Friday, July 20, 2007
Reformed HR Owen enjoys first half
HR OWEN shareholders, yesterday, got a fillip. Chief executive, Nicholas Lancaster, talked of an 'exceptional trading performance' from its specialist division.
Results for the first half of the year to the end of June will be significantly ahead of expectations.
The period from July to September, typically not as profitable as the period to the end of June, will not, however, enjoy the same exceptional performance.
However, the reformed group is confident that the results for the full year will remain well ahead of expectations.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Results for the first half of the year to the end of June will be significantly ahead of expectations.
The period from July to September, typically not as profitable as the period to the end of June, will not, however, enjoy the same exceptional performance.
However, the reformed group is confident that the results for the full year will remain well ahead of expectations.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
British electric CV maker off to USA
BRITAIN'S TANFIELD Group, whose Smith's Electric Vehicle division is sparkling, is to start building its electric CVs in North America.
It is going to invest £15m in a plant which will be operational next year and has plans for a second in 2009.
The initial plant will be capable of producing 1,000 US-specific versions of Smith's Newton and Edison models annually. The second plant will raise production to 5,000 models annually.
The group said it is currently receiving about 25 enquiries per week from the US for its zero-emissions delivery vehicles.
"We are confident that the US will replicate the success being enjoyed by our new technology electric vehicles in Europe," said a spokesman.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
It is going to invest £15m in a plant which will be operational next year and has plans for a second in 2009.
The initial plant will be capable of producing 1,000 US-specific versions of Smith's Newton and Edison models annually. The second plant will raise production to 5,000 models annually.
The group said it is currently receiving about 25 enquiries per week from the US for its zero-emissions delivery vehicles.
"We are confident that the US will replicate the success being enjoyed by our new technology electric vehicles in Europe," said a spokesman.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Dorset car brokerage creditors get nothing
CREDITORS of a Dorset car brokerage left empty-handed from a creditors' meeting last week.
Mondial Motors, of Poole, was raided in February after a string of complaints. At the time, three people were arrested and released on police bail.
The investigation has now uncovered 86 alleged victims who claim to have lost more than £430,000 in total.
The brokerage promised to sell cars on behalf of motorists.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Mondial Motors, of Poole, was raided in February after a string of complaints. At the time, three people were arrested and released on police bail.
The investigation has now uncovered 86 alleged victims who claim to have lost more than £430,000 in total.
The brokerage promised to sell cars on behalf of motorists.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
DVLA Appoints new boss
The DVLA has appointed Noel Shanahan as its new chief executive.
He will succeed Clive Bennett in the role after Bennett retires at the end of the year and was appointed following an open competition.
Shanahan is currently customer services director at the DVLA, promoting the use of electronic vehicle licensing and the use of Directgov as the primary access point for customers.
Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “I am delighted to welcome Noel Shanahan to his new role.
“Under Clive Bennett’s leadership the agency has embarked on an exciting programme of change. I look forward to working with the new chief executive in driving this forward over the next few years.”
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: MT
Peugeot dealers face the axe
Network could be reduced by 10% in two years
Peugeot plans to cut the size of its UK dealer network despite enjoying a sales resurgence on the back of new product launches.
Rod Philpot, director network development, said the brand's 301-strong sales network could be reduced by 10 per cent within two years.
Philpot claimed improved road access to the UK's conurbations meant fewer dealerships were needed but he added: “We have a clear obligation to meet consumers' needs.”
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: MT
Aston Martin production ends at Newport Pagnell
CAR PRODUCTION at the Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnell ended yesterday after 50 years.
Production is being moved to Gaydon, Warwickshire although the company will retain a presence in Buckinghamshire with its Works Service Department, which services and restores more than 2,000 current and historic cars annually.
The final car, a Vanquish S Ultimate Edition, was driven off the production line by Ken Clarke, one of the longest serving employees and a test driver for the company.
Director, Kingsley Riding-Felce, said it was a sad day, but the achievements of Newport Pagnell will never die.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Production is being moved to Gaydon, Warwickshire although the company will retain a presence in Buckinghamshire with its Works Service Department, which services and restores more than 2,000 current and historic cars annually.
The final car, a Vanquish S Ultimate Edition, was driven off the production line by Ken Clarke, one of the longest serving employees and a test driver for the company.
Director, Kingsley Riding-Felce, said it was a sad day, but the achievements of Newport Pagnell will never die.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Charles Hurst Belfast fined
CHARLES HURST Toyota in Belfast has been fined £2,000 after pleading guilty to two charges under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
The case, dating back to May last year, concerned a customer who was invoiced for parts which were never supplied during a 40,000-mile service.
The case was brought by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
The case, dating back to May last year, concerned a customer who was invoiced for parts which were never supplied during a 40,000-mile service.
The case was brought by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Audi customers get cars on film
Audi is using DVDs in a bid to make life easier for sales staff in dealerships.
The carmaker has produced an introductory film on every model in its range and has started sending them to customers waiting to take delivery of new cars.
The 10 minute films present an armchair explanation of important features that might be overlooked when vehicles are collected from showrooms.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: MT
The carmaker has produced an introductory film on every model in its range and has started sending them to customers waiting to take delivery of new cars.
The 10 minute films present an armchair explanation of important features that might be overlooked when vehicles are collected from showrooms.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: MT
Ford sends Kuga on its way to 08 launch
BASED ON the Iosis X concept, the Ford Kuga is on its way.
The all-new Ford Kuga will go into production early in 2008 at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany and will be launched across Europe from Spring 2008.
First opportunity to see the 4x4 crossover will be the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
"We will keep the promise that we gave at the Paris Motor Show 2006: to develop a stylish new model based on the stunning Iosis X concept car in less than two years," said John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
The all-new Ford Kuga will go into production early in 2008 at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany and will be launched across Europe from Spring 2008.
First opportunity to see the 4x4 crossover will be the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
"We will keep the promise that we gave at the Paris Motor Show 2006: to develop a stylish new model based on the stunning Iosis X concept car in less than two years," said John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Free VIP tickets for the MPH Show
MAYBACH looks like edging-out rival Rolls-Royce for the most expensive saloon on show at November's MPH Shows at Earls Court, London and the NEC.
The £265,000 '57' model Maybach won't be the most expensive car on display - that will be the money-guzzling Koenigsegg CCR at £407,000.
The shows take place at Earls Court from 1 - 4 November and at NEC from 8 - 11 November.
If you want a free VIP ticket (valued at £179) for the NEC event, register for the Glass's 'Internet Explained' seminar which takes place at the NEC on 8 November. All delegates to the Glass's event qualifies for a free VIP ticket to the evening performance of the MPH Show.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
The £265,000 '57' model Maybach won't be the most expensive car on display - that will be the money-guzzling Koenigsegg CCR at £407,000.
The shows take place at Earls Court from 1 - 4 November and at NEC from 8 - 11 November.
If you want a free VIP ticket (valued at £179) for the NEC event, register for the Glass's 'Internet Explained' seminar which takes place at the NEC on 8 November. All delegates to the Glass's event qualifies for a free VIP ticket to the evening performance of the MPH Show.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
LDV cooking with Gaz as profitability returns
LESS THAN a year after buyer van-maker, LDV, Russian firm Gaz, has returned the Birmingham company to profit.
The company said it was in surplus but did not divulge any financial evidence.
The return to the black was celebrated by a parade of 30 Maxus vans, driven by dealers, through Birmingham. The celebration was attended by Birmingham's deputy lord mayor, Councillor Mike Sharpe.
Alongside the Birmingham event, chief executive, Steve Young, held an employee conference for the firm's 930 employees, which includes 140 new people recruited by LDV in the last 12 months.
"Our celebrations round off an immensely successful 12 months," said Steve Young. "GAZ has proved a fantastic new owner for the business, backing us financially with a £48 million refinancing package last year, and the resources to invest in new products and enter new markets.
"As an industrial owner, not just a financial one, they bring great credibility to our growth plans when we speak with customers, dealers and suppliers."
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
The company said it was in surplus but did not divulge any financial evidence.
The return to the black was celebrated by a parade of 30 Maxus vans, driven by dealers, through Birmingham. The celebration was attended by Birmingham's deputy lord mayor, Councillor Mike Sharpe.
Alongside the Birmingham event, chief executive, Steve Young, held an employee conference for the firm's 930 employees, which includes 140 new people recruited by LDV in the last 12 months.
"Our celebrations round off an immensely successful 12 months," said Steve Young. "GAZ has proved a fantastic new owner for the business, backing us financially with a £48 million refinancing package last year, and the resources to invest in new products and enter new markets.
"As an industrial owner, not just a financial one, they bring great credibility to our growth plans when we speak with customers, dealers and suppliers."
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
OZ wholesaler buys in to HR Owen
AUSTRALIAN MOTOR vehicle wholesaler, Balverona Pty, has acquired 4,139,696 ordinary shares of 50p each in HR Owen.
It now has a total holding of 4,396,696 ordinary shares in the luxury retailer, representing 18.62% of the voting rights of the company.
Last week, Trefick Ltd sold the same amount of Owen shares which left it without any voting rights in the company.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
It now has a total holding of 4,396,696 ordinary shares in the luxury retailer, representing 18.62% of the voting rights of the company.
Last week, Trefick Ltd sold the same amount of Owen shares which left it without any voting rights in the company.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Rolls-Royce launches used car scheme
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched its first approved used car programme.
Under the new Rolls-Royce Provenance initiative each car has to meet exact criteria set by the brand.
Technicians conduct inspections, which include a full road test, and cars must have been maintained in adherence to Rolls-Royce servicing requirements before being gaining approval.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: MT
Royle family opens its first garage
Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson has teamed up with one of his oldest friends for a new motor business venture in Liverpool.
Tomlinson and trained mechanic, Harry Walsh met more than 30 years ago and have now opened Royle Motors in Speke.
Ricky who starred as dad Jim Royle in the hit comedy, said: “I’m delighted to be part of a business which will not only provide a great service to Liverpool’s motorists but fly the flag for reliable and honest independent garages across the country.”
The garage will offer MOTs, servicing and auto repairs and has also joined the Good Garage Scheme, set up to help provide effective self-regulation of independent workshops and test centres.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: MT
DVLA claims online record
The DVLA claims to generate more online sales than retail giant Tesco.
Research carried out by the licensing agency claims that more UK shoppers are buying their car tax online, with an average of £4.2m being generated per day – 25 per cent more than Tescos, which generates £3.36m per day.
“Online transactions in general are growing 10 times faster than high street transactions and it’s convenience that’s driving this growth,” said Andrew Rhodes, head of electronic customer services.
According to the DVLA, the online service has generated over £1bn in tax revenue since its launch and collects up to £9.9m on its busiest days.
The agency claimed credit convenience was the reason for its success as applications and payments can be made in an average of four minutes.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: MT
Motor traders putting cheques in the post faster
UK MOTOR traders are getting quicker at paying their bills.
According to Experian, the average number of days it takes for all motor traders to pay their bills has finally come into line with the national average.
The latest report reveals that on average, UK businesses take 61.1 days to pay their bills, while motor traders, who had previously always exceeded the national average significantly, are now taking the same length of time.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
According to Experian, the average number of days it takes for all motor traders to pay their bills has finally come into line with the national average.
The latest report reveals that on average, UK businesses take 61.1 days to pay their bills, while motor traders, who had previously always exceeded the national average significantly, are now taking the same length of time.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Direct web access to Sandicliffe MD
SANDICLIFFE'S revised website carries a new feature called 'Tell our MD'
Customers can use the form to send feedback and comments on their experience of the company directly to managing director Reg Tutt and the Sandicliffe customer service team.
"Sandicliffe Motors is not a monolithic national organisation. We are a local, family company and our business wouldn't be as successful as it is without the loyalty of our customers, and so we really do want to hear what they think," he said.
The east Midlands retailer says it has seen a 20% surge in visitors to the site since its redevelopment.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Customers can use the form to send feedback and comments on their experience of the company directly to managing director Reg Tutt and the Sandicliffe customer service team.
"Sandicliffe Motors is not a monolithic national organisation. We are a local, family company and our business wouldn't be as successful as it is without the loyalty of our customers, and so we really do want to hear what they think," he said.
The east Midlands retailer says it has seen a 20% surge in visitors to the site since its redevelopment.
DATED: 20.07.07
FEED: AW
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Caffyns keeps £2.978m VAT refund
DEALER GROUP, Caffyns, will be able to keep the £2.978m VAT refund it received from HM Revenue & Customs, in March.
There was uncertainty relating to the retention pending the outcome of a case due to be heard in the House of Lords later this year.
Following a change of view by HMRC, however, the company has been told that the retention is no longer dependent upon the outcome of this case.
Caffyns will treat the money as income in the company's income statement for the half-year ending 30 September 2007.
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: AW
There was uncertainty relating to the retention pending the outcome of a case due to be heard in the House of Lords later this year.
Following a change of view by HMRC, however, the company has been told that the retention is no longer dependent upon the outcome of this case.
Caffyns will treat the money as income in the company's income statement for the half-year ending 30 September 2007.
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: AW
Used SUV values rise despite new tax
The higher taxes for more polluting vehicles that were introduced in the March budget have had little impact on used car prices.
Used 4x4 values have remained firm despite the new tax, suggesting that worries about a price meltdown are unfounded.
According to data from British Car Auction, which analysed figures from the first six months of the year, values are actually ahead of last year.
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: MT
Car dealers toughen up
Business failures in the motor trade fell by almost a third during the second quarter of the year.
Despite several interest rate rises and receding consumer spending, the sector has outperformed the same period in 2006.
According to the Experian study, 53 dealers went bust during the April to June period this year compared to 76 in the second quarter of 2006.
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: MT
Cambria thwarted in expansion bid
Cambria Automobiles, the acquisitive dealer group launched by Promethean Investments in 2006, has been thwarted in its attempts to establish itself as a top 50 retailer.
Mark Lavery, group chief executive, told Motor Trader in January the business was in negotiations with around a dozen businesses and was expecting acquisitions by the summer.
A year after acquiring Swindon Jaguar and the multi-franchise Swindon Motor Park, the group has failed to add any more dealerships to its portfolio.
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: MT
DISCOVER Leisure plc
DISCOVER Leisure plc has made a cash offer for caravan retailer, Barrons Holdings Ltd. Discover, headed by former Lookers' and Dixon's director, David Morrow, is also planning to buy Mendip Caravan Centre. Discover will become what is believed will be the largest retailer of caravans in the UK with 15 branches across England and Wales employing over 500 people. . .
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: AW
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: AW
Ford plans for buying Romanian plant
FORD'S BID to buy the car factory in Craiova, Romania, would see the former Daewoo plant turned into another European engine site.
If the Ford bid is successful, the company would commit to investing 675m euros in the site to upgrade and modernize the plant in line with the car-maker's global standards.
Employment levels would be increased from 3,900 now to 7,000 - and potentially up to 9,000.
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: AW
If the Ford bid is successful, the company would commit to investing 675m euros in the site to upgrade and modernize the plant in line with the car-maker's global standards.
Employment levels would be increased from 3,900 now to 7,000 - and potentially up to 9,000.
DATED: 18.07.07
FEED: AW
Monday, July 16, 2007
BMW named as best online
Carmaker's website offers best customer experience
BMW has been named as the best car manufacturer website in a new study.
Research by customer experience benchmarking firm Global Reviews found that the German carmaker offered the best customer online experience with a 76 per cent approval rating.
Jaguar was placed second with 72 per cent, followed by Porsche (71 per cent), Ford (69 per cent), Mercedes (68 per cent) and Volkswagen (62 per cent).
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: MT
Ford prepares to sell Volvo
fFord may be preparing to sell Volvo to raise $8bn (£4bn) following record losses of $12.7bn last year, according to media reports.
There is speculation the decision was taken a couple of weeks ago to offload the Swedish brand as part of a dismemberment of the Premier Automotive Group, following the sale of Aston Martin and the decision to consider bids for Jaguar and Land Rover.
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: MT
Lexus GB prepares for increased hybrid fleet rise
FLEET DEMAND for hybrid technology has led Lexus GB to increase its corporate sales team.
"With more companies focusing on environmentally-friendly corporate fleets, Lexus is in a unique position to be able to respond to this demand with the largest hybrid model line-up," said corporate and re-marketing manager, Andy Simpson.
"We are now in contact with companies who previously may not have considered Lexus for their company car fleets."
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: AW
"With more companies focusing on environmentally-friendly corporate fleets, Lexus is in a unique position to be able to respond to this demand with the largest hybrid model line-up," said corporate and re-marketing manager, Andy Simpson.
"We are now in contact with companies who previously may not have considered Lexus for their company car fleets."
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: AW
Ford Europe sales rise in first half
FORD EUROPE'S sales in the first-half of 2007 increased by 4.6% to 952,500 units.
It represents a market share of 8.9%.
In the month of June, across its main 21 markets, Ford of Europe sold 169,000 vehicles, an increase of 1.2%, and gained a market share of 8.4 percent.
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: AW
It represents a market share of 8.9%.
In the month of June, across its main 21 markets, Ford of Europe sold 169,000 vehicles, an increase of 1.2%, and gained a market share of 8.4 percent.
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: AW
Will it be 'Daimler' or 'Daimler Benz'?
DAIMLER CHRYSLER will decide its new name at a special shareholder meeting at the beginning of October.
The move becomes necessary after the sale of the American Chrysler arm.
Management seems to favour the name of 'Daimler AG' but there is a strong demand for 'Daimler Benz'
The October meeting will also consider the German company's future strategy.
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: AW
The move becomes necessary after the sale of the American Chrysler arm.
Management seems to favour the name of 'Daimler AG' but there is a strong demand for 'Daimler Benz'
The October meeting will also consider the German company's future strategy.
DATED: 16.07.07
FEED: AW
