After many years of lobbying and Government engagement, the freight sector is finally being recognised for its importance to local and national economies. The sector sits at the core of the UK economy, supporting over 2.5 million jobs and contributing £124 billion to the economy. It is estimated that the weight of goods transported by freight is expected to increase by 50% over the coming … [Read more...]
Five companies interested in whole Ford Bridgend site
Five major international companies have expressed interest in taking over the whole of the Ford Bridgend Engine Plant site, it was revealed today, writes Robin Roberts. They are among 21 businesses who have asked for details of the 1.2M sqft site when Ford end production there in September, said Welsh Economy Minister Ken Skates after meeting the Ford Bridgend Task Force seeking future use of the … [Read more...]
£100,000 public money to ease impact of Ford withdrawal
A £100,000 investment fund will be set up to help Bridgend and surrounding area recover from the closure of Ford Engine Plant in the autumn. The money will come equally from Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region funds to enable Bridgend County Borough Council study three projects. News of the investment and feasibility studies will be outlined later this morning when Economy Minister … [Read more...]
“Fake” apprenticeships warning
The Independent Garage Association is calling for greater control of the apprenticeship levy to help reduce the shortage of skilled technicians, following statistics that suggest half of levy-funded apprenticeships are ‘fake’. The analysis by education think tank Education and Skills suggests that the majority of the levy is being put towards existing adult workers, instead of promoting the … [Read more...]
DBX is pivotal for AML and Wales
The new Aston Martin DBX SUV will be a pivotal model for the company and firmly put Wales on the map for motor manufacturing, some 260 guests were told today at the official opening of the luxury brand's new factory at St Athan, near Cardiff. Addressing an audience from around the world at the new plant, AML president and ceo Andy Palmer said it represents a big step by the company into a … [Read more...]
Dunton now Ford of Britain HQ
Ford has renamed its Dunton Technical Centre in Laindon, Essex, to Dunton Campus, Ford Britain, to highlight its new role at the centre of the company’s activities in Britain. The Dunton Campus becomes headquarters of its European Commercial Vehicles business group and home to light commercial vehicle engineering, powertrain engineering, Ford of Britain national sales company, and Ford’s bank, … [Read more...]
EVs will spark change in servicing and costs
The widespread growth in electric cars is going to forever change servicing. ClickMechanic.com, the online car repair marketplace, has looked in detail at the emergence of electric cars and its beneficial differences from the standard diesel/petrol cars that largely dominate the automotive industry. Andrew Jervis, co-founder and CEO at ClickMechanic, said, “It’s clear that the demand … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 October
Automotive components’ companies in Wales will get a series of meetings on dealing with Brexit issues and paid for by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Customs, Employment and Supply Chain Risk awareness sessions have been secured by the Welsh Automotive Forum in conjunction with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Legendary US brand Harley-Davidson is … [Read more...]
Tradelines 2 October
Automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched its Critical response service, to support employers and their employees in times of crisis. This free service sees Ben working with automotive industry businesses to provide appropriate, often immediate, support for employees when they experience an unexpected or traumatic incident or event. Learner or inexperienced car drivers are causing less … [Read more...]
Help for supply chain to meet zero strategy
Automotive technology companies looking to support the government’s road to zero strategy through the development and manufacture of low carbon vehicle technology will have the opportunity to receive new levels of advice, insight and support from leading industry experts at LCV2019. Hosted on the UK Government Pavilion, managed by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the new ‘Meet the Experts’ … [Read more...]