The new, “thin” Brexit deal that is now in effect leaves many unanswered questions that could have serious implications for the UK motor industry, warns the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The trade organisation says that several key points surrounding the future of manufacturing and cross-border movement of vehicles remain vague or undefined. Sam Watkins (right), chair at the VRA, said, “Let’s … [Read more...]
Brexit deal provides hope for automotive sector
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders want to ensure all automotive companies benefit from continued tariff-free trade with our largest market after agreeing on Brexit terms. While no substitute for the benefits provided by remaining in the EU, the TCA provides hope for the future, with a foundation on which to build, domestically and internationally, in 2021.Given the … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 December
Toyota and Lexus models roll off production lines at the rate of 19.9 models a minute. Moneyshake analysed the makers and found Volkswagen Group built 19.8 cars a minute, Hyundai 13.7, GM 13.0 and Ford 12.2 per minute but they fade into the background when all China makers churn out 48.9 cars a minute, more than double the rate in the US. Honda Swindon has restarted car production. It stopped … [Read more...]
Logistics claim Government is failing businesses over Brexit
The Government has failed to provide the UK logistics industry with information it needs to meet obligations and ensure a smooth Brexit transition, said Elizabeth de Jong, policy director at Logistics UK, the business group which represents the sector. “Logistics UK has been working closely with government for some time to highlight the issues which could affect the smooth passage of goods … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 October
Mazda Your Way is a new national scheme to help prospective owners tie up with a local dealership. After a pilot in London, Mazda Your Way permits remote connections from initial enquiry to final purchase and delivery of their chosen car. Midlands and North East car plants of Toyota and Nissan have reportedly asked the UK government to reimburse them if charged an additional 10% tax on exports … [Read more...]
Car makers’ warning on prices after Brexit
There will be severe repercussions for the European motor industry if there is no free trade agreement Britain before the end of the year and motorists will have to pay more for models. That's the stark warning this week from the car makers' body, ACEA, which includes the Society of Motor Manufacturers in Britain, who warned a disorderly future could cost over £101 Billion by 2025. In a … [Read more...]
A plan for saving automotive jobs in Wales
Welsh Government and councils must prioritise supporting Tata Steel Port Talbot and Toyota Deeside, according to a far reaching report prepared for the Welsh Automotive Forum. The report by Ian Henry, head of Autoanalysis, follows similar studies he has carried out for WAF in recent years but his final conclusions have been published against a background of a global economic … [Read more...]
Ford secure loan guarantees for Dagenham engine plant
As Ford prepare to close their Bridgend Engine Plant this year with the loss of about 1,200 jobs, the company has secured a UK Government underwritten £500M loan to support its Dagenham engine plant. The guarantee covers 80 percent of a £625M loan from commercial banks to support the automaker’s substantial exports of engines and transmissions from Britain. The guarantee will help Ford to … [Read more...]
EC wasting € Millions on ‘outdated’ truck stops – warning
The ongoing European Commission initiative to develop new standards for safe and secure truck parking areas in Europe is highly relevant to ensure safe and good resting conditions for European truck drivers but does not meet future low carbon transport needs, say vehicle makers.Welcoming the trucking initiative, ACEA said that in the context of the European Green Deal and given the … [Read more...]
168,000 automotive jobs under threat say SMMT
One in six jobs are at risk of redundancy without help from the government in restarting production of the automotive sectors, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The SMMT wants emergency funding, permanent short-time working, business rate holidays, and VAT cuts to stem the flow of job losses as showroom reopen and production lines are restarting, it said. About 168,000 people … [Read more...]