Good News?? 'fraid not...

Just picked this up of the Autoexpress web site:
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European officials are planning to end cheap car deals for British drivers buying abroad by ordering a rise in prices on the Continent.
They are alarmed by enterprising Brits trying to close the gap between "rip off" UK prices and deals on the Continent, where cars in countries like the Netherlands are 35 per cent cheaper.
The EU has said these practices must stop as they are illegal under free competition laws. Brussels has threatened to strip the motor giants of their exclusive dealership rights and prosecute them if they do not even up prices.
Car makers are now planning to increase their Continental prices and the chairman of RAI, the Dutch car importers' body, has warned dealers to expect rises shortly of seven to 10 per cent.
Dutch motorists are furious and blame the British using the strong pound for the rise, expected to add £1,000 to the average car.
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d'oh!

Paul L

Hate to be smug, but it should keep the residuals up http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

Paul

I posted a similar comment after reading a similar article in the FT last week on Subrussians post below!

Well! I can really see this happening http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif!!!
Can you imagine being the first manufacturer to raise your prices by £1000 http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif. How would you adverts look? - 'We've got the best cars at the best prices but they're up by £1000 each now so the scummy British can't sneak over to your country and buy cars at the prices you are used to! Please support us in our endevours as it's a point of principle!!!!
Many thanks - 'Your favourite car manufacturer' Traa Laaa Laaa - Everything we do is driven by you! etc etc'
Tee Hee Hee http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif

Mick (feeling manic!)

i think this would be illegal anyway, cartells and all that.

Sunil,

Isn't the FT a little advanced for you.....hasn't got any pictures http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif

Don't you mean Euro prices to match U.K. soon? http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif

Sunilp,

Sorry - missed that thread http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/redface.gif

PaulL

My dad spoke to his Mercedes dealer at the weekend regarding a new S class and was told not to do anything yet as they were expecting prices to come down in line with Europe.

I can't see the European prices rising just to stop the trickle of cars going across the channel.

It's about as likely as French beer matching UK prices !