The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders launched its new Brexit Readiness Programme to help the industry, especially SMEs in the automotive supply chain, prepare for the UK leaving the EU. With less than six months to secure a withdrawal deal and concerns of a cliff-edge on 30 March, the programme is part of ongoing efforts to provide support for small and medium sized member companies … [Read more...]
Landmark changes signpost Paris motor show
The 2018 Paris Motor Show this week comes at a time when the European automotive industry is facing three major challenges: the introduction of WLTP, trade tensions in the US, and the outcome of Brexit negotiations. How quickly the market continues to grow will depend on how quickly it adapts to the knock-on effects caused by these factors. In the face of these challenges, car makers have … [Read more...]
Carmakers clamour for Brexit deal
A ‘no-deal’ Brexit must be ruled out now to avoid damaging one of the EU’s most valuable economic assets, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is warning. Time is running out, and negotiators on both sides of the Channel must prioritise the agreement of terms for a managed withdrawal and ‘status quo’ transition as soon as possible. ‘No-deal’ would undermine the industry’s ability to … [Read more...]
Ford and Toyota get share of Brexit budget
Ford and Toyota engine plants in Wales will get a share of a £6M Brexit assistance budget from Welsh Government, but there has been criticism from Tories in Wales. Ford will get £1.6M and Toyota an unspecified grant while money will also go to other automotive companies struggling with expected higher costs as a result of leaving the EU. First Minister Carwyn Jones announced further business … [Read more...]
Newslines extra 12 September
Wales Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe has questioned spending £1.4 Billion on the planned M4 relief road around Newport, including a new bridge over the Usk, remodelling the docks and building on grazing land. It will not cut congestion and is a "20th Century solution to a 21st Century problem”, said Ms Howe and suggested money would be better spent on rail and bus links, cycle … [Read more...]
Profits and confidence in dealerships
“Profit margins” and “consumer confidence” have been named as both the two biggest threats and the two biggest opportunities facing dealers, according to a new survey for the RAC Dealer Network. Almost half of respondents (48%) named reducing profit margins as the biggest threat to dealer business in the second half of 2018, followed by falling consumer confidence (26%) and Brexit … [Read more...]
Brexit bombshell for business, say car makers
A no-deal Brexit is not an option for Britain’s car industry, the car makers' have warned. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said carmakers were “increasingly concerned” about the lack of clarity around departure from the European Union. With less than eight months until the divorce is due to take place, Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to find … [Read more...]
DfT faces £180M BREXIT bill over 4 years
The Department for Transport is planning to spend £180M on BREXIT planning over the next four years. It is making a determined effort to ensure the UK transport system is fully prepared for EU Exit, however the challenge ahead is complex and there is a considerable amount to achieve to ensure the best outcome for UK passengers and road users beyond March 2019, the National Audit Office said … [Read more...]
FTA wants clarity not confusion before BREXIT
Britain's Government must explain and take steps to keep the nation's trade moving efficiently post-Brexit or face delays and shortages of the products and services the UK relies on. That’s the stark warning from the Keep Britain Trading conference in London, organised by the Freight Transport Association. Leigh Pomlett, the organisation's President said, "The time for political … [Read more...]
Resilience threatened by uncertainties over future say FTA
After a year of resilient trading in 2017, the UK's logistics industry expects continued success in 2018 despite the uncertainties posed by Brexit and continued economic instability, according to a new report from the Freight Transport Association. The FTA Logistics Report 2018, in association with Santander, polled the opinions of around 500 freight and logistics businesses operating in the … [Read more...]