The Transport Select Committee has criticised the computerisation of MoT testing stations, after a report focussing on the Driver and Vehicle Operator Group of Agencies (DVO Group) and the Highways Agency was released today.<P>
The Ford Focus C-Max is an excellent mid-size MPV with one major flaw: it’s only available with five seats.
Cap regularly surveys dealers in the used market to understand the supply and demand picture for diesel cars.
The recent news that AMG is planning to cull its range to concentrate on ‘real’ AMG models points to a recurring problem in the car industry.
No, you haven’t picked up a Seventies back issue. Those cut and shut panel inserts, mangled wheel-arches, deep fat fryer-vents and Exige-alike wing confirm that this is a prototype of Lotus’s Esprit replacement.
Xpart is offering readily available replacement MG Rover parts to UK crash repair centres through its ‘Close-Call’ initiative.
Lex, the leasing and contract hire company, has extended its fast-fit contract with Kwik-Fit Fleet for a further three years.
Garages will not be able to charge more than £50.35 for an MOT from October, after a consultation today by the Department for Transport.
General Motors has posted a larger-than-expected operating profit, but a larger quarterly net loss after writing down costs associated with buyouts for almost a third of its factory work force.
Motor retailer Peter Vardy has linked up with ADP to provide its Autoline DMS and BCA’s Edinburgh auction site to offer non-rental and overage stock through.
All the glitz and the glamour of the show in pictures.
Nissan sold 826,000 vehicles in the April-to-June period, down 6% on the same period last year.
Michelin has launched a new run-flat tyre for the Mini.
Iveco, part of the Fiat group, has finalised a joint venture agreement with the SAIC Motor Corporation and the Chongqing Heavy Vehicle Group, to establish a long-term HCV partnership in China.
PSA Peugeot Citroen’s net income has fallen by 60% to €303 million (£207m) in the first half of the year, from €752m over the same period in 2005.
Bernard Bradley has been appointed as Honda UK’s new head of sales.
Ford has announced prices for its new Ranger and Tourneo Connect models.
Far too many general managers don’t have an ambitious enough vision for their business. Sir Peter Vardy, one of the most successful car retailers of his generation, says many are opting for the easy life to get a reasonable return.
Manufacturers should regularly send their senior people to dealerships to understand what sales staff and customers think about their cars and incentives schemes.
The demise of the UK’s last mass manufacturer, MG Rover, could end up costing taxpayers more than £600 million.
Subaru has launched a new used car initiative called ‘Subaru Direct’, which goes live on August 14.
Nissan has reached a new milestone in June with the production of its 100 millionth vehicle.
Dealers are under increasing pressure to advertise finance correctly.
Last February the Finance and Leasing Association’s pragmatic director general Martin Hall warned his organization’s crisis convention on declining point of sale motor F&I business: “If we dither we may get hammered. Finance companies and dealers will sink or swim together.”
CAP, via its market value insurance claims management system, claims to be settling total loss vehicle claims seven times faster than the industry norm following a 10-month ‘live’ pilot programme.
The future for independent retailers selling finance products is growing increasingly uncertain, according to Miles Roberts, managing director at provider Southern Finance.
Chevrolet is putting its highly successful GMAC-backed 3 and Easy deferred payment scheme to one side and taking the more conventional route of PCPs and discounts for the third quarter.
Esure reports that criminals are forcing their way into dealerships and homes to demand car keys.
For £169 per month, Lombard Vehicle Management is offering a ‘turn-key’ contract hire package for small businesses operating pre-fitted Citroën Berlingo 1.9 DLX 600s, which are kitted out ‘ready to operate’.
Audi has a branded credit card for enthusiasts.
