Friday, May 18, 2007
Lookers dedicated to expansion
LOOKERS CHAIRMAN, Phil White will have some good news for today's AGM.
"Our franchise dealer network has seen a good start to the year with like for like sales ahead of the new car market and is performing in line with our expectations," he said ahead of the meeting.
"Our de-centralised management structure and close manufacturer relationships continue to enable us to deliver superior returns across the franchises we operate."
He said the continued success is testament to the effectiveness of its strategy and the dedication of the management and colleagues across the business.
He added that the group continues to see the benefits from its nearly completed refurbishment programme across a number of outlets and that the acquisitions made last year, from HR Owen, have been fully integrated. They have expanded the group's SE presence and strengthened the mix of volume and prestige brands. They are performing in line with expectations.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
"Our franchise dealer network has seen a good start to the year with like for like sales ahead of the new car market and is performing in line with our expectations," he said ahead of the meeting.
"Our de-centralised management structure and close manufacturer relationships continue to enable us to deliver superior returns across the franchises we operate."
He said the continued success is testament to the effectiveness of its strategy and the dedication of the management and colleagues across the business.
He added that the group continues to see the benefits from its nearly completed refurbishment programme across a number of outlets and that the acquisitions made last year, from HR Owen, have been fully integrated. They have expanded the group's SE presence and strengthened the mix of volume and prestige brands. They are performing in line with expectations.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
VW Van centres open in Sheffield and Shrewsbury
VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has opened two new Van Centres this week one in Sheffield and the other Shrewsbury.
The Sheffield unit, covering 1.3-acres and costing over £2.5m, is the largest addition to Volkswagen's nationwide network of dedicated van centres, and will be run by Gilder, one of the oldest Volkswagen retailers in the UK.
With an 8-bay workshop it will provide a one-stop shop for light commercial vehicle operators throughout South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. A total of 25 people are employed.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
The Sheffield unit, covering 1.3-acres and costing over £2.5m, is the largest addition to Volkswagen's nationwide network of dedicated van centres, and will be run by Gilder, one of the oldest Volkswagen retailers in the UK.
With an 8-bay workshop it will provide a one-stop shop for light commercial vehicle operators throughout South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. A total of 25 people are employed.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
Mazda gives CX7 its own pre-order website
MAZDA UK has launched a pre-order website for the new CX7 sports crossover which will be available for delivery from September.
Mazda is allocating a restricted number of the 258ps four-wheel drive model to the UK market and customers can place a pre-order online to ensure they have one of the cars from launch.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
Mazda is allocating a restricted number of the 258ps four-wheel drive model to the UK market and customers can place a pre-order online to ensure they have one of the cars from launch.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
UK dealers express interest in MG franchise
NANJING Automobile is sorting through 98 UK dealership applications for the revised MG brand.
Dealers in Germany and Australia are also interested in the franchise, said Nanjing.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
Dealers in Germany and Australia are also interested in the franchise, said Nanjing.
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
Kia offers 3-Day holiday test drive
KIA DEALERS in the UK will be offering motorists a Bank Holiday bonanza, by encouraging them to go away for the weekend - courtesy of a 3-day test drive in a new Ceed.
"We are encouraging everyone to use their holidays and whisk themselves off for a three day test drive, said Kia UK managing director, Paul Philpott.
"People nowadays seem to need an excuse to unwind and do something a bit different so we're providing them with exactly that. We're so confident that once anyone experiences the Ceed they won't want to give it back."
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
"We are encouraging everyone to use their holidays and whisk themselves off for a three day test drive, said Kia UK managing director, Paul Philpott.
"People nowadays seem to need an excuse to unwind and do something a bit different so we're providing them with exactly that. We're so confident that once anyone experiences the Ceed they won't want to give it back."
DATED: 18.05.07
FEED: AW
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Car buyers ignore service history
Car buyers rate brand and colour ahead of mechanical condition and service history when purchasing a new vehicle.
A motors.co.uk survey found that only 19 per cent of all car buyers place the mechanical condition of a car at the top of their priority list and just 11 per cent consider service history.
The research also found that 31 per cent of all car buyers rate having the right brand as the most important factor regardless of service history, while 28 per cent of drivers admit to making their choice based solely on colour.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: MT
A motors.co.uk survey found that only 19 per cent of all car buyers place the mechanical condition of a car at the top of their priority list and just 11 per cent consider service history.
The research also found that 31 per cent of all car buyers rate having the right brand as the most important factor regardless of service history, while 28 per cent of drivers admit to making their choice based solely on colour.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: MT
RMIF slams fleet industry
The fleet industry has come under fire from the RMIF for clogging up the auction market.
Ex-fleet vehicles are not selling at auction because fleet operators insist on “inappropriately high” reserve prices, according to the federation.
The RMIF claimed that some stock had remained at auction for over 100 days - despite repeatedly being offered for sale - as fleets demanded reserve prices for cars in below average condition.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: MT
Ex-fleet vehicles are not selling at auction because fleet operators insist on “inappropriately high” reserve prices, according to the federation.
The RMIF claimed that some stock had remained at auction for over 100 days - despite repeatedly being offered for sale - as fleets demanded reserve prices for cars in below average condition.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: MT
Car finance market stagnates
The number of new cars purchased on finance remained stagnant in March despite it being one of the best sales months in years.
Latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association show that the number of cars bought on finance by consumers was identical compared with the same month last year at almost 150,000 units.
The used car sector fared poorly as new business financing levels plummeted by 10 per cent, highlighting a significant decline in the number of used cars bought by consumers on finance.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: MT
Latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association show that the number of cars bought on finance by consumers was identical compared with the same month last year at almost 150,000 units.
The used car sector fared poorly as new business financing levels plummeted by 10 per cent, highlighting a significant decline in the number of used cars bought by consumers on finance.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: MT
Everything ship-shape in Bristol for Monday
MERCEDES-BENZ Bristol will open its new showroom at Cribbs Causeway on Monday 21 May.
Sales of Approved Used Mercedes-Benz and smart cars have already commenced ahead of the arrival of new car sales and after sales operations, which will transfer from the previous Cruickshanks building at Ashton Gate this weekend.
The new multi-million pound, 5-acre development will be one of the largest of its kind within the Mercedes-Benz network. The centrepiece will be a 24-car showroom featuring a café, boutique, AMG motorsport centre and business lounge. There is also a separate Smart showroom.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Sales of Approved Used Mercedes-Benz and smart cars have already commenced ahead of the arrival of new car sales and after sales operations, which will transfer from the previous Cruickshanks building at Ashton Gate this weekend.
The new multi-million pound, 5-acre development will be one of the largest of its kind within the Mercedes-Benz network. The centrepiece will be a 24-car showroom featuring a café, boutique, AMG motorsport centre and business lounge. There is also a separate Smart showroom.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Nanjing plans Longbridge ceremony
NANJING AUTOMOBILE Corporation is planning a ceremony at Longbridge in the UK on May 29 to celebrate the next phase of car production at the site.
First production models of the MG TF - largely built from components shipped from China - are scheduled to come off the production line later this year.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
First production models of the MG TF - largely built from components shipped from China - are scheduled to come off the production line later this year.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Land Rover - no immediate plans to go 'diesel-only
LAND ROVER is not planning to ditch petrol engines from its range in the UK - for the moment.
"It is something we have looked at and we will continue to do so," said UK managing director, John Edwards, " but there are no plans to go diesel-only here at the moment."
Diesel engines currently account for 95% of all Land Rover sales in Britain.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
"It is something we have looked at and we will continue to do so," said UK managing director, John Edwards, " but there are no plans to go diesel-only here at the moment."
Diesel engines currently account for 95% of all Land Rover sales in Britain.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Peugeot 207 was Europe's best-seller in April
ALTHOUGH Volkswagen remains at the top of the table as Europe's best selling car brand during 2007, the Peugeot 207 took the lead as Europe's best-selling car in April.
Sales of the Peugeot 207 increased dramatically during April, recording a 373.2% increase on the same month last year, from 7,874 units to 37,260 in 2007. The increase is partly due to the limited availability of the model during 2006, its introductory year.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Sales of the Peugeot 207 increased dramatically during April, recording a 373.2% increase on the same month last year, from 7,874 units to 37,260 in 2007. The increase is partly due to the limited availability of the model during 2006, its introductory year.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
New car finance at a standstill
THE number of new cars bought on finance by consumers in March grew by 1%.
But, according to the Finance & Leasing Association, the number bought on finance by the business sector contracted by a similar amount, leaving the overall situation similar to that of March 2006.
The used car sector reported new business volumes down 10% in March, which reflected the rate of decline in the number of used cars bought on finance by consumers.
"The March issue of the 07 registration plate has led to the first pick up in the private new car market since this time last year, said the Association. "The rate of growth in dealer finance for new consumer cars was modest at just 1% and as a result the finance penetration rate for this sector fell further to stand at 45.8%," said head of research, Geraldine Kilkelly.
"April's results will give a better idea of the impact of the new plate overall but clearly there is still work to be done on changing consumer perceptions in an increasingly competitive market place. FLA is taking initiatives to address this, including a dedicated website (financingyoucar.org.uk) which provides an impartial guide to consumers looking to purchase a car."
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
But, according to the Finance & Leasing Association, the number bought on finance by the business sector contracted by a similar amount, leaving the overall situation similar to that of March 2006.
The used car sector reported new business volumes down 10% in March, which reflected the rate of decline in the number of used cars bought on finance by consumers.
"The March issue of the 07 registration plate has led to the first pick up in the private new car market since this time last year, said the Association. "The rate of growth in dealer finance for new consumer cars was modest at just 1% and as a result the finance penetration rate for this sector fell further to stand at 45.8%," said head of research, Geraldine Kilkelly.
"April's results will give a better idea of the impact of the new plate overall but clearly there is still work to be done on changing consumer perceptions in an increasingly competitive market place. FLA is taking initiatives to address this, including a dedicated website (financingyoucar.org.uk) which provides an impartial guide to consumers looking to purchase a car."
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
No break-up of Chrysler Jeep and Dodge brands
CHRYSLER JEEP and Dodge dealers were re-assured, yesterday, that the three brands will remain once Cerberus Capital Management takes over later this year.
"The Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands will not be broken up,'' chief executive Tom La Sorda said Tuesday, during a news conference in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
"I also look forward to pursuing other partnerships that will be in the best interest of Chrysler. We aren't big in Asia and we have no presence in India, and we would like to grow in those two areas," he said.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
"The Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands will not be broken up,'' chief executive Tom La Sorda said Tuesday, during a news conference in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
"I also look forward to pursuing other partnerships that will be in the best interest of Chrysler. We aren't big in Asia and we have no presence in India, and we would like to grow in those two areas," he said.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
More diesels coming from Dagenham
A NEW production line has been installed at Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre.
It is now producing low-carbon 1.4 Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel engine and will start production of a 1.6-litre unit in June.
The engines power the Fiesta, the Fusion, the Focus and the C-Max. They are also used in Volvo and Mazda models.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
It is now producing low-carbon 1.4 Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel engine and will start production of a 1.6-litre unit in June.
The engines power the Fiesta, the Fusion, the Focus and the C-Max. They are also used in Volvo and Mazda models.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Henson supermarket group buys Carshock site
NEWCASTLE-BASED, Henson Motor Group, is buying the freehold of the former Carshock site near the Metro Centre.
And is a separate deal, the supermarket group is taking on a showroom, forecourt and pre-delivery inspection unit at Vroom, the car retail park located at the junction of the A19 and Coast Road.
With extra outlets, the group is now revising its targets.
"Our Benton branch is ahead of target to achieve over £20m turnover this year and we will apply the same energy to our two new sites," said group managing director, David Wilson.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
And is a separate deal, the supermarket group is taking on a showroom, forecourt and pre-delivery inspection unit at Vroom, the car retail park located at the junction of the A19 and Coast Road.
With extra outlets, the group is now revising its targets.
"Our Benton branch is ahead of target to achieve over £20m turnover this year and we will apply the same energy to our two new sites," said group managing director, David Wilson.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Benfield creates new fleet arm
BENFIELD MOTORS Group in the NE has formed Benfield Corporate as a multi-franchised dedicated fleet operation.
A team of three, headed by John Spreadbury, will work with the 22 fleet specialists based in the company's dealerships.
"This is our answer to the growing feedback from the corporate customer that they are looking for the personalised service offered by the fleet manager in an individual dealership but with access to multiple marques," said chief executive Mark Squires.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
A team of three, headed by John Spreadbury, will work with the 22 fleet specialists based in the company's dealerships.
"This is our answer to the growing feedback from the corporate customer that they are looking for the personalised service offered by the fleet manager in an individual dealership but with access to multiple marques," said chief executive Mark Squires.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Ford Europe enjoys 7% sales increase
FORD EUROPE's sales in April rose 7.4% to 143,700 cars and commercial vehicles.
The Focus and Fiesta remained the company's best-selling models in April, supported by growing sales of S-Max and Transit.
Ford sales in the UK increased by 13% to almost 32,000 units in April. Sales rose in Italy by 23% to 19,000 units and in Russia, sales nearly doubled from last year to 15,570 units in April.
Year-to-date sales in Europe for Ford are 6.3% ahead at 622,828 vehicles.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
The Focus and Fiesta remained the company's best-selling models in April, supported by growing sales of S-Max and Transit.
Ford sales in the UK increased by 13% to almost 32,000 units in April. Sales rose in Italy by 23% to 19,000 units and in Russia, sales nearly doubled from last year to 15,570 units in April.
Year-to-date sales in Europe for Ford are 6.3% ahead at 622,828 vehicles.
DATED: 17.05.07
FEED: AW
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Bank of England Inflation Report
The Bank of England has today published its latest Inflation Report.
To view it please follow the link below:
Inflation Report - May 2007
DATED: 16.05.07
FEED: BoE
To view it please follow the link below:
Inflation Report - May 2007
DATED: 16.05.07
FEED: BoE
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Autumn date set for Volvo's Flexi Fuel UK debut
COME THE autumn, Volvo's UK range will include , bioethanol E85-compatible versions of the S40, V50 and new C30.
The three cars will be offered with just one engine choice - the same four-cylinder naturally-aspirated 125bhp engine that appears in the Ford Focus FFV flex-fuel car.
A Flexi Fuel engine will also be introduced in the all new Volvo V70 estate, arriving in the UK before the end of the year.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
The three cars will be offered with just one engine choice - the same four-cylinder naturally-aspirated 125bhp engine that appears in the Ford Focus FFV flex-fuel car.
A Flexi Fuel engine will also be introduced in the all new Volvo V70 estate, arriving in the UK before the end of the year.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
After 74-years dealers still rely on Glass's Guide
MORE CAR dealers rely on Glass's Guide than any other price guide according to an independent survey commissioned by the publisher, EurotaxGlass's.
Ninety-one per cent of car dealers said they refer to Glass's Guide before purchasing used cars, and 80%t use it when determining values for vehicles they plan to sell.
That puts Glass's Guide well ahead of its nearest rival, which is used by 52% of dealers for buying, and by 31% for selling used cars.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
Ninety-one per cent of car dealers said they refer to Glass's Guide before purchasing used cars, and 80%t use it when determining values for vehicles they plan to sell.
That puts Glass's Guide well ahead of its nearest rival, which is used by 52% of dealers for buying, and by 31% for selling used cars.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
Chrysler and Mercedes synergies were overestimated
DAIMLER CHRYSLER chief executive, Dieter Zetsche, told yesterday's press conference that Chrysler had a better chance of building-up its business under private-equity ownership.
"It will be shielded from the pressure of analysts and investors focused on short-term returns," he said.
Chrysler's current CEO, Tom La Sorda, will continue to head Chrysler under the new owners.
The Germany-based car-maker, called Daimler-Benz prior to the 1998 merger, said it would rename itself Daimler AG.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
"It will be shielded from the pressure of analysts and investors focused on short-term returns," he said.
Chrysler's current CEO, Tom La Sorda, will continue to head Chrysler under the new owners.
The Germany-based car-maker, called Daimler-Benz prior to the 1998 merger, said it would rename itself Daimler AG.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
TV boost for new Skoda Fabia from this Thursday
SKODA WILL launch a new TV and print campaign this Thursday to coincide with the launch of the new Fabia in the UK.
Prices start at £7,990 for the 1.2-litre Fabia 1 model and range up to £13,015 for the 105bhp 1.9-litre TDI PD Fabia 3. Insurance groupings start at group 1 for the former and rise to group 4 for the latter.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
Prices start at £7,990 for the 1.2-litre Fabia 1 model and range up to £13,015 for the 105bhp 1.9-litre TDI PD Fabia 3. Insurance groupings start at group 1 for the former and rise to group 4 for the latter.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
Sunderland sell-off to fund parts centre
NISSAN HAS sold-off part of its Sunderland plant for the development of a multi-million pound business park.
Barmston Developments, a joint venture between Wilton Developments and Clugston Developments, plans to build offices, industrial units, a hotel and car showrooms on 45-acres of the Sunderland site. It could lead to the creation of around 4,000 permanent jobs.
The car-maker will use the money from the sale to build its own, £4.5m logistics centre which will process thousands of parts each year from around the world.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
Barmston Developments, a joint venture between Wilton Developments and Clugston Developments, plans to build offices, industrial units, a hotel and car showrooms on 45-acres of the Sunderland site. It could lead to the creation of around 4,000 permanent jobs.
The car-maker will use the money from the sale to build its own, £4.5m logistics centre which will process thousands of parts each year from around the world.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
SYUK rebuffs IM Group link
Ssangyong UK has dismissed rumours that the IM Group could snatch UK importing rights for Ssangyong 4x4s and potentially Roewe cars in the future, despite weak sales this year.
Roewe: coming soon?
SYUK's registrations dropped a whopping 46 per cent year-on-year in April and were 12.7 per cent down year-to-date at 784 (versus 684 for Jan-April 2006).
SYUK's managing director Ken Forbes put the differing tallies down to a sales uplift in 2006 from the launch of the Kyron and a proportion of awareness-raising fleet sales to 4x4 daily rental specialists in the first quarter of last year that was not repeated in 2007.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: MT
Roewe: coming soon?
SYUK's registrations dropped a whopping 46 per cent year-on-year in April and were 12.7 per cent down year-to-date at 784 (versus 684 for Jan-April 2006).
SYUK's managing director Ken Forbes put the differing tallies down to a sales uplift in 2006 from the launch of the Kyron and a proportion of awareness-raising fleet sales to 4x4 daily rental specialists in the first quarter of last year that was not repeated in 2007.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: MT
Reagroup to roll-out car supermarkets
Reagroup, the Renault-owned dealer network, is poised to roll-out a chain of multi-marque car supermarkets in the UK under its Autoworld branding.
The group, number 12 in the Motor Trader Top 200, currently only has one standalone site in Willenhall, near Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands. But Ian Plummer Reagroup's managing director revealed to Motor Trader the group is planning six further sites with the first one due to open in 12 months time.
We're looking at purchasing sites and land and opening our first site by the middle of 2008
“We plan to develop a number of new sites that will specialise in used cars and will carry our Autoworld branding,” he said.
Plummer said Reagroup was currently looking at sites in the Midlands, south west and London. The locations would complement its 22 manufacturer-owned dealerships, which would supply the supermarkets with their part-exchange models. The Autoworld business will also source outgoing stock from bulk buying fleets.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: MT
The group, number 12 in the Motor Trader Top 200, currently only has one standalone site in Willenhall, near Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands. But Ian Plummer Reagroup's managing director revealed to Motor Trader the group is planning six further sites with the first one due to open in 12 months time.
We're looking at purchasing sites and land and opening our first site by the middle of 2008
“We plan to develop a number of new sites that will specialise in used cars and will carry our Autoworld branding,” he said.
Plummer said Reagroup was currently looking at sites in the Midlands, south west and London. The locations would complement its 22 manufacturer-owned dealerships, which would supply the supermarkets with their part-exchange models. The Autoworld business will also source outgoing stock from bulk buying fleets.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: MT
Used car prices up for 3rd successive quarter
MANHEIM'S LATEST Market Analysis Report show prices of used cars have risen again for the third successive quarter.
Despite seasonal influences pushing up used volumes to record levels, average values rose by 7.5% to £6,643 in Q1 2007. This is the highest average selling price recorded by Manheim since its Market Analysis report was launched in 2004. The percentage of Original Cost New Price also reached a record high of 42.7%.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
Despite seasonal influences pushing up used volumes to record levels, average values rose by 7.5% to £6,643 in Q1 2007. This is the highest average selling price recorded by Manheim since its Market Analysis report was launched in 2004. The percentage of Original Cost New Price also reached a record high of 42.7%.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
Chrysler sold to Cerberus
EQUITY firm, Cerberus Capital Management, has agreed to buy 80.1% of Chrysler Group.
The private equity firm is paying $7.4bn for the stake and will take-on Chrysler's pension and health-care liabilities.
"We are aware that Chrysler faces significant challenges, but we are confident that they can and will be overcome," said John Snow, (pictured) chairman of Cerberus Capital Management.
"Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler," he said.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
The private equity firm is paying $7.4bn for the stake and will take-on Chrysler's pension and health-care liabilities.
"We are aware that Chrysler faces significant challenges, but we are confident that they can and will be overcome," said John Snow, (pictured) chairman of Cerberus Capital Management.
"Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler," he said.
DATED: 15.05.07
FEED: AW
