News

Motorpoint is kick-starting investment in its estate with plans to open new stores. Its 21st store opens in Norwich next month. The car supermarket announced the move as it confirmed half year results with a return to profitability on reduced sales. The group turned in pre-tax profits of £2m compared to -£3.7m loss last time on turnover down 7.3% to ...

Stellantis has announced the start of a consultation to consolidate its UK manufacturing of LCVs at its Ellesmere Port site. This development would include the closure of Vauxhall’s Luton factory. Ellesmere Port is proposed as the new all-electric UK LCV hub. It is close to the Green Automotive Hub located at the adjacent Queen Elizabeth II Eastham docks and the ...

The Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced a consultation on the ZEV Mandate targets amid a huge backlash from carmakers. The government has said it will now consult on the targets, but will stick to the 2030 deadline for phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales. This week Vauxhall owner Stellantis said it was shutting its plant in Luton ...

Jaecoo has announced pricing and opened the order books for the Jaecoo 7, its first UK model. The Jaecoo 7 is priced from £29,435 for the 2WD petrol, £35,065 for the PHEV and £32,850 for the 4WD petrol. The PHEV powertrain, available on front-wheel drive models, features an18.3 kW battery that provides an all-electric range of 56 miles. The Jaecoo 7 ...

Security-related Repair and Maintenance information (SERMI) already launched in Europe, will be launching in the UK in the coming months. This accreditation will ensure garages securely access vehicle manufacturers’ data to carry out efficient repairs. Secure digital identity solutions provider Digidentity is the Trust Centre for SERMI both in Europe and the UK to provide certificates for garages and manufacturers. ...

Honda UK and Autoguard Warranties have won this year’s Motor Ombudsman Customer Service Star Award trophies. The Customer Service Star Awards were unveiled in 2021 to recognise the UK head offices of the organisations accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s New Car and Vehicle Warranty Product Codes of Practice. Combined, there are currently more than 60 businesses that are committed to ...

Paul Bentley, former group operations director for Lookers is joining the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) to support dealers during the current motor finance upgheaval. Bentley was a “key stakeholder” at Lookers when it was being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority over breaches in the sale of motor finance. “I am delighted to announce that Paul Bentley, former group ...

Vertu Motors has extended its partnership with call tracking supplier Barbuck, signing a new two-year contract. Established in 2016, the partnership sees Barbuck supply Vertu with its advanced call tracking solution ‘Calltracks’. Vertu gains insights by understanding its customers omnichannel journey leading to call enquiries. The latest contract will see new technical developments enhance marketing, sales and operational processes. Robert ...

Bristol Street Motors York Renault Dacia has partnered with the charity Menfullness and raised £2,740 by donating a sum for each new car sold from its Clifton Moor site. Sales executive, Jessica Bright, suggested swapping the traditional bouquet of flowers presented during a new vehicle handover for a charity donation. York-based Menfullness brings local men together to socialise, exercise, talk ...

Cupra has begun preliminary talks with Penske Automotive Group to explore a new partnership ahead of its entry into the US market by 2030. Since its launch in 2018, Cupra, the first new automotive brand created within the Volkswagen Group, has sold over 750,000 cars. Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Cupra, said: “We have great respect for the U.S. market, recognising ...