Times may be tough. But, according to new figures from an authoritative source, dealers are averaging better profits than expected. Top data agency ASE says the average retailer should have produced a return on sales of 0.7% for 2011.

The government has confirmed it will continue to offer up-to £5000 off the list price of eligible ultra-low emission cars until 2015. The so-called ‘Plug-in Car Grant’, which was designed to stimulate the sales of electric and plug-in hybrid cars, had been due for review this year.

PSA Peugeot Citroen has changed its senior management structure and appointed a single person in charge of UK operations for both brands. Auto Retail Network has learnt that Peugeot’s managing director Tim Zimmerman and Citroen’s Linda Jackson now both report to Marc Lechantre, who has the job title of director general Peugeot Citroen UK and Ireland.

Renault UK is to scrap its separate fleet and commercial vehicle operations department and create a single car and van sales division. The company will merge its current fleet and commercial vehicle operations into its commercial operations department.