British car manufacturing fell -0.8% in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 122,171 vehicles rolled off production lines in the month, representing a loss of just over 1,000 units compared with February 2019. The decline was driven by slower demand in some key global export markets. In the month before the coronavirus pandemic started to be felt in the … [Read more...]
Industry
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...]
World car production and sales plunge
IHS Markit forecasts used by automakers and suppliers for strategic decisions has downgraded its assessments across "virtually all regions." It called the coronavirus pandemic "the single biggest risk factor facing the auto industry for many years," reports Automotive News Europe. Global sales will fall by more than 12 percent this year to 78.8 million units, a downgrade of 10 million units from … [Read more...]
Rail danger warning comes early
With the schools closed for the foreseeable future and parents seeking to fill their children’s time at home, British Transport Police and Network Rail are urging parents and carersto speak to their children and loved ones about the dangers posed by the railway and the importance of staying off the track. Every year, there is a rise in the number of trespass incidents ahead of the Easter school … [Read more...]
Fleets urged to take renewable fuels route
A new guide from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership for fleet operators shows how renewable fuels can immediately cut greenhouse gas emissions in road transport, particularly from commercial vehicles for which few low emission solutions are currently available. While the focus has been mainly on vehicle electrification for meeting the UK’s net zero target as it applies to road transport, … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 March
MG is lending 100 ZS ev models to health authorities for six months. The vehicles will be used to perform a variety of roles and support services during the coronavirus epidemic in the UK. FAXI is a community based service to link those with transport and needs. Volunteer action groups globally can create private closed communities to help identify individuals who need help through the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 March
Petrol prices crashed to an 18-year low this week. Falling oil wholesale cost saving are now reaching forecourts and Morrison’s has slashed 12ppl petrol and 8ppl diesel with prices at about 104ppl and 111ppl respectively, says the RAC, which is urging drivers to only go out if vital and support small independent retailers if they can. National Express timetables will be reduced today after which … [Read more...]
Logistics industry can meet delivery challenges
The business group which represents the logistics industry is reassuring UK consumers and businesses that the supply chain is capable of handling challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as Elizabeth de Jong, FTA’s Policy Director, is keen to point out, the integrity of the supply chain can only be maintained with the support of government and some elements of flexibility to keep … [Read more...]
Aston Martin St Athan hit by virus fallout
Aston Martin Lagonda has suspended vehicle production at its plants in the UK, including at St Athan, home of its DBX crossover. The company, headquartered in Warwickshire, made the announcement today, and said the decision to halt production – for a scheduled four weeks – from tomorrow was in response to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Aston Martin’s President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer … [Read more...]
New driving tech is more dangerous than alcohol
Worrying results from a new study released today show that the latest in-vehicle infotainment systems designed to improve road safety are failing and impair reactions times behind the wheel more than alcohol and cannabis use. Among the shocking results, the study – commissioned by the UK’s largest independent road-safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, found that reaction times at motorway speeds … [Read more...]