NEWS

THE FLA has praised dealers for their commitment to better information for car buyers, after a record year for its SAF scheme. SAF - Specialist Automotive Finance - is a kite-mark to increase car buyer confidence in car finance, with dealer sales staff completing an online assessment. Participating dealers must also adhere to a SAF Guidance Note, [...]

CAR dealers can play it totally ‘Safe’ with payments thanks to the online used car trading network Autotrade-mail. The UK’s leading online used car trading network has introduced ‘Trade Safe’, a peace-of-mind payment scheme available to its 5,000 members that is recommended by the Metropolitan Police and safeguards the interests of both buyers and sellers [...]

MITSUBISHI UK has announced that their ‘Dealer of the Year’ for 2011 is Smithy Garage based in Gwynedd, Wales. The award was presented to John Roberts, a director of the franchise at Mitsubishi’s annual dealer conference, which took place at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport last week. Smithy Garage won the award for its [...]

AROUND 55 Renault dealers across the UK will close in 2012 as the French firm cuts back on its model range, the company has announced today. At the moment, the French manufacturer has 190 dealers across the country. But that figure is set to plummet to ‘around’ 135, a Renault spokesperson told Car Dealer. ‘We [...]

FRENCH firm Renault has announced it is to slash its model range dramatically in early 2012. From February, the company will stop selling some of its best-known cars in the UK. In a shocking pre-Christmas announcement, Renault said it will axe the entire Laguna range comprising of the hatch, sport tourer and coupe, Espace and [...]

LEGENDARY Swedish manufacturer Saab has filed for bankruptcy, it has been announced today. ‘Saab Automobile, Saab Automobile Tools and Saab Powertrain filed for bankruptcy with the District Court in Vänersborg, Sweden this morning,’ says a statement from Swedish Automobile NV (Swan) issued today. ‘After having received the recent position of GM on the contemplated transaction with [...]

DIGITAL marketing firm Razsor has announced the latest generation of its website, featuring the latest advice and opinions on digital marketing. The new website will provide existing and prospective customers with more in-depth information to help dealers better understand the decisions they need to make in forming their digital marketing strategy. New features on Razsor.com [...]

SKODA has announced it will set a new sales record in 2011 after breaking the 800,000 unit barrier in November. The Czech manufacturer has delivered 816,800 units up to the end of November, breaking the 800,000 mark for the first time in its history, and 2010′s total of 762,600 units. Compared to the first 11 [...]

HERE ARE the most interesting and talked-about stories over the past five days, collated and summarised by us. Monday, December 12 BENTLEY released details of a new addition to its GT range – the V8. The 4.0-litre, twin turbo variant debuts next year. VAUXHALL’S managing director, Duncan Aldred, will now also take on the role [...]

DIGITAL marketing firm Razsor has put together five tips for dealers looking to put in place or reinvigorate their digital marketing strategy. 1. Changing consumer behaviour Consumers are now checking prices on the internet via their phone while on the forecourt. Nearly three-quarters of consumers Razsor asked said they use their mobile phone for research [...]

MYSTERY shopping and performance improvement firm Douglas Stafford has been awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification. The south coast-based company has been given the certification in recognition of its quality management systems. ‘Receiving ISO 9001 status once again confirms the quality of our management systems and our compliance with quality processes and will give clients even more [...]

CHEVROLET has named its Top Technician for 2011 – Luke Parlett of W H Brand Chevrolet in Spalding. Parlett won the award for completing a comprehensive training programme and for his excellent customer service skills. The process has come to it conclusion following the announcement of five regional winners in August. The winners were selected [...]

THE DVLA’s consultation to close local offices around the UK is sad – but it could be an opportunity for dealers. That’s the opinion of SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt who thinks the review of DVLA office’s rolls could be an opportunity for the motor trade. Everitt told Car Dealer that although the potential closures [...]

IF the pundits are right, the economic difficulties surrounding the car industry are only set to deepen in the next 12 months. However, Car Dealer has done its bit to help dealers find their lost profits, by hosting a unique event showing them how they can make more money. Yesterday saw dealers from across the [...]

ONE of the speakers at Car Dealer Magazine’s inaugural Profit Clinic was Motor Codes managing director Chris Mason who had some exciting news to share with his audience. Mason was thrilled to hear in November that the Service and Repair Code had been given full approval from the OFT. He told us why it means [...]

LEADING aftersales provider Car Care Plan has announced it will be introducing an exciting new policy for 2012: a cosmetic warranty. CCP’s chief executive and Car Dealer columnist, Tim Heavisides, said the new scheme would prevent motorists having to ‘live with the disappointment’ of driving round in a damaged car after a minor knock or [...]

MOTOR finance sales increased by six per cent in October compared to the same period in 2010, says the FLA. The Finance & Leasing Association’s latest figures show a 10 per cent increase over the last three months in private new cars bought with motor finance, compared to last year. The number of cars sold on [...]

VEHICLE valuation firm Glass’s has announced the appointment of a new managing director, Michael Bergmann. Bergmann replaces Andy Carroll (pictured) and the appointment will allow him to expand his responsibilities to include the overall running of Glass’s in the UK. Bergmann said: ‘Over the next 12 months we will be strengthening our sales division, launching [...]

VAUXHALL managing director Duncan Aldred will take on – in addition to his current position – the role of chairman in 2012. As chairman and managing director, Aldred will oversee all Vauxhall operations, including the company’s HR function and personnel in the UK plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton. Appointed managing director in January 2010, [...]

CAR search website Motors.co.uk has released data on its recent Facebook page promotion. The competition led to an increase of more than 300 per cent in fans, nearly three thousand entries to its competition to win £1000 of free petrol from Tesco, and 1,400 consumers posting/sharing the Motors.co.uk promotion on their wall. It also generated [...]