The lockdown is leading to a rapid expansion in the digitisation of fleet services, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Co-chair Paul Hollick explained that the trend could be seen right across the spectrum of the industry, from service providers to how employers communicated with drivers. He said: “Much of this trend has been prompted by the sudden and widespread switch to home working … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 April
Russell George AM, the Shadow Minister for Transport, has called on the Welsh Government to provide support to Holyhead Port during the Covid-19 pandemic. While some freight services continue between Wales and Ireland, the reduction in the number of passenger services has led to calls for Welsh Government financial support to fill the gap between a reduced income and the running costs of … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 April
The Welsh Government has effectively made it illegal to visit second homes in Wales under the latest lockdown legislation. It has moved beyond the UK Government and made it unlawful to remain away from your normal home without good reason, so owners and tenants cannot use casual accommodation. Renault is seeking €600M from the French Government to protect it during the production lockdown. It … [Read more...]
AM St Athan begin return to work early next month
Aston Martin’s St Athan factory will begin to return to normal later than initially thought and resume DBX suv production on 5 May. Work at the company’s UK headquarters site in Gaydon will begin later in the month. The majority of its employees are currently furloughed and those who continue to be laid off from 1 May will get 80% of their base salaries from next month. It has also announced … [Read more...]
Boost to fuel cell trucks
Daimler and Volvo will jointly develop new generation fuel cell trucks. The two big heavy goods vehicle makers have inked an agreement which is seen as a forerunner of future joint ventures in the industry struggling to cope with tougher emissions regulations and rising development costs. … [Read more...]
Car makers outline plan for production return
As Europe is grappling with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has set out four guiding principles for a successful re-launch of the auto industry, which will be vital to the wider economic recovery of the continent. “It is in Europe’s interest that this key strategic sector not only recovers, but also is revitalised in … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 April
Nissan wants $4.6 billion from major lenders to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s been hit by falling demand, management shake ups and now the global effects of the coronavirus on production lines after years of expansion. Worried executives in the German car industry want the Government to lift the lockdown on dealerships now stuffed with back orders and models piled up … [Read more...]
Coronavirus hits over 1.4M vehicles
Over 1.4M new vehicles have been lost to production shutdowns across Europe as the Coronavirus develops. Factory shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 crisis have resulted in lost production amounting to 1,465,415 said the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. This figure – covering passenger cars, trucks, vans, buses and coaches – is up from 1.2 million units compared to one week … [Read more...]
Warning for motor industry future as Aston Martin take orders
The jobs of at least 1,110,107 Europeans working in automobile manufacturing are affected by factory shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, according to data compiled by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. This figure only refers to those people directly employed by car, truck, van and bus manufacturers – the impact on the wider automotive supply chain is even more … [Read more...]
Volvo’s new horizons
Volvo Cars has its eyes firmly set on the future as it celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding on 28 March. The company has seen a complete transformation of its business under Geely ownership, changing from a purely European firm to a truly global and strong player in the premium car market, racking up record sales, revenues and profits along the way. As … [Read more...]