A massive jobs cull in Germany and other European countries is expected by the union representing Ford workers. Some positions are expected to be axed in the UK as well while the US car maker transitions towards a fully electric range from 2025, initially slashing over 3,200 jobs in Ford of Europe, and realigning with R&D in America. Bentley Motors announced a recruitment drive creating 200 … [Read more...]
CV News
Little vans in short supply
Throughout 2022 franchised dealers have reported strong demand for light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, but the continued restrictions to component supply have frustrated manufacturers in their ability to produce sufficient new vehicles to match orders, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. In 2022, total LCV registrations fell by … [Read more...]
Tevva Trucks go-ahead for UK & European ev sales
British electric vehicle manufacturer Tevva has hit another major milestone after securing European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) for its 7.5 tonne (t) battery-electric truck. It means that Tevva can start production at its Tilbury, Essex factory and sell in volume across the UK and Europe and represents the key regulatory step in the development and commercialisation of all … [Read more...]
Fleets must deliver greater value than before
Electrification and the impact of the recession look set to be the key fleet issues of 2023, the Association of Fleet Professionals is predicting. Chair Paul Hollick said that that businesses would be looking to fleet managers to deliver more value than ever, especially when it came to cost control and carbon savings. “Next year is going to be a tough one, no question, and there will be … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 November
Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to automatically drive lorries have been condemned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart. A recent government consultation suggested that drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence, which allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 November
Aston Martin expect to sell 10,000 cars, generate £2 billion in revenue and post £500m in pre-tax earnings by 2024/2025 and it anticipates that volumes will increase significantly from Q4 of 2022 helped by orders from the Welsh-made DBX707. The optimistic forecast comes after the three months to the end of September, showed Aston sold 1384 cars – up 3% on the same quarter last year – and … [Read more...]
Testing times for industry and writers
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently held its annual regional Test Days in the north and south of the country which are always much-liked and useful events on the calendar of many motoring scribes. An annual event that provides new cars galore on offer for motoring writers to road test in the same locality on the same day, always seems a very good idea to me. It also gives the … [Read more...]
Mixed signals in bus and cv sales, say manufacturers
SMMT released its second quarter registration figures for the HGV, Bus and Coach sectors, and mixed signals could be found. The UK new bus and coach market grew slightly by 0.6% to 1,066 units, with the good news that single-deck buses were up 65.3%, while double deckers – which represent a greater share of the market – fell by -24.9%. While ridership levels have gradually been improving since … [Read more...]
ID. Buzz word is out and orders open
UK order books are now open for the new all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with prices starting from £57,115. The ID. Buzz is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first all-electric vehicle and features a 77kWh lithium-ion battery, supplying 150kW (204 PS) to a rear-mounted electric motor that develops 310Nm of torque and is capable of an all-electric driving range of up to 258 miles. The new ID. Buzz … [Read more...]
Van drivers’ role delivering zero-emissions
As the world starts to transition away from internal combustion engines and towards electric vehicles, couriers, delivery fleets and individual traders are itching to make the move to electric vans. Yet while electric van uptake has doubled in the past year, the market is still around two years behind that of cars, causing the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to call for a ‘Van Plan’ by … [Read more...]