Friday, May 04, 2007
Private and Fleet registrations lead April charge
BOTH PRIVATE and Fleet sales increases in the UK during April meant that total registrations rose for the third time this year.
Out of a total of 170,163 units, private sales touched 74,905 units (a 4.9% increase) whilst Fleet business rose by a similar amount to 86,068 units.
It was the Business sector which let the party down, Business registration were down 5.5% to 9,190.
Year-to-date, however, all sectors are ahead. Private sales (388,877 units) are 1.4% ahead of this time last year; Fleet business (412,933 units) is 4.8% ahead and Business sales (56,829 units) is 3.6% in front of this time last year.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
Out of a total of 170,163 units, private sales touched 74,905 units (a 4.9% increase) whilst Fleet business rose by a similar amount to 86,068 units.
It was the Business sector which let the party down, Business registration were down 5.5% to 9,190.
Year-to-date, however, all sectors are ahead. Private sales (388,877 units) are 1.4% ahead of this time last year; Fleet business (412,933 units) is 4.8% ahead and Business sales (56,829 units) is 3.6% in front of this time last year.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
Honda promises UK another hybrid - and hydrogen
HONDA IS promising a further hybrid model into the UK within the next two years.
At the same time it will also bring a small number of the FCX fuel cell car around the same time.
"We will have a more financially accessible hybrid available by 2009. We have no idea of the size of the hybrid market right now, we just know that right now we can't meet demand," commented UK managing director, Ken Kier.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
At the same time it will also bring a small number of the FCX fuel cell car around the same time.
"We will have a more financially accessible hybrid available by 2009. We have no idea of the size of the hybrid market right now, we just know that right now we can't meet demand," commented UK managing director, Ken Kier.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
Surprise as Fiat tops UK list of green car makers
FIAT, Peugeot, Citroen, Toyota and Skoda have been named as the top five manufacturers of green cars on sale in the UK.
Clean Green Cars has conducted a unique research programme into the CO2 performance of every car manufacturer operating in the UK. It took the official CO2 output of every model and correlated that figure to its sales in both the first quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2006.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
Clean Green Cars has conducted a unique research programme into the CO2 performance of every car manufacturer operating in the UK. It took the official CO2 output of every model and correlated that figure to its sales in both the first quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2006.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
New chief appointed at Trader Media Group
TRADER Media Group, publisher of Auto Trader, has appointed Australian, John King (39) as chief executive.
He is currently the chief executive of Trading Post, Australia's leading specialist classifieds business publication.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
He is currently the chief executive of Trading Post, Australia's leading specialist classifieds business publication.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
UK car registrations rise again in April
CAR registrations in the UK rose again in April - the third rise in four months.
April's total of 170,163 units is up 4.3% and private demand is at its strongest since March 2004 with 4.9% rise.
"It's yet another boost to new car registrations, continuing the better-than-expected trend during the first quarter of 2007," said SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
April's total of 170,163 units is up 4.3% and private demand is at its strongest since March 2004 with 4.9% rise.
"It's yet another boost to new car registrations, continuing the better-than-expected trend during the first quarter of 2007," said SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: AW
Car dealers reject finance sales
Car dealers are shunning insurance sales because of government over-regulation.
The NFDA warned that since the introduction of the Financial Services Authority regulations in 2005, which govern the sale of insurance related products, the number of dealers selling finance has plummeted.
According to an NFDA survey, the number of dealers with full FSA authorisation has dropped from 76 per cent in 2005 to 54 per cent currently.
The percentage acting as insurance introducers - the least regulated option – has risen from 4 per cent to 17 per cent over the same period.
“The complexity and cost involved in being authorised is clearly putting many dealers off,” said Louise Wallis, the NFDA’s head of business development.
“Many in the motor trade believe that they should never have been included in the regulations in the first place.”
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: MT
The NFDA warned that since the introduction of the Financial Services Authority regulations in 2005, which govern the sale of insurance related products, the number of dealers selling finance has plummeted.
According to an NFDA survey, the number of dealers with full FSA authorisation has dropped from 76 per cent in 2005 to 54 per cent currently.
The percentage acting as insurance introducers - the least regulated option – has risen from 4 per cent to 17 per cent over the same period.
“The complexity and cost involved in being authorised is clearly putting many dealers off,” said Louise Wallis, the NFDA’s head of business development.
“Many in the motor trade believe that they should never have been included in the regulations in the first place.”
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: MT
Ferrari is the best place to work
Ferrari has been named as the best place to work in Europe.
Ferrari: Europe's happiest workers
The Great Place to Work Institute placed the luxury brand top in its latest survey for providing employees with the best possible working conditions and encouraging professional growth.
Over a thousand companies throughout Europe participated in the survey.
Ferrari said it was proud to have won the award and credited its training programme as a major factor in helping it win.
The carmarker said training was one of its main focuses and last year it sent 89 per cent of its employees on training programmes.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: MT
BMW profits slide
BMW has seen profits slide in the first quarter due to heavy investment in new product launches.
Pre-tax profits in the first three months of the year fell 34.3 per cent to 852m euro down from 1,296m euro in the same period in 2006.
DATED: 04.05.07
FEED: MT
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Dealer stung by speeding fine
Trader responsible for test drive ticket
A Hampshire car dealer facing prosecution after a demonstration car was recorded by a speed camera could be the victim of a legal grey area with ramifications for the wider motor trade.
Grigg must pay for test drive ticket
British Independent Motor Trade Association member Stephen Grigg runs Hook-based grey import and used car dealer Pocket Savers.
Four weeks after releasing a car for a test drive he received a speeding-related penalty notice for it.
DATED: 03.05.07
FEED: MT
A Hampshire car dealer facing prosecution after a demonstration car was recorded by a speed camera could be the victim of a legal grey area with ramifications for the wider motor trade.
Grigg must pay for test drive ticket
British Independent Motor Trade Association member Stephen Grigg runs Hook-based grey import and used car dealer Pocket Savers.
Four weeks after releasing a car for a test drive he received a speeding-related penalty notice for it.
DATED: 03.05.07
FEED: MT
Used Car Values under threat
A mix of over supply and longer vehicle lifespans could smash used car values and render some older models worthless, warned Manheim Auctions’ Rob Barr at the first Motor Trader Forum.
Barr: 32m vehicles have joined the market
“More used cars are being pushed at the consumer,” Barr told Forum delegates, warning that an extra 32 million secondhand vehicles had joined the market in the past six years.
“What are we going to do with these cars? Line them up bumper to bumper? That's 1,200 miles, or three times round the M25,” he said.
DATED: 03.05.07
FEED: MT
Honda launches internet recruitment drive
Honda has launched a web based staff recruitment initiative to help its dealers target, identify and assess the best technicians, sales staff and managers.
Honda wants to attract talented staff
The programme features a designated website – www.hondapeople.co.uk – which the brand hopes will help dealers find candidates with the right skills for any role within their business while also reducing their recruitment costs. Honda claims the website attracted 3,500 unique visitors in its first two weeks and it expects that figure to rise dramatically as more dealers sign up for the programme and the number of advertised vacancies increases.
DATED: 03.05.07
FEED: MT
Honda wants to attract talented staff
The programme features a designated website – www.hondapeople.co.uk – which the brand hopes will help dealers find candidates with the right skills for any role within their business while also reducing their recruitment costs. Honda claims the website attracted 3,500 unique visitors in its first two weeks and it expects that figure to rise dramatically as more dealers sign up for the programme and the number of advertised vacancies increases.
DATED: 03.05.07
FEED: MT
**NEWS** Phillip Carter, Carter & Carter Group PLC
Pending formal confirmation by the relevant authorities, it is with deep sadness that the Company announces that Phillip Carter, Group Chief Executive of Carter & Carter Group plc is missing and is believed to have been killed in a helicopter crash in the early hours of this morning together with his son, Andrew, a family friend Jonathan Waller and the pilot Stephen Holdich.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Phillip’s wife Judith, daughter Natalya and the family and friends of all those involved in this tragic accident.
DATED: 03.05.07
FEED: Andy Tong
Our thoughts and condolences are with Phillip’s wife Judith, daughter Natalya and the family and friends of all those involved in this tragic accident.
DATED: 03.05.07
FEED: Andy Tong
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Pendragon steps aside from Sunderland sponsorship
PENDRAGON HAS shunned the opportunity of having its name on Sunderland Football Club's shirts when the club returns to the Premiership next season.The Vardy name has been on the club's shirts for the past 8-years but Vardy owner, Pendragon, has stepped aside from the sponsorship in favour of Irish bookmaker, Boylesports.
The deal could net Sunderland more than £10m over 4-years as the sponsorship is performance-related.
"We offered the club the option that if they could secure a long-term deal to support Premiership football, we would step aside early," said Pendragon chief executive, Trevor Finn.
The Vardy contract with Sunderland was due to end at the end of next season.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
The deal could net Sunderland more than £10m over 4-years as the sponsorship is performance-related.
"We offered the club the option that if they could secure a long-term deal to support Premiership football, we would step aside early," said Pendragon chief executive, Trevor Finn.
The Vardy contract with Sunderland was due to end at the end of next season.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
Motorline to put Nissan back in Tunbridge Wells
THE MOTORLINE Group is to re-establish a Nissan dealership in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
The 9-car showroom and 8-bay workshop in Dowding Way is earmarked for completion in September.
The previous Birchwood Nissan dealership went into receivership in July 2005 with the loss of 34 jobs.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
The 9-car showroom and 8-bay workshop in Dowding Way is earmarked for completion in September.
The previous Birchwood Nissan dealership went into receivership in July 2005 with the loss of 34 jobs.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
Toyota extends online finance
TOYOTA HAS added finance calculators to its website for the Aygo, Yaris, RAV 4 and Auris.
For the first time web users can now configure any Toyota model online and create a bespoke PCP finance quotation and apply for finance at the same time.
Customers fill in a simple online application and receive an instant acknowledgement. Their request is then electronically processed by Toyota Financial Services and the customer and their chosen Toyota Centre are notified of a lending decision within 24 hours.
"We have found that demand for online finance quotations has been growing," said marketing manager, Brian Munday. Toyota Financial intends to develop this online approach in the future, he added.
DATED: 02.0507
FEED: AW
For the first time web users can now configure any Toyota model online and create a bespoke PCP finance quotation and apply for finance at the same time.
Customers fill in a simple online application and receive an instant acknowledgement. Their request is then electronically processed by Toyota Financial Services and the customer and their chosen Toyota Centre are notified of a lending decision within 24 hours.
"We have found that demand for online finance quotations has been growing," said marketing manager, Brian Munday. Toyota Financial intends to develop this online approach in the future, he added.
DATED: 02.0507
FEED: AW
First Roewe models to be sold in UK by Ssangyong
CHINESE-BUILT Roewe cars from Shanghai Automotive will come to Europe from next year, earlier than expected.
And AuoWired understands that they will be badged, initially, as Ssangyong, the Korean company owned by Shanghai, and sold through Ssangyong dealers.
Distributors of Ssangyong in the UK are thought to be close to reaching agreement to sell the Chinese Cars.
By 2010, however, the plan is for the cars to be re-badged as Roewe and sold through a new SAIC distribution network.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
And AuoWired understands that they will be badged, initially, as Ssangyong, the Korean company owned by Shanghai, and sold through Ssangyong dealers.
Distributors of Ssangyong in the UK are thought to be close to reaching agreement to sell the Chinese Cars.
By 2010, however, the plan is for the cars to be re-badged as Roewe and sold through a new SAIC distribution network.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
Vertu adds Blakes to Bristol Street
NEWCOMER, Vertu Motors is paying an estimated £4.9m for Blake Holdings which has 3 dealerships and a service centre.
All of the businesses - a Vauxhall dealership in Chesterfield, a Vauxhall service centre in Matlock and Peugeot dealerships located in Chesterfield and Worksop - will all assume the Bristol Street Motors name.
Vertu acquired the Bristol Street Group in March.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
All of the businesses - a Vauxhall dealership in Chesterfield, a Vauxhall service centre in Matlock and Peugeot dealerships located in Chesterfield and Worksop - will all assume the Bristol Street Motors name.
Vertu acquired the Bristol Street Group in March.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: AW
Subaru launches Tribeca offers
Subaru is pulling out all the stops to attract customers to the Tribeca SUV model following disappointing sales since its launch in November 2006.
Tribeca sales have not been strong
The carmaker is offering a five year free servicing , warranty, home and roadside assistance and 0 per cent finance on the 4x4 between May and July.
The package is fully transferable, with a 100,000 mile limit for warranty and 50,000 mile limit for servicing, as well as a 50 per cent deposit payment for the finance.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
Tribeca sales have not been strong
The carmaker is offering a five year free servicing , warranty, home and roadside assistance and 0 per cent finance on the 4x4 between May and July.
The package is fully transferable, with a 100,000 mile limit for warranty and 50,000 mile limit for servicing, as well as a 50 per cent deposit payment for the finance.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
Staff recruitment is key says Vardy
Recruiting quality staff is essential for dealer profitability but finding and retaining them is tough, delegates at the inaugural Motor Trader Forum were told.
Held in Central London last week, the Forum, sponsored by BDO Stoy Hayward, brought together leading figures from dealer groups, finance houses, manufacturers and industry analysts to generate an overview of the industry in 2007.
According to Peter Vardy of the Vardy Group, high calibre employees were essential profit drivers.
“Everybody is looking for good people,” he said. “That’s the thing. There’s a lack of fantastic people.”
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
Imperial Commercials expands
Commercial vehicle dealer group Imperial Commercials is investing £1.6m in a new dealership in Frome, Somerset.
The £1.6m site is under construction
This site will replace the company's existing facilities in the town and a site in Westbury.
The dealership will sell new DAF trucks and Fiat vans, as well as servicing all makes of commercial vehicles.
Additional services at the showroom will include finance and lease options, contract hire, MoT testing, and parts supply for commercial vehicles and trailer parts.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
The £1.6m site is under construction
This site will replace the company's existing facilities in the town and a site in Westbury.
The dealership will sell new DAF trucks and Fiat vans, as well as servicing all makes of commercial vehicles.
Additional services at the showroom will include finance and lease options, contract hire, MoT testing, and parts supply for commercial vehicles and trailer parts.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
Pendragon claims new car over supply
Pre-registrations have pushed up sales
Pendragon has claimed new car registrations rose in the first quarter of the year because of high numbers of pre-registrations despite waning demand from consumers.
Speaking at its annual general meeting last week, Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman of the UK's largest dealer group, said: “Moving into April there were a significant number of cars registered and not sold to a customer.”
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
Pendragon has claimed new car registrations rose in the first quarter of the year because of high numbers of pre-registrations despite waning demand from consumers.
Speaking at its annual general meeting last week, Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman of the UK's largest dealer group, said: “Moving into April there were a significant number of cars registered and not sold to a customer.”
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
Gilbran opens Mercedes site
Gilbran, the automotive real estate company, has completed work on a new Mercedes-Benz dealership for the City West Country dealer group.
Gilbran completes fourth Mercedes site
The Truro-based development marks the final stage in a four-site Mercedes-Benz dealer development programme for CWC, which gives the group a total of 72,000 sq ft of retail and aftersales space.
Gilbran has already purchased the sites and developed the showroom and aftersales facilities for CWC group in Exeter, Taunton and Plymouth.
DATED: 02.05.07
FEED: MT
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Somerset dealer sells-up and retires
FRANK FALBO, owner of Vale Motors in Wincanton, Somerset is retiring having sold his Subaru, Isuzu and Fiat business to F. J. Chalke.
The Chalke Group, which has a Nissan dealership in the town as well as in Yeovil, plus a Kia outlet in Mere, says the Vale name will be retained.
Chalke's Steve Fowler, who heads the group's Wincanton dealership, will be responsible for the Vale site which has annual sales of around £5m.
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
The Chalke Group, which has a Nissan dealership in the town as well as in Yeovil, plus a Kia outlet in Mere, says the Vale name will be retained.
Chalke's Steve Fowler, who heads the group's Wincanton dealership, will be responsible for the Vale site which has annual sales of around £5m.
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
Jardine reviewing Mercedes ahead of Ipswich move
JARDINE MOTORS Group is undertaking a review of its operational structure within its Mercedes-Benz and Smart dealership in Ipswich in advance of a move.
"This process involves consultation with a number of staff and may lead to a limited number of redundancies," confirmed Alun Jones, Jardine's operations director.
DATED: .01.05.07
FEED: AW
"This process involves consultation with a number of staff and may lead to a limited number of redundancies," confirmed Alun Jones, Jardine's operations director.
DATED: .01.05.07
FEED: AW
MNH Vehicle Contracts buys Platinum
MNH Vehicle Contracts has purchased Platinum Fleet Management Ltd of Wakefield for an undisclosed sum.
The merger has created a new company, called MNH Platinum Ltd which offers total fleet solutions and a catalogue of over 10,000 vehicles.
Directors will be managing directors Mark Hindle ( from MNH), John Epsom (MNH), sales director Steve Barraclough ( from Platinum) and finance director Justine Pursglove (MNH).
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
The merger has created a new company, called MNH Platinum Ltd which offers total fleet solutions and a catalogue of over 10,000 vehicles.
Directors will be managing directors Mark Hindle ( from MNH), John Epsom (MNH), sales director Steve Barraclough ( from Platinum) and finance director Justine Pursglove (MNH).
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
New Auris sales are 'phenomenal'
INCHCAPE'S NEW Toyota dealership on Pride Park Derby is reporting that sales of the new Auris are exceeding expectations.
"We're enjoying phenomenal sales," said general manager, John Knowles. "It's outstripping all our wildest expectations. Demand is even exceeding supply of some versions," he added.
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
"We're enjoying phenomenal sales," said general manager, John Knowles. "It's outstripping all our wildest expectations. Demand is even exceeding supply of some versions," he added.
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
Vardy share price movement cited in FT study
THE RISE in the price of Reg Vardy shares 4-days before Pendragon made its £467m offer for the Sunderland retailer has raised a few eyebrows.
An independent study by the Financial Times into the share price movements of some UK bid targets over the past two years reveals several examples where share prices rose significantly more than normal just before the bids were announced.
Shares in Reg Vardy, for instance, rose 8.2% relative to its sector four days before the Pendragon bid in 2006.
Such a share price movement was so rare it had a one in 3.5m chance of happening.
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
An independent study by the Financial Times into the share price movements of some UK bid targets over the past two years reveals several examples where share prices rose significantly more than normal just before the bids were announced.
Shares in Reg Vardy, for instance, rose 8.2% relative to its sector four days before the Pendragon bid in 2006.
Such a share price movement was so rare it had a one in 3.5m chance of happening.
DATED: 01.05.07
FEED: AW
Monday, April 30, 2007
Van Centre offers off-the-shelf conversions
CITYGATE Volkswagen's van centre in Colindale is offering van buyers a 'one-stop' service for conversions.
The retailer has teamed-up with Boalloy and Ingimex to provide the dropside, tipper and Luton conversions.
The 'off-the-shelf' conversions are currently available on the Crafter CR35 body with chassis or double cab (chassis cab only on Luton).
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
The retailer has teamed-up with Boalloy and Ingimex to provide the dropside, tipper and Luton conversions.
The 'off-the-shelf' conversions are currently available on the Crafter CR35 body with chassis or double cab (chassis cab only on Luton).
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
HR Owen finance chief leaving today
DAVID JAGGER, finance director of HR Owen, leaves the company today.
The retailer said the move follows the successful outcome of the recent restructuring process.
He is being replaced by Michael Warren, a chartered accountant who has been the group financial controller for HR Owen since 1993.
The HR Owen board said it would like to thank Mr Jaggar for the invaluable contribution he has made to the company over the last 15 years.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
The retailer said the move follows the successful outcome of the recent restructuring process.
He is being replaced by Michael Warren, a chartered accountant who has been the group financial controller for HR Owen since 1993.
The HR Owen board said it would like to thank Mr Jaggar for the invaluable contribution he has made to the company over the last 15 years.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Truck dealer investing £1.6m in Somerset
IMPERIAL COMMERCIALS is investing over £1.6m in a new, purpose-built dealership in Frome, Somerset.
It will sell new DAF trucks and Fiat vans and service all makes of commercial vehicles over extended operating hours and will replace the company's existing facilities in Frome and Westbury.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
It will sell new DAF trucks and Fiat vans and service all makes of commercial vehicles over extended operating hours and will replace the company's existing facilities in Frome and Westbury.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Ford is most trusted UK car brand
ACCORDING TO Reader's Digest, Ford is Britain's most trusted car brand.
Ford won its category in the 2007 Reader's Digest European Trusted Brands survey, for the seventh consecutive year.
The UK on-line survey took place between October and November 2006.
European respondents were drawn from the magazine's customer database of 4.5m million homes across 15 countries.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Ford won its category in the 2007 Reader's Digest European Trusted Brands survey, for the seventh consecutive year.
The UK on-line survey took place between October and November 2006.
European respondents were drawn from the magazine's customer database of 4.5m million homes across 15 countries.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Porsche cleared for VW take-over bid
GERMAN CAR-maker, Porsche, has been given official approval from German financial authorities to launch a take-over offer for Volkswagen.
Porsche will offer 100.92 euros for each Volkswagen ordinary share and 65.54 euros per preference share.
Both prices are below the current market price and it is expected that few VW shareholders will accept.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Porsche will offer 100.92 euros for each Volkswagen ordinary share and 65.54 euros per preference share.
Both prices are below the current market price and it is expected that few VW shareholders will accept.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Despite profit, Ford Europe will still cut costs
FORD EUROPE, including the operations of PAG, now employs more people than Ford N. America.
At the end of the first quarter, Ford Europe and PAG employed 111,000 people compared to the 110,000 people still employed in N. America. In the quarter, the N. American operations shed 18,000 jobs to stem huge losses.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
At the end of the first quarter, Ford Europe and PAG employed 111,000 people compared to the 110,000 people still employed in N. America. In the quarter, the N. American operations shed 18,000 jobs to stem huge losses.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
RAA appoints new chairman
Marc Matthew has been appointed as the new chairman of the Retail Automotive Alliance.
Matthew head up Lifestyle Ford
Outgoing head Philip Maskell stepped down after serving three years as its inaugural chairman.
Matthew, chairman of the multi franchise Lifestyle Europe Group, was also a founder member of the RAA and has been a director since its formation.The RAA was launched in January 2005 featuring 22 franchised dealer groups running 155 sites in the UK.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: MT
Matthew head up Lifestyle Ford
Outgoing head Philip Maskell stepped down after serving three years as its inaugural chairman.
Matthew, chairman of the multi franchise Lifestyle Europe Group, was also a founder member of the RAA and has been a director since its formation.The RAA was launched in January 2005 featuring 22 franchised dealer groups running 155 sites in the UK.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: MT
Production figures falls again
Car production in the UK has continued its downward trend as volumes fell 13.2 per cent in March.
Total production for the month reached 138,036 units, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.
Year-to-date figures were down by 7.7 per cent to 377,875 units.
Commercial vehicle production also suffered as volumes slipped 4.8 per cent in March to 20,290 units.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: MT
Total production for the month reached 138,036 units, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.
Year-to-date figures were down by 7.7 per cent to 377,875 units.
Commercial vehicle production also suffered as volumes slipped 4.8 per cent in March to 20,290 units.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: MT
Epyx claims dealers turning to online sources
Dealers are increasingly using internet-based platforms to find used stock, according to e-commerce service provider Epyx.
Dealers are using the internet to source stock
The company is claiming that its 1link Disposal Network has grown rapidly on the back of this trend.
Expyx business development head Ken Trinder said: “E-commerce is allowing dealers to communicate directly with the fleets who supply the vast majority of quality used vehicle stock in the UK, to find out what is for sale and when it will become available.”
Trinder said that he did not believe such internet services would supplant dealer-based used car buyers, because of their specialist market knowledge.
“We believe that these buyers will always have an important role to play,” he added.
According to Trinder, fleet car and van-related sites often contained details of vehicles before they were withdrawn and offered for sale, and in some cases dealers had been able to identify potential buyers in advance.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: MT
Dealers are using the internet to source stock
The company is claiming that its 1link Disposal Network has grown rapidly on the back of this trend.
Expyx business development head Ken Trinder said: “E-commerce is allowing dealers to communicate directly with the fleets who supply the vast majority of quality used vehicle stock in the UK, to find out what is for sale and when it will become available.”
Trinder said that he did not believe such internet services would supplant dealer-based used car buyers, because of their specialist market knowledge.
“We believe that these buyers will always have an important role to play,” he added.
According to Trinder, fleet car and van-related sites often contained details of vehicles before they were withdrawn and offered for sale, and in some cases dealers had been able to identify potential buyers in advance.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: MT
Approved Car Finance opens in Scotland
APPROVED Car Finance has opened a new regional hub in Livingston - its first presence in Scotland.
The branch will be headed by Ben Bennetton, who has spent a number of years in the motor industry.
The Chester firm said approximately 14 jobs will be created.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
The branch will be headed by Ben Bennetton, who has spent a number of years in the motor industry.
The Chester firm said approximately 14 jobs will be created.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Autolease creates new deputy MD role
LLOYDS TSB Autolease has appointed Mark Chessman as deputy managing director in a newly created role.
He joined Lloyds TSB Autolease in January 2002 as head of finance and risk, before being promoted to finance director in June 2004. He sits on the BVRLA Leasing and Fleet Management Steering Committee.
His appointment will enable managing director Nigel Stead to focus more on strategic development and give some more time to his new roles as chairman of the FSI board and chairman of the BVRLA, which he takes-up in May.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
He joined Lloyds TSB Autolease in January 2002 as head of finance and risk, before being promoted to finance director in June 2004. He sits on the BVRLA Leasing and Fleet Management Steering Committee.
His appointment will enable managing director Nigel Stead to focus more on strategic development and give some more time to his new roles as chairman of the FSI board and chairman of the BVRLA, which he takes-up in May.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Bristol Street on the move in Derby
BRISTOL STREET Group has agreed terms to take-over the lease of Inchcape's previous Toyota dealership on Sir Frank Whittle Way, Derby.
Bristol Street, now owned by new retail group, Vertu Motors, will relocate its Citroen dealership to the site.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Bristol Street, now owned by new retail group, Vertu Motors, will relocate its Citroen dealership to the site.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Nissan's profit drop
NISSAN CHIEF, Carlos Ghosn had to report the Japanese manufacturer's first annual profit decline in seven years, yesterday.
Net income fell 11% to 461bn yen ( $4bn) for the fiscal year 2006, which ended March 31.
Global vehicle sales fell 2.4% to 3.5m vehicles. U.S. sales fell 4% to 1m vehicles for the year.
Ghosn who has brought the company back from near bankruptcy since 1999, called the past year a "bump in the road," and "not a near-death experience like 1999."
"We haven't gone in the ditch but we've had an early wake-up call. And it is not our nature to hit the snooze button on the alarm and go back to sleep."
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Net income fell 11% to 461bn yen ( $4bn) for the fiscal year 2006, which ended March 31.
Global vehicle sales fell 2.4% to 3.5m vehicles. U.S. sales fell 4% to 1m vehicles for the year.
Ghosn who has brought the company back from near bankruptcy since 1999, called the past year a "bump in the road," and "not a near-death experience like 1999."
"We haven't gone in the ditch but we've had an early wake-up call. And it is not our nature to hit the snooze button on the alarm and go back to sleep."
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Pendragon identifies 26 marginal outlets at risk
PENDRAGON is to cease operating with 26 new car franchises in the near future.
Having already sold 8 of its franchised dealerships since the OFT cleared the Vardy take-over in October, it has also terminated 8 new car franchises.
The 26 dealerships at risk have not been named but they are described as being too marginal to continue trading in the current market or where the retail group can reconfigure its assets in a particular geographic area in order to accelerate its debt reduction programme.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Having already sold 8 of its franchised dealerships since the OFT cleared the Vardy take-over in October, it has also terminated 8 new car franchises.
The 26 dealerships at risk have not been named but they are described as being too marginal to continue trading in the current market or where the retail group can reconfigure its assets in a particular geographic area in order to accelerate its debt reduction programme.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Irish new car sales rise
NEW CAR registrations in Ireland, in March, rose 4.7% to 25,991 compared with the same month last year.
For the first three months of the year, new car sales were up 8% to 81,808 compared with the same period last year.
Used car sales grew by 10.7% in March.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
For the first three months of the year, new car sales were up 8% to 81,808 compared with the same period last year.
Used car sales grew by 10.7% in March.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Car-makers and dealers switch to new mileage check
TRADER DATA Systems says its enjoying a massive switch by manufacturers and dealers to its new Vehicle Check and Vehicle Mileage Investigation service.
It is now the preferred supplier to Volkswagen Group and the Colt Car Company Ltd, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's UK importer.
It is also supplying Arnold Clark with the service across 135 dealerships and says that over 800 independent and franchised are now taking the products.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
It is now the preferred supplier to Volkswagen Group and the Colt Car Company Ltd, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's UK importer.
It is also supplying Arnold Clark with the service across 135 dealerships and says that over 800 independent and franchised are now taking the products.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Kia kicks-off with Euro factory and football
KIA MOTORS, after officially opening its first European plant this week, took another important step to boost its awareness across the European market by sponsoring UEFA EURO 08.
In conjunction with Hyundai it is continuing its support of the upcoming UEFA European Football Championship - the largest football event in Europe.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
In conjunction with Hyundai it is continuing its support of the upcoming UEFA European Football Championship - the largest football event in Europe.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Director's theft forced sale of Co-op Motor Group
FORMER financial director of Ilkeston Co-op Motor Group, Martin Sale, has been jailed for four and a half years for stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds from the company.Sale (44) pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to stealing £577,398 from the company by writing Co-op cheques out for his own bills, conspiracy to steal £153,500 from Ilkeston Co-op Motor Group and taking part in corrupt mobile phone deals totalling £358,800.
The offences were committed between 1995 and 2001.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
The offences were committed between 1995 and 2001.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
Europe's and PAG's profits help Ford reduce losses
GROWING PROFITS in Europe for Ford, helped the car-maker trim its overall losses in the first quarter.
The company reported a $219m profit in Europe which compares with $64m last time.
The Premier Automotive Group, which includes Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo, also came-up trumps with a record $402m profit.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
The company reported a $219m profit in Europe which compares with $64m last time.
The Premier Automotive Group, which includes Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo, also came-up trumps with a record $402m profit.
DATED: 30.04.07
FEED: AW
