UK car making slumped last year to the lowest since 1984, hit by Covid-19 interruptions and a collapse in demand for most of the year. The car makers' body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief Mike Hawes said it was a "dreadful year" but added that a comprehensive vaccination programme might restore buying and production. Output was 920,928 vehicles, a 29.3% fall on … [Read more...]
£100M new model and plan for Lotus
Road and racing marque Lotus is investing £100M in a new model and production facility. A new series of sports cars is confirmed with prototype production of the Lotus Type 131 to commence this year in Hethel, Norfolk. It is likely to be the last powered by a conventional petrol engine before an ev-powertrain is developed. The new manufacturing investment is part of … [Read more...]
Suppliers optimism and caution for 2021
Parts suppliers have started 2021 with mixed feelings of optimism and caution. Optimism, because demand for vehicles and components is picking up more rapidly than expected and the appetite for new, innovative technologies is accelerating. Caution, because the scars from 2020 are deep and the level of uncertainty remains high. Thorsten Muschal (above), member of the management of … [Read more...]
Nissan decision puts pressure on Ellesmere Port investment
Britain is charging up for a battery cars’ future. Nissan said today that its Sunderland car plant is secure for the long term as a result of the trade deal reached between the UK and the EU. It already makes traction batteries next to its Sunderland assembly plant and now says additional battery production will be invested where it has 6,000 direct employees and supports nearly 70,000 jobs in … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 January
Bus and train services through Wales have been reduced. The effects of Covid-19 on staffing and a decline in passenger numbers have combined to hit them while more users have also resorted to private transport to make journeys, and people have been urged to check service details before travelling. Ford UK prices have risen and now reflect increases following the exit from the EU and the end of … [Read more...]
TVR begin Welsh factory preparations
TVR is pushing ahead with plans for its proposed car production plant near Ebbw Vale. Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd has been awarded the principal contract for a significant programme of works including replacement of the main building’s roof, the recladding of the building, extensive groundworks and also preparation of a prototype build area at the side of the intended main production area and … [Read more...]
Brexit deal “unanswered questions” is concerning, says trade
The new, “thin” Brexit deal that is now in effect leaves many unanswered questions that could have serious implications for the UK motor industry, warns the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The trade organisation says that several key points surrounding the future of manufacturing and cross-border movement of vehicles remain vague or undefined. Sam Watkins (right), chair at the VRA, said, “Let’s … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 January
Revolution Campervans, which produces campers on new or used VW Transporters, has witnessed a noticeable trend in 2020 of customers buying them as somewhere to work from home and as a mobile office – then doubling as a base for camping adventures and staycations. One customer was Chris Edge (above), the operations director of a house building company near Swansea, bought his Revolution VW camper … [Read more...]
Brexit deal provides hope for automotive sector
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders want to ensure all automotive companies benefit from continued tariff-free trade with our largest market after agreeing on Brexit terms. While no substitute for the benefits provided by remaining in the EU, the TCA provides hope for the future, with a foundation on which to build, domestically and internationally, in 2021. Given the … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 December
The Welsh Government will allocate £20 Million next year for more cycleways. Its Active Travel investment is in addition to £274.7M for Transport for Wales rail and metro services. Public Health Wales said 352 cases of Covid-19 were identified at the DVLA centre at Swansea since September. Sixty-two cases have been identified at the call centre since the beginning of December … [Read more...]