A leading industry expert has hit out at the insurance companies whose mergers have caused chaos in the bodyshop industry.
Ford hopes to attract more all-makes vehicles, including older models, into its 300-strong Rapid Fit fast-fit network after upgrading its servicing programme.
New car registration figures for last year have been branded a “sham” by the Consumers' Association after the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders claimed 1999 was “a successful year”, reaching its sales target of 2.2m units.
Forecasters, by their very nature, tend to take the pessimistic view of future residuals - they are happier when things turn out better than expected than vice versa. Unfortunately, however, it is these forecasters who tend to make themselves heard best because doom and gloom makes better headlines.
Dealers are unanimously reporting a distinct shortage of quality used cars available for stock, despite leading auction houses enjoying brisk trade to kick-start the new year. The period between Christmas and the first couple of weeks of January, traditionally a quiet time, has seen remarkable interest in the used car market.
Mitsubishi has followed up its new year price reductions with a series of customer-focused sales initiatives which begin this month.
Vauxhall believes that consumer confidence is returning to the used car market after its Network Q operation reported strong sales last month, compared to August 1999.
