When we left the UK for our recent two week tour in India just over a month ago, there was hardly a global mention of coronavirus, just the odd mention of a small outbreak in an area of China, writes David Miles. Now it is a global epidemic. India is the second most populous nation in the world with 1.38 billion people and like the UK it is now in total lockdown for three weeks. But being India, … [Read more...]
News
Life-changing experiences over coronavirus
Experience of the Covid-19 crisis will transform the way we live, work and travel in the UK, the AA says. AA President Edmund King says anecdotal evidence from people lucky enough to be working during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown suggests that infrastructure funds might be better spent on broadband to support home working. It predicts a permanent reduction in the demand for travel because … [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...]
New from old roads
It's the ultimate recycling, making new roads from old. While engineering companies are working round the clock to manufacture ventilators, hand sanitiser and face masks to keep people safe and restrict the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Sheffield based Roadmender Asphalt is doing what it can to help Local Councils and Utilities to keep up with emergency repairs to pot holes and utility … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 April
AIWAYS, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, will start taking online orders for its U5 all-electric SUV from European consumers in May. Secured via a small deposit, the U5 will be offered exclusively via a direct-to-customer sales model, and not retailed or leased through traditional dealerships. European pre-sale markets and the required deposit amount will be announced by AIWAYS in … [Read more...]
Motorists want to buy from stock not wait – survey
Analysis of website carwow visitor trends between 17 and 25 March reveals that car buyers are increasingly considering in-stock vehicles, as concerns over new car availability and delivery times sway consumer purchase decisions. A survey of 440 motorists conducted a week ago revealed that 80% of buyers would prefer to buy a new car available immediately from dealer stock, than place a factory … [Read more...]
Tradelines 1 April
Recent prices of new and used SUVs and Crossovers have been tumbling, say analysts at Cazana. With forecourts shut due to the coronavirus epidemic the emphasis has moved on-line and canny buyers are carefully shopping around for the best deal so sellers have to respond or lose the business and Cazana said it may well be a common trend in the coming weeks and will need to be monitored. Aston … [Read more...]
Penalties and problems looming for fleets
Thousands of vehicles and hundreds of fleets will struggle to meet incoming stringent emissions legislation and pay the price, a survey shows. Around 5.3% of company cars and vans being operated by customers of FleetCheck only meet the Euro 4 emissions standard or older, according to a new analysis. A further 18.2% of vehicles from the total sample of 85,792 also fall behind the latest Euro 6 … [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...]
Greens’ attack lobby groups over emissions bid
Environmentalists have criticised car makers and industry bodies for trying to stall EU plans to cut future exhaust emissions. Last week, all of the lobby groups of the European car industry - including manufacturers, suppliers, tyre-makers and dealers - wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pleading for a relaxation of cars CO2 targets. While the lobby associations … [Read more...]