CEOs from across the automotive value chain came together for a meeting with the European Commission to align on the priorities for a solid recovery plan for the automotive sector, with a view to stimulating the wider economy and bolstering the transformation to a carbon-neutral society. CEOs of vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers, as well as their respective associations – the European … [Read more...]
Retail News
What is personal data? ask car makers
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association welcomed the publication of guidelines on personal data relating to connected vehicles, drafted by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), but believes they are too broad in scope and should not be rushed through. “The automobile industry is committed to providing its customers with a high level of personal data … [Read more...]
Your job comes at a premium for insurers
Vanarama has analysed the UK's 100 most common job titles to reveal which occupations are considered most high risk by car insurance companies therefore charged the most for premiums and there are some surprising findings. To do this, they entered the average UK’s drivers details into the UK's largest car comparison website 100 times, changing only the job role each time. This showed which … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 17 May
Another week has gone by and here I am still keeping calm and carrying on despite very mixed messages from our Government about what we can or should do during now it appears slightly relaxed semi lock-down period, says David Miles. But no longer is it the same rules in each of our four domestic countries, so that's really clear. With no sign of new models to road test or press launch events … [Read more...]
Counting the costs of Coronavirus
The coronavirus lockdown has left many households living on significantly reduced incomes. As a result, millions of drivers are struggling to meet the cost of running their car, while a significant minority (4% = 1.3 million) say they will be forced to sell their vehicle. GoCompare Car Insurance is offering practical, actionable advice to drivers concerned about meeting monthly finance or … [Read more...]
Auto Vivendi get into gear again
An exclusive high performance car club is beginning to rev up for a post lockdown boom. In line with the latest government guidance that those who live in England can start driving outside their local areas again, Auto Vivendi announced that it's re-commenced operations at the Club and will be delivering cars to members from this week. With this in mind, if you would like to join the Club now … [Read more...]
Used car market declines – for now
The UK’s used car market declined by -8.3% in the first quarter of 2020, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Growth in January and February, up 2.9% and 4.0% respectively, was wiped out by a -30.7% fall in March, making it the lowest March on record as coronavirus measures that came into effect and closed retailers. Demand for pre-owned plug-in electric vehicles grew … [Read more...]
Finance company develops “sofa showroom”
Close Brothers Motor Finance has bolstered its Showroom proposal platform by giving motor dealers the opportunity to bring the showroom directly to their customer’s home with remote quote and apply. The enhanced functionality to the Showroom platform will enable dealers to email vehicle quotes directly to the customer following initial discussions around the vehicle and finance options. … [Read more...]
Garages welcome furlough proposals
The Chancellor’s update and extension to the furlough scheme allowing businesses to bring staff back to work on a part-time basis is very welcome. said Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association. The IGA wrote to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak on 29 April, requesting a partial furlough scheme that would allow employees to return to work part-time to support … [Read more...]
Tradelines 13 May
Bus and train passengers will have to queue for fewer seats and are being advised to stagger journey times and consider alternative routes if possible, under Government plans for the gradual return to work. Cars are preferred for longer commutes so expect jams, but cycling and walking is also suggested after the Government said it wanted people to return to work if possible in England, but the … [Read more...]