Welsh Government and councils must prioritise supporting Tata Steel Port Talbot and Toyota Deeside, according to a far reaching report prepared for the Welsh Automotive Forum. The report by Ian Henry, head of Autoanalysis, follows similar studies he has carried out for WAF in recent years but his final conclusions have been published against a background of a global economic … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 May
A survey by the Welsh Automotive Forum of local supply chain companies shows 88% expect May turnover to be reduced by more than 50%. Even for July, 38% expect turnover to be 30%+ reduced on pre-COVID-19 levels. RAC patrols rescued some 3,426 motorists whose vehicles may have fallen victim to the UK’s pothole-ridden roads in the first three months of 2020, more than during the same period last … [Read more...]
Breathing new life into Ford Bridgend Engine Plant
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant may be ordered to make components for medical ventilators in the UK Government's fight against the coronavirus. The 1.1 million sqft plant is due to close at the end of this year and it's stopped making Ford engines but continues assembling petrol engines for Jaguar Land Rover and the disease has hit already flagging car sales so there is a lot of production capacity … [Read more...]
Turning sound into electricity is a class apart
The EESW Student of the Year Award is a celebration of the students who participated in the EESW Sixth Form Project last year, in memory of Dr Tom Parry Jones, entrepreneur, inventor, and trustee of the scheme for over 20 years. Over 500 Year 12 students who participated in the scheme last year were invited to apply to become the EESW Student of the Year, and 12 students who were interviewed in … [Read more...]
New plan to energise Welsh automotive sector
A new plan to energise the automotive industry and help it meet future challenges is being developed by the Welsh Government. Economy Minister Ken Skates will outline the new plan at an Automotive Summit at Hensol Castle later today and hours before the Welsh sector's annual networking dinner, where the keynote speaker will be Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer on the eve of opening the car maker's … [Read more...]
Ford Task Force to be chaired by Prof Richard Parry-Jones
Chairman of the Welsh Automotive Forum, Professor Richard Parry-Jones CBE, will Chair the Taskforce to support Ford workers and help secure their future following the company’s decision to close their operation in Bridgend from Autumn 2020, Economy Minister Ken Skates announced today. The former Ford Motor Company's chief engineer and a prominent and extremely well regarded figure within the … [Read more...]
Ford face triple dilemma at Bridgend
Global demand for the Ford triple-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine is lower than expected and driven the decision to close its production line in Bridgend next February. Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe (right), in a conference call said the employees and management at Bridgend Engine Plant had done all they possibly could to support Dragon production, but it was simply not … [Read more...]
What Brexit means to Welsh automotive businesses
Welsh Government and the Welsh Automotive Forum have been looking at the implications of a no-deal Brexit and produced guidance notes for businesses. UK import tariffs in a no-deal scenario - The Government has published details of the UK’s temporary tariff regime for no deal. The regime would be temporary, and the Government would closely monitor the effects of the tariffs on the UK … [Read more...]
Honda fall-out affects Wales
A dozen businesses in Wales make parts for Honda, said the Welsh Automotive Forum. The component suppliers employ thousands of workers and Welsh Government and WAF are taking steps to identify the true impact of the Honda closure and how the employees can be helped. Honda will close its vehicle assembly plant in Turkey along with the Swindon operation by 2021. It is part of a global … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 January
Ford will supply 450 Ranger, Transit, EcoSport and Kuga models to the RNLI over the next three years. They will be working around the UK coast with the lifesaving charity and promoting water safety messages. The Welsh Automotive Forum is assisting members to manage disruption to supply chains and their car making customers in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Luxury and mainstream car … [Read more...]