F&I Management & Training

Vauxhall Motors is recalling c355,000 Corsa C generation 3 and 5-door models built between 2004 and 2006 and Combo van and Tigra models built between 2004 and 2008 to replace the ABS brake control unit. The new D generation Corsa 3 and 5-door models introduced in 2006 are not affected by this action. Earlier this year Vauxhall completed an investigation into thermal incidents involving the previous generation Corsa and its derivatives. These investigations confirmed that vehicles which had previously undergone a recall rectification of the engine wiring harness, have an extremely low risk of a thermal incident.

DATED: 13.12.07

FEED: AW

Aston Martin announced that their new flagship model, the DBS, will once again be driven by James Bond (DANIEL CRAIG) in the next 007 film to be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions, and directed by Marc Forster. The Aston Martin DBS made its first public appearance in Casino Royale when it smashed its way into the Guinness World Record books for 'The Most Cannon Rolls In A Car'. The record-breaking stunt saw stuntman Adam Kirley taking the helm of Bond's famous Aston Martin. The stunt proved one of the most spectacular in movie history when he rolled the DBS an amazing seven times.

DATED: 13.12.07

FEED: AW

Car sales are showing surprising resilience in the face of falling houses prices and warnings from retailers of slower sales this Christmas. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that November registrations were 2.2% up year on year at 158,735 units. However, the Financial Times points out that Pendragon, the UK's largest dealer group, has issued two profits warnings in five months and motoring magazines are full of advertisements offering 0% financing and discounts.

DATED: 13.12.07

FEED: AW

Renault has moved to secure a stake in the expanding Russian car market by taking a 25 per cent share in the country’s largest carmaker.
The french brand, which is a powerhouse in the European market, has become a strategic partner of Avtovaz, which controls 70 per cent of car production in Russia and owns the Lada brand.

The partners aim to step up output for the domestic market and abroad and to renew the Lada range through raising production to more than 1 million units a year.

DATED: 11.12.07

FEED: MT

New car sales were mixed in each of the four UK markets last month.
Latest figures from the SMMT show that sales in both Northern Ireland and Wales declined but the larger markets of England and Scotland produced an improved year-on-year performance.

Volumes in Northern Ireland fell by 2.45 per cent in November to 3,143 units and in Wales dropped by almost 3 per cent to 5,346 units.

DATED: 11.12.07

FEED: MT

Rolls-Royce has opened its first dealership in Ukraine, signalling the luxury carmaker’s intention to expand sales further in eastern Europe.
Graeme Grieve, sales and marketing director of Rolls-Royce, opened the showroom while unveiling the new Phantom Drophead Coupe, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce model range.

Distribution will be handled by AWT Bavaria, a Rolls-Royce authorised dealer.

DATED: 11.12.07

FEED: MT

Acea, the European carmakers trade association, has elected the chief executive of PSA Peugeot Citroen as its new president.
Christian Streiff will take over from Sergio Marchionne, Fiat chief executive, on 1 January next year.
Marchionne has held the position of president since 2006 and has played a prominent role in fighting for fairer emissions targets for manufacturers during his tenure.
Streiff said he aimed to carry on the work of his predecessor and would look to “intensify contacts” with European Union legislators.
“I look forward to representing the industry in the ongoing dialogues on important societal topics such as growth and mobility, road safety and climate change”, said Streiff.
“The European automotive industry plays an important role in Europe and needs a sound regulatory framework in which to operate.”


DATED: 11.12.07

FEED: MT