Business group Logistics UK has urged the government to prioritise work towards a sustainable solution to post Brexit import formalities to provide certainty for business. The call comes following the announcement that the introduction of health certification of imported products of animal origin (which include many food and drink items) has been pushed back from 1 October 2021 to … [Read more...]
Dealers expect to recruit more staff
The percentage of dealers’ looking to recruit across all business areas is significantly up from Q2 this year, reports the National Franchised Dealers Association. In particular, 77.5% are seeking to recruit sales executives over the next three months and the same percentage intend to employ technicians. Additionally, 67.5% intend to hire service advisors. Employee engagement: all dealers who … [Read more...]
British Motor Show & the shortfall in EV technicians
The British Motor Show will showcase the best, the fastest and the most innovative in automotive technology this weekend, but it comes amid a huge shortfall of EV technicians needed to keep the newest cars moving, says the Institute of the Motor Industry . Data from the IMI shows that the automotive retail sector does not currently have the skills and the pipeline of talent needed to service and … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 August
Proposals for a new business park adjacent to Cardiff Airport on Model Farm, Rhoose approved by Vale of Glamorgan Council have been criticised by local residents. Vale Communities Unite say the project advanced by insurers Legal and General will increase traffic on local roads and goes against Welsh Government announcements to combat climate change after it has just put up for sale the nearby St … [Read more...]
Traditional skills threat to historic vehicles
Some of the most iconic vehicles in history could be lost to the future unless new blood is introduced to the restoration industry. That was the main conclusion reached at a FIVA-supported international symposium in Bucharest, titled ‘Restoration – Art or Science?’ The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, or international federation of historic vehicles, warned that specialist … [Read more...]
Tradelines 4 August
MINI is going to the dogs, for the best reason. It's joined forces the Dogs Trust to ensure animals are cared for, carried safely and enjoy their time with owners, particularly as ownership numbers have dramatically increased during lockdown. Business group Logistics UK has called for government to review its decision not to grant temporary work visas to EU HGV drivers, in the wake of mounting … [Read more...]
UK site considered for new Rivian ev-models’ assembly
The Amazon and Ford backed Rivian pure electric pickup may be built in Britain at a new energy park planned in the West Country. The proposed Gravity Park a few miles north east of Bridgewater and adjacent to the M5 has been earmarked for the potential £1 Billion investment, reported Sky News. The project is being courted by German and Netherlands Governments as well so there is no guarantee it … [Read more...]
Honda Swindon sayonara
Honda Swindon will shutdown today. The car plant opened 36 years ago and helped Swindon build up its town and workers lives so the permanent closure announced in 2019 will be a blow to all concerned and their UK supply chain. About 3,400 worked in Honda but it supported 10,000 components makers in the UK after it began making engines in 1989 and the Accord (right) went into production three … [Read more...]
Pingdemic is punishing motor trade
Recruitment issues and the need for self-isolation are causing staffing issues across the remarketing sector, reports the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Chair Philip Nothard said that VRA members were experiencing issues finding staff to fill all kinds of long-term positions, and that the problem was being exacerbated by the ongoing short-term demands of self-isolation. “Obviously, we … [Read more...]
Government is threatening road safety – claim
Business group Logistics UK is dismayed by the announcement of the continued relaxation of drivers’ hours legislation until 8 August 2021. It governs the length of time which HGV drivers are legally expected to work and James Firth, the organisation’s Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy, explains the announcement will heap more pressure on drivers who are already stretched to the limit to … [Read more...]