The most read stories on Am-online in December 2014.

 

1) Next five years will see 'the biggest shake-up in the traditional dealer model'

Car dealer networks are likely to be cut by more than a quarter by the end of this decade.

 

2) Bedfordia exits market with sale of sites to Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 Automotive has acquired the three Bedfordia Automotive BMW/Mini dealerships.

 

3) FCA opens consultation on plans to alter GAP sales

The Financial Conduct Authority has today announced a new consultation on proposals to limit point-of-sale offer of GAP insurance.

 

4) 'Pay £6m or go to jail', dealer told

A car dealer has been told to pay back more than £6 million or face seven years in jail.

 

5) "If I was a dealer.." Manufacturer bosses have their say

AM asked some of the key directors of car brands in the UK for their views on what they would see as their priority of they were in charge of a dealer group.

 

6) Honda franchise is no longer about survival but growth, says MD

Honda UK is gearing up its head office and car dealers for growth after seven years of stagnation and decline.

 

7) Michael Owen picks up new car from Alexanders Prestige

Footballer Michael Owen (pictured) has taken delivery of his new car from luxury and sports car dealership Alexanders Prestige.

 

 

8) Exclusive: BMW FS reveals plans to reduce dealer finance rate further

BMW Group Financial Services believes it has taken a market leading position in introducing a capped finance rate of 10.9% dealers can sell consumer credit at, while dramatically reducing add-on fees. But in this in-depth interview its group brands general manager Spencer Halil says this is the first step in ensuring the customer comes first (regulator second, dealer third) – and it is now trialling a reduced rate of 8.9%.

 

9) Infiniti shakes up UK operations

Infiniti has taken operational control of its UK Centres based in Reading, Birmingham, Stockport, Leeds and Glasgow.

 

10) 2015: manufacturer and dealer bosses have their say on the year ahead

What are the industry’s hopes and fears for 2015? What are the challenges and opportunities, for manufacturers, dealers and the market itself? We asked some of the UK’s key players.