New car dealers in Wales did better than most and saw the smallest decline in January registrations, down just 2.14% to 5,224 over 12 months previously. Ford was comprehensively knocked off top spot by Vauxhall with Corsa and Grandland X a long way ahead of the traditional best selling Fiesta and Focus models, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The Golf was just behind … [Read more...]
Industry
Diesel cars collapse in January new car decline
The UK new car market declined 7.3% in January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 149,279 vehicles left showrooms as continued confusion surrounding diesel and clean air zones and ongoing weak consumer and business confidence continue to affect demand. Continuing low consumer demand was a key driver behind the decline, with registrations by private … [Read more...]
After the fuel fright, freight calls for future to be fingerposted
The Road Haulage Association has set out its general approach to decarbonising the freight and logistics sector, calling on the Government to develop a 'freight roadmap' towards net zero and develop consistent, supportive policies to "give our members confidence to plan for a green future". Meanwhile, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has published a separate report which focuses on the … [Read more...]
Delivery fleets will struggle with new EV legislation
Alternatives to “niche” electric vans are needed for fleets that want or need to make their operations zero emissions in the medium term, says FleetCheck. The fleet software specialist says that, while it is good news that more electric van models are becoming available in larger numbers in 2020, they remain relatively compromised. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said: “It really … [Read more...]
Driving careers in automotive
It is extremely positive to see the success that Drive My Career has had over the past two years with millions of young people reading about a career in the automotive sector, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. It developed Drive My Career in February 2018 and is an industry-first employment initiative which was launched to address franchised retailers’ … [Read more...]
Car makers call on Government to back drive to evs
It’s extremely concerning that government has seemingly moved the goalposts for consumers and industry on such a critical issue as ending traditional vehicle sales in 15 years, said the motor manufacturers body. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said,“Manufacturers are fully invested in a zero emissions future, with some 60 plug-in models now on the market and 34 more coming in 2020. “However, … [Read more...]
Mounting concern over Government “green plan”
The Government’s plan to bring forward the ban of petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles is ambitious, but does not have a basis on which to achieve it, said Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association. Today, plans have been unveiled to move the date when non-electric cars are banned from 2040 to 2035, with a possibility of the date being brought forward further. The PRA believes … [Read more...]
Massive boost for UK ev maker
Hyundai and Kia have announced an £85m investment in UK-based electric van maker - and LowCVP member - Arrival. The money will be used by Arrival to scale up production of its electric van targeted at the commercial vehicle market. It comes days after Arrival announced a huge ev van order from UPS in the United States. The cash injection - which values Arrival at £3bn - means that the … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 February
The first glimmer of summer has arrived early at Volkswagen UK, with the T-Roc Cabriolet opening for order with deliveries beginning in late spring. Fashion-focused Design trim cars start at £26,750 RRP OTR, while sportier-styled R-Line examples begin at £31,920 RRP OTR. Harman International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has launched the world’s first active road … [Read more...]
Rethink on EV models for Aston Martin Lagonda St Athan
The brakes have been applied to electric vehicle plans at the Aston Martin Lagonda St Athan plant, it has been reported. The main investor behind a total £500M boost to the company’s balance sheet last week, fashion and motor sport entrepreneur Lawrence Stroll, wants plans and development rebalanced. Aston Martin president and chief operating officer Andy Palmer intended their new Welsh plant, … [Read more...]