HERE ARE the most interesting and talked-about stories over the past five days, collated and summarised by us.

Monday January 21

Nissan extended its Cared4 approved used car programme – previously winning big at our Wheeler Dealer Awards, it’s now available until March 31st. Read more.

Global OASys launched a new online remarketing service – free to use, Ric Ward of the firm described it as having been developed for ‘the optimum dealer experience’. Read more.

Snow-laden cars could prove expensive for motorists, the government announced – with those who fail to clear the white stuff from their cars liable to receive fines.

Tuesday January 22

Renault Retail gained a new MD – Len Curran, whose previous credits include managing director for commerical operations at the firm back in 2001. Read more.

The future of Nissan’s Nismo range is looking hot, it was revealed – as we drove a prototype version of an even hotter Juke Nismo. Read more.

Things were looking bright for HR Owen – as the prestige-specialising dealer reported high performance during 2012. Read more.

Wednesday January 23

The previous site of dissolved Vauxhall dealer Approach was sold for a ‘seven figure’ sum – making the administrators back ‘the majority’ of their outlay. Read more.

Motor retailers continued to claw back their profits towards the end of 2012, an ASE report demonstrated – with the average dealer said to have made £351 in profit. Read more.

Nissan slashed the price of its Leaf electric vehicle – dropping £2,500 from the RRP in preparation for the reveal of an updated model. Read more.

Aston Barclay did particularly well in 2012 for fleet sales, a release stated – with the firm claiming high performance for their Leeds, Prees Heath and Westbury locations. Read more.

Thursday January 24

The work to turn Citroen’s image around isn’t over yet, managing director Linda Jackson suggested to us – despite models like the DS3 enticing people back into showrooms. Read more.

Vauxhall attacked offer-happy fast-fit centres – offering a free £40 voucher for use at its MasterFit service centres. Read more.

Big spenders were still out in force in 2012, figures from BCA suggest – with a Porsche Carrera sitting in the sales top spot at £197,000. Read more.

Friday January 25

Vauxhall’s managing director Duncan Aldred was appointed acting Vauxhall/Opel vice president – for sales, marketing and aftersales. Read more.

MG opened a new dealership – Hartwell, based near Grimsby – adding another outlet to the growing brand’s network. Read more.

Prestige marques saw a jump in searches in 2012 despite economic pressures, Auto Trader revealed – with Bentley seeing a 50 per cent increase. Read more.

CAP appointed a new senior editor to its growing valuations team – Dylan Setterfield, who previously worked in a similar role for GE Capital Fleet. Read more.