its competitors.
Ford Motor Company has today confirmed that it will not be exhibiting at the London Motor Show in October.
Mercedes Benz has blamed inflationary pressures for its decision to increase new car prices in the UK.
Vauxhall Motors has confirmed it will be exhibiting at this October's new-look London Motor Show, leading another 34 marques who show strong intent to exhibit at the Earls Court event.
The Benfield Motor Group has presented its Directors Award to Ian Turnbull, of Benfield Volkswagen, Scotswood Road, Newcastle.
Profits are going to be harder to find in the motor industry said Ed McCabe, the former managing director of the Hartwell dealer group, at the recent Digital Dealer Fair.
Sir Ian Gibson CBE, senior vice president of Nissan Motor Company Limited in Tokyo, is to step down as part of this year's management structure changes.
##Mercedes dealers--left## The Mercedes Benz UK Dealers' Campaign today rejected DaimlerChrysler UK's justification of its decision to terminate dealer contracts in December of this year and will now take the case into the courts.
Coverage of the seminars, sponsors and exhibitors at the latest Digital Dealer Fair.
Manheim OnLine, the interactive auction service from Manheim Europe, has announced record sales for the first two months of the year.
Dixon Motors has created a new operations board. The 10-strong team are drawn from all areas of the group and is designed to improve communication, operational activity and team support.
Family owned Fiat dealership B S Marson & Sons of Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been awarded the title of 'Masters of Distinction 2000' in an on-going national dealer development programme run by Fiat Auto (UK) for Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealerships.
##Cars Direct--left## America's largest internet car seller, carsdirect.com, has moved out of the UK market after UK company Cars Direct Group threatened to take High Court action if carsdirect.com traded under that name in the UK.
Sytner Group opened an exclusive BMW Store yesterday in Cheapside, in the centre of London's City square mile.
Toyota GB has appointed Peter Howarth as its commercial vehicle manager, reporting to Jon Pollock, general manager fleet sales.
Auction prices from BCA.
Vauxhall Motors marketing director Dean Barrett will be a speaker at Used cars: the future, the Automotive Management spring conference.
Block Exemption has moved a step further to being abolished in its current form as an influential Parliamentary Committee backed recommendations that it reformed.
The price disparity between the UK and Europe is now negligible as the majority of internet-based importers begin to increase prices and UK dealers become more competitive, according to the latest Car Price Check report.
Kevin James has been appointed as the new director of Seat UK.
Last year saw a 54% rise in the number of businesses in the automotive retail sector experiencing financial problems.
Land Rover is aiming to increase its impact in the commercial vehicle sector with the launch of two new commercial vehicles at the forthcoming Commercial Vehicle show at the NEC, Birmingham on 20 March.
The Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association has refuted speculation that it is to merge with rival trade association RMI due to falling membership.
Registrations rose in February by 7.3%, the fifth consecutive month of growth, confounding expectations of a blip in new car sales.
Dealers remain cautious about the prospects for March though there is more optimism in the prestige sector than in the volume business.
The first three months of the year have been more hectic than many can remember. After months of worrying about a lack of customers the sales rush has been a welcome respite for dealers genuinely concerned about their long term future.
Ford has this month launched an in-car telematics system in Germany that could have major implications for the accident repair and car servicing sector.
Programmes for Success, which evolved from automotive refinisher R-M's Programmes for Profit, was developed in response to growing demands from body repairers for assistance in raising profitability.
