AM's stories of the year: September-October

These are the most-read stories on Am-online from October 2014.

1) Road tax changes - guidance for dealers

Motoring law firm Lawgistics has put together a Q&A detailing the most frequently asked questions on the new Road Fund Licence (RFL) changes, with answers from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

2) Director fined £290,000 by the FCA for "lack of integrity"

A director of a regulated firm has been personally fined £290,344 by the Financial Conduct Authority for compliance failings.

3) Sytner appoints new MD

AM100 dealer group Sytner has a new group managing director. Darren Edwards was promoted from managing director of the Volkswagen Group division at the Leicester-based firm. He takes over from Gerard Nieuwenhuys, who becomes chairman.

4) Palmer-Baunack behind new automotive consolidation group

A new company has been launched by Avril Palmer-Baunack and investment management firm Marwyn that aims to acquire and develop large businesses in the automotive sector.

5) Vertu halted GAP sales at two sites as audit raised FCA compliance concerns

An internal audit of FCA compliance led car dealer Vertu Motors to halt sales of GAP insurance at two of its dealerships in September.

6) Regent Automotive sold to Endeavour

Endeavour Automotive has bought Regent Automotive in a share capital deal.

7) Online exclusive: VW boss reveals plans for 'bricks and clicks' network strategy

Blended retailing is the title of a concept being used by Volkswagen UK in its dealer network that accepts the digitisation of the sales process and the attention given by all retailers to everything ‘e’, but doesn’t assume the traditional face-to-face contact in the showroom and sales staff with encyclopaedic knowledge of the brand is redundant.

8) Why car dealers will ditch PCP discounts to lock in buyers

The UK new car market has been somewhat of an enigma in recent times, given its relative buoyancy versus the Eurozone countries. A combination of better economic growth, lower unemployment and PPI pay-outs have provided the consumer confidence and means for many to acquire a new car, which for some is a new experience.

9) Toyota in trouble for Yaris advert with Bruno Mars song

An advert for the Toyota Yaris has been banned after the advertising watchdog said it featured a woman driving with her eyes closed and singing along to the Bruno Mars song Locked Out Of Heaven.