12:32 pm, June 1, 2012
HERE ARE the most interesting and talked-about stories over the past five days, collated and summarised by us.
Monday, May 28
MERCEDES-BENZ UK announced it had created the first non-branded campaign ever in its history to launch its new A-Class hatchback. The intriguing campaign, ‘Pure and Simple’, utilises just two elements: A striking image of the new A-Class and one line: #NewGeneration
‘PIMPED’ cars’ values can be seriously damaged when it comes to their resale prices, auction firm BCA warned. BCA’s used car experts believe that less is definitely more for those who want to maintain the resale value of their vehicle.
FERRARI announced it had built a one-off special edition model for rock legend Eric Clapton. The SP12 EC (SP for ‘Special Project’ and EC for ‘Eric Clapton’) is described by Ferrari as being ‘created as homage to Clapton’s career and his long lasting experience as a Ferrari owner’.
Tuesday, May 29
CAR DEALER editor James Baggott and staff writer James Batchelor began a road trip across Europe to mark Skoda’s sixth model launch. They are driving a brand new Citigo back from the factory in Bratislava, Slovakia, to the UK, taking in six European cities on the way.
NISSAN dealers were told they can now get hold of branded merchandise quickly and easily following the launch of a new website. The site features a wide range of Nissan-branded products as well as items that can be badged with individual dealerships’ artwork and logos.
A POLL by Motorpoint, the UK’s leading car supermarket group, showed that UK motorists would not be comfortable with using a self-driving car such as the Google car. The company polled nearly 2,000 of their website users and found that 58 per cent were not keen on letting a computer take the wheel.
Wednesday, May 30
AUTO EXPRESS revealed its definitive list of the top 50 Brits working in the car industry, with Nissan’s Andy Palmer, right, at number one. Palmer, 48, has global responsibility for Nissan’s product planning, programme management, corporate planning and market intelligence.
THE Government demanded that petrol retailers draw up plans for a formal process to ensure drivers see lower prices at the pump when global oil prices fall, reported the Daily Mail.
A NEW survey from AA Car Data Check revealed that nearly 50 per cent of those asked would be drawn in by a car for sale if was advertised at a considerably lower price than its market value.
McLAREN Automotive continued its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of McLaren Jeddah. The new showroom, in the sophisticated residential and shopping district of Tahliah Street, is said to be a fitting venue for the British brand, which has now launched four of its six planned Middle East showrooms.
ON DAY two of Car Dealer magazine’s European tour in a new Skoda Citigo, editor James Baggott admitted: ‘I’ve fallen a little bit in love with it.’
Thursday, May 31
WORLD Touring Car driver Rob Huff became the first customer to take delivery of a UK-specification Chevrolet Camaro.
INTREPID Car Dealer duo James Baggott and James Batchelor admitted to feeling a little jaded as their epic European road trip entered its third day. ‘The miles, the rain and the Germans have all taken their toll,’ wrote the ed.
MOTOR CODES, the operator of OFT-backed codes of practice for the motor industry, revealed the most trusted large and small garages in the UK.
Friday, June 1
WE reported that the new Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost model accounted for 17 per cent of the company’s sales in April – its first full month of being available.
RENAULT confirmed a series of UK roadshow dates for a marketing campaign to promote its range of electric vehicles. ‘Renault’s Z.E. Tour 2012’ launches this month. First stop on the 15-weekend tour is Newcastle’s Centre for Life on June 8.
THE new Mayor of Derby set a perfect ‘buy local’ example by choosing a Toyota Avensis for her official transport. All Avensis models are built at Toyota’s Burnaston plant, just a few miles from the centre of Derby and the vehicle was supplied to the new Mayor, Councillor Lisa Higginbottom, by the city’s Inchcape Toyota dealership.
