A survey by the Welsh Automotive Forum of local supply chain companies shows 88% expect May turnover to be reduced by more than 50%. Even for July, 38% expect turnover to be 30%+ reduced on pre-COVID-19 levels. RAC patrols rescued some 3,426 motorists whose vehicles may have fallen victim to the UK’s pothole-ridden roads in the first three months of 2020, … [Read more...]
Virus shutdown to cost UK automotive over £8B
The British car industry faces losing output worth more than £8 Billion due to the coronavirus outbreak. It suffered a production drop in March of a third and fell to its lowest level since 2009, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders thursday. Britain’s biggest exporter of goods which employs more than 800,000 people saw factories and … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent comprehensive support
The effect of the coronavirus on society and the global economy is unprecedented with grave consequences for the automobile industry, say European car makers. Indeed, most of the members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages, and government … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant still working – for now
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant will continue producing contracted petrol V6 and V8 units for Jaguar Land Rover for as long as it can, the company has told media. JLR said it had enough parts in stock to build cars until the end of this week at least, possibly longer. It also uses petrol and diesel engines from its own plant in the West Midlands. Nissan has … [Read more...]
Breathing new life into Ford Bridgend Engine Plant
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant may be ordered to make components for medical ventilators in the UK Government's fight against the coronavirus. The 1.1 million sqft plant is due to close at the end of this year and it's stopped making Ford engines but continues assembling petrol engines for Jaguar Land Rover and the disease has hit already flagging car sales … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 March
Six-in-10 UK drivers (59%) want the new Chancellor to bolster spending on the country’s crumbling local road infrastructure in the Budget by ringfencing 2p from every litre of petrol and diesel sold without increasing duty rates, according to an RAC survey of 3,200 drivers. In fact drivers feel so strongly about the need to increase spending on maintaining … [Read more...]
Road Safety Designs moves up a gear
Wales-based road safety innovation company, Road Safety Designs, has appointed experienced business leader and investor, Simon Bailey, as a Management Consultant. The former Director of Motorcare Motor Factors will be joining the firm, chaired by Sir Stanley Thomas OBE, the Welsh businessman and property developer best known for founding Peter’s Food … [Read more...]
Battery maker calls for greater UK manufacturing
British car production dipped 2.1% in January according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders yesterday. Reduced demand from car manufacturing plants and additional shutdowns related to the coronavirus pandemic have caused the fifth successive month of decline. A global snowball effect is expected to continue as the industry … [Read more...]
In car challenges and opportunities down the road
Connected cars will be both an opportunity and a challenge to the suppliers and manufacturers, according to a new report. The report, “Key Players and Business Models in the Connected Car,” examines the complex ecosystem of connected car players and helps clients navigate the opportunities and challenges on the road ahead. “The connected car marketplace – … [Read more...]
Coronavirus threatens many car makers
Car makers, suppliers and Government officials in Japan will work together to solve issues arising from the effects of the Far East coronavirus. Some Chinese suppliers have closed and are struggling to return production hampered by internal blockades, quarantine and labour shortages and the Japanese economy which heavily relies on automotive sector wants to … [Read more...]
