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...]
News
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...]
Tradelines 17 March
RAC insurance is launching a pay-per-mile policy in response to the dramatically lower distances being covered at the moment. The scheme is aimed at those who cover under 6,000 miles annually and if they find circumstances change they can leave the on-line and mobile phone policy scheme. Stellantis announced a partnership with Kiri Technologies to reward drivers of the New 500. The basic … [Read more...]
Costs must be centre of new emissions targets
Car parts makers have called on the European Commission for a comprehensive approach across all countries and sectors to reduce CO2 emissions in a cost efficient and affordable manner over the next 30 years. What is the way forward? CLEPA said the Green Deal should be seen as the opportunity to start aligning climate policies across sectors into a coherent framework which ensures climate … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 March
The new generation of BMW iDrive takes the interaction between driver and vehicle into a digital future where many areas of life are getting increasingly smart. The new interpretation of BMW’s operating system equips the vehicle to actively engage with those on board with the aim of precisely tailoring all the functions controlled via BMW iDrive to the driver’s needs and preferences as the … [Read more...]
Volkswagen transform EV business
Northvolt has won an order worth more than $14 billion over 10 years from Volkswagen, which increases its stake in the Swedish lithium-ion battery maker. Northvolt will sell its share in joint-venture Northvolt Zwei in Salzgitter to the world’s No. 2 carmaker, which becomes the German gigafactory’s single owner. Volkswagen entered into a partnership with the battery maker in 2019 and took 20% of … [Read more...]
Fewer car thefts in Wales
Vehicle theft throughout Wales remains among the lowest in the country, according to analysis by Quotezone.co.uk using the latest data gathered by the Economic Policy Centre. Dyfed-Powys Police recorded the 3rd lowest crime rate of 43 forces nationwide, with 1.43 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2020. This was followed by North Wales in 5th place (1.86 / 1,000), Gwent in 13th position (3.72 / … [Read more...]
Depreciation despair for drivers
With new 21-numberplate cars now on sale, GoCompare Car Insurance is urging drivers looking for a new car to think about depreciation and the possible impact on their insurance. Depreciation is one of the biggest costs of running a car. The price of a new car falls dramatically as soon as it is driven off the forecourt. Depending on the make and model, this can be between 15% to 35% in the … [Read more...]
Older drivers collect more points, study shows
There are more than 304,000 over 65s currently driving on UK roads with penalty points on their licence, nearly 25 times the number of young teenagers – of which there are just over 12,000 with penalty points. The findings, which came from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA by the UK’s largest independent road safety charity – IAM RoadSmart – also revealed that the oldest person … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 March
Nissan plans for a major expansion to renewable energy generation at its record-breaking plant in Sunderland. Complementing the plant’s existing wind turbines and solar farm, the proposed 20MW solar farm extension represents a further step in Nissan’s path to carbon neutrality and the 37,000-panel extension would result in 20% of the plant’s energy coming from all onsite renewables, enough to … [Read more...]