The UK automotive industry has called on government to seek an interim arrangement with the EU that would maintain membership of the single market and customs union until a final agreement on a new relationship with the EU is negotiated and implemented. The sector accepts that the UK will leave the EU and fully supports a bespoke and comprehensive agreement on a new relationship with the … [Read more...]
British car makers’ tough challenges after Brexit
The automotive sector is unlikely to get any special treatment from Europe after Brexit. Chancellor Angela Merkel says the car industry as vulnerable to any British attempt to strike market-access deals ahead of the UK's exit from the European Union. In a closed-door meeting with German lawmakers, Merkel said some industries might press for such accords with the UK government and that … [Read more...]
Trump could be good for UK automotive interests
Wales's leading international automotive economist believes Donald Trump's election as US President will be good for the British car industry. Donald Trump’s US Presidential victory has Europe’s car makers worried but Prof Garel Rhys, former head of Cardiff Business School, says the election will have an unexpected benefit. Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Mueller and … [Read more...]
Manufacturers not listening to dealers and brokers
Manufacturers miss out on broker growth through poor communications and account management Leasing brokers feel that they are not receiving proper account management and communications from motor manufacturers which is hampering potential growth in the sector, according to a new survey from the Leasing Broker Federation, an independent membership organisation that supports and promotes leasing … [Read more...]
UK car makers achieve record production
UK car makers reported their 11th consecutive month of growth in June. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported production grew 10.4% to 158,641 units – the highest level for the month since 1998, when volumes reached 172,232. The performance closes the industry’s best first half for 16 years, with 897,157 cars rolling off production lines so far in 2016 – up 13% on the same … [Read more...]