Europe's parts' makers are bracing for a turbulent year ahead, as the latest industry survey reveals 42% of suppliers think they won’t be profitable in 2025. New insights from CLEPA and McKinsey’s bi-annual survey, with input from 120 companies, shed light on the industry’s business climate, key trends, and pressing challenges: A deepening sense of … [Read more...]
The world of excess & trivia on wheels
Trivia surrounding cars and driving fascinates a wide audience, ranging from television quiz show fans to social media enthusiasts sharing viral videos and memes. While often regarded as simple amusement, trivia like this often emphasises important achievements and peculiar details that illuminate broader cultural trends. In this article, private plate … [Read more...]
Vehicle theft reaches new high
This week it was announced that the number of recorded vehicle thefts in the last 12 months has reached nearly 90,000. With the majority of police forces around the UK recording an increase in car thefts over the last year, IAM RoadSmart is on hand to give their top tips to help keep your car safe from thieves. Your car is probably one of the most … [Read more...]
Car-parts makers face unprecedented change
The speed of change for the automotive industry is accelerating and also diversifying, according to the latest analysis by the car maker's component suppliers body. The results of the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey reflect the expectations of automotive suppliers and provides an outlook into an increasingly volatile business environment, with the … [Read more...]
Breaking news: 200 Welsh jobs threated at car parts firm
Kautex Textron, Caerphilly is facing possible closure and the loss of about 200 automotive jobs. The US owned car parts firm at Ystrad Mynach makes washer components for global manufacturers but has been hit by Brexit costs and clients wishes to buy parts from suppliers closer to their vehicle assembly plants. Welsh Government said it is in talks with the … [Read more...]
Microchips take a battering
Vehicle makers have had their chips, as industry watchers report a global shortage of some software used by automotive manufactuers. As China recovers from the CV-19 pandemic it is the first to experience the shortage of microchips used for a variety of in-vehicle applications. Components made or assembled in China are not the only units to suffer as many … [Read more...]
Tradelines 10 June
Japan wants an end to automobile and parts tariffs in negotiations on a post-Brexit trade agreement with Britain, the country’s trade minister said yesterday. After decades outsourcing its trade policy to the European Union, Britain is embarking on negotiating free trade deals with countries around the world including Japan and 10 other Pacific nations and … [Read more...]
Car sales tumbling across Europe after good December
European new-car sales fell 7.4 percent in January after changes to emissions rules and consumer-incentive programs hit demand. Registrations dropped to 1.135 million vehicles in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, industry association ACEA said yesterday and reported by Automotive News … [Read more...]
Car-parts maker to close in Port Talbot
More than 120 jobs will go with the closure of Hi-Lex Cable System's Port Talbot car components' plant. The Japanese owned company announced today that a downturn in orders will lead to a restructuring of its operations in Europe and manufacturing will be transferred to Hungary, where it's closer to many customers, by 2021. It makes door and window parts … [Read more...]
European car prices face rise but Japanese go down
Some european cars will rise in price under the Government’s proposed post-Brexit tariffs structures. The new tariff regime would mark a shift in favour of products from non-EU countries. Even so, they mean 82% of imports from the EU would be tariff-free, down from 100% now, while 92% percent from the rest of the world would pay no border duty, up from … [Read more...]
