Motor World is planning to follow Halfords on to the stock market with a flotation some time later this year to provide the funding for growth.

Latest figures published by the SMMT indicate that 150 new cars were pre-registered by manufacturers in April, bringing the total for the year to April to 670 units, with a value of £6,873,208.

Changes to the Consumer Credit Act, announced by consumer minister Gerry Sutcliffe, are long overdue but could increase paperwork for credit suppliers, according to critics.

Kent and Sussex dealer group Caffyns’ pre-tax profits for the year to March fell by 34% to £3.1m. But when goodwill amortisation and exceptional items were stripped out, pre-tax profits were 5% up at £3.35m. Turnover was 3% up at £153.1m.

The UK’s biggest solus Alfa Romeo dealership is due to open in Melksham, Wiltshire, on July 1. It will be one of the first in Britain to have the new Alfa corporate branding.

Charvills has opened a new Citroen and Hyundai dual-franchise dealership in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

Sunwin Motor Group has become Britain’s largest Co-op owned car retail business with the acquisition of 15 sales points on seven sites from Ilkeston Co-op Group.

With sharp looks, a willing 1.8-litre engine and engaging handling, the current Celica is every part a sports car.

Smart is coming to the rescue of stranded motorists, as part of a new service being offered by the AA.

DaimlerChrysler UK has announced the appointment of Will Robson to the position of communications director, in effect from today.

Portfolio Europe has appointed Neil Hodson as sales and marketing director. He joins the company from Experian Automotive where he launched Car Data Check.

Mitsubishi Motors has announced fresh cost cutting measures amid warnings of poor profit expectations.

Suzuki Cars UK has approved Smartnav, the satellite navigation system from Trafficmaster, as an accessory on all its models.

MG Rover Group, with parent company Phoenix Venture Holdings (PVH) has begun a strategic partnership with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)

Motorists are being charged as much as £152.75 an hour for labour to get their cars repaired, according to data released by independent automotive warranty specialist, Warranty Direct today.

Jaguar Cars is to be headed by a female managing director from next month.

Volkswagen is considering extending its €2bn (£1.3bn) cost-cutting plan just three months after it was unveiled, as the weak German market threatens its profit targets.

British scientists have developed a revolutionary battery that could drastically cut fuel costs for drivers.

For the first time a non-German manufacturer has reached the top three of Germany’s top auto survey.

A range of lifestyle and practical accessories is now available from Vauxhall retailers to support the launch of the new Astra.

The first survey of motor trade workers’ attitudes has revealed that most are content with their job but that it comes at the expense of a personal life and adequate rewards.

Toyota has announced the launch of the new Hilux Invincible, debuted at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live this year.

Manheim Auctions has signed a solus agreement with Toyota Financial Services UK (TFS) to dispose of its finance repossessions and voluntary terminations.

Mazda’s Renesis rotary engine, which powers the RX-8, has won the trophy for best engine in the 2.5 litre to 3-litre category at this years International Engine of the Year Awards.

Nearly half of drivers in the UK (48%) admit they do not keep a two second gap between them and the vehicle in front on motorways, according to a survey by Brake, the road safety charity, and Green Flag Motoring Assistance.

Hyundai Motor Co has announced an additional £408m investment in its China venture by 2007 to build a second plant in the world's fastest-growing auto market.

Dixon Motors claims it is launching the lowest finance package in the market.

Renault Retail Group has named Andrew Hatfield buildings and facilities manager for 22 branches around the UK to oversee a multi-million pound series of refurbishment and new build projects planned for the next two years.

General Motors is planning to announce a restructuring of its European vehicle making operations this week to shift power from its underperforming Opel, Vauxhall and Saab divisions to its Zurich regional headquarters.

Dealer group Charvills is launching a safe driving competition, called Young Driver of the Year Challenge, for 17 to 25-year-olds in Hertfordshire and Essex.