A merger of Automotive Skills and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) was confirmed this week, creating the most comprehensive employer-led training and skills powerhouse the UK’s motor industry has ever seen.
Since fending off the unwanted attentions of Pendragon last year, Lookers has become the darling of the City. It was arguably that drawn-out skirmish which put the company on the City’s radar for the first time.
Nanjing Automobile Corporation UK has appointed its first dealer representatives to handle sales of its reborn MG TF roadster. Twelve dealers have joined the network in the first phase, retailing cars from 13 sites.
Vertu Motors has put more distance between itself and AM100 rival Listers of Coventry with two takeovers within the past fortnight.
Time is running out for entries into the AM/Courland Rising Stars Awards 2007, the event recognising the future stars of the automotive industry.
The UK’s largest motor retailer, Pendragon, has exited Germany 15 years since establishing a foothold in the country.
Glenvarigill, once a leading Scottish dealer group, has been renamed Manor Oak Holdings after five years of downsizing and months of speculation about its future.
Knights BMW and Mini has officially opened the doors to its new Radial Park premises following a £10m investment.
Kings Toyota Hedge End has recruited two new sales executives to cope with demand from customers at the dealership.
General Motors UK has taken back responsibility for sales, marketing, distribution and aftersales for its Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer brands from Pendragon and Kroymans.
The National Franchised Dealers Association, part of the RMIF, is looking for a new head of operations.
Automotive Skills has been merged into the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
NAC MG (UK) has appointed ROOM251 as its marketing agency.
The personalised number plate, CEO 1, has sold for £154,100 on eBayMotors.co.uk today, the highest price ever paid for a number plate on the site.
National Tyres, the independent fast fit group, is understood to have been put up for sale and to be in talks about a possible takeover.
BBC presenter Jeremy Vine will be the RMIF’s main speaker at its annual dinner in October.
Cars and the motor industry have been an essential part of my life ever since I discovered there was no bus after 6pm through the quiet Norfolk village where I grew up. So I’m quite happy to sacrifice that annual inter-continental holiday for the daily use of a decent car.
Fiat Group Automobiles’ has officially opened its new style centre in Italy.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched the company’s first graduate programme.
Nissan has officially opened its field quality centre (FQC) at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
BEN, the automotive industry charity, will be making its debut in the ‘Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race’.
Pendragon has entered into a £400 million sale and lease-back deal with Aaim, the property fund in order to cut group debt.
Thatcham, the crash repair company, has proposed the formation of a Repair Industry Welding Action Group (RIWAG) to address key welding related issues in modern vehicle repair.
Nissan is the new title sponsor for Soccer AM, the Saturday morning football breakfast show on Sky Sports 1.
The John Clark Group will be celebrating the opening its new £2.5 million Dundee Audi dealership with a four-day launch party.
Ironside Motors of Winchmore Hill, London has parted company with Nissan after being with the franchise for 33 years.
CAP has appointed Mark Bulmer as its current valuation manager for cars.
Suzuki GB has appointed Darren Ponsford as its new general manager of marketing for its automobiles division.
It’s a great little car, but there’s just one thing that annoys me about it. It’s the indicator stalks. They don’t click down, they just sort of move a little bit. I know it’s a bit pathetic, but it really put me off the car.
