Volkswagen Group boss Bernd Pischetsrieder is no stranger to controversy. Just a few years ago, when he was running BMW, he stood up at the British International Motor Show and delivered a stinging criticism of Rover - just as the 75 saloon was being launched. Experts believe it effectively damaged sales.
BMW 5-series remains a top retail choice after six years in the showroom. Even 1996 cars look fresh, and they're now less than half the price of their newer counterparts - making as little as £10k for an average mileage 520i on 96P.
The Mercedes CLK and BMW 3-series coupe are far rarer than the saloons on which they're based, but they still attract a high level of interest from buyers. Cars with leather trim, climate control and metallic are most sought after.
Cheshire-based Blue Bell group has opened a state-of-the-art BMW approved bodyshop at Brooke Park, Handforth Dean. The new site can handle up to 100 cars a week, more than tripling the capacity when the facility was based at the group's nearby Wilmslow dealership.
Jaguar dealers will be denied the £30,000 F-type sportscar after the Coventry car-maker canned the model in favour of beefing-up its range of estates and diesels. The move will make the replacement for the XK8, due in autumn 2005, the earliest that Jaguar dealers will see a new sportscar capable of combating new models from BMW and Mercedes. The mid-engined two-seat F-type was aimed squarely at the Porsche Boxster and was due on sale in spring 2005.
The charismatic Alfa 156 is a stylish alternative to the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Lexus IS200. A great deal less expensive, too. A 99S 1.8 TS with 42,000 miles is £8,500 privately.
BMW is to launch a Mini diesel variant in 2003 after securing a deal with Toyota to source between 10,000 to 20,000 engines a year. Toyota will supply the 1.4-litre D-4D unit used in the Yaris to the Mini plant at Oxford, where engineers will modify it for performance and fit. Production at the plant is likely to increase by 25 per cent, from 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles a year, to handle the new variant.
It hasn't taken long for the new Mini to become a common sight on British roads, the non-existent discounts from BMW outlets' bolt-on Mini dealerships backing up the they're selling every one they can lay their hands on.
Late 1990s Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-series saloons are highly regarded stepping stones to quality car ownership.
Mercedes-Benz is the second manufacturer to withdraw from this year's Birmingham motor show, although Chrysler, Jeep and Smart will be there. It joins BMW, which announced its decision last year. The company says it has decided to channel resources to other customer events during the year, including equestrian pursuits like the Blenheim horse trials.
BMW is urging dealers to expand their aftersales facilities or set up satellite operations to absorb mounting demand for servicing and repairs. But the company says it is also prepared to approve independent operations in areas where dealers are not willing to make the necessary investment, as long as they meet its standards of service.
European Motor Holdings is looking to make several acquisitions this year to strengthen its relationships with key partners including BMW, VW/Audi and Premier Automotive Group brands.It has built up a substantial war chest, which will be boosted this year by an estimated £4m territory release payment from Daimler-Chrysler for terminating EMH's London dealers.
Bernd Pischetsrieder replaces Ferdinand Piech as chief executive of Volkswagen, determined to prove a point after his mishandling of Rover prompted an ignominious departure from BMW.
BMW will be piling pressure on the Government to ensure zero emission engines are built in Britain.
North-west retailer Blue Bell BMW has acquired Lookers' dealership in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
BMW is to launch a five-year/75,000-mile service and maintenance package for the new 7 Series, which goes on sale in spring.
BMW says it will meet its target to build a new £60m Rolls-Royce headquarters and manufacturing centre at Goodwood in order to deliver a new car in January 2003.
BMW has donated £300,000 to Ben to mark the launch of Mini and work starting on a Rolls-Royce plant at Chichester.
Two years ago, Mini was Automotive Management's car of the century - now BMW's charismatic reborn model is the editorial team's car of the year.
Joachim Milberg is stepping down from his position as chairman of the BMW board of management.
