UK: CAR PRICES 76% HIGHER THAN EUROPE
Article Abstract:
A survey by the European Commission (EC) will show that some car models in the UK are 76% more expensive than in Continental Europe. The news is a blow to the Government, which has been trying to drive down the cost of new cars in the UK. In fact, the EC findings demonstrate that far from price differentials being reduced they have in fact widened over the last six months. In February the price of an Alfa 156 was 21% higher than the cheapest European country, but the difference is now 45%. Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, is due to introduce new legislation shortly, which will allow private buyers to obtain the same deals as fleet customers, and also prevent dealers from being penalised for importing cheaper models from mainland Europe. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reacted angrily to the news, arguing that the figures were distorted by the strength of sterling at the time, and varying tax rates across Europe. An SMMT spokesman claimed that since April UK car prices had fallen by 6%.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
UK: BMW PLEDGE OVER FUTURE OF ROLLS-ROYCE
Article Abstract:
Luxury car manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, would essentially remain a UK-based business when control reverts to Germany's BMW from 2003, amid speculation that the Silver Seraph's replacement may be constructed primarily in Bavaria. Rolls-Royce is currently owned by Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer which intends to carry on building the Bentley model after 2003 at the Crewe plant. BMW plans to decide on where to situate the GB[pound] 100mn UK assembly plant in 2000, with construction work scheduled to start before 2002. BMW has been approached by ten different UK regions regarding the plant and the indications are that it could be located near Heathrow Airport.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
UK: CONCERN OVER FAST DRIVING IN CAR ADVERTS
Article Abstract:
New research commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions (DETR) is expected to reveal that car drivers are heavily influenced by images of speed shown in car adverts. The UK government has met with television regulators to encourage them to ban car adverts that glorify speed, such as the 'Bullitt' advert for the Ford Puma and Focus models. Adverts for the Peugeot 206 and Volkswagen Passat have already been banned.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: UK: HEART DISEASE ON THE INCREASE. UK: RISE IN DRUG ABUSE DEATHS. UK: MENINGITIS FEARS FOLLOWING FLU OUTBREAK
- Abstracts: UK: FEAR OVER FRAUD AND THE INTERNET. UK: CGU CREATES INTERNET OPERATION. UK: SOFTWARE HELPS INTERNET SHOPPERS
- Abstracts: UK: NEW ORGAN DONOR RULES FROM GOVERNMENT. UK: BREAST CANCER SCREENING AGE LIMIT TO RISE. UK: STUDY CALLS FOR NEW LAWS FOR DEATH AT WORK
- Abstracts: UK: TUBERAIL LIMITS UNDERGROUND BIDS. UK: UNDERGROUND PROSECUTED OVER SAFETY. Underground to offer 'rail miles'
- Abstracts: US: ANTI-MISSILE TECHNOLOGY TO BE SHARED. UK: POWERNET IN DEAL WITH CISCO. GERMANY: RAYTHEON AND DIEHL IN ALLIANCE