Global commercial vehicle production volumes in 2020 compared to 2019 are forecast to be down 22 percent , some 650,000 units to 2.6 million units, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the most recent analysis from IHS Markit. Individual regional forecasts are set to a downtrend, and supply chain impacts are being felt, as the consequences of the virus have shuttered … [Read more...]
Vauxhall temporarily shut UK plants
Vauxhall is closing its Ellesmere Port car plant tomorrow and Luton van assembly plant from thursday. They along with other PSA plants throughout Europe will be shut until 27 March and the 2,560 UK workers will get paid leave. It is part of the industry's response to the spread of Coronavirus around the world with many plants closing to protect workers as well as suppliers curtailing … [Read more...]
Warning over collapsing dealer networks
Localised franchise dealer networks are “likely to remain important to fleets” says fleet software specialist FleetCheck following news that more are to close. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said that a long-term situation was being created where many businesses were having to travel further for routine servicing, maintenance and repair. “We’re not picking out any particular … [Read more...]
Innovation will influence exhibits at CV show
With a strong move towards electrification alongside the full range of road transport, distribution and logistics supply businesses attending the Commercial Vehicle Show, a host of innovative powertrain options will be unveiled to the public at the NEC Birmingham, 28-30 April 2020. The UK-based manufacturer LEVC will display its new all-electric van for the first time to the public at CV Show. … [Read more...]
Delivery fleets will struggle with new EV legislation
Alternatives to “niche” electric vans are needed for fleets that want or need to make their operations zero emissions in the medium term, says FleetCheck. The fleet software specialist says that, while it is good news that more electric van models are becoming available in larger numbers in 2020, they remain relatively compromised. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said: “It really … [Read more...]
Mounting concern over Government “green plan”
The Government’s plan to bring forward the ban of petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles is ambitious, but does not have a basis on which to achieve it, said Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association. Today, plans have been unveiled to move the date when non-electric cars are banned from 2040 to 2035, with a possibility of the date being brought forward further. The PRA believes … [Read more...]
Massive boost for UK ev maker
Hyundai and Kia have announced an £85m investment in UK-based electric van maker - and LowCVP member - Arrival. The money will be used by Arrival to scale up production of its electric van targeted at the commercial vehicle market. It comes days after Arrival announced a huge ev van order from UPS in the United States. The cash injection - which values Arrival at £3bn - means that the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 18 December
Sports orientated Pontypool-made MS-RT Ford vans have won a national prize. What Van? of the year judges praised the Welsh business adapting Transit and Connect vans for its innovation and manufacturing facilities and culminating in a limited edition 40-strong MS-RT R185 Transit Custom. GMB members working for Carmarthenshire County Council highways have accused the authority of ‘dirty’ tactics … [Read more...]
New EU fuel rules need recalculating, say coachbuilders
New WLTP rules for vans could potentially disincentivise fleets from adopting fuel-saving designs, says Arval UK. The WLTP data being used for converted and bodied chassis only take into account the frontal dimensions of the vehicle and do not include any streamlining measures fitted by body builders such as aerodynamic collars and bulkheads. The issue is likely to affect Luton and box bodies … [Read more...]
North Wales hit by rising van thefts
Van thefts in North Wales have doubled in 12 months but fallen by 75% in South East Wales. CV theft across the UK has soared by 45% over the last four years with 30,000 vehicles stolen since 2015, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. A total of 32,056 vans have been stolen over the last four years with almost 10,000 thefts recorded across the UK in the last year alone, … [Read more...]