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

Monday, March 12

KOREAN firm Hyundai has released teaser images of its forthcoming Santa Fe. The car will debut at the New York Motor Show in April.

SEAT announced the ‘majority’ of its refreshed Ibiza range will be cheaper than the outgoing model. The £9,995 asking price for the entry-level model remains, though.

THE Volkswagen Group announced sales revenue grew 25.6 per cent to €159.3bn (£132.1bn) and operating profit rose by more than half to €11.3 billion (£9.3bn) in 2011.

RENAULT group marketing director has confirmed the maker has bought the Alpine name to use in the UK. Read more

Tuesday, March 13

THE first ‘new’ Atlanta to be launched for 75 years has been revealed. Called the Atlanta ‘Revival’ each car is built to specification; commissions are being taken.

AFTER a record year in 2011, the BMW Group targets another year fr growth. Earnings before interest and taxes margin of 10 per cent is targeted at the groups’ automotive sector.

MORE than 33,000 people bought new cars using car finance in January, says the FLA. Read more

AUTOMOTIVE dealer website provider Razsor has signed up its 3,000th customer in just 15 months since launch. Read more

Wednesday, March 14

JAGUAR Land Rover has created 1,000 new jobs Halewood Operations manufacturing facility, near Liverpool. Read more

SAIC Motor, MG Motor UK’s parent company, has 10 graduates places on offer. Graduates will be offered a two year training programme which includes an exciting three month placement in China.

SKODA is continuing its growth in 2012 by posting a rise of 12 per cent rise over the last two months compared to 2011. Read more

KIA has been received two honours for its Picanto and Rio models in the internationally-acclaimed red dot awards.

Thursday, March 15

MITSUBISHI has announced the appointment of Canterbury Mitsubishi who has opened its doors this week. Read more

VOLKSWAGEN has announced its Up city car is now in showrooms. Prices start at £7,995 and the German firm is offering PCP finance packages from £79 per month.

FORD will preview this summer’s blockbuster film ‘The Sweeney’ by showing off its new Focus ST at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Stunt drivers will put on a special car chase.

SEAT has given its sport Leon FR+ an aggressive sports body kit. Called FR+ Supercopa, the car is styled by Seat Sport and prices start at £22,530.

Friday, March 16

SOURCES close to the administration of Seward (Wessex) Ltd have confirmed there are several interested parties. Read more

UK car manufacturing rose 23.5 per cent in February and was up 19.6 per cent over the year-to-date, says SMMT figures. Read more

THE Government and vehicle manufacturers are going to have to introduce long-term incentives and price cuts if they hope to create a sustainable market for ultra-low emission vans, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has warned.

A LAST call for entries is being made for the Green Apple Awards for Car Dealerships, supported by Car Dealer Magazine. Read more