We have now seen a full cycle of plate changes under the new system, and it's making very little impression on the buying public. When you think back to the original system of August change it really was quite something to have the latest letter parked on your drive.
Snap-On Sun Tech systems, the diagnostic tools and equipment manufacturer, has announced the introduction of Nexus, a diagnostics solutions package developed specifically for the independent garage and bodyshop sectors.
Lemforder International, Sachs Handel and Schweinfurt have merged to create a new European strategic business unit called ZF Friedrichshafen.<
Components supplier Automotive Products UK - better known as AP Borg & Beck - has changed its name to Automotive Products Driveline Technology following a multi-million pound buyout from AP Group.
He doesn't look it, but Autoglym chief executive Michael Williams is 65 - and has just retired after more than 30 years with the premium car care products company.
Radical new thinking about urgent action dealer groups need to take to ensure future profitability will be presented at 'Putting profit before turnover', an AM automotive forum to be staged next month.
Subaru is confidently predicting 10,000 sales next year after suffering “one hell of a year” during 2002.
Seat has appointed Rawdon Glover as its new head of operations with responsibility for vehicle sales and development of the dealer network.
Independent garages and distributors dealing in air conditioning are set to gain from a new delivery arrangement agreed between parts maker Delphi and national distributor Ferraris Piston Service.
DaimlerChrysler UK has signed new contracts for sales and servicing with Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep and Smart retailers focusing on the selective distribution system. But Suzuki surprised analysts by announcing plans to go down the exclusive route, in contrast to most of its rivals.
Ford's Mondeo replacement will involve “adaptability and lateral thinking”, senior European executives admit as the D segment shrinks under pressure from premium brands and customers downsizing.
Mitsubishi has embarked on a major dealership improvement programme to prepare for the 2004 arrival of its Netherlands-built supermini, which will replace the Colt.
General Motors has denied reports that the Premium Architecture venture developing future cars for Saab and Alfa Romeo is in danger of collapsing.
Coming to AM's autumn event could be a profitable experience for UK dealers...literally. For two groups of automotive consultants are set to show dealerships how to break with motor retailing tradition and build profit - not just turnover - at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, on November 28. Come and hear from Grant Thornton Motor Retail and the International Car Distribution Programme. They are ready to challenge traditional motor retail thinking.
Dozens of companies, including automotive retailer groups and garage equipment suppliers, have already requested AM Awards 2003 entry forms which will be available later this month. The firms will contest 15 categories in the new-look awards that have been expanded following the April relaunch of the fortnightly motor industry news and analysis title Automotive Management and its monthly sister magazine AutoTrade as AM.
Speculation is rising that a fresh takeover bid for one of the UK's largest dealer groups may be just weeks away.
Standards in the car servicing and repair sector have improved little since the Office of Fair Trading's damning study in 2000, according to a Department of Trade and Industry undercover investigation.
MG Rover has struck a deal with Virgin Cars to supply vehicles direct for sale over the internet. The landmark agreement means Virgin's website will offer buyers fleet-style discounts of up to 20 per cent off the UK list price of models.
Ford-owned Jaguar and Land Rover have announced plans to axe 800 jobs at their UK plants, despite both marques increasing sales. The firms, which employ about 11,000 staff each, expect to achieve the losses through early retirement and voluntary redundancy.
Two Hampshire Constabulary officers have been suspended from duty following a year-long criminal investigation into the importation of Japanese vehicles.
William Jacks, No 35 in the AM100, has posted operating profits up 114 per cent to £1.4m on turnover up six per cent to £94.4m for the first six months of the year.
Forget one or two-year termination notices - franchised dealers could get their notice from carmakers just days before the new block exemption regulations are introduced next year.
Ken Thorne Group, the South Wales based car empire, has gone in to voluntary liquidation. Administrators from Deloitte and Touche have been called in, ending speculation about the £50m turnover firm's future.
Automotive retailers are steering clear of a source of lucrative business because of worries about image.
Automotive paint supplier Standox has unveiled a three-point plan to help refinishers build on their strengths and find growth in a shrinking market.
General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), the carmaker's financial services division, is looking for organic and acquisitive growth following its purchase of Shell Auto Finance's business portfolio.
Nationwide Accident Repair Services is determined to retain the bulk of its bodyshop network, despite closing its Harrow operation and disposing of its Bristol site to a management buy-out.
Fiat Auto is looking increasingly vulnerable in its bid to remain independent. The Italian manufacturer is rumoured to be preparing another round of production cuts and redundancies in its battle to return to profitability, and to stave off a takeover by General Motors.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says next month's British Motor Show will feature 10 world model debuts and 45 British launches - even though several big-name manufacturers will not be attending.
Nissan is to boost its share of the rapidly expanding diesel market with the development of a diesel communications strategy.
