'Le Cost Killer' goes easy on Renault

Renault chief executive Carlos Goshn, famed for his turnaround of Nissan, has announced an ambitious four-year plan to improve the French group's faltering performance. The plan, which features a move into new segments and a large-scale product offensive, is unlikely to cut as deep as his Nissan revamp, but as Datamonitor analyst Richard Carteau explains, Renault still has room to maneuver...

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3D Fast Bus: overtaking more conventional green automotive innovations

According to a recent Datamonitor survey, consumers worldwide are becoming increasingly interested in energy efficient cars. However, congestion remains a concern, and in an attempt to tackle this issue, a revolutionary new type of bus is set to be pilot tested in Beijing, which will address the problem by simply driving above passenger cars, without the need for a separate track.

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A crushing blow to uninsured drivers

The Greenaway report, a UK government-commissioned study into the problem of uninsured driving, signals the start of a crackdown on motorists that drive without insurance. This report should provide the catalyst for strengthening legislation and Datamonitor's James Greenwell argues that it will finally bring UK compliance levels in line with the rest of Europe...

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AA / Shoosmiths: a personal injury push

The AA's partnership with Shoosmiths will allow it to compete with RAC's blossoming legal services division and capitalize on new opportunities in the sector. The services group's timing is appropriate, as regulatory changes in the law profession are likely to see a raft of familiar retail brands offering legal services. Like RAC, the AA is well placed at the vanguard of this shift.

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AA/Saga: insurer looks set to benefit from proposed in-house credit hire operations

In a move to tackle the costs associated with credit hire, AA/Saga plans to bring its arrangements in-house. Credit hire costs are a major source of claims inflation for motor insurers, and bringing credit hire in-house could generate a lucrative side line, while also giving it greater control over a key driver in claims costs.

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AA: the road to success

After its recent acquisition by private equity houses CVC and Permira, the AA has announced a major restructuring including an exit from the car servicing business and cutbacks of up to 1,300 jobs. The moves will create a more efficient, streamlined and profitable company.

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ABN AMRO: another bank may shed its leasing arm

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ABN AMRO: one leasing giant for sale

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Action must be taken against the sale of illegal solvent-based paints in Europe

The re-emergence of illegal solvent-based paints in many European automotive aftermarkets is becoming a major headache for paint manufacturers. In recent years, usage has grown as distribution channels look to cut costs due to government austerity and falling incomes. Governments and manufacturers need to do more to ensure that these potentially harmful paints are removed from the supply chain.

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Admiral: calm waters now but storms ahead

Launching the biggest flotation on the London market this year, and one of only eight IPOs so far on the main exchange, Admiral has set its stall out to go public. While rapid growth and financial success has been Admiral's trademark, serious questions remain as to whether the timing and pricing of the offer will attract sufficient interest.

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