Western European car sales dropped 23 percent in September, according to LMC Automotive data, in the wake of a summer discounting splurge. Registrations fell to 1.05 million cars last month from 1.36 million a year earlier, the consulting firm said on Thursday. Its numbers are based on national sales data and estimates for some of the smallest markets. The new Worldwide Harmonised Light … [Read more...]
New car sales plunge 20% in September
The UK new car market fell by -20.5% in September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It reported 338,834 vehicles were registered in the month when the new registrations plate came into force, down around 87,000 on the previous year as new testing requirements continue to affect supply and distort the market. The impact was felt across the board, with … [Read more...]
Landmark changes signpost Paris motor show
The 2018 Paris Motor Show this week comes at a time when the European automotive industry is facing three major challenges: the introduction of WLTP, trade tensions in the US, and the outcome of Brexit negotiations. How quickly the market continues to grow will depend on how quickly it adapts to the knock-on effects caused by these factors. In the face of these challenges, car makers have … [Read more...]
Car makers poorly prepared for new law
The European car market saw spectacular growth in August, recording the highest August result in the last twenty years. But this strong growth was artificial as registrations were boosted by stock clearances ahead of the introduction of tougher new emissions tests under the World Light Car Test Programme, or WLTP, on the 1 September. This is evidenced by unusual results in typically slow … [Read more...]
August registrations soar in face of new cars ban
New car registrations in Britain soared last month on the eve of an EU change in law which would ban models not meeting the tougher WLTP emissions test. Thousands of models across Europe were heavily discounted by dealers backed by car makers anxious to clear unsold stock of the NEDC tested models. This push and the fact some car makers are struggling to build cars which fully meet the WLTP … [Read more...]
Brits burn £20 Billion in wasted fuel due to flawed tests
British motorists have burned through an extra £20 Billion in fuel over two decades due to exhaust emission cheating by car makers, claim an environmental group. The real cost of carmakers manipulating fuel efficiency tests is now revealed. The additional fuel burned because of widespread industry manipulation has cost drivers an extra €149.6 billion for the past 18 years, according to the … [Read more...]
Rentals rising amid emissions confusion
Confusion among fleets about the impact of WLTP is leading to a rise in daily rental bookings, reports epyx. Activity through the company’s 1link Hire Network platform has been increasing in recent months and WLTP appears to be the key driver, the company says. Tim Meadows, commercial director at epyx, said that there had been a 17% increase in bookings over the same period last … [Read more...]
Option packs on cars to be hit in tax move
Individual options are unlikely to increase tax liabilities on new cars under the new WLTP regime, but commonly selected combinations of options will have emissions and tax impacts. This is likely to accelerate manufacturer initiatives to streamline their vehicle ranges and option packages, says Autovista Group, Europe’s leading pan-European automotive pricing experts. “NEDC emissions … [Read more...]
Massive fines looming for car makers in EU
Car makers are facing the prospect of massive fines if they fail to meet tough new average emissions targets set in the EU. Automakers failing to meet 2021 fleet CO2 emissions compliance, could be fined more than €14 billion in 2021, based on new analysis from business information provider IHS Markit. Legislators in the European Union (EU) are imposing a new passenger car fleet CO2emissions … [Read more...]
Engineering shortage – in Germany
There is a shortage of engineers, in Germany. Volkswagen said a number of its engineers had left in the wake of the ‘dieselgate’ scandal over the last three years and now the new tougher WTP emissions tests meant the company is struggling to develop engines. Last month it announced it had acquired former BMW engine expert Markus Duesmann to head up its team, but it cannot find enough … [Read more...]