Used car guides forecasts flat April values

Used car valuation guides Glass’s and CAP are forecasting a stable market for used car prices in coming months Derren Martin, senior editor, Black Book said volumes were not likely to increase sufficiently to make a dent on values. “Historically, the second quarter of the year is when values across most sectors begin to fall and this year is unlikely to break that pattern. “However, we don’t expect to see used car volumes increase significantly enough to have any major impact on values. “Our view is that the second quarter of 2014 will almost mirror that of 2013 and we would expect to see April remaining fairly flat on the back of momentum gathered through March followed by bigger market movements of around -1.5% to -2% per month for May and June.” Rupert Pontin, chief car editor, Glass’s, said: “I expect second quarter values to…

Marshall joins the £1bn turnover club

 Marshall Motor Group is poised to join the £1bn turnover club as it confirms a new five year plan and announces it will now only grow its representation with existing partners. The Cambridge-based group’s provisional figures for the year-ended December 2013 will show a record turnover of £965m, up 18% year-on-year, and a forecasted operating profit of £11.8m. However, with the group achieving strong sales since Boxing Day, CEO Daksh Gupta confirmed that turnover in the rolling year to the end of February will exceed £1bn. “Like for like sales are up 18%, while overall sales are up 33% year-on-year. The job’s on fire. We will tip over a £1bn turnover at the end of February,” he said. Gupta also revealed the group, rated 11 in the Motor Trader Top 200, has launched its second five year plan aimed at achieving organic growth, although…

Suzuki launches eBay stores to sell parts

 Suzuki GB has opened two eBay stores to sell Suzuki parts, accessories and merchandise. Stores have been set up for cars and motorcycles, selling a range of a range of products, including brake parts, spark plugs, alloy wheels, body styling elements and Suzuki-branded clothing. The transactions are backed by Suzuki GB technical support and are offered with free post and packing with a 14-day return policy. The stores are being officially launched following the success of a pilot programme last November. Emma Gibbon, head of E-commerce at Suzuki said: “The new eBay stores are an excellent way for us to reach even more customers without compromising the parts and accessories business of our dealer network. “All purchases from the online stores will be fulfilled by our franchised dealers, a system that is a notable first for both Suzuki and for eBay.” Original Story taken…

Tim Tozer named as new Vauxhall boss

Tim Tozer has been appointed to the position of chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors and CEO Opel Ireland. Tozer formerly led Mazda in the UK and Mitsubishi in Europe. He joins from Autobinck, the Dutch based importer and retailer which operates in central Europe and the emergent East European markets. He takes up the position at the end of February replacing Duncan Aldred who was last week appointed to the position of US vice president of Buick-GMC sales, service and marketing in Detroit. “Tim brings a wealth of motor industry experience to the Opel/Vauxhall organisation, a strong understanding of the sales and marketing functions and a wide knowledge of both operational and strategic aspects of the business,” said Karl-Thomas Neumann, to executive vice president of Opel/Vauxhall and president of GM Europe. Tozer will also represent Vauxhall on the Opel/Vauxhall Leadership Board in…

Mercedes may have broken competition rules

The Office of Fair Trading said yesterday that Mercedes-Benz and five van and truck dealers may have broken competition law. The case comprises five separate alleged infringements that took place at different periods between March 2007 and January 2010. Each alleged infringement involved two or three dealers. The OFT said its provisional finding is that Mercedes-Benz was also involved in two of the alleged infringements. “The precise content of the arrangements differs among the five alleged infringements but all contain, to varying degrees, at least some element of market sharing, price coordination and/or exchange of commercially sensitive information. “The evidence also suggests that, in respect of two of the alleged infringements, Mercedes-Benz helped to facilitate or consolidate the arrangements amongst the dealers,” it said in a statement. Ali Nikpay, OFT senior director of cartels, said: “Based on the evidence currently before us, we have…

Toyota to Recall 1.9million Vehicles

Toyota has recalled 30,790 UK-registered Prius cars manufactured between March 2009 and February 2014.  This brings the total recall world wide up to a staggering 1.9m vehicles. The recall is to correct potential problems with the hybrid system’s boost conversion software which can cause cars to slow down or stop without warning. So far there have been no reports of this problem causing any accidents. In Europe Toyota has recorded 11 field reports of the issue occurring. All the vehicles affected by this issue are being recalled so that the control software can be replaced. Owners will be contacted by Toyota within the coming weeks by post or telephone and will be asked to make an appointment to bring their car to their nearest Toyota centre. The software replacement only takes about 40 minutes to complete. Toyota has set up a website with Live Chat…

Maserati to double UK dealer network

Maserati is planning to double its UK dealer network as the luxury sports car brand plans to dramatically increase its sales volumes. The brand currently has 13 dealers, mostly dual franchised with its Ferrari sister brand, but said it needs at least 26 to handle its future capacity with the late 2013 introduction of the Ghibli model, it’s first ever mid-sized four door saloon and ahead of next year’s launch of the Levante, its first foray into the SUV sector. Maserati already has 530 orders for the Ghibli and expects to sell 1,000 by the end of the year. Last year it’s total sales were just 319 units. The brand has spent recent months signing up new partners as it moves to fill open points in major conurbations. Marshall Motor Group was the latest appointment with a refurbished solus site due to open in…

RAC issues warning to dealers on branding

The RAC has hit out again at dealers who are breaking the rules regarding brand usage. It said it had become aware of a “number of dealers” who are employing the RAC brand incorrectly or even falsely. RAC head of dealer propositions Mario Dolcezza said: “We are concerned there may be some dealers out there using the RAC name and brand without permission. “Dealers who sell RAC-branded products such as warranties are allowed to use our brand but some are exceeding the rules that are in place as part of our commercial agreement with them. Last month, the RAC launched its used car initiative BuySure that includes new rules about using the brand. Dolcezza said that dealers who did not follow the new rules would be asked to correct their use of the brand and action would be taken if they did not respond….

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