There are a few weeds to be taken care of as the motor industry, energy providers, related suppliers and authorities take us down the green road towards 2030 and onwards, writes Robin Roberts. The haste and race to have low emission cars and other vehicles on our roads is tripping over some serious issues, notably cost, and not just for vehicles and infrastructure but the expense of losing … [Read more...]
Finance News
Jobs boost for Welsh firm supplying luxury car brands
Welshpool firm CastAlum is significantly expanding production and creating up to 50 jobs with support from the Welsh Government.The global aluminium component supplier, which has been based in the town for 20 years, is investing £5 million in its facilities in the area.The Welsh Government’s SMART Innovation programme has provided technical support for a number of recent projects with … [Read more...]
Stellantis/ Vauxhall pressure rises on UK Government
Vauxhall parent Stellantis says its up to the UK Government to secure the future of the Ellesmere Port, Cheshire car plant. Any investment by Stellantis depends on support from the British government, CEO Carlos Tavares told a French paper this week. Stellantis is considering the site for electric mobility development but the high costs may not make business sense as the UK Government has … [Read more...]
Budget does little for car sales
The Budget is first aid for the motor industry but will not fix underlying long term ailments, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “Today’s budget provides some encouragement to an automotive sector hit hard by the pandemic and additional trading costs but it falls short of the support needed to transform the industry and market to the net zero future to which both the … [Read more...]
Van drivers to get electric charging boost at home
Van drivers who have to take their vehicles home will get financial help fitting rapid charging points for the new generation of vehicles. Logistics UK has welcomed news the Department for Transport’s announcement of a £50 million boost for electric vehicle chargepoints for those in leasehold and rented accommodation, as well as the expansion of the Workplace Charging Scheme. Denise Beedell, … [Read more...]
21-plate sales stalled by lockdowns
Welsh and UK car dealers will miss the 21-plate registration scramble for March and are annoyed with Government. “We understand the importance of bringing the virus fully under control. However, it is very disappointing that dealerships will not be able to reopen until April,” said Sue Robinson, CEO of the National Franchised Dealers Association. “NFDA has already made the Government aware of … [Read more...]
Golden hours to buying and selling shine on-line
There's a golden two hours window each day to buy or sell a car, according to data compiled by a leading software business which has looked at the booming on-line sales of vehicles. There was a time when customers used to spend precious hours of their weekends criss-crossing out-of-town retail parks to visit multiple showrooms before buying a car. Then, with the advent of car websites, online … [Read more...]
Welsh plant’s crucial role in Aston Martin plans
Aston Martin St Athan plant will play a crucial role in the company's recovery and future plans. The luxury car maker will almost double production at St Athan and its Garden, Warwickshire sites this year after working through stock it's held and which has plagued them since its 2018 shares floatation. The British company plans to make 6,000 vehicles this year compared to 3,394 last year, … [Read more...]
Plea for Welsh filling stations
Welsh Government will be asked to help struggling rural fuel stations. Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association says they are often a hub of a community life, provide more than just fuel and are a village shop or post office. He has already written again to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak calling for an extension to business rates relief in the Spring Budget in Engand due next … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Ellesmere Port future balanced
Media reports suggest Stellantis will decide on the future of its Vauxhall Ellesmere Port plant in the next few days. A decision on future investment is imminent, a spokesman for the automaker has told Automotive News Europe. The factory employs about 1,000 workers making Astra cars and about a third of them commute from Wales. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said some months ago that he had to … [Read more...]
