Saturday, April 21, 2007
Porsche to build customer track at Silverstone
PORSCHE GB is building a driver training track where all new owners will be able to receive instruction on their car's performance capabilities and safety systems.
planning permission has been granted for the facility on land adjacent to the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.
It will provide drivers with training in wet- and dry-conditions, as well as simulating ice and snow driving with the use of specially constructed surfaces.
The track has been designed to allow it to be split into four separate areas which can be used independently of each other or connected together to form a longer handling circuit with a length of 2-miles (3.1km).
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
planning permission has been granted for the facility on land adjacent to the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.
It will provide drivers with training in wet- and dry-conditions, as well as simulating ice and snow driving with the use of specially constructed surfaces.
The track has been designed to allow it to be split into four separate areas which can be used independently of each other or connected together to form a longer handling circuit with a length of 2-miles (3.1km).
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
MID COUNTIES Co-operative
MID COUNTIES Co-operative Society is thinking of re-naming all of its Motorworld car dealerships. Both of its Wolverhampton outlets (Hyundai and Volvo) have been re-named Co-Operative Motors.
Other outlets in Oxford (Volvo, VW, Mitsubishi and Mazda), Swindon (Volvo and Mazda), Wantage (Volvo) and Killington (VW) will follow after the trial in Wolverhampton .
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
Other outlets in Oxford (Volvo, VW, Mitsubishi and Mazda), Swindon (Volvo and Mazda), Wantage (Volvo) and Killington (VW) will follow after the trial in Wolverhampton .
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
Mitsubishi speeds new diesel to Europe
MITSUBISHI is bringing forward the introduction of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine to Europe a year earlier than was previously announced.
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
Rolls-Royce adds dealers in China and Austria
ROLLS-ROYCE is pressing ahead in its third largest market - China.
The car-maker's fifth dealership has now opened in Greater China and the Goodwood company's chief executive, Ian Robertson, promised further showrooms will be opened before the end of this year.
Speaking in China at the Shanghai Motor Show, he said: "China is a very important market for Rolls-Royce, with sales in 2006 growing by more than 60%, making the region our third largest market in the world behind the USA and the UK."
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
The car-maker's fifth dealership has now opened in Greater China and the Goodwood company's chief executive, Ian Robertson, promised further showrooms will be opened before the end of this year.
Speaking in China at the Shanghai Motor Show, he said: "China is a very important market for Rolls-Royce, with sales in 2006 growing by more than 60%, making the region our third largest market in the world behind the USA and the UK."
DATED: 21.04.07
FEED: AW
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Lloyds TSB Autolease Going Green ?
FROM TODAY, Lloyds TSB Autolease, will plant a tree for every new vehicle it delivers to its customers, which is expected to be in excess of 30,000 trees per year. The trees will create a new wooded area within The National Forest, which will be officially named later this year after consultation with the local community .
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Experian to buy Hitwise
INFORMATION COMPANY, Experian, has bought internet marketing group, Hitwise, for $240m in cash.
Hitwise monitors the performance of clients' websites to help advertising expenditure be targeted more effectively.
Online advertising now accounts for 11.4% of all UK advertising.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Hitwise monitors the performance of clients' websites to help advertising expenditure be targeted more effectively.
Online advertising now accounts for 11.4% of all UK advertising.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Any colour you like - as long as it's black
SEAT is banking on a rising appetite amongst motorists for black cars.
The UK importer is launching its new Toledo Sport with just one colour option - black.
There's only one engine option, as well, a 2.0-litre TDI diesel combined with Direct Shift Gearbox transmission which blends the best aspects of manual and automatic gearboxes.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
The UK importer is launching its new Toledo Sport with just one colour option - black.
There's only one engine option, as well, a 2.0-litre TDI diesel combined with Direct Shift Gearbox transmission which blends the best aspects of manual and automatic gearboxes.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Citroen opens biggest retail outlet in the UK
THE CITROEN Retail Group will open its biggest dealership tomorrow, at the entrance of Coventry Business Park just off the A45.
This flagship, multi-million pound development is also one of the biggest solus franchise, single site dealerships in the UK. It occupies 2.8-acres, has a 10-car showroom, 12 service bays and room for 100 used vehicles.
It will also have a dedicated 2-van Business Centre sales operation.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
This flagship, multi-million pound development is also one of the biggest solus franchise, single site dealerships in the UK. It occupies 2.8-acres, has a 10-car showroom, 12 service bays and room for 100 used vehicles.
It will also have a dedicated 2-van Business Centre sales operation.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Cherished Number Transfer Bill gets third reading
THE CHERISHED Number Plate Bill has passed through the all important committee stage, and is now scheduled for its Third Reading in the House of Commons tomorrow.
. If it passes this, the Bill will move to the House of Lords to be heard.
The Bill is backed by the RMI Cherished Number Dealers Association (CNDA), a part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, as well as the government, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
. If it passes this, the Bill will move to the House of Lords to be heard.
The Bill is backed by the RMI Cherished Number Dealers Association (CNDA), a part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, as well as the government, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Volvo's strategy change strengthens used prices
VOLVO CAR UK says it change in strategy has seen used car prices strengthen across its range over the past four months.
Volvo previously sold all of its 6-12 month old used cars direct to its dealer network through closed physical and online auctions run by British Car Auctions (BCA).
Since October 2006, however, it has made its cars available through BCA open auction, with an average of 20% being snapped-up by buyers from outside the dealer network.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Volvo previously sold all of its 6-12 month old used cars direct to its dealer network through closed physical and online auctions run by British Car Auctions (BCA).
Since October 2006, however, it has made its cars available through BCA open auction, with an average of 20% being snapped-up by buyers from outside the dealer network.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
VW is still Europe's best-selling brand
VOLKSWAGEN REMAINED as Europe's best selling brand in the first quarter of the year.
Despite sales at Volkswagen dropping by 5.1% to 396,907 units in the first quarter throughout Europe, VW still heads Ford which gained 1.9% with sales of 364,240 units. Opel/Vauxhall, which increased sales by 0.9% to 364,329 units, is in third place.
Jato Dynamics says Ford's increase is due to sales of the S-Max and Galaxy whilst GM had success with the Corsa.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Despite sales at Volkswagen dropping by 5.1% to 396,907 units in the first quarter throughout Europe, VW still heads Ford which gained 1.9% with sales of 364,240 units. Opel/Vauxhall, which increased sales by 0.9% to 364,329 units, is in third place.
Jato Dynamics says Ford's increase is due to sales of the S-Max and Galaxy whilst GM had success with the Corsa.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Prestige car-buyers show colour prejudice
REPORTS OF a general improvement in the residual values of white cars are paling into insignificance.
Lat month, New-Car-Discount.com said its has seen sales of white cars rising by 62% in the last 6-months.
But, today, EurotaxGlass's painted a different picture saying that white is continuing to prove 'highly unpopular on most prestige-brand cars'.
"Unless you are the owner of a niche Porsche 911, such as the GT3 derivative, white is still very detrimental to a prestige-brand car's value," said Richard Crosthwaite, prestige car editor at EurotaxGlass's.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Lat month, New-Car-Discount.com said its has seen sales of white cars rising by 62% in the last 6-months.
But, today, EurotaxGlass's painted a different picture saying that white is continuing to prove 'highly unpopular on most prestige-brand cars'.
"Unless you are the owner of a niche Porsche 911, such as the GT3 derivative, white is still very detrimental to a prestige-brand car's value," said Richard Crosthwaite, prestige car editor at EurotaxGlass's.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Jaguar man honoured for metal fatigue work
PETER BLACKMORE of Jaguar Cars has been selected to receive the Society of Automotive Engineers International's Arch T. Colwell Merit Award.
He will receive the award during the SAE U.K. Northern Centre annual awards in Blackpool. on June 8.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
He will receive the award during the SAE U.K. Northern Centre annual awards in Blackpool. on June 8.
DATED: 19.04.07
FEED: AW
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
RMIF urges caution over road pricing
The RMIF has warned the government that it should not rush into implementing a road pricing scheme.
RMIF: concerned about impact on the industry
The trade association met with the Department for Transport earlier this week to discuss concerns about the impact that road pricing would have on the retail motor sector.
In the short term it has been suggested that a number of different schemes may be implemented by local authorities interested in congestion control but the government is also looking at a nationwide programme.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: MT
Dealers Fail Online
Dealers are failing to invest in their online business despite believing the internet is one of the most important channels for generating sales leads.
A nationwide survey, conducted by Auto Trader, found that 25 per cent of dealers spent nothing on their website in the past year and a fifth spent only £500 or less.
Over half of dealers said they did not use their online marketing to full effect despite 95 per cent claiming that websites are as important as other channels for generating sales.
“It is essential that all dealers, regardless of their size, start evaluating their websites more and monitoring which forms of online marketing work, and which don’t,” said Jonathan Williams, head of marketing at Trader Media Group.
“Statistics like these show that dealers are missing out on the excellent opportunity to maximise the lead generation potential of online marketing.”
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: MT
A nationwide survey, conducted by Auto Trader, found that 25 per cent of dealers spent nothing on their website in the past year and a fifth spent only £500 or less.
Over half of dealers said they did not use their online marketing to full effect despite 95 per cent claiming that websites are as important as other channels for generating sales.
“It is essential that all dealers, regardless of their size, start evaluating their websites more and monitoring which forms of online marketing work, and which don’t,” said Jonathan Williams, head of marketing at Trader Media Group.
“Statistics like these show that dealers are missing out on the excellent opportunity to maximise the lead generation potential of online marketing.”
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: MT
Qashqai orders swamp Sunderland
NISSAN'S SUNDERLAND plant in the UK will, this week, starts production of the Qashqai with the Renault/Nissan 2-litre DCI engine.
Nissan expects over 25% of all Qashqais sold to be equipped with this diesel engine making it the most popular engine choice among buyers.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
Nissan expects over 25% of all Qashqais sold to be equipped with this diesel engine making it the most popular engine choice among buyers.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
Rise in Pendragon shares prompts take-over rumour
PENDRAGON shares, this morning, opened at 126.25, up 1.4% prompting weak suggestions that a private equity bidder is in the wings.
Britain's biggest car retailer holds its annual meeting this Friday.
Some traders suggested that the increase could be that the retailer is about to undertake another sale and leaseback of some of its sites.
Over the last 18-months, Pendragon has undertaken two sale and leaseback schemes.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
Britain's biggest car retailer holds its annual meeting this Friday.
Some traders suggested that the increase could be that the retailer is about to undertake another sale and leaseback of some of its sites.
Over the last 18-months, Pendragon has undertaken two sale and leaseback schemes.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
Wicliffe sells Nissan outlet in Gloucester
WESSEX GARAGES of Bristol has bought the Nissan business of Wicliffe Motor Company in Mercia Road, Gloucester.
The new owner, which holds the Nissan franchise in the west and S. Wales, is planning a £500,000 investment in the 1.7-acre site.
Wicliffe will now concentrate on its Nissan and Renault operations in Stroud which also offers MG Rover servicing.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
The new owner, which holds the Nissan franchise in the west and S. Wales, is planning a £500,000 investment in the 1.7-acre site.
Wicliffe will now concentrate on its Nissan and Renault operations in Stroud which also offers MG Rover servicing.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
Kia UK settles dealer dispute out of court
KIA UK has settled its dispute with former dealer, Kernahan of Witney.
An out-of-court settlement, for an undisclosed, has been made.
The 18-month dispute stems from Kernahan's claim that Kia failed to make certain warranty and sales bonus payments.
"The settlement that has been mutually agreed is fair and equitable, said Martin Kernahan.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
An out-of-court settlement, for an undisclosed, has been made.
The 18-month dispute stems from Kernahan's claim that Kia failed to make certain warranty and sales bonus payments.
"The settlement that has been mutually agreed is fair and equitable, said Martin Kernahan.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
Ellesmere Port gets the new Astra
THE ELLESMERE Port plant of General Motors is one of four chosen to build the new Vauxhall Astra.
The news will safeguard the survival of the UK plant site, when production of the car will commence in 2010. The new model will also be produced in Bochum Germany, Trollhattan Sweden and Gliwice in Poland. The Belgium plant in Antwerp, which has not been selected to produce the new car, now looks in jeopardy as work for the plant will run-out in 2010.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
The news will safeguard the survival of the UK plant site, when production of the car will commence in 2010. The new model will also be produced in Bochum Germany, Trollhattan Sweden and Gliwice in Poland. The Belgium plant in Antwerp, which has not been selected to produce the new car, now looks in jeopardy as work for the plant will run-out in 2010.
DATED: 18.04.07
FEED: AW
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
IMI Attracts record Member Numbers
OVER 3,200 new members were recruited by the Institute of the Motor Industry in the 2006/07 financial year.
The figure of 3,271 was the biggest number of recruits for the Institute in its 87-year history and saw the target of 2,500 smashed.
Around 1,000 of the new members were young people registering as affiliates with automotive qualifications. They were as a result of the IMI's partnership with the National Union of Students.
IMI Membership now stands at over 25,000
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
The figure of 3,271 was the biggest number of recruits for the Institute in its 87-year history and saw the target of 2,500 smashed.
Around 1,000 of the new members were young people registering as affiliates with automotive qualifications. They were as a result of the IMI's partnership with the National Union of Students.
IMI Membership now stands at over 25,000
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
More signing-up claims RMIF
THE RMIF says membership is going from strength to strength, but isn't putting any figures to the claim.
Non-executive chairman, Alec Murray says more businesses than ever before are expressing interest in joining. And existing members are expressed greater satisfaction than ever before since the Federation was re-structured 6-months ago. "This has been partially responsible for the growing interest by prospective members," he said.
"We are confident that the achievements of the last year will encourage many more retail motor sector businesses to join the RMIF and become part of the process shaping the future of our industry.
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
Non-executive chairman, Alec Murray says more businesses than ever before are expressing interest in joining. And existing members are expressed greater satisfaction than ever before since the Federation was re-structured 6-months ago. "This has been partially responsible for the growing interest by prospective members," he said.
"We are confident that the achievements of the last year will encourage many more retail motor sector businesses to join the RMIF and become part of the process shaping the future of our industry.
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
Blue takes on the fleet for VW Commercial
VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL Vehicles has appointed Chris Blue as national fleet manager.
He joins from VW Fleet Services where his position of national fleets sales manager will be filled by Matthew Bowden. Bowden will take-up his role in August when he returns from VW China.
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
He joins from VW Fleet Services where his position of national fleets sales manager will be filled by Matthew Bowden. Bowden will take-up his role in August when he returns from VW China.
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
Magna confirms Chrysler interest
CANADIAN Car parts maker, Magna International, has confirmed its interest in the potential sale of the US Chrysler Group.
Although Daimler Chrysler has confirmed that a sale of the US car-maker is being considered, so far only Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda company has publicly confirmed its interest.
Tracinda has made a $4.5m cash offer.
Magna said it 'continues to review potential alternatives' regarding Chrysler's future.
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
Although Daimler Chrysler has confirmed that a sale of the US car-maker is being considered, so far only Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda company has publicly confirmed its interest.
Tracinda has made a $4.5m cash offer.
Magna said it 'continues to review potential alternatives' regarding Chrysler's future.
DATED: 17.04.07
FEED: AW
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Jaguar gets 100% backing from Mulally
FORD CEO, Alan Mulally, gave hope to Jaguar when he said at the New York Motor Show: "We're 100 percent behind them" adding that "Jaguar is on a really good plan."
Jaguar is now back on a lower volume but higher quality strategy which is what Mulally was referring to.
DATED: 15.04.07
FEED: AW
Jaguar is now back on a lower volume but higher quality strategy which is what Mulally was referring to.
DATED: 15.04.07
FEED: AW
Mini production boost means more UK jobs
BMW IS creating an extra 450 jobs in the UK as Mini production at Oxford is stepped-up to 240,000 cars a year from 2008.
The jobs are spread across the Oxford assembly plant, the Swindon pressing facility (where body panels are produced) and the Hams Hall engine plant in Warwickshire.
DATED: 15.04.07
FEED: AW
The jobs are spread across the Oxford assembly plant, the Swindon pressing facility (where body panels are produced) and the Hams Hall engine plant in Warwickshire.
DATED: 15.04.07
FEED: AW
