Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Inchcape to announce results in March
Inchcape, the international automotive retailer, will be announcing its preliminary results for the period ending 31 December 2006 on Tuesday 6 March 2007.
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BMW sales soar
BMW sold a record number of vehicles last year as global sales rose 5 per cent to 1.37 million. Revenues for 2006 reached 46bn Euros (£32.2bn) and the company expects sales will rise to 1.4 million units this year.
BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer claimed 2006 was "the best in the company's history" despite a 6.2 per cent decline in Mini sales.
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BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer claimed 2006 was "the best in the company's history" despite a 6.2 per cent decline in Mini sales.
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CO2 parking hike gains approval
A local authority has given the green light to plans that will see the introduction of increased parking fees for the most polluting vehicles. Richmond council in south west London said vehicles with high carbon emissions would now incur three times the normal residential parking fee. According to the BBC, a further nine London councils are considering following Richmond’s move, including Kensington and Chelsea.
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D-day for Aston Martin bidders
Today (30 January) is the deadline for final bids on luxury car brand Aston Martin.
The UK marque is being sold by Ford in an auction process managed by investment bank UBS. Reports indicate that Australian businessman James Packer, son of media mogul Kerry Packer, is heading a powerful consortium of bidders.
He faces competition from the likes of Permira and Alchemy Partners with a sale price of around £500m being mooted.
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The UK marque is being sold by Ford in an auction process managed by investment bank UBS. Reports indicate that Australian businessman James Packer, son of media mogul Kerry Packer, is heading a powerful consortium of bidders.
He faces competition from the likes of Permira and Alchemy Partners with a sale price of around £500m being mooted.
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Nanjing plans Longbridge revival by spring
Nearly two years after the last car rolled off the line at Longbridge, Nanjing Automobile has announced plans to resume small scale production of MG cars at the plant in the spring.
The Chinese firm, which purchased certain assets of the former MG Rover Group, said its plans will start with the manufacture of the MG TF two-seater sports car for retail in both the UK and China.
Most of the assembly process will be completed in Nanjing, but all right-hand drive MG TF roadster customer orders will be subject to final assembly in the revived Longbridge plant.
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The Chinese firm, which purchased certain assets of the former MG Rover Group, said its plans will start with the manufacture of the MG TF two-seater sports car for retail in both the UK and China.
Most of the assembly process will be completed in Nanjing, but all right-hand drive MG TF roadster customer orders will be subject to final assembly in the revived Longbridge plant.
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Monday, January 29, 2007
Inchcape reaches 93.67% of European Motor Holdings
INCHCAPE has extended its recommended cash offer for European Motor Holdings Plc until Feb 6,.
It confirmed Friday morning that it now holds or has received acceptances for 93.67% of the company.
On January 16, Inchcape declared its offer for European Motor Holdings unconditional as to acceptances.
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It confirmed Friday morning that it now holds or has received acceptances for 93.67% of the company.
On January 16, Inchcape declared its offer for European Motor Holdings unconditional as to acceptances.
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Whitehouse runs away with Chrysler Group awards
THE WHITEHOUSE Group scooped both the gold and silver places in last year's Chrysler Jeep and Dodge Dealer of the Year Awards.
The group's Bexleyheath outlet was officially named as the best Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership in the UK for the second year running.
But the group's sister site, in Tonbridge, pushed them all the way claiming the runners-up award.
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The group's Bexleyheath outlet was officially named as the best Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership in the UK for the second year running.
But the group's sister site, in Tonbridge, pushed them all the way claiming the runners-up award.
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Ex Bramall MD in director role for Rybrook
FORMER CD Bramall managing director, Keith Hartrick, has been appointed market area director for Mercedes-Benz North Yorkshire.
Acquired by Rybrook last autumn, the company has three retail outlets in York, Harrogate and Scarborough.
"After spending 20 years in group roles, I'm thrilled to get back to a day-to-day hands-on position with an organisation that is committed to achieving the highest possible standards of service," he said.
Hartrick was with CD Bramall for 11-years and previously had spells at Reg Vardy and McLean & Appleton.
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Acquired by Rybrook last autumn, the company has three retail outlets in York, Harrogate and Scarborough.
"After spending 20 years in group roles, I'm thrilled to get back to a day-to-day hands-on position with an organisation that is committed to achieving the highest possible standards of service," he said.
Hartrick was with CD Bramall for 11-years and previously had spells at Reg Vardy and McLean & Appleton.
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Used car dealers top complaints list
Used car dealers have topped a list of consumer complaints received in the east of England lat year. According to figures from Consumer Direct East of England, there were 2,703 cases involving independent dealers over the past year, making up almost 5 per cent of the total complaints received. Mobile phone service agreements came second, with 1,653 complaints, followed by TVs and new cars bought from independent garages.
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Inchcape hoovers up EMH shares
Inchcape has announced that on 25 January, the second closing date of its offer for European Motor Holdings, it commanded almost 94 per cent of EMH’s existing issued ordinary share capital.This comprised approximately 70 per cent of valid acceptances of EMH shares plus the near 25 per cent already owned by the bidder. Inchcape said the offer would remain open for acceptance until 6 February for all conditions to be met but having acquired a stake exceeding 90 per cent, it can compulsorily buy the remaining shares.
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Peter Vardy doubles up
Peter Vardy has acquired a second dealership while also appointing its first managing partner in the business. The site in Kircaldy is the company’s second Vauxhall dealership and adds to the existing site in Perth. More dealership acquisitions are in the pipeline. Meanwhile, Peter Vardy has appointed its first partner in the business. Mike Berwick, who joined the Perth dealership as general manager last year, has invested in the site to take a stake in the dealership.
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MAZDA UK: 'You ain't seen nothing yet'
MAZDA's flying start to 2007 has spurred boss, Rob Lindley, to tell his dealers and head office staff: 'This is only the beginning.'
Over the last five years Mazda has outgrown all other car brands in the UK.
In the 5-years since 200, when it took over the business from the MCL Group, Mazda has grown its annual sales volume by more than 35,000 units and achieved a growth rate of almost 250%.
Last year the car-maker passed the landmark figures of 50,000 in the UK and finished with a 2% market share.
The challenge now will be to keep that growth going. "The market will be fundamentally static so we will have to fight hard.
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Over the last five years Mazda has outgrown all other car brands in the UK.
In the 5-years since 200, when it took over the business from the MCL Group, Mazda has grown its annual sales volume by more than 35,000 units and achieved a growth rate of almost 250%.
Last year the car-maker passed the landmark figures of 50,000 in the UK and finished with a 2% market share.
The challenge now will be to keep that growth going. "The market will be fundamentally static so we will have to fight hard.
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Fiat unifies all three brands and LCVs
FIAT SpA is to rename its car division as Fiat Group Automobiles SpA.
The aim is to make the three main car brands (Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia) and the light commercial vehicle division a more unified automotive division.
Fiat SpA will own 100% of the newly set up Fiat Automobiles SpA, Alfa Romeo Automobiles SpA, Lancia Automobiles SpA and Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles SpA, with the current heads of the four brands becoming the new CEOs of the newly created companies.
The new organisation will not, however, change the relationship between employees, dealers and suppliers, but will promote better relations with the sales network, customers and partners, Fiat said.
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The aim is to make the three main car brands (Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia) and the light commercial vehicle division a more unified automotive division.
Fiat SpA will own 100% of the newly set up Fiat Automobiles SpA, Alfa Romeo Automobiles SpA, Lancia Automobiles SpA and Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles SpA, with the current heads of the four brands becoming the new CEOs of the newly created companies.
The new organisation will not, however, change the relationship between employees, dealers and suppliers, but will promote better relations with the sales network, customers and partners, Fiat said.
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BLOCK EXEMPTION: NFDA will have its say
PAOLO CESARINI, head of the EU's competition unit, has confirmed it will work with the National Franchised Dealers' Association on the 2010 reform of Block Exemption.
He was in London, this week, when he met members of the NFDA which is part of the RMIF.
Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA said it was an open discussion in which he shared his initial views on the impact of the current Block Exemption Regulation 1400/2002.
The NFDA will have an important role to play over the coming year as the Commission prepares its evaluation report, due for publication in 2008.
"Mr Cesarini confirmed that DG Competition will work closely with us to understand how the industry has been affected by the current Block Exemption Regulation and what shape it envisages a new regulatory framework should take after 2010," she said
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He was in London, this week, when he met members of the NFDA which is part of the RMIF.
Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA said it was an open discussion in which he shared his initial views on the impact of the current Block Exemption Regulation 1400/2002.
The NFDA will have an important role to play over the coming year as the Commission prepares its evaluation report, due for publication in 2008.
"Mr Cesarini confirmed that DG Competition will work closely with us to understand how the industry has been affected by the current Block Exemption Regulation and what shape it envisages a new regulatory framework should take after 2010," she said
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2008 London Motor Show dates confirmed
THE DATES for the 2008 British International Motor Show have been confirmed as 23 July to 3 August.
The event will again be held at the Excel Centre in London's Docklands.
Exhibitor rates (for space only) have been set at £230sqm and £260sqm for a shell scheme.
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The event will again be held at the Excel Centre in London's Docklands.
Exhibitor rates (for space only) have been set at £230sqm and £260sqm for a shell scheme.
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Ford's 2006 losses total $12.7bn
FORD MOTOR Company lost $5.8bn in the fourth quarter.
It takes the car-maker's loss for the year to $12.7bn.
"We began aggressive actions in 2006 to restructure our automotive business so we can operate profitably at lower volumes with a product mix that better reflects consumer demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles," Alan Mulally, president and chief executive said.
"We fully recognise our business reality and are dealing with it. We have a plan and are on track to deliver."
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It takes the car-maker's loss for the year to $12.7bn.
"We began aggressive actions in 2006 to restructure our automotive business so we can operate profitably at lower volumes with a product mix that better reflects consumer demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles," Alan Mulally, president and chief executive said.
"We fully recognise our business reality and are dealing with it. We have a plan and are on track to deliver."
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GOOD BOOST FOR SUBARU-Chrysler man joins IM
LAWRENCE GOOD, the sales director of Chrysler Group UK is switching brands.
He has joined Coleshill-based, Japanese car importer, International Motors Limited in a similar position.
"Lawrence's history with Chrysler Jeep makes him ideally placed to exploit the tremendous expansion potential of the Subaru franchise in particular," said Andrew Edmiston, managing director of Subaru (UK) and Isuzu (UK).
"His time with Chrysler Jeep saw significant increase in volume and that company's expertise with performance cars and 4x4s plus its specialist dealer network makes a good fit."
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He has joined Coleshill-based, Japanese car importer, International Motors Limited in a similar position.
"Lawrence's history with Chrysler Jeep makes him ideally placed to exploit the tremendous expansion potential of the Subaru franchise in particular," said Andrew Edmiston, managing director of Subaru (UK) and Isuzu (UK).
"His time with Chrysler Jeep saw significant increase in volume and that company's expertise with performance cars and 4x4s plus its specialist dealer network makes a good fit."
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BMW says millions of euros lost in shipwreck
BMW has lost millions of euro-worth of goods in the shipwreck of the container ship MSC Napoli, which has been beached off Devon.
"We are talking about losses running into the single-digit millions' of euros," said a BMW spokesman.
"We have lost 77 containers."
The containers contained 39 motorbikes, engines and parts, all destined for South Africa. Some cars were also aboard the ship.
In total the ship was carrying 2,323 containers, of which over 100 have fallen overboard.
BMW said its cargo had been insured.
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"We are talking about losses running into the single-digit millions' of euros," said a BMW spokesman.
"We have lost 77 containers."
The containers contained 39 motorbikes, engines and parts, all destined for South Africa. Some cars were also aboard the ship.
In total the ship was carrying 2,323 containers, of which over 100 have fallen overboard.
BMW said its cargo had been insured.
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VW Insurance Service switches to Zurich Free 7-day drive-away cover added for all VW brands
ZURICH INSURANCE is providing individually- branded motor insurance products for five of the Volkswagen Group brands.
Complimentary 7-day drive away cover will be included for customers of Audi, SEAT, Skoda Auto, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, for both new and used vehicles.
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Complimentary 7-day drive away cover will be included for customers of Audi, SEAT, Skoda Auto, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, for both new and used vehicles.
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Kia sows C'eed for growth
Kia expects full-year sales of the cee’d to reach 10,000 units. The model arrives in UK dealerships in February with prices starting at under £11,000. Kia is confident the cee’d will conquest sales from the lower-medium market leaders such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. The car maker confirmed that Toyota commercial director Paul Philpott will be installed as its new UK managing director next month. His predecessor, Paul Williams, left the company late last year.
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Tough new penalties target phone-using drivers
Motorists that break the law by using a mobile phone while driving face tough new penalties under new government legislation. For the first time the fixed penalty will include three points added to a driving license plus a £60 fine. Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Worryingly, while 92 per cent of people agree with the law, 21 per cent of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from 27 February , the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty.”
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Poor customer service costs industry billions
Poor customer service is costing the automotive industry billions of pounds a year because it fails to retain its clients.
According to a study by the Leadership Factor, a customer service satisfaction measurement company, the cost of acquiring new customers is up to 20 times greater than the cost of retaining them – something the industry fails to do.
The study also found that automotive customers rated as highly satisfied were twice as loyal as satisfied ones.
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According to a study by the Leadership Factor, a customer service satisfaction measurement company, the cost of acquiring new customers is up to 20 times greater than the cost of retaining them – something the industry fails to do.
The study also found that automotive customers rated as highly satisfied were twice as loyal as satisfied ones.
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VW to take control of Irish distribution
VOLKSWAGEN AG is to take control of the wholesale distribution of all of its brands in Ireland from 2008.
Motor Distributors Limited has distributed the Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda brands in Ireland since 1950 but the activities are now to be transferred to a new company named "Volkswagen Group Ireland in October 2008.
Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda business, and all 120 staff currently working for these brands, will transfer to this new company in July 2007.
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Motor Distributors Limited has distributed the Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda brands in Ireland since 1950 but the activities are now to be transferred to a new company named "Volkswagen Group Ireland in October 2008.
Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda business, and all 120 staff currently working for these brands, will transfer to this new company in July 2007.
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RRG Group calls the right tune for Toyota
THE 17-outlet, RRG Group has been named the 2006 Toyota Business Centre of the Year.
The title is competed for by the 94 Toyota Business Centres across the country. They are judged throughout the year on customer service, product knowledge and marketing activities, with three short listed for the final prize.
The centres employ more than 200 staff to provide support in sales and aftersales within their local area for small business and fleet market.
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The title is competed for by the 94 Toyota Business Centres across the country. They are judged throughout the year on customer service, product knowledge and marketing activities, with three short listed for the final prize.
The centres employ more than 200 staff to provide support in sales and aftersales within their local area for small business and fleet market.
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VW Golf tops RVs list
Volkswagen has produced the least depreciating model of the past 12 months. The VW Golf GTi lost the lowest percentage of list price compared to all other models at just 11.5 per cent.
According to the study by Parker’s Car Guides, the Suzuki Alto produced the next-best result, depreciating by 11.7 per cent. Jaguar’s XJ Series XJR was named as the most depreciating model, losing 45.8 per cent of its list price.
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According to the study by Parker’s Car Guides, the Suzuki Alto produced the next-best result, depreciating by 11.7 per cent. Jaguar’s XJ Series XJR was named as the most depreciating model, losing 45.8 per cent of its list price.
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Road tax evasion rises
Road tax evasion is set to cost the government £220m in the year 2006/07. Latest figures from the Department For Transport show that Vehicle Excise Duty evasion increased last year to 2.2 per cent up from 2 per cent in 2005. The government said that drivers of older vehicles were more likely to avoid paying the road tax and that the largest regional increase in evasion was found in the north west.
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Car makers cut C02 emissions
The SMMT claims progress is being made in reducing new car C02 emissions. According to its figures, the average new car sold last year emitted 167.2g/km of C02 - 1.3 per cent less than 2005 and almost 12 per cent down on the average emissions for the 1997 market.
The trade body argued that more could be done to drive the market for cleaner vehicles. SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “Market transformation is not just about bringing new technology to the showroom. It’s about providing incentives where needed and ensuring alternative fuels are available.”
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The trade body argued that more could be done to drive the market for cleaner vehicles. SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “Market transformation is not just about bringing new technology to the showroom. It’s about providing incentives where needed and ensuring alternative fuels are available.”
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VW personnel chief given suspended prison sentence
PETER HARTZ (65) former personnel chief at Volkswagen AG, was today given a 2-year suspended prison sentence and fined euro 576,000 (US$749,000).
He had pleaded guilty to counts of breach of trust.
Among other things, Hartz admitted awarding "special bonuses" worth euro1.9m (US$2.5 million) of VW money to Klaus Volkert, the former head of the company's employee council.
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He had pleaded guilty to counts of breach of trust.
Among other things, Hartz admitted awarding "special bonuses" worth euro1.9m (US$2.5 million) of VW money to Klaus Volkert, the former head of the company's employee council.
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RMIF appoint first non-executive chairman
FORMER PRESIDENT of the RMIF, Alec Murray, has been appointed to a new position of non-executive chairman of the Federation.
The appointment was made at a group board meeting last Thursday.
Murray was president between 1995 and 1997 and was chairman of the National Franchised Dealers Association last year.
The new position will see him head up the Federation's new management team, consisting of Ray Holloway, Sue Robinson and Kevin Waterman.
In addition to his role as director of independent member associations, Ray Holloway will head-up the sales and marketing function, while Sue Robinson, in her role as director of the NFDA, will take responsibility for policy and press.
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The appointment was made at a group board meeting last Thursday.
Murray was president between 1995 and 1997 and was chairman of the National Franchised Dealers Association last year.
The new position will see him head up the Federation's new management team, consisting of Ray Holloway, Sue Robinson and Kevin Waterman.
In addition to his role as director of independent member associations, Ray Holloway will head-up the sales and marketing function, while Sue Robinson, in her role as director of the NFDA, will take responsibility for policy and press.
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