Vehicle makers have had their chips, as industry watchers report a global shortage of some software used by automotive manufactuers. As China recovers from the CV-19 pandemic it is the first to experience the shortage of microchips used for a variety of in-vehicle applications. Components made or assembled in China are not the only units to suffer as many microchips come from Europe and it is … [Read more...]
News
Evans raises game and looks towards 2021
Elfyn Evans’ dream of becoming the first Welsh driver to win the FIA World Rally Championship were put on hold when he crashed out of this year's title-decider in northern Italy. The 31-year-old from Dolgellau arrived at the ACI Rally Monza holding a 14-point advantage over his Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Sébastien Ogier and, despite some atrocious weather conditions, at the mid-point seemed on … [Read more...]
New online directory and resources for aftermarket sector
Organisers of Automechanika Birmingham have launched auto:resource, a new online directory and resources platform to inform, train and connect the UK automotive aftermarket. The comprehensive website, www.autoresource.co.uk, was created following extensive research conducted to over 12,000 automotive professionals, who made it clear there is a need to inform and connect the industry via one … [Read more...]
Big jobs drive beginning among dealers
Car dealerships are planning a recruitment drive for staff over coming months. They will be looking for technicians, sales people and service assistants for the most part, but also considering what they need in other business areas. National Franchised Dealers Association has lobbied the Government throughout the year to extend the time period in which the industry is able to use their year’s … [Read more...]
Motorbikes rebalancing after virus-hit
November’s motorcycle sales figures confirmed a fantastic year on year performance, during a challenging trading period, with dealers embracing the use of click and collect to meet consumer demand through the second lockdown, said Paddy O’Connell, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association. Commenting on the latest MCIA motorcycle sales figures, he said that Powered Two Wheels (PTW) … [Read more...]
Tradelines 9 December
Aston Martin is seeing “phenomenal” demand, with a rebound in China, said the company’s executive chairman and billionaire investor Lawrence Stroll. “Demand right now is phenomenal,” he told the Financial Times’ The Future of the Car digital conference, adding “China really returned first and strongest, and is gangbusters.” GKN Automotive is strengthening its eDrive technology leadership as 13 … [Read more...]
Fleets taking on more evs in business
New data from epyx suggests that 14% of cars and vans operated by fleets are now either hybrid or battery electric vehicles. The figure is taken from the company’s 1link Service Network platform, used by fleets totalling four million vehicles to buy and manage service, maintenance and repair (SMR) from nearly 9,000 franchise dealers, independent garages and fast-fits. The 14% figure covers a … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 December
A New ‘C-Series’ trim level is available on Citroen C3, C3 Aircross models. They will be sold online with five-year extended warranty and have special paint and equipment in their lineup, 1.2 petrol engine and five-speed manual transmission from £13,980 when they get to showrooms in Spring 2021. Suzuki has teamed up with Computers 4 Charity, a long established and renowned not-for-profit … [Read more...]
Highway Code changes pose problems for road users
With the Highway Code set to be updated in a bid to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, there’s concern that the new proposals will cause an increase in conflict and confusion on the roads. There are currently seven different types of crossings in the UK, including the new tiger crossing, currently being trialled in London, in a bid to make it safer for … [Read more...]
Switch early and save on premium
Drivers are failing to capitalise on huge savings by not switching their insurance policy at the right time, according to comparethemarket.com. The statistics found that insurance policies available to consumers are £319 cheaper if drivers switch policies three weeks before their renewal date compared to switching on the day a policy ends. The research has found that there are large … [Read more...]