News - Page 1644

Ford's goal is total customer loyalty. The company wants its customers not only to buy a Ford, but to have Ford look after the vehicle throughout its life - and to be so pleased with the service they receive they won't hesitate to choose Ford again. That's why Ford is making its dealers and their service prices more consistent and understandable through a scheme called Simple Service Pricing.

Customer focus; customer loyalty; gaining and retaining business - these goals are not easy, but we all know their book value. At Texaco we work hard to bring a distinct advantage to our customers throughout the supply chain; from the motorist, to the aftermarket and the manufacturer - and back round again.

A typical dealer workshop could produce an additional annual profit of £10,000, provide a better service for its customers and help the environment by promoting Texaco's Havoline Energy 5W-30, the leading fuel-efficient engine oil.

Regular readers of the Daily Telegraph's motoring page will know that Honest John - their man in the trade - often solves readers motoring problems by recommending Texaco's CleanSystem3 fuel because its detergency additives are so effective in keeping engines clean.

The spectre of the Block Exemption review hangs over UK franchised dealer networks like a black cloud. Still ignored by many, the fundamental European Union shake-up of the legal framework of the industry will soon become a reality. Those businesses which do not have a strategy in place will suffer.

For the third consecutive season Haywood Racing has lifted the Slick 50 Formula Ford Zetec championship - described as one of the most spectacular British motorsports. The team won two out of four of the European series races in 1999 and has produced the class champion driver two years in a row.

Jaguar has launched an own brand range of technically advanced lubricants developed in conjunction with Texaco. The development is part of its objective to provide the highest standards in customer service, to protect Jaguar engine life and keep Jaguar owners loyal to its franchised dealers.

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.

Volkswagen has cut the prices of commonly replaced parts on the current Transporter range by up to 70%.

A used car stock locator promising to “pile high and sell quick” has been launched specifically for the trade.

Most people would agree that 1999 has been one of the worst trading years in memory. It began with even the most experienced trade people apparently mis-reading the market, and hardly anybody is seeing the year out without a few bruises.

A year ago, we began by noting that the difficulties of 1998 had come as a shock to many because the residuals from some forecasters had been considerably more optimistic than turned out to be justified. That was because those forecasters had been working in the heady atmosphere of the mid-90s, when the market was booming.

British Car Auctions has introduced a revised brand structure for its business divisions, enabling customers to clearly identify the range of services offered.

Citroen is going head-to-head with the Renault Scenic when it launches the Xsara Picasso into the crowded UK MPV sector in late spring.

A German Internet sales service specialising in prestige used cars is about to receive the backing of one of Europe's largest publishing houses.

BMW is bullish about diesel prospects after launching the 320d at £21,345 - £22,645 in SE trim.

BMW is confident the 3 Series Touring will rapidly gain ground on its main rivals, Audi's A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-class estate, which have consistently outperformed the estate.

Companies gearing up for Christmas and the Millennium celebrations created a November surge of medium LCV sales.

London body repairers, many at the point of collapse from spiralling overheads, have decided to take direct action in a bid to persuade insurers to improve remuneration packages. Bob Hood, senior manager of the Retail Motor Industry Federation Bodyshop Services Division, chaired a meeting of 70 leading repairers at the association's headquarters in London where an agreement was reached to set up a 'London Bodyshop Alliance'.

Mini - pioneering, classless and 40 - is the Automotive Management car of the century. In Las Vegas this weekend, it battles for the supreme accolade against Citroen DS, Ford Model T, Porsche 911 and VW Beetle. The award is based on public Internet votes and those of 132 automotive journalists in 32 countries.