Saturday, January 06, 2007
Lind in 920-car deal
LIND BMW in Colchester is benefiting from a 920-car deal won by Lombard Vehicle Management.
The dealership will be supplying all of the cars to Lombard's client, Spicehaart, a local property and financial services group.
The deal is on a sole supplier basis for 3-years.
A key aspect of Lombard's package has been to move from a Mini and Renault fleet mix to a Mini and BMW fleet, with no increase in budget.
DATED:06.01.07
FEED: AW
The dealership will be supplying all of the cars to Lombard's client, Spicehaart, a local property and financial services group.
The deal is on a sole supplier basis for 3-years.
A key aspect of Lombard's package has been to move from a Mini and Renault fleet mix to a Mini and BMW fleet, with no increase in budget.
DATED:06.01.07
FEED: AW
Top sellers in 2006
THE TOP-selling car of 2006 was again the Ford Focus, making it 8-years in a row it has swept away the crown. That now makes 30-years in which a Ford model has topped the UK charts.
"This great result proves our formula of product, quality, pricing and service is finding favour with increasing numbers of UK customers. Together with our dealers we will continue to work hard on this in 2007 - which is really the year of the new Mondeo," said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman.
The Top 10 of 2006
1. Focus - 137,694
2. Astra - 105,296
3. Fiesta - 103,856
4. Corsa - 73,923
5. Megane - 62,069
6. Golf - 62,011
7. Clio - 57,192
8. 3-Series - 50,248
9. Mondeo - 48,021
10. Zafira - 47,527
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: AW
"This great result proves our formula of product, quality, pricing and service is finding favour with increasing numbers of UK customers. Together with our dealers we will continue to work hard on this in 2007 - which is really the year of the new Mondeo," said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman.
The Top 10 of 2006
1. Focus - 137,694
2. Astra - 105,296
3. Fiesta - 103,856
4. Corsa - 73,923
5. Megane - 62,069
6. Golf - 62,011
7. Clio - 57,192
8. 3-Series - 50,248
9. Mondeo - 48,021
10. Zafira - 47,527
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: AW
Dec result distorted by 05's company tax rules
A MAJOR factor in December's disastrous sales figures compared with December 2005, is rooted in the distortion caused by changes to company tax rules.
In December 2005, diesel registrations were artificially boosted by the changes to company car tax rules.
Diesel registrations were up 0.1% in 2006 to hit a record volume of 898,521 units.
The SMMT is forecasting that this year, diesel registrations will show a 2.9% increase to 925,000 units, reaching 932,500 units in 2008.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
In December 2005, diesel registrations were artificially boosted by the changes to company car tax rules.
Diesel registrations were up 0.1% in 2006 to hit a record volume of 898,521 units.
The SMMT is forecasting that this year, diesel registrations will show a 2.9% increase to 925,000 units, reaching 932,500 units in 2008.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Chrysler Group breaks UK records
CHRYSLER Group has achieved record new car sales in 2006 with more than 20,000 cars sold for the first time in the UK.
More than 2,000 registrations were recorded for the 300C, beating all sales targets while retaining impressive residual values.
The Voyager range has also had one of its best ever years in the UK selling more than 5,300 units, with the Stow 'N Go seating system proving popular.
For the Jeep brand, the Grand Cherokee has been the big seller, with sales up 45% on 2005. Figures for the new Dodge Caliber are not being quoted but the company says it has proved a sales success.
Chrysler Group UK managing director, Peter Lambert says the UK is now the second biggest market for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models in Europe.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: AW
More than 2,000 registrations were recorded for the 300C, beating all sales targets while retaining impressive residual values.
The Voyager range has also had one of its best ever years in the UK selling more than 5,300 units, with the Stow 'N Go seating system proving popular.
For the Jeep brand, the Grand Cherokee has been the big seller, with sales up 45% on 2005. Figures for the new Dodge Caliber are not being quoted but the company says it has proved a sales success.
Chrysler Group UK managing director, Peter Lambert says the UK is now the second biggest market for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models in Europe.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: AW
Diesel slump pulls down December sales
Year-on-year new car registrations slumped 14.7 per cent in December to 133,810 units, according to the SMMT.
However, figures for December 2005 were distorted by a surge in diesel sales as fleet buyers rushed to take advantage of the benefit-in- kind tax break before its withdrawal in January 2006.
Sales of oil burners dropped by more than 23 per cent last month.Full year new car sales fell 3.9 per cent to 2.34 million units.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
However, figures for December 2005 were distorted by a surge in diesel sales as fleet buyers rushed to take advantage of the benefit-in- kind tax break before its withdrawal in January 2006.
Sales of oil burners dropped by more than 23 per cent last month.Full year new car sales fell 3.9 per cent to 2.34 million units.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Hanif acquires Dan Perkins
Hanif Automotive, which owns and operates West London Nissan, has acquired the three Nissan businesses operated by Dan Perkins in Ruislip, Slough and High Wycombe for an undisclosed sum.
This brings the group’s representation up to six Nissan sites across neighbouring territories and doubles its turnover to around £65m.
While the Dan Perkins senior management team has resigned as part of the deal, the remaining staff will stay in place and the sites will continue to trade as Dan Perkins. West London Nissan was the winner of the 2006 Motor Trader Most Improved Business Award.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
This brings the group’s representation up to six Nissan sites across neighbouring territories and doubles its turnover to around £65m.
While the Dan Perkins senior management team has resigned as part of the deal, the remaining staff will stay in place and the sites will continue to trade as Dan Perkins. West London Nissan was the winner of the 2006 Motor Trader Most Improved Business Award.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Early return for Vertu backers
Former Reg Vardy director Robert Forrester has made a successful start with his new dealer group after he returned investors almost a third of their money within the past two weeks.
According to reports from the city, shares in Vertu Motors, which launched on the AIM exchange before Christmas, are already trading at 77.4p. That represents an increase of 29 per cent from the initial trading price of 60p.
Vertu has secured around £25m from its successful launch and aims to take advantage of the UK’s fragmented motor retail sector.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
According to reports from the city, shares in Vertu Motors, which launched on the AIM exchange before Christmas, are already trading at 77.4p. That represents an increase of 29 per cent from the initial trading price of 60p.
Vertu has secured around £25m from its successful launch and aims to take advantage of the UK’s fragmented motor retail sector.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Caffyns sells Kent site
Caffyns, the southern-based dealer group, has sold its vacant Hythe dealership in Kent to a property development company.
Churchill Retirement Living has paid £1.47m for the site – the book value of the land is £786,000 and the surplus on the sale is £693,000.
In a statement to the stock exchange Caffyns said the proceeds from the sale would be used to reduce borrowings.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Churchill Retirement Living has paid £1.47m for the site – the book value of the land is £786,000 and the surplus on the sale is £693,000.
In a statement to the stock exchange Caffyns said the proceeds from the sale would be used to reduce borrowings.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Ford could still sell Jaguar
Ford has not ruled out selling its Premier Automotive Group brand Jaguar as part of its drive to cut costs.
Chief executive Alan Mulally, who took up his post in September last year, said Ford would continue to evaluate its portfolio going forward.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989. The prestige brand is to unveil a four-door concept car at the Detroit motor show next week to herald the start of a new design era. Ford aims to complete the sale of Aston Martin this year.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Chief executive Alan Mulally, who took up his post in September last year, said Ford would continue to evaluate its portfolio going forward.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989. The prestige brand is to unveil a four-door concept car at the Detroit motor show next week to herald the start of a new design era. Ford aims to complete the sale of Aston Martin this year.
DATED: 06.01.07
FEED: MT
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Leasedrive and Velo merge
THE LEASEDRIVE Group and Velo have merged to create the largest independent privately-owned vehicle management group in the UK.
The new company - Leasedrive Velo - has a combined vehicle fleet of around 17,500 cars.
Chief executive is Roger Partridge (previously CEO of Leasedrive).
Roddy Graham, formerly commercial director of Leasedrive, stays in the same position in the new group. Tony Johnston, formerly chief executive of Velo, becomes chief operating officer. Leasedrive's chief operating officer, David Bird FCA MCT, becomes the new group's chief financial officer.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: AW
The new company - Leasedrive Velo - has a combined vehicle fleet of around 17,500 cars.
Chief executive is Roger Partridge (previously CEO of Leasedrive).
Roddy Graham, formerly commercial director of Leasedrive, stays in the same position in the new group. Tony Johnston, formerly chief executive of Velo, becomes chief operating officer. Leasedrive's chief operating officer, David Bird FCA MCT, becomes the new group's chief financial officer.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: AW
Inchcape opens new Lexus site in Derby
Inchcape has opened the doors to its new multi-million pound Lexus dealership in Derby.
Alongside the eight car showroom, the site also features a 13 bay workshop and customer lounge.
The new premises mark the end of a six year absence for Lexus in the town. “We are keen to expand our business in developing markets, such as Derbyshire, and create strong relationships with core brand partners such as Inchcape,” said Lexus franchise director David Waghorn.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
Alongside the eight car showroom, the site also features a 13 bay workshop and customer lounge.
The new premises mark the end of a six year absence for Lexus in the town. “We are keen to expand our business in developing markets, such as Derbyshire, and create strong relationships with core brand partners such as Inchcape,” said Lexus franchise director David Waghorn.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
Used car values recover in 2006
Residual values fell at a slower rate last year than in 2005 with cars aged between one and five years receiving a significant year-on-year uplift in depreciation.
Research by EurotaxGlass’s found that the trend was equivalent to an additional 3 per cent of retained value on the average three-year-old car.
The analysts said the uplift reversed a downward trend that dated back to 2004 and had affected most vehicle segments.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
Research by EurotaxGlass’s found that the trend was equivalent to an additional 3 per cent of retained value on the average three-year-old car.
The analysts said the uplift reversed a downward trend that dated back to 2004 and had affected most vehicle segments.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
Daihatsu announces price cuts
Daihatsu has unveiled a raft of discounts on models in the run up to its centenary celebrations later this year.
All Terios off-roaders have had £1,000 slashed from the list price with the Sirion hatchback receiving a £500 discount.
The offers are available until the end of March. Daihatsu was founded in 1907 to manufacture internal combustion engines.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
All Terios off-roaders have had £1,000 slashed from the list price with the Sirion hatchback receiving a £500 discount.
The offers are available until the end of March. Daihatsu was founded in 1907 to manufacture internal combustion engines.
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
Perrys acquires Land Rover site
Perrys Motor Sales has acquired the Land Rover dealership in Luton for an undisclosed sum.
The Stratstone site has now been re-branded and Perrys will retain all the existing staff.
Perrys managing director Ray Sommerville said: “The purchase of the Land Rover franchise is part of Perrys’ overall strategic plan to grow the business through selective acquisitions in specific areas of the country, and to increase our stable of prestige marques.”
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
The Stratstone site has now been re-branded and Perrys will retain all the existing staff.
Perrys managing director Ray Sommerville said: “The purchase of the Land Rover franchise is part of Perrys’ overall strategic plan to grow the business through selective acquisitions in specific areas of the country, and to increase our stable of prestige marques.”
DATED: 04.01.07
FEED: MT
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Chrysler puts small car plan in motion with China
AMERICA'S CHRYSLER Group has signed a letter of intent with China's Chery Automobile Co for a new global small car.
The intent is for the car to be produced in China.
But before the intent can be taken further, it need approval by the Chinese government and the Daimler Chrysler AG supervisory board.
The Daimler Chrysler Supervisory boards meets this month.
The car would carry a Chrysler brand.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: AW
The intent is for the car to be produced in China.
But before the intent can be taken further, it need approval by the Chinese government and the Daimler Chrysler AG supervisory board.
The Daimler Chrysler Supervisory boards meets this month.
The car would carry a Chrysler brand.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: AW
Garel Rhys in New Year honours list
PROFESSOR Garel Rhys OBE, of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff Business School, has been honoured in the New Year Honours list.
He received the CBE for services to economic research in Wales.
Widely regarded as one of Britain's leading independent commentator on the industry, he is also chairman of the Welsh Assembly government's economic research advisory panel.
DATED:03.01.07
FEED: AW
He received the CBE for services to economic research in Wales.
Widely regarded as one of Britain's leading independent commentator on the industry, he is also chairman of the Welsh Assembly government's economic research advisory panel.
DATED:03.01.07
FEED: AW
Lookers Group Update
DAVID BLAKEMAN has retired as company secretary of Lookers.
The position will be filled by Stuart MacDonald who joined the company two years ago. Blakeman became a director in 1989.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: AW
The position will be filled by Stuart MacDonald who joined the company two years ago. Blakeman became a director in 1989.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: AW
Hatfields leaps forward with Jaguar
Family-owned dealer group Hatfields has taken on the Jaguar franchise in Worcester with a new showroom opening in Ombersley Road on 2 January.
Hatfields now has six Jaguar sites with existing facilities in Shrewsbury, Liverpool, Wakefield, Sheffield and Hull. In all the group covers eight brands across 16 locations.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: MT
Hatfields now has six Jaguar sites with existing facilities in Shrewsbury, Liverpool, Wakefield, Sheffield and Hull. In all the group covers eight brands across 16 locations.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: MT
Park's snaps up Henry Bros
Park’s Motor Group has acquired the Glasgow-based Henry Bros dealer group for an undisclosed sum.
The deal will see the two sites in the Scottish capital re-brand as Douglas Park and added to the group’s 30-strong portfolio of showrooms.
“The acquisition will further consolidate our position as a major player with BMW in the UK,” said chairman Douglas Park.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: MT
The deal will see the two sites in the Scottish capital re-brand as Douglas Park and added to the group’s 30-strong portfolio of showrooms.
“The acquisition will further consolidate our position as a major player with BMW in the UK,” said chairman Douglas Park.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: MT
New vehicle disposal rules come into force
Car owners are now entitled to a free take-back of their old vehicles after new rules came into effect on 1 January.
Under the End of Life Vehicle regulations car makers will assume responsibility for the safe disposal of their old models.
Two service providers, Autogreen and Car Take Back, have signed up the UK’s major manufacturers. The government has an 85 per cent target in place to recover scrap cars.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: MT
Under the End of Life Vehicle regulations car makers will assume responsibility for the safe disposal of their old models.
Two service providers, Autogreen and Car Take Back, have signed up the UK’s major manufacturers. The government has an 85 per cent target in place to recover scrap cars.
DATED: 03.01.07
FEED: MT
