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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 “It is disappointing that following a number of responses, including our detailed comments on the draft guidance consultation, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has ignored the majority of the issues NFDA had outlined alongside other industry trade bodies”, said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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
Car makers call on Government to back drive to evs
It’s extremely concerning that government has seemingly moved the goalposts for consumers and industry on such a critical issue as ending traditional vehicle sales in 15 years, said the motor manufacturers body. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said,“Manufacturers are fully invested in a zero emissions future, with some 60 plug-in models now on the market … [Read more...]
Swansea leads Welsh drive towards electric cars
Birmingham has seen the fastest growth in new electric car ownership of any town or city in the UK. According to DVLA data obtained by comparison site Motorway.co.uk, there were 2,192new electric cars registered in Birmingham up to the end of September 2019, compared to 340 in the corresponding period in 2018 - an increase of 527%. Growth in electric car … [Read more...]
