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Japanese car manufacturer Toyota is to cut costs by 30 per cent on the development, production and marketing of its models to defend its market share in view of a predicted slowdown in the car market. The firm is also reforming its purchasing systems because of the weakness of the euro against the yen and sterling, and plans to source parts from the continent.

Car sector in slow lane_3

The automotive industry is lagging behind other sectors in making use of e-commerce, according to accounting and consultancy firm KPMG.

NHS Logistics Authority_3

In our issue dated 4 January, we inadvertently called the NHS Logistics Authority’s web-based logistics Internet site its Road Map system, when the name does not exist. While the system details order status, it does not show location of delivery trucks. Apologies for any confusion.

University of Newcastle_3

PFI saves health only 1%_3

Savings from private finance initiative hospital contracts are only 1.06 per cent greater than standard public-sector alternatives, according to the Department of Health. The DoH is aiming to speed up the procurement of PFI hospitals by standardising the paperwork on contracts and is also moving to standard payment mechanisms.

Tube group seeks refund_3

A consortium that failed in its bid to upgrade part of the London Underground network is demanding full compensation for its £14 million bid costs. Tube Rail, which includes Brown & Root, Alstom, Amec and Carillion, lost out to Tube Lines to upgrade the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines. The government pledged earlier this year to return half of the costs of failed bids.

Site under construction_3

Construction’s two largest builders’ merchants, Travis Perkins and Jewson, which between them account for around half of the UK market, will be linked by an electronic trading system called Xchange. Construction software firm Ramesys has built the system, which will be available to its existing software users.

Buying training courses_3

Q: I have just started strategic sourcing and procurement of training services across different business units and sites. We currently deal with hundreds of training providers for about 17 categories, from IT to health and safety. What will be the best pr

Charnos hit by M&S fall_3

Clothing supplier Charnos has claimed that falling sales at Marks & Spencer are forcing it to seek additional funding. The hosiery, lingerie and knitwear maker says the struggling retailer’s fortunes have contributed to a fourfold growth in its annual pre-tax losses.

Freight body speaks out_3

The new government must rise to the challenge of improving UK supply chain efficiency, a Freight Transport Association report sent to every parliamentary candidate argues.