There are a few weeds to be taken care of as the motor industry, energy providers, related suppliers and authorities take us down the green road towards 2030 and onwards, writes Robin Roberts. The haste and race to have low emission cars and other vehicles on our roads is tripping over some serious issues, notably cost, and not just for vehicles and infrastructure but the expense of losing … [Read more...]
Industry
Newslines 5 March
With staycations booming this year, an invaluable new publication is the Caravan and Motorhome Club Buyers Guide 2021, which is full of information about the latest and most innovative motorhomes and campervans new to market. An independent, expert and knowledgeable panel carried out full technical specification, design, use of space and usability reviews of 106 new-to-market leisure vehicles … [Read more...]
Jobs boost for Welsh firm supplying luxury car brands
Welshpool firm CastAlum is significantly expanding production and creating up to 50 jobs with support from the Welsh Government. The global aluminium component supplier, which has been based in the town for 20 years, is investing £5 million in its facilities in the area. The Welsh Government’s SMART Innovation programme has provided technical support for a number of recent projects with … [Read more...]
Stellantis/ Vauxhall pressure rises on UK Government
Vauxhall parent Stellantis says its up to the UK Government to secure the future of the Ellesmere Port, Cheshire car plant. Any investment by Stellantis depends on support from the British government, CEO Carlos Tavares told a French paper this week. Stellantis is considering the site for electric mobility development but the high costs may not make business sense as the UK Government has … [Read more...]
Budget does little for car sales
The Budget is first aid for the motor industry but will not fix underlying long term ailments, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “Today’s budget provides some encouragement to an automotive sector hit hard by the pandemic and additional trading costs but it falls short of the support needed to transform the industry and market to the net zero future to which both the … [Read more...]
Van drivers to get electric charging boost at home
Van drivers who have to take their vehicles home will get financial help fitting rapid charging points for the new generation of vehicles. Logistics UK has welcomed news the Department for Transport’s announcement of a £50 million boost for electric vehicle chargepoints for those in leasehold and rented accommodation, as well as the expansion of the Workplace Charging Scheme. Denise Beedell, … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 March
Sinclair Van Centre Swansea and Anthony Motors Aberystwyth have won top awards from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the UK. The Swansea business was recognised for its sales performance while in Aberystwyth it was praised as the most improved operation in the network of 63 sales outlets and 33 repairers. The price of fuel on the UK’s forecourts rose by 3p a litre in February, making it £1.70 … [Read more...]
Ellesmere Port plant future hopes raised
The parent company of Vauxhall and the British Government have been in talks about the future of Ellesmere Port car assembly plant. Britain is "very hopeful" that a good outcome can be found for the Astra assembly plant and its 1,000 workers, including 300 from Wales. British business minister Kwasi Kwarteng said there had been encouraging signs from PSA Group, which includes Vauxhall, and its … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 March
Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its unstoppable and award-winning 4x4 family. The new 525HP Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition use engines made at the Ford Bridgend Plant before it shut down last autumn to provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of … [Read more...]
Welsh plant’s crucial role in Aston Martin plans
Aston Martin St Athan plant will play a crucial role in the company's recovery and future plans. The luxury car maker will almost double production at St Athan and its Garden, Warwickshire sites this year after working through stock it's held and which has plagued them since its 2018 shares floatation. The British company plans to make 6,000 vehicles this year compared to 3,394 last year, … [Read more...]