Autologic Data Systems has paid an undisclosed amount for Stafford Computer Technology to form a new operation delivering a complete range of products and services to the automotive industry.
Engine and transmission treatments specialist Forte Lubricants has appointed Ian Perryman as head of business development.
Vehicle security specialist Cobra is canvassing dealers' aftersales departments to stock its reverse parking aid, ParkMaster.
Car-O-Liner, Car Bench, Stanners Equipment, Chicago Pneumatic Tools, Cumbrian Marketing and Spraytherm have confirmed they are to exhibit at Crash International, the bodywork and crash repair trade show to be held at G-Mex in Manchester on October 2-3.
Visscher-Caravelle, the number plate and vehicle accessory supplier, has appointed two “goodwill ambassadors” in a pilot to boost automotive retailer business. If the scheme is successful it will be rolled out across the UK. In addition to core contract hire customers, the company supplies about 3000 dealerships on behalf of its leasing clients.
The foundation of a global resource system to support all sections of the diesel aftermarket has been launched on the internet by Delphi Diesel Aftermarket.
Polar Motor Group, the joint venture between Jardine Motors and Ford, has ambitious plans to develop its newly-acquired north London customer market area (CMA) into a £100m turnover territory.
After 123 years of trading, Connolly Leather, the supplier of upmarket car interior materials, has closed operations in the US and is in receivership in the UK because of “challenging market conditions” caused by September 11 events.
Rival estimating systems suppliers Audatex and Glass's, which supplies Glassmatix, have made a number of staff redundant as they look to restructure business operations.
Camden Motors has opened its second Car Shop used cars operation and is planning a third outlet by the end of the year. Launch of the new business in Manchester comes three years after Camden opened its original Car Shop in Northampton. The third outlet is likely to be in the south.
Another template design Lexus dealership has officially opened in West London. Lexus Twickenham is the Toyota owned premium brand's 31st UK solus outlet and takes the Japanese importer one step closer to its goal of opening 48 new sites by the middle of 2003.
Saab GB will spend up to £1.5m helping its dealer network upgrade their showrooms over the next 18 months as part of a nationwide programme to roll-out its new premium retail strategy, Saab Unlimited.
testing 20thmay
testing 20th may 02
Moves to curb consumer spending have forced the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to revise its full year estimate of new car registrations downwards by 50,000 units to 2.4 million. The revision comes despite a record April which made the UK the second largest new car market in Europe.
New car user-chooser favourites Golf Mk 4 GTi and Audi A3 1.8 T Sport are top used choices, too.
High-spec turbodiesel people carriers are more sought after than petrol versions. In addition most buyers want the extra flexibility of three rows of seats.
Warranty Holdings is preparing an appeal against a tax bill of £8m-£10m after a Customs & Excise tribunal found the group responsible for “irregular recovery” of VAT on vehicle repairs.
Lookers has launched an internet-based company that will sell new cars in a strategic alliance with Morrisons supermarkets.
Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn is in line to replace Louis Schweitzer as Renault chief executive - reward for his successful achievement in turning around the Japanese carmaker. Schweitzer has nominated Ghosn as chief executive, which requires ratification by the Renault board, when he gives up the post in 2005. He will stay as chairman.
Mercedes-Benz has opened a £4m flagship operation in Exeter to retail its own brand and Smart cars - the latter from a facility named Smart Box. The City West Country site was funded by City Motor Holdings and took 100 days to build.
DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have formed a joint venture to develop a family of in-line four cylinder petrol engines. The range of aluminium units -1.8, 2.0 and 2.4-litres - will be used in Hyundai models from 2004 and Chrysler/Mitsubishi cars by 2005. The aluminium design is expected to enhance fuel efficiency and provide improved performance.
Matthew Carrington, the former Conservative MP for the London borough of Fulham, has been revealed as the new chief executive of the Retail Motor Industry Federation. He joins the association on Monday, but will not take up the new role until present chief executive David Evans retires at the end of September. The two men will work side-by-side while Evans, who is likely to retain a consultancy role, guides the RMI through the block exemption changes.<
Late 1990s Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-series saloons are highly regarded stepping stones to quality car ownership.
Biggest rivals to the Ford Focus include the dull but talented Astra and the spacious new generation five-door Honda Civic.
The Ford Puma and Vauxhall Tigra redefined the mini-coupe in the mid-90s. Both were based on superminis (Fiesta and Corsa) with sexier styling and tweaked handling.
<B>Ford </B>still dominates the 1801-3500kg sector with its Transit van, though sector sales are down. It sold 14,140 models in the first quarter (2001: 14,734), compared with Mercedes-Benz in second place on 4787 registrations. Ford also leads the sub-1800kg sector, though its year-to-date sales, at 5631, only just nudging out Vauxhall, on 5562, and Citroen, on 4289.<P>
<B>Vans aren't glamorous. But what they lack in style they can make up in substance - and profits, says Stephen Briers.</B><P>
Guinness Peat Group and JO Hambro have acquired a controlling 58.37 per cent stake in Nationwide Accident Repair Services after its board was forced to recommend their improved offer. The two joint venture capitalists are considering two options for Nationwide: dispose of non-profitable centres and install a management team to turnaround the remainder, or completely break up and sell off the 65 bodyshops.
