The June 2004 new car market was the second highest June on record with 239,077 registrations.
Renault has today announced worldwide sales growth of 6.5% for the first half of 2004, claiming a market share increase to 4.3%.
The Government has today announced plans to build a second toll motorway linking Birmingham and Manchester.
Glenvarigill Motor Group has sold its Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati dealerships to Sytner Group plc as part of its long-term strategy for restructuring the business to focus on fewer marques that will deliver growth.
The Government is being urged to give financial incentives to encourage consumers to drive more environmentally friendly cars.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has appointed Tim Tozer as President and CEO of its Amsterdam-based subsidiary Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. (MME), effective September 1, 2004.
BMW has announced details of the forthcoming X3 two-litre diesel engined model. Available in standard and SE models, the X3 2.0d will be available in October 2004 priced from £26,175 OTR.
Toyota and Shell Gas and Power today launch a trial of Shell Gas to Liquids (GTL) Fuel in a fleet of 10 Toyota Avensis cars equipped with D-CAT emission reduction technology.
The trade value of an average three-year old used car has fallen by 5.2%, or £440, since the end of March, according to the latest quarterly Glass’s Car Market Index report
BMW has announced the introduction of the new 630i in UK, going on sale in September
Volkswagen has launched a number of enhancements to its Lupo, Polo, Golf, Bora, Beetle, Passat and Sharan ranges.
The UK is unaffected by the global recall by Honda, of 640,000 vehicles after suspected defects within transmission and fuel pump systems were spotted in tests. The move will cost the company an estimated $75m (£41m).
Seat UK has made changes to the line up and prices of its best-selling model, the Ibiza.
New insurance regulations coming into force next year are being used by some vehicle manufacturers as a way to increase control over motor retailers, warns the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI).
Hyundai Motor Europe has announced sales of 30,750 units in June, an 18% increase year-on-year
Pendragon has increased the number of its Ferrari Maserati dealerships, with the opening of a new site at Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield, a further satellite site at Hagley near Stourbridge and relocated its Stratstone showroom to a purpose-built facility in Manchester
The future, according to most European car manufacturers, is diesel. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and even Jaguar sell growing numbers of increasingly powerful diesel-engine models. However, Porsche will not be joining them
Mercedes-Benz of Bradford has now completed its showroom refurbishment after a six-month programme of improvements
A device which stops cars speeding is being tested by British drivers, according to reports.
That old dispute about internal work reared its ugly head during a dealer visit recently. So, should internal work carried out for the sales department be charged at retail or discounted? Should internal parts, and especially accessories, be discounted?
Netherlands-based Akzo Nobel subsidiary Nobilas has entered the UK market with the takeover of Aon’s accident management business in this country, including first notice of loss, call centre and repair management services
The Trading Standards Institute and HPI have jointly produced a Car Buyers’ Guide, which aims to give consumers the know-how to carry out basic checks on a vehicle’s history, servicing records, MoT tests and suitability before they buy. One of the key messages to buyers is to get an HPI Check carried out on any vehicle considered for purchase
Blue Bell Mini in Wilmslow, Cheshire, has completed work on what is believed to be the only ‘Barbie Pink’ Mini Cooper S in the country. The pink leather interior certainly seals its status as a one-off. The car was ordered by Blue Bell customer Janette Benson and converted by the dealership’s bodyshop.
Royal & SunAlliance has become the latest insurer to pilot a labour-only scheme, prompting the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association to warn its members to approach contract terms with care.
Increasing use of new high-strength steels in mainstream cars means insurers and fleets must place repairs with properly equipped bodyshops, claims network ABS. It believes the develop strengthens its demands for an independently accreditated bodyshop industry
Hyundai is poised to start work on a new showpiece dealership in North London which it will own and run itself. The move, a departure from the Korean brand’s sale and leaseback approach to closing UK open points, could be extended to other high-cost conurbations to fill franchising gaps, with the south London/ Croydon area a possibility
This is the all-new Mercedes-Benz M-class, due to make its public debut at the Detroit Show next January, and destined to hit UK Mercedes showrooms late in 2005. Codenamed W164, the new M-class is just one of three lifestyle Benzes to be built off the same all-new platform at the company’s production facility in Alabama, USA
The AA could be combined with fast-fit chain Kwik-Fit and parts/ accessories supplier Halfords to forge a powerful new group in UK automotive sales and aftersales
Desira, the East Anglian retail group, has acquired self-drive hire company Abacus in a move that broadens its automotive interests. The firm has moved into Desira’s Wroxham Road site
Harry Taylor, group managing director at Bradford-based JCT600, is to retire at the end of the month after 17 years with the retail group
