F&I Management & Training

Driving smarter to save environment - report gets RMIF approval 'It makes sense that the reduction of vehicle CO2 emissions goes hand-in hand with encouraging motorists to drive their cars in a way that helps the environment,' said Alec Murray, chairman of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), commenting on a new report looking at carbon emissions and driver habits. The report, published today by the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT), the Government's transport advisor, suggests promoting eco-driving techniques, such as sensible acceleration and braking, and filling tyres to the correct pressure alongside an overall reduction in carbon emissions from vehicles.

DATED: 14.09.07

FEED: AW

In an unprecedented move by the CoolBrands Council, Aston Martin has been awarded the UK's coolest brand for the second year running. CoolBrands is an initiative operated by the Superbrands organisation and presents expert and consumer opinion on the UK's strongest brands. It is considered to be a key barometer of the nation's coolest brands, people and places and a benchmark for brand success. This year's council includes Radio One DJ Trevor Nelson, designer Ben de Lisi and Director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Ekow Eshun.

DATED: 14.09.07

FEED: AW

Vauxhall commercial vehicles shows rivals a 'green' pair of heels
Vauxhall wins Green Fleet's LCV Manufacturer of the Year for the second time in a row
B30 Biodiesel trial and LPG offerings commended
Award reflects GM's commitment to long term alternative fuels strategies For the second year in a row, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles has carried home the title of 'LCV Manufacturer of the Year' in the annual Green Fleet Awards.

DATED: 14.09.07

FEED: AW

Drivers of company cars may be prevented from speeding by under-the-bonnet devices that block acceleration and gently apply the brakes. In a bid to encourage the fitment of so-called speed limiters, businesses would be rewarded with cheaper fleet insurance and possibly tax incentives as well as lower fuel costs. The idea is one of numerous recommendations contained in a 108-page report from the Commission for Integrated Transport, which advises the Government on transport policy. The CfIT believes the widespread adoption of speed limiters, some light commercial fleets have already introduced the technology, would be effective even if only a small percentage of vehicles were fitted with them because other traffic would get stuck behind them. The report, 'Transport and Climate Change', suggests that company cars should initially be targeted with the system introduced to other vehicles at a later stage.

DATED: 14.09.07

FEED: AW

Former Reg Vardy finance director Gerrard Murray is re-joining Sir Peter Vardy and his Vardy Group of companies.
Pendragon bought Sir Peter's shareholding in the original Reg Vardy operation in February 2006, paving the way for the creation of the Scottish and north east England-based Vardy Group, which has interests in property development, investment, and the Scottish Peter Vardy Vauxhall, BMW and Mini dealerships.
From next January Murray takes the post of financial director in the group, working from its Durham headquarters, having joined the business from the Northgate vehicle rental company.
He will be involved in the company's commercial and charitable activities.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: MT

Vertu Motors has appointed a new managing director to head up its car supermarket division.
Michael Breen will take over management of the Motor Nation used car supermarkets with immediate effect.


Motor Nation operates three sites in Birmingham, Coventry and Widnes but will now seek to expand.
Previously Breen worked in a regional director role with Evans Halshaw.
Steve Ferry, sales and marketing director of Vertu Motors, said: “Michael has always impressed everyone he has come into contact with for his commitment, professionalism and in depth knowledge of used car operations.
“He is a young and dynamic leader to take Motor Nation forward.”
Motor Nation was acquired by Vertu Motors as part of the multi-million pound deal that saw it purchase Bristol Street Motors in March this year.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: MT

This month’s new car registration plate change is not generating quality trade ins, forcing dealers to battle for the right cars, according to Glass’s Guide managing editor Adrian Rushmore.
Scramble
“Dealers are having to scramble round for stock, because part-exchanges are not coming in thick and fast or of the quality needed from September sales,” said Rushmore.
"Part-exchanges are not coming in of the quality needed from September sales,”
However, he believed the situation would ease, probably from next month, as the 57-plate beds in and more vehicles filter through. “Trade demand for used cars will improve, prices will stabilise and even improve in some places. At this point there's no suggestion that the market is going to be particularly difficult long term.”
During the next six months he predicted a gradual softening of used diesel residual premiums, but insisted values would not crash.“Over the years commentators have been reflecting wrongly that the supply of diesels will impact on used values, and that there is a crisis looming, but demand from customers has grown with supply,” he said.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: MT

Porsche used the Frankfurt motor show to drop broad hints that it was likely to increase its stake in Volkswagen form 31 per cent to majority control.
In press reports, its chief finance officer, Holgar Harter indicated this would make business sense for the company, particularly with jointly developed products like the VW Toureg and Porsche Cayenne 4x4s.


However, German unions warned the move could lead to massive industrial unrest if wages and conditions were changed under the emergence of a Porsche-dominated VW.German trade unions have representatives on the board of VW, and it is understood that some members are concerned about the shape of any Porsche-owned VW board.


DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: MT

The economic credit squeeze in the US could force newly independent Chrysler to cut back on its range.
Speaking in Detroit, Robert Nardelli, Chrysler’s incoming boss, said its plans would be effected by prevailing economic conditions, and that although the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands were safe from closure, some of the current model line-ups could be axed.


This could see the demise of some niche or less mainstream models, and Nardelli said that any decisions would not be based on sentiment.
Even before America’s current economic travails, Chrysler and its bigger US rivals Ford and General Motors were suffering from major financial problems, and all are the subject of far reaching restructuring plans. Until recently Chrysler was part of the German-controlled DaimlerChrysler combine.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: MT

The loss-making experience of the original Smart operation was not caused by problems with the models but rather the infrastructure behind the business, according to Mercedes Car Group marketing director Ian Dutfield.
"We expect Smart to be profitable"
“Now Smart has been dovetailed into the Mercedes infrastructure from the very beginning of the new project and costs have been shared throughout the whole operation we expect Smart to be profitable.
With the previous Smart operation, the business model was flawed rather than the model,” said Dutfield.

Smart will offer annual all-in finance, insurance and maintenance packages when the new fortwo range goes on sale from 15 September.The success of the Mini TLC package has prompted Smart to develop a range of pick and mix packages for the relaunch of the two-seater city car.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: MT

Cleaner diesel and petrol-electric hybrid engines are taking centre stage at this week's motor show in Frankfurt, as the industry sets out to explain how it will reduce the harmful emissions from the cars they make. As the motor industry seeks to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of motoring, most industry leaders believe technological solutions offer the best way forward, though many are displaying concept cars that show their visions for the future rather than production models that customers can buy. General Motors unveiled its Flextreme concept vehicle, which runs on batteries that can be either charged using mains electricity or a conventional petrol or diesel engine, thus pinning its hope on a breakthrough in battery technology. Others, including all the upmarket German carmakers Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche, are displaying their own versions of cars powered by the sort of petrol-electric hybrid engines initially pioneered by Toyota and Honda.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: AW

The Jaguar XJ has won the annual Design Award Autonis in the luxury category of the German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport, ahead of German competitors BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Around 16,000 readers of Auto Motor und Sport took part in selecting the most beautiful cars from eight categories. CJ ODonnell, Jaguars Global Marketing Director said: "This is a great achievement for the XJ to come out on top over our German competitors. The new XJ for 2008 Model Year represents the evolution of the models elegant styling and its great to see the German market respond so favourably to the fresh new face of our flagship model." Jaguar's Design Director Ian Callum continued: "I am delighted the XJ has won this award in Germany. The face-lifted car combines the beauty of the traditional with the confidence of the present and it clearly maintains the elegance for which Jaguar is renowned."

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: AW

Volkswagen has arranged imminent talks with the state investment body controlling Malaysian-owned Proton to discuss either joint projects or taking a stake in the company. Earlier talks between Volkswagen and Proton's controlling shareholder collapsed in January 2006, reportedly because the Malaysian state investment agency was reluctant to accept the German manufacturer's requirement that it relinquish its 'golden share' in Proton. The outcome of protracted talks between the Malaysian authorities and several western manufacturers to date will affect the control of the Proton subsidiary Lotus Group.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: AW

The UK and Ireland will be allowed to keep miles as measurements on roads along with the traditional imperial yards, feet and inches as well as pints of beer and milk, the European Commission has said. The European Commission has proposed to indefinitely extend the use of supplementary indications next to metric units. The Commission's proposal is based on the results of a public consultation earlier this year, which allows for the use of both metric and other measurements to be used in the UK and Ireland, if so desired.

DATED: 12.09.07

FEED: AW

Prestige brands Lexus and Mercedes have been given the thumbs down in the latest RMIF National Franchised Dealer Association’s Dealer Attitude Survey.
Lexus, once the undisputed market leader, taking the top position six times consecutively, fell back to fourth place last winter, and has now plunged to 12th position.

Mercedes slipped from second to tenth, its former ranking taken by Lexus' parent company Toyota.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: MT

Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche has paved the way for increasing the number of joint-projects, including engine production, between Mercedes and rival luxury car maker BMW.
"I would not exclude such cooperation, if it makes sense for both sides," Zetsche told German magazine Der Spiegel.
He pointed out that luxury sports car brand Porsche has successfully developed the Cayenne off-roader with a Volkswagen engine.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: MT

Size does not always drive profit in market survey
A volatile independent car trade has been revealed by the latest Motor Trader Top 75 Independent Dealers survey, sponsored by HPI.
Although many respondents saw profits squeezed, operations ranging from car supermarkets to specialist luxury car suppliers posted strong results.

However, the annual report shows the market has declined with smaller independents finding it tough to secure the right stock when competing against car supermarkets, and an over-supply of mainstream vehicles.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: MT

The European arrival of Dodge gathers pace with the Frankfurt debut of the big Dodge Journey people carrier.
The front drive, seven seater is based on stretched Dodge Avenger underpinnings and powered by 2.0 litre diesel and 2.4 litre petrol engines. It replaces the short wheelbase Chrysler Voyager, arrives in Britain next year, and will be the brand’s most mainstream offering to date.
The Voyager name won’t disappear, as Chrysler is moving the Grand Voyager up market, with a new version also launched at Frankfurt.The Journey will join the Caliber, Nitro and Avenger in the Dodge line-up as well as the niche market SR-10 Viper sports car.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: MT

Drivers who use a hand-held mobile phone while driving could be jailed and motorists who kill could face manslaughter charges under a tough new approach expected to be adopted by prosecutors. The potential changes were outlined by director of public prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, following a three-month public consultation on prosecuting bad driving. The consultation was held following increasing public concern about the leniency of some sentences handed down to offenders. The CPS policy on prosecuting road traffic offences will be officially published in the autumn. Changes are likely to include:
More detailed guidance for prosecutors on when it is appropriate for a charge of manslaughter instead of a lesser offence so that the correct charge is chosen from the start. The maximum penalty for manslaughter is life in prison.
Public concerns about the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone means that a charge of dangerous driving will now be the starting point for this offence, where there is clear evidence that danger has been caused by its use. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving is two years jail. The current penalty is three points and a £60 fine.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: AW

Land Rover remains on target to achieve its third successive record sales year after a spectacular August in both well established and emerging markets around the world. Last month, global sales were over 15,000, a 36% increase over the previous August. This puts Land Rover in its strongest sales position in its near 60 year history with over 141,000 cars sold so far this year, 13% ahead of 2006.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: AW

Vauxhall is UK's number one car brand for the third month in a row
Astra is Britain's best-selling car in August
Corsa in first place with retail buyers in August It's an unprecedented third month in a row for Vauxhall at the top of the sales charts - the first time since records began that the Luton-based manufacturer has beaten its nearest rival over such a period. The company sold 11,851 new cars in August, ahead of its closest competitor by 2,154 units.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: AW

Upmarket car dealership HR Owen says it is in talks about a possible takeover. The firm says it has received an indicative offer that "may or may not lead to a formal offer being made for the company". HR Owen says the discussions are at an early stage, but has not named the potential bidder. The announcement comes two weeks after it said that it was in talks about the sale of its six BMW dealerships, so it could concentrate on luxury marques. HR Owen sells luxury cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces and also has a Volvo dealership in London. Last year it sold 10 dealerships to Lookers for £20m.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: AW

Diesel registrations boosted during quiet, but stable August
Total year-to-date registrations up 2.2 per cent to 1,521,225 units
Year-to-date diesel registrations rise by 6.5 per cent to 595,033 units
August registrations total of 77,649 units, down by 0.4 per cent on previous year
Full year volume on course to hit 2.355 million units forecast 'Since the introduction of the twice yearly plate-change prefix, August has vied with February for the dubious honour of being the smallest volume month for new car registrations. This year August was down just 312 units or 0.4 per cent compared to 2006 and at 77,649 units, was slightly above the February figure,' says Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of SMMT.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: AW

BEN, the Automotive Industry Charity, has relaunched its website www.ben.org.uk and visitors to this new site will be able to read all about the Charity's work including its latest news, events, jobs and fundraising activities. In addition, there is an extensive list of publications available to download.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: AW

Rival firms Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation and Nanjing Automotive Company - the two firms that bought the remains of MG Rover - could be on course to merge, and bring back together the constituent parts of the old British car-maker that were separated two years ago. The firms have been in talks since before June. They claim that they are only considering a joint venture, but other sources maintain that a buyout of the smaller Nanjing Automotive by SAIC is more likely, thereby amalgamating the remains of MG Rover into one company. Nanjing bought rights to the MG models in 2006 following MG Rover's collapse, and sold the first MG (a re-badged ZT) last week.

DATED: 10.09.07

FEED: AW