News - Page 1381

A poll of European consumers into their opinions of the 21 major car manufacturers has placed Mercedes-Benz in poll position.

Dealer group William Jacks has this morning announced that losses amid ‘difficult’ trading conditions will lead to staff redundancies.

Jaguar has revealed the world’s first vehicle safety system designed to protect pedestrians during a collision.

Kia Motors Corporation held the world premiere of its all-new Kia Magentis executive saloon at the Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday.

North-west dealer Vantage Group has acquired the MG Rover-owned dealership at Preston’s Riversway Motorpark for £2.9 million and will now refranchise it as a Toyota dealership.

General Motors engineers are developing a system close to being an automotive auto-pilot, which could be fitted on its production cars within three years.

Car rental giant Hertz has been sold in a multi-billion pound deal to a private investor group.

A reverse auction service designed to supply franchised dealers with strong sales leads has been launched by a former car sales manager.

Crystal Motor Group boss Mike Baldry has experienced the motor industry from two sides of the fence.

The opening of supermarket group Motorpoint’s fourth site represents a strategic move to capture further business from the south west, says director

Kris Platts of Archie Moss in Coalville has been named National Vauxhall Apprentice of the Year.

AM Conference: Financial control in motor retail

The Financial Services Authority recently announced the extension of its deadline for authorized firms to submit their Retail Mediation Activities Report from August 11 to September 9, 2005.

Annual service and MoT business is seen as an area of growth for Mr Clutch Autocentres, the 44-site garage chain.

More than 150 jobs are to be shed at TRW’s Pontypool, South Wales brake and steering plant. The cuts, which will be brought in at the end of the year, are being blamed on a tail-off in trade and the collapse of MG Rover.

Citroën dealers striving to keep their business afloat have questioned the carmaker’s decision to award a national parts franchise to SEL-Imperial.

Independent component distributor Euro Car Parts has its sights set on growth next year by expanding its product lines to cater for all makes of car.

Reluctance to invest in training by accessory shops and independent garages, and motor factors providing quicker local parts delivery than franchised dealers, are the key findings of the latest CAT Parts Distribution Trend Index report, published by Trend Tracker.

The Factoring Services Group (FSG) has changed its name to Group Auto Union UK & Ireland.

Vehicle technicians may be a ‘rare species’ by 2010, according to a report by City & Guilds.

Daihatsu is recalling more than 15,000 Hijet LCVs for a safety-related inspection and possible repair.

Continental has taken its first step to expand its ContiNetwork outside mainland UK by signing Modern Tyre Group as its partner for the whole of Northern Ireland.

Lee O’Doherty of Lexus Liverpool has claimed top honours in the second annual Lexus Skills Award competition.

BCA report reveals dealers’ strength in nearly new market as resale values rise

Perrys Motor Sales is celebrating a 100% pass rate of students graduating from its in-house Management Development Programme (MDP).

The John Cooper Works (JWC) engine tuning kit is available as a factory fit option for customers ordering a Mini Cooper S.

Toyota is the highest placed car manufacturer in the annual Interbrand Global Brands report, which tracks the world’s top 100 brands by dollar value.

Dealer management system specialist Reynolds has been named in the Microsoft Business Solutions Inner Circle, the top Microsoft business solutions recognition programme.

Viking Saab was one of the first retailers to adopt the controversial Unlimited showroom design concept in 2000.

Nas Khan, who joined north-east dealer group Jennings as a sales executive in 1985, is the new group managing director following a second management buy-out in 13 years.