IHS Markit, whose production projections are cited by automakers, suppliers and research analysts the world over, just took its biggest chop yet to estimates that have been falling all year due to the global chip shortage.IHS Markit slashed its production forecast for this year by 6.2 percent -- or 5.02 million vehicles -- and lowered its projection for next year by 9.3 percent, or 8.45 … [Read more...]
Toyota Mirai hydrogen car passes safety tests
In the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, the Audi Q4 e-tron, Lynk and Co 01, NIO ES8, Subaru Outback and Toyota Mirai all achieved five-star safety ratings, with all but the Subaru Outback using alternative propulsion methods.The hydrogen powered Toyota Mirai performed very well in testing, scoring highly in the Adult (88%) and Child Occupant (85%) Protection categories.Matthew Avery, … [Read more...]
Car production & sales stagnate on shortages
Car sales in Wales crashed over 26% last month, the worst of any part in the UK.Just 2,363 new models were registered and that's even below the 3,230 recorded in the pandemic hit showrooms of last year and the total for the country was a little over 68,000.It was a very dismal August for the motor trade across the country, the lowest figures recorded since 2013 and the overflow from … [Read more...]
Dealers expect to recruit more staff
The percentage of dealers’ looking to recruit across all business areas is significantly up from Q2 this year, reports the National Franchised Dealers Association. In particular, 77.5% are seeking to recruit sales executives over the next three months and the same percentage intend to employ technicians. Additionally, 67.5% intend to hire service advisors. Employee engagement: all dealers who … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 August
Sarn Park Services are the best on the M4, according to accumulated views of users analysed by the Brindley motoring group. It studied over 100 motorway services on 29 routes and Tebay on the M6 came out best, Telford M54 was the worst while the M5 generally raised most complaints. UK car manufacturing fell 37.6% in July, the first fall since February, with just 53,438 units made, and worst in … [Read more...]
Electric vehicle incentives woo Chinese & Brits
China has halved EV prices in a decade but they’re still rising in Britain, Europe and the US. JATO Dynamics shares its latest report on the evolution of the electric vehicle (EV) markets in China, the US and Europe. ‘EVs – A pricing challenge’’ includes JATO’s industry-leading data and insights, exploring EV pricing over the past 10 years, alongside the impact of government incentives on the … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 August
The British Government is giving £12.5 M to Israel based Ree Automotive as part of a £41.2 M project to bring advanced electric vehicles to market from UK plants. Ree has a UK technical centre and has developed its radical flat platform in the Midlands where it plans to assemble a range of commercial vehicles. Volta Trucks, a leading and disruptive full electric commercial vehicle manufacturer … [Read more...]
Britain’s best vans carry off plaudits
Vanarama has carried out an in-depth study to uncover the most reliable vans and pick-up trucks. It compiled data from warranty claims, MoT tests, and specialist media's survey of van operators. Budget Small Van Winner – Fiat DobloRRP starting from £13,995Perhaps coming as a surprise to some, the Fiat Doblo scored very well in Vanarama’s analysis of reliability. In a survey of the … [Read more...]
Glass’s Guide ramps up services to trade
Autovista Group has unveiled Glass’s sales solution – a new platform-based application for the motor trade to value stock. “This is a game-changer for the automotive industry and will transform the way that dealers are able to access business-critical pricing information,” says Lindsey Roberts, CEO of Autovista Group. “Our new Glass’s platform pulls together our wealth of exceptional services, … [Read more...]
Used cars’ sales booming, says industry
The UK’s used car market grew 108.6% in the second quarter of 2021 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 2,167,504 vehicles changed hands, up 6.6% on 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the best Q2 performance and almost the best quarter ever for the used car market. The increase tracks the country’s gradual emergence from lockdown, as businesses reopened, demand for personal … [Read more...]
