Honda’s UK retailers will be the first British franchise holders to sell Chinese-built cars next year when the Japanese brand starts importing the Jazz supermini from a new plant north-west of Hong Kong.
The terms of the new block exemption make it easier for retailers to claim damages from their manufacturer if a national court judge decides a dealer has been unfairly treated, says Paolo Cesarini, the head of motor transport within the EC Competition Directorate.
Motor World is planning to follow Halfords on to the stock market with a flotation some time later this year to provide the funding for growth.
Latest figures published by the SMMT indicate that 150 new cars were pre-registered by manufacturers in April, bringing the total for the year to April to 670 units, with a value of £6,873,208.
Changes to the Consumer Credit Act, announced by consumer minister Gerry Sutcliffe, are long overdue but could increase paperwork for credit suppliers, according to critics.
Kent and Sussex dealer group Caffyns’ pre-tax profits for the year to March fell by 34% to £3.1m. But when goodwill amortisation and exceptional items were stripped out, pre-tax profits were 5% up at £3.35m. Turnover was 3% up at £153.1m.
The UK’s biggest solus Alfa Romeo dealership is due to open in Melksham, Wiltshire, on July 1. It will be one of the first in Britain to have the new Alfa corporate branding.
Charvills has opened a new Citroen and Hyundai dual-franchise dealership in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.
Sunwin Motor Group has become Britain’s largest Co-op owned car retail business with the acquisition of 15 sales points on seven sites from Ilkeston Co-op Group.
With sharp looks, a willing 1.8-litre engine and engaging handling, the current Celica is every part a sports car.
MG Rover Group, with parent company Phoenix Venture Holdings (PVH) has begun a strategic partnership with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)
Suzuki Cars UK has approved Smartnav, the satellite navigation system from Trafficmaster, as an accessory on all its models.
Mitsubishi Motors has announced fresh cost cutting measures amid warnings of poor profit expectations.
Portfolio Europe has appointed Neil Hodson as sales and marketing director. He joins the company from Experian Automotive where he launched Car Data Check.
DaimlerChrysler UK has announced the appointment of Will Robson to the position of communications director, in effect from today.
Smart is coming to the rescue of stranded motorists, as part of a new service being offered by the AA.
Motorists are being charged as much as £152.75 an hour for labour to get their cars repaired, according to data released by independent automotive warranty specialist, Warranty Direct today.
The first survey of motor trade workers’ attitudes has revealed that most are content with their job but that it comes at the expense of a personal life and adequate rewards.
A range of lifestyle and practical accessories is now available from Vauxhall retailers to support the launch of the new Astra.
For the first time a non-German manufacturer has reached the top three of Germany’s top auto survey.
British scientists have developed a revolutionary battery that could drastically cut fuel costs for drivers.
Volkswagen is considering extending its €2bn (£1.3bn) cost-cutting plan just three months after it was unveiled, as the weak German market threatens its profit targets.
Jaguar Cars is to be headed by a female managing director from next month.
Toyota has announced the launch of the new Hilux Invincible, debuted at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live this year.
Manheim Auctions has signed a solus agreement with Toyota Financial Services UK (TFS) to dispose of its finance repossessions and voluntary terminations.
Mazda’s Renesis rotary engine, which powers the RX-8, has won the trophy for best engine in the 2.5 litre to 3-litre category at this years International Engine of the Year Awards.
Nearly half of drivers in the UK (48%) admit they do not keep a two second gap between them and the vehicle in front on motorways, according to a survey by Brake, the road safety charity, and Green Flag Motoring Assistance.
Average retail prices for new cars in the UK rose 5.1% during the 12 months to May 2004.
A new supervisory level has been put in place between AA Tyre Fit's two regional managers and its team of 170 tyre fitters.
Dealer group Charvills is launching a safe driving competition, called Young Driver of the Year Challenge, for 17 to 25-year-olds in Hertfordshire and Essex.
