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

Monday, February 27

PORSCHE has appointed Chris Craft as their new managing director. Craft takes up the role on April 1. Read more

NISSAN has released a teaser image of concept that explores ideas on how Nissan can expand its offering in the crossover segment. It’ll be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

SUBARU has given its Legacy a refresh – more efficient Boxer diesel engine, uprated six-speed gearbox and retuned suspension is the order of the day.

SOARING depreciation levels of a range of luxury vehicles has led to a spike in finance deals. Read more

Tuesday, February 28

VOLVO brings back the V40 name for its ‘premium hatchback’ offering – and the Swedish firm plans to sell 90,000 of them a year. Read more

THE UK’S most economical Toyota arrives this summer. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid emits 49 g/km and returns 134.5mpg, and will cost ‘below’ £30k.

DEALER group Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall has acquired two new sites in Norwich from Hatwell. Read more

PORSCHE has moved its Solihull Centre to an impressive new showroom. The new Centre has two floors and space for 36 display cars.

Wednesday, February 29

FERRARI reveals its 599 replacement – the F12 Berlinetta. 6.2-litre V12; 730bhp; 690Nm of torque; and 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds. It’ll be revealed next week at Geneva.

AUDI acknowledges that with their A4 range having 111 derivatives – once the new RS4 arrives later this year – buyers might be a ‘bit daunted’. Read more

GM and Peugeot Citroen have created ‘a long-term and strategic alliance’ which will see, most notably, vehicle platform and component sharing.

DEALER Group Vertu publishes its trading update – and reveals order take for the March private retail market is 10.3 per cent ahead of last year. Read more

Thursday, March 1

HYUNDAI’S i-oniq concept car will debut at the Geneva Motor Show It’s an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine.

RESTRUCTURING specialists at Seward (Wessex) Ltd have decided to close a parts distribution and auto centre. – 26 people lose their jobs. Read more

CHEVROLET UK has announced it is taking on direct responsibility for selling Chevy cars and parts in Ireland. Read more

AUDI has announced its operating profits soared 60 per cent to 5.3bn euros in 2011 – its best ever figure in more than 100 years. Read more

 

Friday, March 2

CHEVROLET has announced it’s appointed Brian Hawkins to the role of retail network development manager. Read more

NISSAN has introduced fixed-priced servicing to its network meaning their customers receive dealership standards of work, at independent garage prices. Services cost from £109. Read more

ONLY 500 coupe and cabriolet versions of the BMW M3 Limited Edition 500 will be arriving to the UK in March. Exclusive equipment features; prices start from £55,690.

USING smartphones for social networking while driving is more dangerous than drink driving or being high on cannabis behind the wheel, says the Institute for Advanced Motorists.