Another week has gone by and here I am still keeping calm and carrying on despite very mixed messages from our Government about what we can or should do during now it appears slightly relaxed semi lock-down period, says David Miles. But no longer is it the same rules in each of our four domestic countries, so that's really clear. With no sign of new models to road test or press launch events … [Read more...]
Government’s bias against hydrogen buses challenged
Industry leaders, campaign groups and academics have challenged the Government’s allegedly “deliberate” and “misjudged” bias against hydrogen buses in its pursuit of decarbonising public transport. Spearheaded by Jacob Young MP, Chair of the Hydrogen All Party Parliamentary Group, a letter has been submitted to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps which has been signed by a number of … [Read more...]
Buyers looking for dearer models after lockdown
Data from the online car marketplace BuyaCar.co.uk reveals that the average price of cars being reserved for purchase when lockdown is eased has shot up to a record level. Average prices paid on BuyaCar.co.uk fell to a three-year low of £11,366 during April this year - down from £13,590 paid during April 2019. But the first week in May has seen the average price of a car reserved for future … [Read more...]
Residuals of electric cars may shock you
The electric car market is on a charge. New models are joining an ever growing sector and their numbers are expected to very quickly swell once the coronavirus lockdown ends and a semblance of normality returns to showrooms. So it was interesting to study the results of a valuation survey compiled by Vanrama which looked at the current crop of cars and how they hold onto prices over different … [Read more...]
Garages call for continuing support after lockdown
The Independent Garage Association has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, requesting an enhancement to the furlough scheme so that employees can partially return to work as the country prepares for the next phase of lockdown restrictions. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said, “As businesses ready themselves for the next stage of lockdown, we are asking the Chancellor for … [Read more...]
Van delivers biggest sales in April & EV tops car chart
A van has become Britain’s best selling vehicle during the coronavirus lockdown according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. While the Mercedes Sprinter delivered for dealers the chaotic charts saw the pure electric Tesla Model 3 top the passenger car list, but even that couldn’t match the Sprinter. Overall, the revious low for car sales was immediately … [Read more...]
Coronavirus planning risk to no-deal Brexit, warn ACEA
A no-deal Brexit at the end of 2020 risks undoing efforts to get the auto industry back on track after the coronavirus of recent weeks, says the European car makers’ director general Eric-Mark Huitema. While Europe still grapples with the health, social and economic impacts of the coronavirus, and EU automobile manufacturers battle for survival, the second round of negotiations on the future … [Read more...]
Hydrogen is just the ticket for bus business
Plans for a UK-built 3,000-strong hydrogen national bus fleet have been revealed by JCB heir Jo Bamford in a move he hopes can lead the nations’ economic recovery. Mr Bamford claims his plans are “an ideal option for a Government that needs to boost UK manufacturing at this critical time whilst radically reducing our carbon emissions and air pollution”, and has already submitted his vision in a … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 May
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, more than during the same period last … [Read more...]
Huge decrease in global car sales over a month
The outbreak of COVID-19 has already impacted the automotive industry significantly, according to JATO Dynamics, a leading provider of global automotive data and insight. Global vehicle sales totalled 5.55 million units in March 2020, down by 39% from March 2019. This represents the largest year-on-year monthly decrease since 1980, when JATO Dynamics started to collect data - even surpassing the … [Read more...]