A stark warning has been made regarding action from Extinction Rebellion against car dealers, car manufacturers and car firms in Bristol and London. “The warning makes sober reading. Action will likely be against 4x4 and luxury car dealers and manufacturers, and while we expect it to be a non-physical social media campaign, dealers need to reinforce their security pronto”, explained Patrick Jones … [Read more...]
Virus shutdown to cost UK automotive over £8B
The British car industry faces losing output worth more than £8 Billion due to the coronavirus outbreak. It suffered a production drop in March of a third and fell to its lowest level since 2009, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders thursday. Britain’s biggest exporter of goods which employs more than 800,000 people saw factories and dealerships begin to close from mid March with … [Read more...]
Car makers outline plan for production return
As Europe is grappling with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has set out four guiding principles for a successful re-launch of the auto industry, which will be vital to the wider economic recovery of the continent. “It is in Europe’s interest that this key strategic sector not only recovers, but also is revitalised in … [Read more...]
Challenging times ahead for trade, says analyst
It has been a month of halves with two weeks of unexpected silence in the showrooms resulting in many staff being furloughed in the absence of customers. Service departments and smaller garages are working to keep key workers mobile and safe with their transportation needs and the insurance industry is still largely active. Dealers still have a shop window and many eyes browsing vehicles on … [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...]
Car makers want urgent comprehensive support
The effect of the coronavirus on society and the global economy is unprecedented with grave consequences for the automobile industry, say European car makers. Indeed, most of the members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages, and government measures, and are facing cases of corona … [Read more...]
Traders attack new consumer advice
Car dealers and auction houses have fallen out with trading standards officers. “It is disappointing that following a number of responses, including our detailed comments on the draft guidance consultation, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has ignored the majority of the issues NFDA had outlined alongside other industry trade bodies”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National … [Read more...]
Wales bucks UK trend and buys more cars
New car buyers in Wales have bucked the national trend and registered more models than 12 months ago. Registrations in Wales went up 8.93% in February to 2,610 new cars – 2,396 same time last year – as part of the 79,234 UK total, which was down 2.96% overall. Scotland suffered the steepest droop of 14.75%, Northern Ireland dipped 8.46% and England slipped 2.01%. New car registrations slipped … [Read more...]
Ford battered by Welsh registrations
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...]
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...]