February’s figures reinforce the robust performance of the UK automotive sector, maintaining a strong start to 2024 and signalling a nineteenth month of consecutive growth, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, commenting on the latest SMMT new passenger car registration figures. In February, a total of 84,886 new cars were registered, an increase of … [Read more...]
Car makers Budget plan to overcome stalling EV sales
The automotive industry is calling for the Chancellor to use this week's Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane. Research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 March
The Cupra Born BEV range has been reduced and prices slashed to shift stock and widen ownership appeal. CUPRA has increased the accessibility of its first fully electric model, CUPRA Born, by reducing prices by £2,350 across the range coupled with a suite of electric vehicle (EV) purchasing incentives. Volkswagen Group United Kingdom has signed an agreement with Ecobat, the global leader in … [Read more...]
£4 Billion ev battery plant confirmed for West Country
Tata has finally confirmed its Agratas subsidiary will build a six-million sq foot car battery plant at a cost of £4 Billion near Bridgewater. The parent company of JLR aims to get it into production inside two years and to eventually build power packs for about 500,000 vehicles annually and provide 4,000 jobs on the lines. It will take up about half the area previously occupied by a Royal … [Read more...]
Makers are building the ‘wrong’ cars for ev buyers, says executive
Cheaper electric cars are urgently needed for motorists to accelerate their switch away from petrol and diesel models, says an industry financial expert. Fleets need to be able to buy electric vehicles now that used car buyers will want in four years’ time – but are being hampered by a lack of choice, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software company, said … [Read more...]
Bigger and heavier lorries needed to meet EV technology
The parts industry want to increase vehicle sizes and weights to compensate for heavy batteries required to move lorries and goods. The topic is under discussion with EU legislators and now CLEPA has come up with these proposals as the industry moves towards a 2050 deadline. The international transport, trade and manufacturing of vehicles and movement of goods means if these proposals are … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 February
A feasibility study will be carried out into reopening a railway station at St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan. It would serve the expanding industrial businesses at the former airbase and housing developments but its only a short distance between Rhoose and Llantwit Major halts. Volvo Cars is streamlining and standardising its model names for fully electric cars, in line with ongoing transformation … [Read more...]
Aston Martin Wales jobs boost coming down the line
Aston Martin is creating hundreds of new jobs in South Wales to build its DBX SUV and in the Midlands to assemble Vantage and DB12 high performance sports cars. The automaker cited the launch of the new Vantage and DB12, coupled with the introduction of further new models in 2024 and continued demand for the DBX707, for the need to increase its workforce. Simon Smith, Chief People Officer of … [Read more...]
Renewable fuels are answer to ev shortcomings
Climate protection solutions are urgently needed in road transport and politicians must make a clear commitment to renewable fuels, according to a learned German body. Slumping new registration figures, consumer reluctance and increasing doubts among vehicle manufacturers indicate the all-electric approach to passenger cars promoted by European and German legislators has failed, accoding to … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 February
Car dealers face becoming the focus of a new customers financial scandal similar to PPI claims of the last two decades. The Financial Conduct Authority is investigating cases of finance houses not paying out compensation to customers over now-banned ‘discretionary commission arrangements’ and the watchdog is using its powers under S166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to identify … [Read more...]