General Motors: Vauxhall smitten no more

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GM Daewoo: new UK fleet strategy

Recognizing the increasing role that fleet sales play in maintaining the manufacturers' bottom lines, GM Daewoo is launching new fleet-oriented products and services in the UK. The company is targeting new sales in the small business sector but fleet sales are slow at the moment and the crowded market could make things hard for GM Daewoo.<BR />

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GM: fast fit will help solve profit problems

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Goodyear: shedding high-cost ops to negate rising costs

Goodyear has announced that it is to close a British tire facility and a Polish bicycle tire plant as it looks to China and possibly Germany to expand operations at a lower cost. While the moves will result in charges amounting to a possible $200 million, the continual divestment of non-core assets should ultimately serve to increase the company's competitiveness in the face of rising costs.

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Growth in UK new car sales will prove to be unsustainable

The UK is expected to see a rise in new car sales to just over 2 million in 2013. This is promising, as it shows consumers are willing to spend, but the market depends heavily on the strength of the pound, allowing dealerships to offer attractive financial packages. This improvement will therefore be short-lived.

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Halfords benefits from autocenters investment

UK automotive and cycling specialist Halfords has reported steady sales growth for Christmas 2012, at 1.6% in the 15 weeks to January 11, 2013, with a marked improvement on the same period last year.

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Halfords plans eastern European expansion

Halfords has unveiled plans for expansion into eastern Europe and a chain of dedicated bike shops under its Bikehut brand, as it announced a GBP50 million share buy-back over two years. With its domestic market approaching maturity, Halfords' move to broaden its horizons is a sensible step intended to tap into a potentially significant but as yet underserved market.

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Halfords will need a new boss to continue success

Halfords's full year revenue increased by 7.2% to GBP797.4m, and like-for-like sales were up 4.3%, slightly less than the 6.0% rise in the previous year. Growth was strong across the business, but the star performers were car maintenance and Bikehut. As recent performance can be accredited to Halfords's strong management team, appointing a suitable new leader is essential for continued success.

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Halfords: accelerating away from the competition

After its recent flotation and strong first half sales growth, car parts retailer Halfords [HFD.L] is cruising along nicely. With intelligent management steering the business, it is expected to maintain its strong performance despite a weak 2004 forecast for the aftermarket.

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Halfords: diversification accelerates growth on the high street

Since its flotation in June 2004, Halfords has posted consistently strong results. The latest 21% rise in pretax interim profit bears testament to management's diversification strategy, and a consistent focus on key niche markets should ensure that Halfords' performance continues to defy the sluggish aftermarket.

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