Silver's position as the dominant metallic shade of choice looks set to continue, with 285 different varieties available in today's new car market, reports CAP New Vehicle Data. The proportion of silver cars built around Europe has reached around 40%.
Business drivers whose companies obtain their Lexus cars on lease will in future be able to participate in the same customer loyalty programmes as retail customers – if the lessor, like Leasedrive Ltd., joins the new Lexus Leasing Charter programme.
Prince Michael of Kent said today: “Customers now demand better crash protection and the NCAP star rating system is widely understood – it is used by car companies to market their products and is undoubtedly an important factor in customer's choice of new cars."
Automotive refinish distributor the Morelli Group has announced its acquisition of Car Paints Group Ltd and Chiltern Car Paints Ltd., with effect from 5th January 2004.
The 2004 Pay Guide survey shows the median age of technicians is now just 33 years. That suggests they are leaving the profession faster than the trade has so far been able to recruit new blood. Sixty-one per cent of franchised dealers and 69% of independent garages say they are experiencing difficulties in recruiting staff.
Of 1,834 diesel cars held in the CAP NVD database, less than 200 so far comply with the so-called Euro IV emissions standards which govern levels of certain pollutants.
Larger family cars depreciated more slowly this year than during 2002 as stability returned to the used car market, reports CAP Black Book.
Actors Lynda Bellingham and Kevin Whateley were on hand to help GM Daewoo officially hand over 100 Tacuma MPVs to National Children's Homes at an event at the Millbrook test track marking the start of 'Driving change for children'.
South Korean media suggest that shareholders in 4x4 manufacturer Ssangyong, which recently established a UK dealer network for its Rexton model, are keen to sell a 55% controlling share in the firm.
The French new car market was down 9.4% year on year in November with 149,285 registrations recorded by the French manufacturers' association CCFA.
A German media report says the exercise of DaimlerChrysler's option to increase its stake in Hyundai would be seen as hostile action in Korea.
It is an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving as of today, 1 December. Commenting as the new ban came into force.
New laws to prevent discrimination in the workplace on grounds of sexual orientation or religion come into force this week. The Sexual Orientation regulations become law in Great Britain today, 1 December and the Religion or Belief regulations tomorrow, 2 December.
EU ministers have set a new minimum motor insurance amount for personal injuries of one million euros per victim, plus an option for Member States to apply a minimum amount of €5 million per accident, as requested by the European Parliament.
The new-look Black Book is unveiled with the December 2003 edition, which features more than 600,000 used car prices, over 300 extra pages to accommodate more data, a radically redesigned layout for ease of use and details on more than 20,000 used car derivatives.
Euro NCAP has announced crash test results for the Renault Scenic and VW's Touran, both achieving five stars for occupant protection.
Franchised dealers refusing to carry out repairs on new cars covered by independent warranties could leave thousands of motorists 'high and dry', says Warranty Direct.
Service technicians are leaving their jobs at a relatively early age while fewer apprentices are coming into the industry to replace them.
Vauxhall chairman Kevin Wale is calling on the Government and European Union to simplify its rules and regulations to allow British carmakers to compete on an international stage.
Car manufacturing in the UK will come under the spotlight next year after Government ministers announced plans to launch an official inquiry.
Retailers face growing confusion after Customs and Excise announced changes to the way it handles claims for overpaid VAT on car demonstrators. Analysts say changes were sparked after Customs was swamped by “inflated” applications from dealers – some were attempting to claim more than their annual turnover.
MG Rover has been approached by a sizeable number of garages seeking to become official service and repair agents following the recent changes to block exemption, according to company sources.
Despite a new-look European management and a series of well-received new models, Ford Motor Company has not yet convinced two of the world's debt experts – Moody's and Standard and Poor's – that it has turned the corner.
Nissan is asking its retailers to spend tens of thousands of pounds on upgrading their showrooms. The Japanese carmaker says the move will help revamp its corporate image and boost sales.
Television personality and former rally driver Penny Mallory will host the prestigious AM Awards next year in Birmingham.
Motorpoint, one of the UK's largest car supermarkets with outlets in Burnley, Derby and Glasgow, is planning to open a fourth site to serve London and southern England.
Chris Oakham, Sewells consultant, explains whether bonuses affect the quality of work.
Within 10 years the majority of UK car owners will no longer be buying their cars – they'll be leasing them. That's the vision of BMW, which expects its rising finance penetration – last year 37 per cent; this year 41 per cent – to continue. Frank Munk, chief executive at BMW Group Financial Service GB, predicts that the UK will follow the example of the American market where drivers have no interest in owning their cars.
MG Rover is unlikely to survive another 10 years in its current form, Ford of Europe must restructure urgently, and General Motors will remain reluctant to make its relationship with Fiat any more formal.
Fiat's new Panda has been voted International Car of the Year for 2004 beating off six other shortlisted contenders to win the prestigious title.
