Although the lockdown measures are easing it will take time for the wheels of society to return to something like normal life, writes David Miles. But from tomorrow, after the bank holiday week, English schools for certain age groups will open where they can and more employees should be returning to work and that includes the motoring industry. So hopefully … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 May
British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak will rescue companies seen as strategically important on a “last resort” basis after other options run out. The Treasury told Reuters late on Sunday it may try to save those companies whose failure will “disproportionately harm the economy” and that could include Jaguar Land Rover which has been reported as seeking … [Read more...]
Car makers move to save extinction
CEOs from across the automotive value chain came together for a meeting with the European Commission to align on the priorities for a solid recovery plan for the automotive sector, with a view to stimulating the wider economy and bolstering the transformation to a carbon-neutral society. CEOs of vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers, as well as … [Read more...]
Tradelines 20 May
The French Government has reiterated it will only assist car makers coping with the pandemic fallout if they are producing and promoting low carbon polluting models. The big boost to electric vehicles is designed to be supported by a new scrappage scheme and replacement with evs. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has written to the Secretary of … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 17 May
Another week has gone by and here I am still keeping calm and carrying on despite very mixed messages from our Government about what we can or should do during now it appears slightly relaxed semi lock-down period, says David Miles. But no longer is it the same rules in each of our four domestic countries, so that's really clear. With no sign of new … [Read more...]
Finance company develops “sofa showroom”
Close Brothers Motor Finance has bolstered its Showroom proposal platform by giving motor dealers the opportunity to bring the showroom directly to their customer’s home with remote quote and apply. The enhanced functionality to the Showroom platform will enable dealers to email vehicle quotes directly to the customer following initial discussions around … [Read more...]
Virtual business as usual for Mitsubishi
Physical showrooms may be closed but it’s virtual business as usual at Mitsubishi Motors where customers are still able to purchase a new vehicle using the Mitsubishi Buy Online facility. Not only can customers browse the model range and specify the exact Mitsubishi vehicle they would like, they can also trade their current vehicle in and arrange finance … [Read more...]
Coronavirus planning risk to no-deal Brexit, warn ACEA
A no-deal Brexit at the end of 2020 risks undoing efforts to get the auto industry back on track after the coronavirus of recent weeks, says the European car makers’ director general Eric-Mark Huitema. While Europe still grapples with the health, social and economic impacts of the coronavirus, and EU automobile manufacturers battle for survival, the second … [Read more...]
Extinction Rebellion – warning to prestige car dealers
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 … [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 … [Read more...]
