Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a new “refined” franchised model with “key adaptions”. The decision is a departure from JLR’s former stated intention to move to pure play agency this year. Following the reveal, dealers embraced the fact that their views had been acknowledged and said the franchised model was “robust” and provided “stability” for […]

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BMW sustainability chief Thomas Becker says banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is not the answer to addressing the climate crisis. He added that Rishi Sunak’s delayed ban of ICE cars to 2035 will not affect the company’s EV plans. “We didn’t support it in the outset,” he said. “We are critical […]

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The £504m takeover of Lookers by Global Auto Holdings got the go ahead this week at a shareholders meeting. Global is paying 130p per share for the company after it revised the offer upwards from 120p, which had been rejected. In June Canadian dealer group Global Auto Group, a sister company of Group Auto Holdings, […]

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The Peter Vardy Group is to hold launch events for its new MG dealerships in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy on Saturday 12 August. The portfolio expansion to its MG dealerships is part of Peter Vardy’s pledge to offer customers a wider choice of cars. “We are delighted to introduce the MG brand to Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy,” […]

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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called on every political party to recognise the strategic importance of the automotive sector to the UK. The SMMT has created and launched “Manifesto 2030: Automotive growth for a zero emission future”. The Society hopes to create the conditions for a 10-fold rise in annual battery […]

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Investors in Halfords will be hoping the retailer has made progress in repairing holes in its workforce as it is set to unveil its full-year financial results. The bike and car parts seller warned over its profits earlier in the year amid a shortage of mechanics. Skilled Technicians The firm, which also services cars and […]

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Smart has opened reservations for the new #1 small electric SUV, which will be sold through a combination of direct-to-consumer and retailer agency sales. Lease and PCP programmes are being handled by ALD, in a system that requires no paper contracts. Twenty two Smart retailers are currently operating the agency model, with further expansion planned. […]

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Vertu Motors has outperformed market expectations with a £39.3 million adjusted profit before tax figure on a £4 billion turnover for the full year to 28 February. This is a new record for the business. The results also give an insight into the OEM strategy changes from Mercedes and JLR. While the £39.3m profit figure […]

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A car dealership specialising in high end cars – including Lamborghinis and Aston Martins – has been given permission to develop a new base along with 50 new homes next door close to the M25 on green belt. Grange in Brentwood have been given permission to expand their business. It means Grange Motors will sell […]

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MG Motor UK has strengthened its franchised dealership network with the opening of Unity Coventry. This site is sixth appointment for MG in the UK in 2019, bringing their total to 90 dealerships. The Unity dealership represents a significant step in MG’s growth strategy as it continues to build a comprehensive UK network. They plan […]

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