Ambitious EU targets for low carbon vehicles will be challenging to vehicle makers, say Europe’s motor manufacturers. Car makers and parts suppliers as well as raw materials manufacturers are in favour of setting new and ambitious emission limits for the post-2021 period as a step towards achieving the EU’s climate goals. The three organisations are also of the opinion that this must be done … [Read more...]
Industry
Scrappage schemes must be worthwhile, say motorists
As the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirm declining sales of new diesel vehicles, research from roadside assistance provider, Allianz Global Assistance UK, reveals just how willing consumers are to help cut pollution on the UK roads. Throughout this year major vehicle manufacturers have announced plans to introduce scrappage schemes in order to cut out … [Read more...]
Britain’s best is booming business
The UK’s specialist, low volume car manufacturing industry will enjoy a 60% production boost by 2020, thanks to increasing global demand, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The UK Specialist Car Manufacturers Report 2017 confirms Britain is home to the largest and most diverse specialist car manufacturing sector in the world, with some of the most globally recognised … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 October
Swansea bus museum is on the move. It will hold its farewell running day at its SA1 Business Park site on Sunday 29 October from 10am before it begins a carefully planned move to Swansea Enterprise Park by the end of the year. Volvo subsidiary Polestar will become a three-car brand using models built in China. The Chinese-owned company will launch its first model in 2019, a 2+2 GT coupe … [Read more...]
Ford plant’s future, batteries and Welsh Government
Wales economy and infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, visited Ford Bridgend Plant yesterday to see the preparatory work underway for the 2018 production of the new Dragon Engine, safeguarding around 550 jobs. While at the site, the Economy Secretary met management, workers and trade unions and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the industry in the years ahead. Speaking after … [Read more...]
HGV hours clampdown is unjust, says FTA
The DVSA is planning to clamp-down on HGV drivers who sleep in their cabs. But the get-tough policy and its £300 fine for each offence has been criticised by the Freight Transport Association. It says there is a shortage of designated and secure rest areas for HGV drivers and vehicles and some lorry cabs are more comfortable than the overnight accommodation. The FTA is calling for … [Read more...]
Driver safety interlock debut
Alcohol safety and training specialist AlcoDigital has agreed a contract with Renault Trucks to showcase and offer alcohol safety devices for their latest range of LCV Master business fleet vehicles, which will be displayed at the Freight in the City exhibition on 7 November 2017. Called the Draeger Interlock 7000, the safety devices, which can be included as an upgraded extra at the customer’s … [Read more...]
Tradelines 18 October
Global revenue from automotive telematics systems will grow at a compound annual rate of nearly 17 percent to more than $6.7 billion by the end of 2023, according to IHS Markit. The data represents production of factory-installed telematics systems, including embedded, consumer electronics (CE) and hybrid telematics. … [Read more...]
Parts makers seeking better world deal
Vehicle parts makers in the US and Europe want open trading policies without import penalties and which reflect the global nature of the industry. The American-based Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers want free and fair trade, access to raw and finished materials, and harmonized safety and environmental standards that will allow … [Read more...]
400 Vauxhall jobs going at Ellesmere Port
Vauxhall is axing 400 jobs making Astra hatch and sports tourer models at Ellesmere Port. There are potentially 80 workers from Wales who could be affected when the shifts are reduced from two to one next year. Owner PSA Peugeot Citroen said the rising cost of importing parts to make the cars affected their profits on each vehicle and with sales falling the cuts are … [Read more...]