Hendy Group’s expansion in Dorset includes the arrival of Fiat and Abarth, based at Branksome Poole. The expansion is part of a long-term strategic plan and further consolidates the group’s partnership with Stellantis. Branksome Poole is where Hendy launched its Vauxhall dealership last year. Paul Hendy, chief executive of Hendy Group, said: “Dorset has always been a key area for ...

  The dealer agency model is resulting in poorer quality vehicle deliveries, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) warns. The AFP’s 28-point Dealer Standard, introduced in 2022, aims to maintain the high quality condition of the cars and vans when they are delivered. Marshall, Inchcape and Sytner were among the first dealer groups to sign up for the accreditation. Paul ...

Close Brothers will introduce additional measures to strengthen the group’s available capital by around £400 million in response to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) motor finance review. A risk transfer of assets, selective loan book growth to optimise risk weighted assets, additional cost management initiatives and the retention of earnings are options while other potential management actions are being explored. ...

The 1.5-litre petrol engine MG Hybrid+ SE will be priced at £18,495 with a Trophy model available for £20,495. Now available to order, the battery is larger than average (1.83kWh) and the electric motor (100kW) allows the vehicle to go fully electric. David Allison, head of product and planning for MG Motor UK, said: “There is still a very strong ...

Sales of EVs sub-two-years-old have recorded a market share of 11.2%, their highest ever in February according to an INDICATA UK market report. A 24% monthly increase in EVs sub-one-years-old entering the market contributed to this success following investment in incentive campaigns. Dean Merritt, INDICATA UK’s head of sales, said: “Each month our used EV data looks more encouraging as ...

When buying a second hand car in 2024, 58% of consumers’ primary motivation would be saving money, according to The Motor Ombudsman’s Opinion Matters poll of 2,050 motorists. Rather than buying a brand new equivalent, budgets and household bills would influence consumers to buy a used car. Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and md at The Motor Ombudsman said: “Several million ...

The Figaro Shop will unveil its new product line, dubbed Restored & Remastered, at the Fish Bros. Nissan showroom in Fenn Close, Peatmoor, Swindon. The Figaro shop is an Oxfordshire-based garage dealing only in parts, services and restorations of the 1991 Nissan Figaro. Bespoke examples of the car are built on a base car from the original production run. The ...

Bentley Motors has launched its third Extraordinary Women mentorship programme which will see eight students from the UK and Qatar selected for one-on-one mentorship and a week-long visit to Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England in June. The programme focuses on female students in the fields of engineering, design, technology, and business. It was developed to encourage women to consider various ...

The skills shortage in the UK automotive industry is widespread and impacting profitability, according to 56% of those involved in Autotech Recruit’s 2024 survey of 109 professionals. There will be an increase in vehicle technician vacancies over the next year according to half of respondents. Around 70% identifying recruiting vehicle technicians as one of the most difficult roles to fill ...

The Westdrive Kia showroom in Braintree, Essex, has reopened to customers following a complete refit to reflect the manufacturer’s latest branding and style. This showroom now features the latest Kia logo which was introduced in 2021 to reflect its focus on electrification. There is also a distinct separation of a customer zone and display zone. Jason Westwood, md at Westdrive, ...