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...]
Coronavirus hits over 1.4M vehicles
Over 1.4M new vehicles have been lost to production shutdowns across Europe as the Coronavirus develops. Factory shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 crisis have resulted in lost production amounting to 1,465,415 said the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. This figure – covering passenger cars, trucks, vans, buses and coaches – is up from 1.2 million units compared to one week … [Read more...]
Warning for motor industry future as Aston Martin take orders
The jobs of at least 1,110,107 Europeans working in automobile manufacturing are affected by factory shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, according to data compiled by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. This figure only refers to those people directly employed by car, truck, van and bus manufacturers – the impact on the wider automotive supply chain is even more … [Read more...]
Cazana’s Dealer Survival Guide
The motor trade is one of the world's toughest business sectors but the current Coronavirus is putting incredible strain on the entire sales stream and getting good advice is essential to keep businesses going. Here are five points to consider: Stay Safe Abide by the Government rules and close your dealership to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep your staff and customers safe. … [Read more...]
Uk car making tumbled even before virus hit
British car manufacturing fell -0.8% in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 122,171 vehicles rolled off production lines in the month, representing a loss of just over 1,000 units compared with February 2019. The decline was driven by slower demand in some key global export markets. In the month before the coronavirus pandemic started to be felt in the … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent talks over future
The car-makers want detailed talks with British Government in the light of the corona virus and implications for the industry struggling with falling demand. The industry employs over 823,000 in Britain and Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “We welcome the additional and significant emergency support for business announced by the Chancellor. “The UK automotive industry is inherently strong … [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...]
Battery maker calls for greater UK manufacturing
British car production dipped 2.1% in January according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders yesterday. Reduced demand from car manufacturing plants and additional shutdowns related to the coronavirus pandemic have caused the fifth successive month of decline. A global snowball effect is expected to continue as the industry anticipates the upcoming budget. This … [Read more...]
Apprenticeship levy is a wasted resource but also a tax
The Government's apprenticeship levy is a wasted resource and become just another tax for businesses, says the freight sector. In response to figures obtained by the BBC that reveal employers are failing to use hundreds of millions of pounds that was intended for training apprentices, Sally Gilson, Head of Skills Policy at FTA, said, “As the business organisation representing the logistics … [Read more...]
In car challenges and opportunities down the road
Connected cars will be both an opportunity and a challenge to the suppliers and manufacturers, according to a new report. The report, “Key Players and Business Models in the Connected Car,” examines the complex ecosystem of connected car players and helps clients navigate the opportunities and challenges on the road ahead. “The connected car marketplace – and the opportunities surrounding it – … [Read more...]