Pendragon, Europe’s largest automotive retail network is rumoured to be instigating redundancies to deal with difficult market conditions.
The recent economic downturn is reflected in other big industry players such as GM Motors who have already laid-off some 3550 workers. BMW and Damiler have both recently reported falling profits in the first quarter.
International financial crisis, a slower US economy, credit crunch in the UK, and the abolition of exemption for higher road tax on older vehicles have all affected the used car market and the wider industry.
Stricter tax regulations on CO2 emissions are hitting hard on the value of luxury and larger vehicles.
ContractHireAndLeasing.com will bring you further news as we watch the effect of a slowing economy.
Faye Sunderland
Honda have just launched a big online campaign on the biggest fleet website in the uk www.FleetDirectory.co.uk. Honda are attempting to break into the lucrative fleet sector by emphasising the benefits of running the new Honda Accord in large and small fleets. The FleetDirectory.co.uk is predominately aimed at decision makers within the fleet management arena. Honda have previously run highly successful campaigns on this website. To view car leasing prices on the new Honda Accord click on the link below:
Honda Accord Saloon lease prices
Central Vehicle Leasing have managed to secure 10 Lexus IS220D model vehicles for regstration before the end of March and they are leasing them out on a 3+23 10k per annum profile at just £229 per month! This has got to be one of the deals of the year so far and can be found on the Lexus IS Search page of ContractHireAndLeasing.com.
One of the UK’s biggest suppliers of used commercial vehicles has arrived in Outwood, Wakefield, and brought ten new jobs to the area. They have opened their doors to businesses and the general public on and hope that the local community will support their new retail outlet.
Van Monster, who has brought ten new jobs to Wakefield have been trading for over 4 years in the UK, with a network of eight retail sites based throughout the UK from Glasgow in the north to Colchester in the south. The move into Wakefield represents a big opportunity for Van Monster to mirror the success of their other UK operations. The success of the company is down to their excellent range of used commercial vehicles, ranging from car-derived vans to panel vans such as Sprinters, Transits and Vitos , chassis cabs and tippers, with the majority of vehicles ranging from 10,000 to 80,000 miles. This gives customers a comprehensive choice from all the leading manufacturers including Ford, Mercedes Benz and Vauxhall at a wide range of prices to suit every budget.
Fast-growing Anchor Vehicle Hire is celebrating its 21st anniversary in business by moving to a new complex in Wakefield.
And helping the company celebrate the move to Old Leeds Road, Outwood, were the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, who are sponsored by Anchor Vehicle Hire
The company has four rental locations - Wakefield, Keighley, Huddersfield and Leeds. Operating a fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles, the company is part of Northgate plc, the UK’s largest light commercial vehicle rental operator with a fleet of more than 65,000 vehicles.
Explaining the company’s relocation from Thornes Lane, Wakefield, managing director Trevor Davidson said: “Anchor Vehicle Hire was established in 1987 and we’ve come a long way as we celebrate our 21st birthday.
“Back in 1987 we ran a fleet of 47 vehicles, and had five employees. Today we operate a fleet of over 3,000 vehicles and have 62 full-time members of staff, operating from four locations in West Yorkshire.
“Achieving 21 years of renting vehicles to businesses has only been possible because of the loyal support of our customers. We are very excited about moving into the new Wakefield location; it is an excellent location which has massive potential as we look to further expand our rental business to clients in Yorkshire.”
Cars, vans and trucks are available for hire from all four of Anchor Vehicle Hire’s sites.
One of the UK’s biggest suppliers of used commercial vehicles has relocated to a new site in Birmingham and has brought six new jobs to the area. They have opened their doors to the general public and have a vast range of quality used vehicles in stock.
Van Monster Ltd, has been trading for over 4 years in the UK, with a network of sites based throughout the UK from Glasgow in the North to Colchester in the South. The relocation from Kingsbury Road (Minworth) to Coventry Road (A45) represents a great opportunity for Van Monster to expand by offering an even wider range of vehicles from a more accessible location. The success of the company is down to their excellent range of used commercial vehicles ranging from car derived vans to panel vans, chassis cabs and tippers, which gives customers a comprehensive choice from all the leading manufacturers at a wide range of prices to suit every budget.
The new super site means that Van Monster Birmingham can display more vehicles, which gives their customers more choice. The site is easily accessible as it is on the main road between Birmingham and Coventry, making it ideal for customers to visit the site and see the huge range of commercial used vehicles.
The new Dodge Caliber is now available on www.ContractHireAndLeasing.com from just £129 per month courtesy of South West Vehicle Leasing! The 2.0 SXT CVT Sport Auto is the top of the range model and comes with upgraded premium sound system and 18″ alloy wheels. This is an example of the great deals which have become available on the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep range.
South West Vehicle Leasing profile and latest deals
Heavy losses at its used car supermarkets and margin pressure elsewhere held back car dealer Lookers last year, with the market both for new and used cars set to remain challenging.
In 2007, turnover rose by 17% to £1.68bn from £1.43bn with organic growth of 12%. Profit before tax for the year was £23m against £21.4m, an increase of 7%, but before amortisation and exceptional items profits fell to £24.5m from £26.4m.
Lookers said margin pressure on new and used margins reduced gross profit by 60 basis points to 12.3% from 12.9%, though it offset this by strict cost controls.
The Used Car Supermarkets operation posted a loss of £4.2m and Lookers has closed its Essex site and rationalised another two sites. It expects the business to return to profit in 2008.
Going forward, Lookers said that the market for new and used cars remains challenging, but in the March plate change month new cars delivered in the first few days of the month are ahead of last year on a like for like basis.
The franchised businesses are also performing to expectations, while the used car supermarkets are showing significant year on year improvement and the independent parts business is ahead of planned performance.
“This, combined with the full year contribution from the Dutton Forshaw businesses, gives us confidence that 2008 will represent another year of progress for the group,” chief executive Ken Surgenor added.
The total dividend for the year is 4.02p, an increase of 15%.
Based in STOCKPORT, Cheshire.
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Maidstone Audi have launched a fantastic new servicing deal for customer who buy one of their approved used cars.
Purchase an Approved Used Audi and you’ll enjoy the feeling of reasurance - knowing that you own a car with more certificates than an Audi Master Technician, not to mention Vorsprung durch Tecknick. Now you can can enjoy the ownership experience even more by not having to worry about the next two years servicing.
The Audi Service Programme
Covers the cost of all scheduled servicing for your Approved Used Audi for 24 months or 30,000 miles - whichever occurs soonest after the date of purchase. Only available on cars over one years old.
Includes all parts and labour
- Only expert-Audi trainied technicans will work on your car
- Only genuine Audi parts and diagnostic equipment used
- Two year’s warranty on all genuine Audi parts.
Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for details. Only applicable for Approved Used Audi modules over one years old. Excludes S, RS and A8 modules.
