Juan Jose Diaz-Ruiz, credited with much of Toyota's recent success in Europe, has joined Fiat Auto as marketing and sales executive vice president.
Alan Pulham, National Franchiseds Dealer Assocation director is forecasting a multi-faceted motor retail sector within five years, based on dealer networks.
Society of Motor Manufacturers Traders' chief executive Christopher Macgowan welcomed this week's prices statement by Stephen Byers, saying it would end months of uncertainty.
Home improvements company Everest is set to become Britain's largest gas-powered fleet following its decision to replace its 600 vehicles with liquefied petroleum gas models. The Hertfordshire-based firm has already taken delivery of 125 gas-powered Ford Transits in a multi-million pound deal, part-funded by the Government-backed Energy Saving Trust's Powershift programme.
Speculation is mounting that Government action to reduce new car prices in the UK is merely a fortaste of more wide-ranging car retail reform following a review of the European Commission block exemption governing car sales through the European Union.
Rover is calling on fleets to 'buy British, buy quality' in a new drive to win back its place as one of the leading fleet suppliers in the country. New fleet sales director Angus Grey said his 'door is open' to all fleets.
Jaguar appears ready to accept multi-franchising with other members of Ford's Premier Automotive Group as it expands the dealer network ready for the launch of X400 next year.
Inverness-based Macrae & Dick has increased its Ford presence in Scotland by taking over Frews in Perth. The acquisition follows the retirement of Frews managing director Bill Farquarson after 48 years.
Lookers' £3.9m acquisition of Mark Kass, with three Nissan and two Toyota dealerships in north London and Essex, strengthens its chances of winning further Nissan-Renault market areas as the two brands merge their dealer operations.
Pendragon, the UK's biggest motor dealer with a £2bn-plus turnover, is on the way to becoming a global retailer after announcing expansion in the US and Germany.
Ben, the Motor and Allied Trade's Benelovent Fund, is banking on a positive industry response to resolve its “critical” financial position, said chief executive Geoffrey Atkinson.
Sytner chief executive Laurence Vaughan believes the motor industry is entering a period where power is moving towards retailers, influenced by Government and consumer pressure.
Carmakers' claims that car prices have fallen - and will fall no further - are failing to bring customers back to the showrooms.
Senior staff at the RMI are mystified by the shock resignation of Alan Hines after three months as chief executive.
Peter Vardy plans to grow his dealer group, ranked third in the AM100, to around 100 dealerships “in the medium term”.
Motor industry bosses have urged Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers to make a quick decision over wording of new laws to deliver price cuts. They believe only a Government statement can end uncertainty in the market.
Volkswagen is advertising for business leaders to take “responsibility for strategic development, profitable growth and day-to-day success” of its franchised dealers.
Manheim Online is preparing to launch a market analysis tool on the internet which will enable dealers to assess average vehicle values dating as far back as 13 months.
Glencullen, the Irish motor distributor, appears to have failed in its bid to build an influential UK retail network through Whichford whose outlets have been reduced from 18 to six.
Gerard Ryan, newly appointed managing director of GE Capital Woodchester, has warned smaller franchised dealers could be “marginalised” unless the Government acts.
The Internet Car Company (TICC), the latest entrant into the motor retail dotcom business, will open 12 “multi-media shops” in prime retail sites to support customers buying from its website.
Within a week of opening for business the crowds were flocking to Star City, Birmingham's new £90m entertainment complex just off the M6.
The Association of Body Repairers is suffering from internal politics and wrangling four months after launch.
Concept, the UK's largest independent used car retailer, has been bought by Interleasing, the contract hire and leasing firm formerly owned by Arriva.
Lookers has paid £3.9m for five Mark Kass dealerships in north London and Essex as it prepares to become one of the most dynamic dealer groups in the country over the next three years.
Management at Peugeot's Ryton plant near Coventry are “reasonably optimistic” about avoiding a potentially disastrous strike.
Paint suppliers ICI Autocolor and PPG have signed a supply partnership deal with Allianz Cornhill, claimed to raise bodyshop profits and reduce Cornhill's costs by charging lower prices and improving efficiency.
The direct loan companies have been quietly adjusting their rates as they gear up for the big sales push on car loans through September and October.
For the second month running carmakers find themselves in limbo - unsure about which finance marketing package will work best in the run-up to September and the vital plate change.
The next few weeks will see the motor industry literally counting the cost of months of market uncertainty. Lack of customer confidence and falling retail sales will be hitting dealers where it hurts most - in their half-year financial results.
