News - Page 2287

A NEW report from the AA fundamentally challenges the Government's stance on taxing the motorist. 'Fair Payment for Road Users: A Review of Evidence on Social and Environmental Costs' argues that if taxes on drivers are being levied for environmental reasons, these taxes should actually be falling because cars are becoming cleaner.

PEUGEOT has added two automatic transmission estate cars to its 306 range.

THE £14.9 billion proposed merger of Commercial Union and General Accident should benefit policyholders, according to the insurance giants.

FIAT and Alfa Romeo have raised prices by an average 1.1% across the board - although the recently-launched Alfa 156 is unaffected.

MORE than two thirds of fleets could have their communication and invoicing links with key suppliers thrown into chaos when the calendar ticks over from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000.

INCHCAPE plc, the world's largest independent importer and distributor of motor vehicles, has unveiled a 12% rise in pre-tax profits to £184.1 million (1996:£165.1 million) on turnover of £5,931.4 million in 1997.

MORE than 110 fleet managers and fleet decision-makers have booked to attend the first Fleet News Budget Breakfast to be held on March 24.

VOLKSWAGEN'S long-awaited Golf will make its right-hand-drive debut at the Fleet Motor Show in May to coincide with the start of UK availability.

NISSAN has announced prices for the new 1998 Micra, which goes on sale on April 14, as well as price rises on Primera, Terrano II, QX, 200 SX, Pickup, Cabstar and Vanette Cargo.

VAUXHALL has confirmed that the majority of new Astras will be pegged at the same - or even lower prices - than the current models.

CASH and carry retail giant Booker has taken delivery of its 1,000th Citroen Xantia - the first of the new-look 1998 cars.

FORD is aiming to dominate the lower medium sector with Focus - the name chosen for the vehicle which will eventually replace the Escort.

THE prices of three million replacement car components for more than 4,000 different models produced by 30 vehicle manufacturers are to be made available by the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre.

THE profusion of different collision repair estimating systems is placing a colossal financial burden on bodyshops, says the Retail Motor Industry Federation.

OUTDOOR media company More Group has halved its insurance premiums after fitting Securicor TrakBak to its van fleet.

PRESTIGE cars are at higher risk from audio thieves than mainstream fleet vehicles according to a new survey by accident management specialist AutoManagement.

ENGINEERING and industrial services group Delta plc has cut 40% from its insurance bill by switching its 680-strong car fleet from fully comprehensive cover to a self-insured basis.

MOVES to cut traffic volumes must be accompanied by far-reaching measures to reduce road deaths, safety campaigners have told Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

THE Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has told the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that VAT will not be charged on the controversial £25 registration fee for new vehicles.

A NEW report from the AA fundamentally challenges the Government's stance on taxing the motorist.

FORD has unveiled the latest addition to the best-selling Transit range - its first Dropside version for 25 years.

SKODA has decided to go ahead with plans to develop LCVs powered by liquid petroleum gas.

RENAULT'S new Kangoo and Master vans were among the stars of the Commercial Vehicle Show 1998, carrying with them Renault's hopes of retaking a large chunk of the van market in Britain and abroad.

NEWCASTLE-based Patterson Ford has supplied 26 Ford Mondeo TD LXs worth more than £400,000 to the courtesy car fleet of non-fault accident hire company Fast Assist.

EXPANDING car retailer Dixons Motors saw pre-tax profits increase 58% to £8.7 million (1996: £5.5 million) on turnover up 57% to £413.6 million (1996: £262.6 million) last year, its fifth consecutive year of growth.

DAEWOO'S fleet expansion is to be boosted by development of the importer's sales network and the launch of new vehicles as a result of links with LDV, General Motors and the takeover of SsangYong Motors.

SUBARU has launched manual transmission versions of the Outback and Legacy 4Cam 2.5 AWD range.

SEAT is aiming to double its fleet and business car sales over the next four years with the Toledo replacement due to go on sale in 12 months heading the charge.

MERCEDES-Benz is restructuring its commercial vehicle operation in order to improve customer service.

FAST-expanding car retailer and contract hire group Ryland has announced record results for 1997 as its leased fleet increased 31% to 12,000 units.