News - Page 1514

The Government is determined not to make the same mistakes again. In 1998, when then BMW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder dropped the bombshell at the British motor show that he would close subsidiary Rover's Longbridge plant unless it made huge cost savings and efficiency gains, MPs were caught completely cold.

Speaking at the recent AM Aftermarket Conference, Guy Liddall, of Motor Trade Selection, revealed how the present shortage of vehicle technicians could build into a crisis.

Vauxhall is the latest carmaker to respond to the emerging threat of insurer-mandated aftermarket parts in the body repair sector. Retail prices for 28 of Vauxhall's most popular bumper parts have been cut by an average of 19%, while the retail price of lighting has been reduced by an average 21%.

Divisions are growing between the sales and repair divisions of the retail motor industry over the attempt to outlaw rogue traders and win consumer confidence.

A new DaimlerChrysler brand centre has opened in the West Midlands. Drayton Group has created a multi-brand super-site by adding the ChryslerJeep franchise to its existing Mercedes-Benz and Smart dealership in Wolverhampton.

Arnold Clark Automobiles has posted a storming set of results for 2003 after a major buying spree in the first six months of the year.

Strong performances from Fiat and Mazda mean they have jumped up the satisfaction chart in the latest RMI dealer attitude survey.

Ford Retail UK, the carmaker's wholly-owned dealer group, is set to storm into the AM100 top 10 after Ford of Europe contracted to buy Jardine Motors Group's 51% share in Polar Motor Group, its joint venture.

Just three per cent of car retailers are currently compliant with tough new money laundering regulations, new research suggests

Lost franchises, notably two BMW outlets, and large investment in new premises are blamed for a massive slump in pre-tax profits at premium retail group William Jacks.

Fears about the future of car production in the UK have prompted the head of a leading trade union to tour two major vehicle manufacturing facilities

Ford of Britain has officially launched an elite franchised network of 115 light commercial vehicle sales and 95 service operations.

Acquisitions pushed HR Owen to a new record turnover in 2003, up 9% from £490m to £534m. However, the retail group suffered a pre-tax loss of £3.3m against a profit of £2.3m in 2002.

Wilfried Steffen, DaimlerChrysler UK president and chief executive officer, intends to give the UK a stronger voice within the international group on issues such as product planning and customer demands.

Dealers could see used car values fall over the next 12 months as the market comes under increasing pressure from record new car sales.

Glenvarigill Motor Group, bought by its management from whisky distiller Drambuie in 2002, sold two Renault outlets last month as the board reviews its franchises.

Hundreds of motor industry businesses were among those hit by a fire on March 29 that destroyed 130,000 BT phone lines deep underground in Manchester.

Alfa Romeo became one of the casualties of the Manchester fire that knocked out phone lines across the north-west and west of England

MG Rover bosses' robust rejection of allegations that they have been asset stripping for their own benefit will dampen criticism from MPs but will do little to boost confidence in the company from suppliers and car buyers

Despite the persistent speculation surrounding MG Rover and the actions of its four directors – John Towers, John Edwards, Nick Stephenson and Peter Beale – the retail network remains very supportive, according to MGR dealer council chairman Richard Cort, chairman and group managing director at Richard Cort Group.

Stagnant markets, low profits, a lack of investment, and poor treatment of suppliers, are just some of the indicators that the automotive industry is in big trouble

Many more dealers are likely to run their own used car warranty schemes following the collapse of Warranty Holdings and the start of a fraud probe by police.

Has the PCP finally come of age? While Parker's was researching a feature on 'current deals and promotions', we came across the Mercedes A-class Piccadilly offer.

Alfa Romeo UK has announced new appointments intended to expand and strengthen its sales and marketing operations and dealer network support.

March new car registrations totalled 466,955 units, up 6.6% year on year and worth, calculates the SMMT, £6.25bn to the industry. Private purchases were up 6.8%, taking 53.3% of the market.

News that VRI (Vehicle Replacement Insurance) now incurs 17.5% Insurance Premium Tax will be a blow to dealers who rely on it for commission, says finance house Singer & Friedlander – adding that Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance can help ensure dealers don't lose out.

Hyundai Motor Company has just announced the appointment of a new President and Head of the Hyundai-Kia Strategy Co-ordination Office, as well as three other promotions.

Aftermarket consultants Forester Grant say their investment in Network Automotive Management creates “the most diverse automotive support services group in the UK”.

Strong demand and a well-matched balance of supply has led to a steady improvement in residual values over the past 12 months, reports Glass's.

In a bid to reduce whole life costs and insurance premiums for its performance models, Subaru (UK) Ltd is slashing parts prices by up to 56%. The company says the permanent initiative affects 200 part numbers and most models. IM's Subaru parts manager Matthew Davies has confirmed dealers' existing parts margins will remain intact.