The Finance & Leasing Association says new business in the point of sale consumer car finance market grew 12% by value and 8% by volume in 2016. New business was up 3% by value and down 3% by volume in December, compared with the same month in 2015. The POS consumer new car finance market reported new business up 1% by value and 8% lower by volume … [Read more...]
55,000 Zafira owners have ignored fire recalls
Owners of about 55,000 Vauxhall Zafira models have ignored company warnings to have their cars checked for possible fires hazard, politicians have been told. Now, Vauxhall is calling for the establishment of a national vehicle fire database to quickly gather information on reported fires and trace likely vehicles for recalls. Speaking to the Transport … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 February
Circuit of Wales has given investor details and a timescale for development of the £425 M motor sport circuit and related businesses to the Welsh Assembly. It has complied with a deadline set two weeks ago by Welsh business secretary Ken Skates and means it will now go to a more detailed plan with rigorous examination of proposals and assertions, and … [Read more...]
Fiat Chrysler Group explain their vero amore
Italian Fiat and US Chrysler automotive brands have in the past had partners, divorced partners, fraternised with other partners but in 2014 they found each other and it appears a successful marriage is underway as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles now known as FCA, says David Miles. Global figures just released show FCA made a global profit of 6.1 billion Euros … [Read more...]
Union give Ford deadline for plan
Unite union has given Ford management a two week ultimatum to announce a five-year plan for its engine plant in Bridgend. General secretary candidate Len McCluskey yesterday met managers and shop stewards at the plant five months after Ford announced cut backs on its planned investment in the new Dragon engine but has said 1,850 workers would not be … [Read more...]
New car registrations hit 12-year high
The UK new car market achieved a 12-year high in January, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The total was 174,564 vehicles last month – a 2.9% year-on-year uplift and the highest level since 2005. The alternative fuelled vehicle segment grew 19.9% to take a record 4.2% market share – the first time 4% has been … [Read more...]
New Vauxhall Insignia ST teased
Vauxhall has released the first images of the all-new Insignia Sports Tourer, which will receive its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next month. Following on from the previous generation, which won the European Car of the Year in 2009, the Insignia Sports Tourer is based on a completely new vehicle architecture. Its revised proportions result … [Read more...]
Slowing EU demand for alternative fuel vehicles
In the fourth quarter of 2016, demand for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) in the EU increased only moderately (+1.2%), with registrations totalling 168,103 units. Results were diverse among the different vehicle categories. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) continued the positive trend, showing double-digit percentage gains during the last quarter (+25.1%) … [Read more...]
Briefly 6 February
Plans are being drawn up for a third bridge over the Menai Straits. Wales’ economy secretary Ken Skates says extensive transport improvements are envisaged for the North Wales area and with a new power station on Anglesey and increased traffic there is a real need for the new crossing. Welsh motorists are getting the message about … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 February
Germany's auto industry is losing hope that trade tariffs with the UK can be avoided, several executives have told Reuters, despite warnings from British Prime Minister Theresa May that an overly tough stance on post-Brexit commerce would seriously harm the country's EU partners. " Merkel may force us to walk away from UK profits for the sake of … [Read more...]
