News - Page 1727

FORD of Britain has a new chairman and managing director. Dutchman Roeland de Waard takes over this week from former MD Paul Thomas, who is now vice-president of marketing for Ford of Europe.

A CAPACITY crisis could hit Britain’s vehicle bodyshops and send fleet repair costs soaring, industry experts claim.

THIS is the first picture of Skoda’s Roomster MPV, which will make its debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

MERCEDES-BENZ has released prices for its new six-seater R-class grand tourer.

FIAT’S Grande Punto range will cost from £7,594 when it goes on sale next weekend.

FLEET management firm ALD Automotive has unveiled a new risk management product.

THE Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has announced two events that include a focus on work-related road safety.

CHOCOLATE and drink giant Cadbury Schweppes is embarking on a work-related road safety programme for most of its employees round the world.

IF there was a rear of the year prize awarded in the car industry, then surely BMW’s new Z4 Coupe range would be a favourite.

THE Government has outlined guidelines for authorities wanting to dip into millions of pounds worth of funding for congestion charge schemes.

BRITS are overwhelmingly in favour of Government proposals to track down and fine foreign drivers who break UK traffic laws.

FINDING a funding provider doesn’t have to be a chore, even if at times it feels like one.

Civic steps up to take on premium sector rivals.

LAUNCH dates for key fleet models.

THE petrol in my tank is the cheapest in my area. But I don’t drive around jotting down price fluctuations every day – I signed up to petrolprices.com and the people there do it for me. They email the prices to me, and it’s free.

LATEST appointments in the fleet industry.

Mornings spent scraping off ice from your windscreen may be a thing of the past with the development of a new technology from the US which heats screen fluid to melt ice.

Eagle eyed users of the satellite imaging service Google Earth have spotted what appears to be a car hovering above the ground in a suburban car park in Perth, Australia.

LATEST figures show that sales of new cars across Europe during 2005 were mixed, with 13 countries posting an increase and 10 ending the year with losses.

VANGUARD Rental EMEA, parent company for the National and Alamo brands, has appointed Dr Hans-Ulrich Sachenbacher as vice-president for Vanguard Germany.

IN a remarkable development, Pendragon has made an offer to buy Lookers <i>and</i> Reg Vardy.

OUR new website, companycardriver.co.uk, has been created to offer fleet managers a source of advice and tools for making their job easier.

VAN maker LDV has been bought out by an American investment group, in a move aimed at securing its future.

LONG driver hours and tiredness top a new survey into fleet safety concerns undertaken to mark the launch of a new fleet safety website – www.corporateliability.co.uk.

CONCERNED fleets are being urged to contact their dealers or leasing companies following reports casting doubt on the safety of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans after faulty brakes caused the deaths of two bikers.

A NEW booklet that unravels the complex mysteries of towing has been launched by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

THIS year is a big one for van launches, as manufacturers struggle to increase their market shares in an increasingly competitive market.

SPARE a thought for white van man – he’s stressed out by life on Britain’s roads.

VAN and truck manufacturer Iveco is predicting a downturn in commercial vehicle sales in 2006 as the UK economy cools.