Global passenger vehicle sales were up sharply once again at the end of the year, lifting the growth rate for the year to 4.6%, according to data from Polk. In all, global new registrations came to almost 79 million units in 2014 (up 4.6%) and this year they are anticipated to top 80.6 million units. Ford said its profit fell 56 percent in 2014 as it … [Read more...]
News
Breaking news: Ford temporary jobs go in Wales
Just under 200 contract jobs are going at Ford Bridgend Engine Plant. The cut-back in May follows the end of production of a six cylinder in-line engine for Volvo. Sixty workers will be relocated to other lines in the plant making Ford four-cylinder engines and V6 and V8 cylinder engines for Jaguar Land Rover. In a statement, Ford said, … [Read more...]
Newslines
Aston Martin's main financial backer has pledged to provide cash for a refreshed model lineup that the supercar maker plans to reveal at the Geneva auto show in March. Investindustrial S.p.A., which bought a 37.5 percent stake in the British manufacturer in 2012, will invest fresh cash in Aston Martin if needed, said Andrea Bonomi, the private-equity firm's … [Read more...]
Automotive skills training moves up Government agenda
SMMT, alongside skills organisation SEMTA and a number of UK automotive manufacturers, has joined forces with government to launch a new skills initiative. The Automotive Industrial Partnership will help to inspire the next generation of automotive engineers and technicians, create new routes into automotive careers and increase skill levels in the … [Read more...]
Newslines
Police found more than they expected when investigating a “ping” from a Tracker in a stolen Range Rover at Tilbury Port Inside the container with the stolen car were three more fitted like jigsaw pieces and worth over £250,000. Europcar is giving all Casanovas the chance to drive their partners wild for less this Valentine’s Day, with the addition of the … [Read more...]
Honda Accord axed in Europe
The Honda Accord will not be replaced in Europe when the current model series ends. The decision by Honda comes after the midsize saloon failed to make headway against German rivals, according to an Automotive News Europe interview. “We are running out the Accord and we will not return to the segment,” Leon Brannan, Honda’s UK car division’s boss, told … [Read more...]
Ford want Government help to bring new engine to Bridgend
Ford has asked the Welsh Government for £15M to bring a new engine to its Bridgend plant, according to media reports. The investment request was first made last year but has been re-submitted as the company has to shortly decide where to install the new engine, but Bridgend is said to be its plant of choice, according to the Sunday Times. The … [Read more...]
Young drivers most likely to be over the limit
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has expressed concern for young drivers after a drink-driving campaign revealed they were proportionately more likely to drive while under the influence The December 2014 anti-drink-and-drug-driving campaign figures released yesterday (Tuesday) by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) following … [Read more...]
Newslines
Admiral is recruiting more than 280 people across south Wales. The company is creating 150 jobs in Cardiff, over 100 in Swansea and in excess of 30 in Newport. Europcar the leader in car hire services in Europe, is offering up to 20% off van hire, as part of its January sale. After the busy festive season, January is the ideal time for people to … [Read more...]
Newslines
Announcing that overall sales are up by 54% in the past nine months provides tangible proof that the forward strategy established by Lotus Cars is working. In volume terms, the increase of 551 cars over the previous year, to a total of 1,565, is an excellent result for the British sports car maker. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has appointed … [Read more...]
