Ebbon-Dacs is tomorrow launching an enhanced version of Leaselink, titled Version 2, which retains its similarities to the t-card system, but offers extra functionality and a new-look.
BCA Newport has held the first in a programme of combination sales featuring an exclusive selection of stock from Lombard and GE Capital Fleet Services.
The advertising budget to promote congestion charging in London is so large that 3.2m cars will have to enter the capital to cover the publicity costs alone.
Vauxhall has started delivering its first dual-fuel petrol/liquefied petroleum gas engines that meet Euro IV emissions standards.
Saab showrooms will undergo a transformation in the next 12 months with no salesmen to confront customers. The new strategy called Unlimited Partners will be phased in during 2002 and be supplemented by new city centre sites and brand centres.
A number of vehicle manufactuters are working to 'secretly' achieve vertical integration in their dealer networks.
Sutton Park Motor has acquired the Renault hub for the Coventry region after paying £1.6m for three Ryland Group dealerships.
Sir Peter Vardy, Reg Vardy chairman, is poised to further grow the company's standing 'north of the border'.
A leading consultant working with the Department of Trade and Industry on raising automotive retail standards will address Automotive Management's People Fair 2001 on November 15.
Fiat is sticking with a pan-European TV and cinema commercial for the Stilo, filmed in New York shortly before the terrorist attacks. The Manhattan skyline is not featured.
By the end of 2004 the number of dealers bearing Aston Martin's winged motif should reach 140 worldwide as annual sales rise towards 5,000 units from the current 1,500.
Automotive Management's editorial team is to nominate leading retail motor industry companies for its 2002 Awards. Firms will still be able to take the initiative and enter the 12 categories.
"The European Commission (not to mention the UK's Trade and Industry Department) is wasting its breath asking for pre-tax car prices to be uniform throughout the EU" - Prof Garel Rhys.
The business card is as plain as vanilla. It says 'Sir Ian Gibson CBE' above a couple of contact points. The man synonymous with the success of Nissan manufacturing in Europe no longer has any executive status in the automotive industry.
Skoda is developing ways to encourage more people to test-drive its cars as it targets 50,000 sales by 2005. Rob Tracey, Skoda UK director, believes future growth will hinge on giving people access to a wider range of models.
More than 100 dealers are believed to have signed contracts with new finance company The Funding Corporation.
Kalamazoo's former chief executive Malcolm Roberts said he left the company because the job had become "mundane".
Dagenham Motors has invested more than £500,000 adopting Ford's new retail concept at its dealership in Plaistow, east London.
Valeting specialist Quadralene has put together a package of commonly used bodyshop products to help repairers save time and costs.
Kent UK has launched a versatile scuff repair kit which it claims “recreates OEM finish” with minimal surface preparation.
ICI Autocolor is developing a range of time-saving products for bodyshops as part of its commitment to improving customer profitability.
Consumables and preparation firm 3M Automotive has launched its Paint Preparation System (PPS) after eight months of development trials by paint manufacturers and bodyshops.
Proton has made two more franchise appointments this month, bringing the number of new dealers this year to almost 30.
DaimlerChrysler has branded the European Commission's findings that it broke European competition rules “groundless” and said it will appeal against a 72m euro fine imposed today.
In January the next phase of the European single currency project will begin, involving the introduction of euro notes and coins in participating countries. Across the euro-zone there will be a transition period where use of national currencies will be phased out by March.
This is the time of year when an expected slow down in both retail and trade buying becomes prevalent. The first to witness this happening is often the retail sector when the private buyer refrains from spending, probably in anticipation of an expensive Christmas period.
The End of Life Vehicle directive will make recycling more expensive which might cause a surge in illegal dumping, according to Glass's Guide.
Used car dealers' sales last year shrank by 8.3% to 3.69m, according to the latest BCA used car market report, after three consecutive years above 4m.
DaimlerChrysler Services Remarketing has opened a physical auction facility at its Long Marston de-fleeting and remarketing centre in Warwickshire, adding to its internet auction and stock locator services.
Dealers are concerned that falling prices, triggered by the Competition Commission inquiry last year, are encouraging potential buyers to shun used cars in favour of new.
