A calculated 100,000 automotive jobs will disappear across Europe over the next 12 months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and nearly half will be in the supplier sector, according to parts cluster body CLEPA. Secretary general Sigrid de Vries (right) has pulled together the figures from manufacturers and industry observers and said the conclusions show how important it will be for Governments to … [Read more...]
Features
Tradelines 14 October
A new type of bespoke traction battery system has been developed in Slovakia by InoBat Auto. It uses completely new internal designs and materials and is claimed to be greener and more powerful than conventional batteries now being used by car makers and full production will begin in 2021 with further refinements by 2025. Hyundai has brought a new meaning to the phrase ‘fast fashion’ by making … [Read more...]
Spark of help for independents in ev sector
The Electric Vehicle Approved accreditation scheme reopened on monday. EVA recognises dealers’ expertise in the electric vehicle sector and promotes industry standards for the benefit of the consumer. The scheme encourages dealerships to further develop their ability in selling and servicing electric vehicles, as the country continues to move towards a zero-emission future. The … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 October
After a ten-year gap, the BMW ti suffix returns with the sporting 128ti arriving next month from £32,995. The 265hp 4cyl 2.0 litre engine and 8sp sequential automatic box are mated to M sport suspension and brakes with numerous body detailing and delivered with high specification trim and equipment. Vauxhall has released first images of the new Crossland ahead of order books opening later this … [Read more...]
Fleets hold key to UK ev drive
The fleet sector’s pivotal role in delivering zero-emission road transport will see it responsible for 75% of battery electric vehicles on UK roads by 2025. To demonstrate the huge commitment that its members are making to decarbonise, the BVRLA has launched its new Plug in Pledge, which shows the rental, leasing and fleet operator sector owning and operating around 900,000 BEVs within five … [Read more...]
Vans deliver good returns in September
Home deliveries have delivered for the UK van market. Sales of light commercials grew by 26.4% in September following a weak month last year, when the market was affected by emission regulations changes. “It is encouraging to see the van market experience an uplift in registrations of over a quarter indicating that a degree of confidence has returned to the sector”, said Sue Robinson, Chief … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 October
Thousands of drivers are making big savings by working from home and not paying to use toll bridges, tunnels or motorway sections, says Leasing Options. It has looked at toll costs and found the Dartford Crossing the dearest to use over a year, taking over £3,500 off drivers and even the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol costs £524 annually. Changing your job title, getting married and … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 October
CUPRA has started production of the new Formentor, the first vehicle uniquely designed and developed for the brand. The CUPRA Formentor will be available to order in the UK from Tuesday 20 October, starting with the 2.0-litre 310PS petrol engine, and followed by other engines including the plug-in hybrid variant. MG has beaten its 2019 sales targets already as the UK’s fastest-growing car brand … [Read more...]
Re-Leaf engineered to meet emergencies
British engineers have transformed an electric car into an emergency response vehicle designed to provide a clean power supply to areas hit by natural disasters and extreme weather. The Nissan RE-LEAF is based on the Sunderland-built LEAF family hatchback. But instead of school-runs and motorway miles, the highly modified motor is better suited to navigating roads covered in … [Read more...]
Potential potholes for planning ahead
The impact of the coronavirus crisis and potential effects of Brexit are making planning beyond the short term almost impossible in the remarketing sector. So reports the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA), which points out that the currently booming market is arguably obscuring the potential dangers that lie ahead. Chair Sam Watkins said, “As has been widely reported, the sector is very, … [Read more...]