Car parts makers have called on the European Commission for a comprehensive approach across all countries and sectors to reduce CO2 emissions in a cost efficient and affordable manner over the next 30 years. What is the way forward? CLEPA said the Green Deal should be seen as the opportunity to start aligning climate policies across sectors into a coherent framework which ensures climate … [Read more...]
Difficulties setting values of newest and future cars
Sellers and buyers face a torrid time setting values on the latest hybrid and electric cars. Aside from the myriad of other issues that will affect both the production and adoption of BEVs and advanced hybrid technology, the industry needs to begin to understand what the future value of these cars will look like, and also the level of retail consumer interest. Without a realistic view of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 March
Maria Teresa de Filippis was the first woman to qualify for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, behind the wheel of a Maserati 250F and her story of passion and audacity has inspired Maserati to celebrates her achievements on the occasion of International Women’s Day, 8 March. Born in Naples in 1926, in 1948 she participated in her first race winning the 10 km Salerno-Cava de 'Tirreni, 500cc class of the … [Read more...]
Weeds need removing from our green drive
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...]
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...]
Lamborghinis making record prices despite lockdowns
Two of Automobili Lamborghini's most iconic historic cars have been auctioned at record prices. The models sold in RM-Sotheby's Paris auction were a 1971 Miura SV chassis number #4840 and a 1977 Countach LP 400 chassis #1120262. Both cars have had a troubled history, with several mechanical and aesthetic changes over the years. The brand’s top experts have recently restored them … [Read more...]
Lenders optimistic for 2021 despite sales slowdown
The Q1 2021 Industry Outlook Survey by the Finance & Leasing Association shows that the asset finance, consumer finance and motor finance industry see opportunities for growth over the next year despite the heightened uncertainty caused by the latest restrictions to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK's lowest January registrations for 50 years. Respondents were divided on the outlook … [Read more...]
Europe expect car sales to rise 10% this year
After a year that saw the sharpest drop ever in EU car sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association forecasts that 2021 will mark a first step on the path to recovery, with sales rising by about 10% compared to 2020. The fallout of COVID is expected to persist into the first quarter of 2021, but the car market should pick up in the second half of the year … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta is again Wales best seller
Welsh car buyers have restored the Ford Fiesta to top spot in the sales chart in January as UK registrations hit a 50 years low. Ford dealers registered 122 Fiestas last month, comfortably ahead of the 104 Kia Sportage, which was the top SUV among Welsh families and they were the only two models to exceed 100 sales in the month. Ford suffered badly in Wales last year but it has come back … [Read more...]
UK car sales hit 50 year low
Pressure is mounting for new car prices to be slashed after sales plunged to their lowest for 50 years in January. Buyers who cannot visit showrooms during lockdown and who are concerned about jobs and income have put the brakes on business and now manufactuers face fines if they cannot reduce their fleet average this autumn. More sales have moved on-line and the industry and trade expect this … [Read more...]