New data from one of the country’s leading insurance comparison websites revealed a 158% year-on-year rise in Welsh mobile mechanics taking out insurance for their sole traderships. Quotezone.co.uk figures also reveal a 71% year-on-year spike in new policies for full time motor trade businesses, and a 49% jump in cover for part time firms, in Wales. The data, taken from a sample of 4,500 … [Read more...]
Breaking news: 200 Welsh jobs threated at car parts firm
Kautex Textron, Caerphilly is facing possible closure and the loss of about 200 automotive jobs. The US owned car parts firm at Ystrad Mynach makes washer components for global manufacturers but has been hit by Brexit costs and clients wishes to buy parts from suppliers closer to their vehicle assembly plants. Welsh Government said it is in talks with the company and is concerned by the … [Read more...]
Optimism rises among parts’ makers
Automotive suppliers have become significantly more optimistic with their outlook on 2021, with 38% of surveyed suppliers showing positive forecasts compared to just 8% six months ago. Yet, 31% of respondents still hold a notably negative view, a much higher share than in pre-Corona times. This follows from the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey on business sentiment in the sector, held late … [Read more...]
Dealers happy with manufacturers relationships
It is positive that despite the significant disruption faced over the past twelve months, dealers are on average fairly satisfied with the relationship with their respective manufacturers, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. Average levels of dealer satisfaction with the support received through the pandemic by respective manufacturers remained … [Read more...]
Jobs going at Aston Martin, St Athan
Nearly 200 jobs or 26% of the Aston Martin Lagonda workforce are going at St Athan. The luxury car maker confirmed the losses today after Unite spelled out the situation. New management has taken over at AML and the backers have changed, suggesting it does not have the same financial support it had just 12 months ago when the first DBX SUV models were sent to customers. The DBX is built … [Read more...]
Weeds need removing from our green drive
There are a few weeds to be taken care of as the motor industry, energy providers, related suppliers and authorities take us down the green road towards 2030 and onwards, writes Robin Roberts. The haste and race to have low emission cars and other vehicles on our roads is tripping over some serious issues, notably cost, and not just for vehicles and infrastructure but the expense of losing … [Read more...]
Jobs boost for Welsh firm supplying luxury car brands
Welshpool firm CastAlum is significantly expanding production and creating up to 50 jobs with support from the Welsh Government.The global aluminium component supplier, which has been based in the town for 20 years, is investing £5 million in its facilities in the area.The Welsh Government’s SMART Innovation programme has provided technical support for a number of recent projects with … [Read more...]
Ellesmere Port plant future hopes raised
The parent company of Vauxhall and the British Government have been in talks about the future of Ellesmere Port car assembly plant. Britain is "very hopeful" that a good outcome can be found for the Astra assembly plant and its 1,000 workers, including 300 from Wales. British business minister Kwasi Kwarteng said there had been encouraging signs from PSA Group, which includes Vauxhall, and its … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Ellesmere Port future balanced
Media reports suggest Stellantis will decide on the future of its Vauxhall Ellesmere Port plant in the next few days. A decision on future investment is imminent, a spokesman for the automaker has told Automotive News Europe. The factory employs about 1,000 workers making Astra cars and about a third of them commute from Wales. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said some months ago that he had to … [Read more...]
Thousands of driving jobs unfilled
The UK is facing a shortage of 76,000 thousand drivers, despite the wages being higher than the UK average and jobs waiting. Mark Hall from Divert.co.uk, a rubbish removal company based in York, said, “Young kids don’t think the professional driving industry is sexy enough and instead they are all spending £30,000 on a university degree with a dubious title such as media studies only to … [Read more...]
