Top employers in the UK automotive sector are investing in a major skills drive to grow apprenticeship numbers by almost a sixth in 2025, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) at the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February). This academic year, 550 new apprentices have already joined the sector, with an additional 740 apprenticeships still ...

A realigned partnership between Vertu and Barnsley FC will see Vertu sponsor the team’s training kit and the dugout at Oakwell, and have branding across pitch side advertising boards as well as the stadium scoreboard. Barnsley joins an expansive list of sporting clubs to have ties with Vertu, which includes Birmingham City, Burnley, Plymouth Argyle and Sunderland, as well as ...

Holden Kia Norwich will officially open its new showroom, reflecting Kia’s latest brand evolution, this week following a transformation. A Grand Opening Upgrade Event will take place from 13 to 17 February offering exclusive benefits and deals for customers looking to upgrade to a 25 plate Kia or a used car. Darren Anderson, general manager at Holden Kia Norwich, said: ...

Jigcar has appointed James Griffin (pictured) to the new role of Transport Director, starting with immediate effect. Griffin was the former Head of Logistics at Cazoo, responsible for overseeing the movements of trucks, drivers and third party vendors as well as internal logistics. Prior to that he managed regional logistics for Wincanton. Elliott Perks, CEO of Jigcar, said: “James Griffin ...

Volkswagen will present the show car for its new €20,000 entry-level electric model to the public at the beginning of March. The world premiere of the production model is scheduled for 2027. VW’s new electric small car lineup includes compact all-electric vehicles. The first new model will be the production version of the ID. 2all show car which will reach ...

Sytner Sheffield was crowned BMW Retailer of the Year for 2024 at BMW Group UK’s Retailer of the Year 2025 awards, hosted by comedian Jimmy Car. Sytner Sheffield took home the prestigious ‘BMW Retailer of the Year’ while Sytner Coventry took home the ‘Electric’ win. Andy Crossan, MD at Sytner Sheffield said “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded ...

Skywell UK has appointed Bob Davies Car Sales and Auto Capital as the main dealers for South Wales and North London, respectively. In addition to new vehicle sales, the dealers will serve as the Skywell authorised repairers, offering servicing, MOTs, repairs, genuine Skywell parts. Skywell UK general manager, David Clark said: “As a family-owned business, Bob Davies Car Sales has ...

Grassicks Garage, the official BMW and MINI dealer located in Perth in Scotland, picked up prestigious accolades at the National BMW Group UK awards. Hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr, the awards recognised  dedication to the BMW and MINI brands through various categories. Grassicks MINI won UK Dealer of the Year and Regional Dealer of the Year. The dealer was also ...

Hendy Group has announced the appointment of two new members to its operational board, as well as role changes for other members. All will report to Duncan McPhee who became Chief Operating Officer last October. Paul Murrells, current director of New Vehicle Operations, becomes Regional Operational director for the ‘East’, while new recruits David Cooper and John Stone become regional ...

Manor Park Classics (MPC) has bought out Barons Classic Car Auctioneers and announced its intention to open four or five auction houses at various strategic locations across the UK. MPC now has a foothold in southern England as Barons, operating in Marchwood on the edge of the New Forest, runs monthly sales of classic cars and motorbikes on the second ...