Land Rover has announced across-the-range price cuts up to 14% in a bid to end “uncertainty and confusion” in the UK market in time for the September plate-change.
Rover is calling on fleets to 'buy British, buy quality' in a new drive to win back its place as one of the leading fleet suppliers in the country. New fleet sales director Angus Grey said his 'door is open' to all fleets.
Speculation is mounting that Government action to reduce new car prices in the UK is merely a fortaste of more wide-ranging car retail reform following a review of the European Commission block exemption governing car sales through the European Union.
Home improvements company Everest is set to become Britain's largest gas-powered fleet following its decision to replace its 600 vehicles with liquefied petroleum gas models. The Hertfordshire-based firm has already taken delivery of 125 gas-powered Ford Transits in a multi-million pound deal, part-funded by the Government-backed Energy Saving Trust's Powershift programme.
Computerised estimating provider Audatex is moving its AudaWorkstation system online in the first phase of a million-pound internet strategy.
Nissan Motor GB has launched a national parts trade programme designed to boost business for its franchised dealer network.
Audi dealers are set to take a hit on servicing revenues after the manufacturer announced plans to extend intervals to up to 30,000 miles, depending on car usage.
Nationwide Crash Repair Centres, part of Perry Group, has purchased four accident repair centres from Pendragon for £3.7m cash.
Renault is looking to keep owners of older models within its franchised network, raising aftersales profits for dealers, with the pilot launch of Minute.
Components and parts maker Visteon, which separated from parent Ford Motor Company on June 29, is targeting growth in the original equipment and aftermarket sectors.
Zurich Financial Services' decision to axe 140 approved repairers one year into a three-year contract has sent shockwaves across the industry.
Ian Lancaster, Virgin Cars chief executive, will outline his vision of the future of motor retailing at Automotive Management's autumn conference on September 26.
The next few weeks will see the motor industry literally counting the cost of months of market uncertainty. Lack of customer confidence and falling retail sales will be hitting dealers where it hurts most - in their half-year financial results.
For the second month running carmakers find themselves in limbo - unsure about which finance marketing package will work best in the run-up to September and the vital plate change.
The direct loan companies have been quietly adjusting their rates as they gear up for the big sales push on car loans through September and October.
Paint suppliers ICI Autocolor and PPG have signed a supply partnership deal with Allianz Cornhill, claimed to raise bodyshop profits and reduce Cornhill's costs by charging lower prices and improving efficiency.
Management at Peugeot's Ryton plant near Coventry are “reasonably optimistic” about avoiding a potentially disastrous strike.
Lookers has paid £3.9m for five Mark Kass dealerships in north London and Essex as it prepares to become one of the most dynamic dealer groups in the country over the next three years.
Concept, the UK's largest independent used car retailer, has been bought by Interleasing, the contract hire and leasing firm formerly owned by Arriva.
The Association of Body Repairers is suffering from internal politics and wrangling four months after launch.
Within a week of opening for business the crowds were flocking to Star City, Birmingham's new £90m entertainment complex just off the M6.
The Internet Car Company (TICC), the latest entrant into the motor retail dotcom business, will open 12 “multi-media shops” in prime retail sites to support customers buying from its website.
Gerard Ryan, newly appointed managing director of GE Capital Woodchester, has warned smaller franchised dealers could be “marginalised” unless the Government acts.
Glencullen, the Irish motor distributor, appears to have failed in its bid to build an influential UK retail network through Whichford whose outlets have been reduced from 18 to six.
Manheim Online is preparing to launch a market analysis tool on the internet which will enable dealers to assess average vehicle values dating as far back as 13 months.
Volkswagen is advertising for business leaders to take “responsibility for strategic development, profitable growth and day-to-day success” of its franchised dealers.
Motor industry bosses have urged Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers to make a quick decision over wording of new laws to deliver price cuts. They believe only a Government statement can end uncertainty in the market.
Peter Vardy plans to grow his dealer group, ranked third in the AM100, to around 100 dealerships “in the medium term”.
Senior staff at the RMI are mystified by the shock resignation of Alan Hines after three months as chief executive.
Carmakers' claims that car prices have fallen - and will fall no further - are failing to bring customers back to the showrooms.
