Saab AB, the Swedish aerospace company that owns the Saab brand, will not allow its name or logo to be used on future models produced by National Electric Vehicle Sweden. NEVS, which bought the assets of bankrupt Saab Automobile in 2012, has announced two big deals in the past few weeks to supply electric Saab 9-3-based sedans to two separate Chinese companies as part of China's push to make … [Read more...]
Retail
Car makers urge in-vote for EU membership
British automotive firms have spoken out about why remaining in Europe matters to their businesses in a series of case studies published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Entitled Voices on Europe, it features six companies from across a broad spectrum of the automotive sector, all driving technological innovation. They range from research and product testing houses to … [Read more...]
Let there be light – please!
Too many drivers are in the dark with their lights, say the Institute of Advanced Motorists. IAM director of standards, Mark Lewis, says there are simple rules for driving with the correct lights under different circumstances on the road and you shouldn’t rely on dashboard displays to tell you if they are faulty. Lots of cars now have dashboard warning lights to let you know of a bulb … [Read more...]
Manufacturer deposits for nearly new models
Motor manufacturers are being forced to introduce deposit contributions on some nearly new cars in order to create differentiation with the monthly rates now available on subsidised new vehicles. Glass's, the motor industry data market leader, said that the move had been made after some manufacturer dealer councils complained that it was difficult for them to make used car PCPs price … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 January
Japanese auto parts makers will be fined for allegedly fixing prices of starter motors and accelerator modules, reports Automotive News Europe. European Union antitrust regulators will punish the world No. 2 parts maker Denso, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and a Hitachi Ltd. Unit. Tootle is a new online marketplace that allows dealers to source the used cars they want directly from private … [Read more...]
British vehicle plants break production records
British manufacturers made more cars in 2015 than any year since 2005 when 1,595,697 vehicles were produced. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, production increased 3.9% on 2014, with output at 1,587,677 overtaking pre-recession levels for the first time. It was also a good year for commercial vehicles built in Britain. British commercial vehicle … [Read more...]
North Wales company expands business offering
The Jolly Group has extended its proposition following the launch of Jolly Good Vehicle Leasing. Jolly Good Vehicle Leasing will complement local firm, Jolly Good Vehicle Rentals, giving retail and business customers a full range of vehicles available on one to five year contracts. Customers can opt for any make and model and various flexible-funding options are available, providing a … [Read more...]
Used dealers face very challenging 2016
It’s going to be a challenging year in the used car market, according to analysts at Cap. Cap is predicting 2016 will be a tough with more used cars entering the market after record levels of new car registrations in 2015. Derren Martin, senior editor at cap Black Book said, “Stability in the market will rest on strong retail demand. The record levels of new registrations in 2015 were … [Read more...]
Car & CV sales hit UK record in 2015
New car sales broke all records in the UK last year. The SMMT said 2,633,503 new cars were registered helped by a bumper December of 180,077 and fleet registrations over 1.3 Million during the year. The sales last year went up 6.3% over 2014, exceeding predictions and the 2003 record of 2.5 Million. Wales and England were the only parts of the UK to record higher sales in 2015. The boost … [Read more...]
Financial deals & incentives will drive UK sales this year
Growth in the number and variety of finance packages available to private buyers will drive the new and used car markets in 2016, predicts Glass's. In the new car sector, which will see growth in registrations of around 3%, further finance packages will need to stimulate consumer interest and provide new avenues to affordability. However, the real innovations are being seen in the used … [Read more...]