UK car production declined in 2017, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 1,671,166 vehicles rolled off production lines last year, a -3.0% decrease on 2016 and the first decline for eight years – but still the second highest output in 17 years. A -9.8% fall in output for the domestic market drove the overall decline, as the market responded to declining … [Read more...]
Sales slide indicating worse to come, warn analysts
New car sales in Wales slipped 5.5% in January. Dealers reported 5,333 new cars registered in Wales last month compared to 5,641 12 months ago, the SMMT reported. That was a slightly better performance than the UK combined figure which saw a 6.3% decline with 163,113 new cars leaving showrooms. Bad weather in Scotland seriously impacted on sales north of the border with a huge 15.1% … [Read more...]
Car makers predict growth will stall at just 1%
Car makers in Europe say they face serious challenges to cutting emissions in line with EU plans over the next 12 years. While the EU passenger car market grew by 3.4% in 2017, with over 15 million cars sold, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association forecasts that growth will slow to around 1% in 2018. “The European automobile industry is on a pathway to recovery, finally coming … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 February
The Confused.com London Motor Show will be hosting the world’s first Tesla-based producton Shooting Brake by QWest of Norfolk. Carbon fibre coachbuilding specialist QWest will touch down at the “automotive event of the year” from 17-20 May armed with its latest creation, which is based on the reputable Model S (90D) and to which it adds over 7cuft of luggage space but also makes it lighter … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 January
Ford will slim down its model ranges and plans to build more SUVs and crossover models, the company said as it announced last quarter results. Profits pretax fell nearly 20% last year with a 66% decline in the last quarter in Europe, and it’s analyzing what it needs to axe and what it can expand in its range to gain most profitability to catch up with rivals. PSA has indicated it may move … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 January
Ford, BMW, Daimler and VW are working together on future recharging systems for cars. They want to streamline possible connections and offer standards which they hope other ev makers will adhere to by 2020. The eagerly awaited Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV will be shown to dealers and selected high profile customers this summer just before its public unveiling. Sales start end of 2018 and … [Read more...]
Tradelines 24 January
Jaguar Land Rover is scaling back production of some diesel models later this spring. It follows a record year of sales but orders have been hit by a reaction to increased diesel taxes due in April and a general slowdown so Discovery Sport and Evoque will be affected in Q2. Peugeot would move ahead with recovery plans for its Vauxhall plants in Ellesmere Port and Luton after agreeing on … [Read more...]
Row over “safer cars” claim by SMMT
New driver assistance technology is making British roads safer, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders - if you're lucky enough to have it fitted. The vehicle makers’ body in the UK says systems to reduce errors and accident severity are “available” on 70% of new cars, but the claim has been attacked by the insurers’ test centre at Thatcham which says 70% still don’t have standard … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 January
Unite union has met PSA over plans for Ellesmere Port Vauxhall plant, which assembles Astra models. Discussions followed a 250 jobs cut announced this month on top of 400 jobs going since last autumn but the company has said it is twice as expensive to run as the French equivalent plants. UK industrialist Sanjeev Gupta is bidding to build electric vehicles in a factory GM Australia closed … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 January
UK drivers are now paying £827 on average for their car insurance, according to Confused.com . The company’s index reveals prices have accelerated by a whopping £60 (+8%) since 2016 (Q4) when premiums were comparatively cheaper at £767 and expects them to exceed £900 by the end of this year. Suzuki will supply a eight V-Strom 1000 marshal bikes for this year’s Welsh Road Race, which takes … [Read more...]