Issue Drill Down: Feature Articles
European motorists: driving towards diesel
Diesel cars accounted for over half of new car registrations in 2007. With fuel prices expected to stay high for the foreseeable future, the growing preference for diesel cars is likely to continue. However, while there is a general trend towards diesel cars, this is not consistent across all markets. Fuel retailers with networks across borders need to take this into account.
17 Mar 2008
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Electric cars: still a long way off the mainstream despite new initiatives
A US company is to start a new business that will enable electric car users to swap their empty batteries for recharged cells at refueling sites. However, although this represents a significant step forward in the deployment of the vehicles, there are still a number of drawbacks to the current models that make it unlikely that a wider refueling network will bring electric cars into the mainstream.
12 Dec 2007
Halfords: motoring ahead
UK-based car and cycle products retailer Halfords has delivered a sparkling set of results, with sales up 9.1% and like-for-like sales ahead by 6.1%. The company is adopting a multi-format expansion strategy and is poised to open its first store in the Czech Republic before 2008. This well polished operation ticks all the right boxes and, as a result, Halfords' success looks set to continue.
11 Jun 2007
LV=: furthering expansion plans with Britannia Rescue buy
In a move reminiscent of Norwich Union's purchase of the RAC, LV=, formerly known as Liverpool Victoria, has completed the purchase of roadside assistance service Britannia Rescue from the Civil Service Motoring Association for GBP36 million. This looks like an astute move as the numerous public sector partnerships and brand strength of Britannia Rescue should greatly benefit LV='s growth goals.
21 May 2007
Zurich: set to boost US non-standard motor book
Zurich Financial Services has announced that its subsidiary Farmers Group has entered into an agreement to acquire rival US motor insurer Bristol West Holdings. This looks to be a sensible move as, provided the deal goes ahead, Zurich should see significant growth in its US non-standard motor business.
5 Mar 2007
Renault to Double Logan Production in Russia
French carmaker Renault plans to double its car production in Russia and make Logan one of the three bestselling cars in the local market by 2009. With an investment of $150 million, Renault is aiming to increase the capacity of its Moscow plant to 160,000 Logans a year, and capitalize on the soaring demand for its budget car in one of the fastest growing car markets in the world.
23 Feb 2007
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