A plan to let HGVs use bus lanes has been suggested by the Traffic Commissioner for Wales, Nick Jones. He has put the proposal in his annual report to Welsh Government and said the road transport industry is “essential for the ecnomy and provision of services.” The move would improve traffic flow in some locations but has been criticised by Sustrans who fear it will be … [Read more...]
Metro project assured, says Cabinet Secretary
The Welsh Government has a total and unwavering commitment to the Metro project, Economy & Transport Secretary Ken Skates has told AMs in a written statement. Responding to opposition criticism that the Welsh Government is wavering, watering down or altering its support for the massive transport network, he said the scheme would have to be completed in structured phases. “Wales has been … [Read more...]
“Perfect storm” looming over Ford Bridgend plant – union
A perfect storm is developing around Ford Bridgend Engine Plant, a union official has claimed. Jeff Beck, GMB Organiser for Wales, was responding to an interview at the Geneva Motor Show now underway and where Ford’s European boss Steve Armstrong said it needed clarity over Brexit terms before it could make any further investment in South Wales petrol engine plant or it’s sister diesel plant in … [Read more...]
Triple trouble faces car makers at Geneva show
Industry executives meeting at the Geneva motor show this week face testing choices to re-engineer existing vehicles at huge expense, restrict sales of some profitable models, or risk hundreds of millions of euros in penalties. While diesels produce more toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates than gasoline engines, their efficiency has been instrumental in cutting greenhouse gases. As … [Read more...]
Aston Martin reach milestone in Wales
The first phase of Aston Martin’s new manufacturing facility at St Athan is complete. Development started on the site in late 2016 when Aston Martin was given access to the former MoD site and phase I works included the creation of the customer and staff reception areas, offices and the employee restaurant. Phase II commenced in April 2017 to convert three super hangars into a … [Read more...]
Brits break new ground with cold air boost system
Global experts have hailed the work of a professor and his collaborator, an innovative engineer, in developing technology that can boost the performance of engines while improving fuel economy and lowering emissions. John Allport – who is Professor of Automotive Engineering at Huddersfield University, where he heads its Turbocharger Research Institute – has formed a research … [Read more...]
Car makers predict growth will stall at just 1%
Car makers in Europe say they face serious challenges to cutting emissions in line with EU plans over the next 12 years. While the EU passenger car market grew by 3.4% in 2017, with over 15 million cars sold, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association forecasts that growth will slow to around 1% in 2018. “The European automobile industry is on a pathway to recovery, finally coming … [Read more...]
Hydrogen hopes to rewrite valuation projections
Hydrogen cars could rewrite the standard vehicle depreciation curve, members of the Vehicle Remarketing Association heard at their monthly meeting last week. Held at the Swindon offices of fleet management specialist Arval, the meeting took a look at developments in hydrogen technology, availability of cars and likely sales. The town is the centre of the UK’s largest hydrogen trial for … [Read more...]
Volvo becomes climate neutral
Volvo Cars’ engine factory in Skövde, Sweden, has become the company’s first climate-neutral manufacturing plant, having switched to renewable heating as of 1 January 2018. Skövde is the first plant in Volvo Cars’ global manufacturing network to reach this status, which marks a significant step towards the company’s vision of having climate-neutral global manufacturing operations by 2025. … [Read more...]
£30M TVR sports car investment heading for Rassau factory
High performance car-maker TVR is expected resume production at a converted factory near Rassau, Blaenau Gwent. The news was released today by Welsh Government as a flagship for its £100M ten-year plan to attract investment to the Heads of the Valleys after the Circuit of Wales venture failed to win support earlier this year. The TVR £30M plan to build its new 200mph Griffith sports car in … [Read more...]