Vehicle numbers on UK roads fell to 40,350,714 in 2020, according to Motorparc figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the first time the total number has fallen since the global financial crisis of 2009. As the pandemic stifled new vehicle uptake, the average age of cars on UK roads is now the highest on record at 8.4 years. Van uptake, however, has grown to the highest … [Read more...]
Budget does little for car sales
The Budget is first aid for the motor industry but will not fix underlying long term ailments, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “Today’s budget provides some encouragement to an automotive sector hit hard by the pandemic and additional trading costs but it falls short of the support needed to transform the industry and market to the net zero future to which both the … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 February
Ford will sell only pure electric vehicles in Europe by 2030. In five years it will offer hybrid cars across its range as it transforms, two years after its vans, and it will use Volkswagen platforms but assemble models in Cologne. MG electric car owners can subscribe to a £6 monthly service plan if they do under 10,000 miles annually. Petrol models cost from £14 and selected used models can … [Read more...]
Lenders optimistic for 2021 despite sales slowdown
The Q1 2021 Industry Outlook Survey by the Finance & Leasing Association shows that the asset finance, consumer finance and motor finance industry see opportunities for growth over the next year despite the heightened uncertainty caused by the latest restrictions to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK's lowest January registrations for 50 years. Respondents were divided on the outlook … [Read more...]
Europe expect car sales to rise 10% this year
After a year that saw the sharpest drop ever in EU car sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association forecasts that 2021 will mark a first step on the path to recovery, with sales rising by about 10% compared to 2020. The fallout of COVID is expected to persist into the first quarter of 2021, but the car market should pick up in the second half of the year … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 September
The M4 is one of the best motorways to use if you have a pure electric car, according to analysis of charging points by CarGurus. It has 21 charging units spread over its 189-miles, and motorists only have to cover 17.2 miles between power-points, while worst is the M8 Scotland without any ev hook-ups over 60 miles. Europe's car registrations dropped in July and August but not as steeply as … [Read more...]
Behind the Wheel: Driving towards a cliff
Tens of thousands of more jobs are likely to disappear from the UK automotive sector before the end of the year, writes Robin Roberts. Some 11,349 jobs so far axed following lockdown will grow and despite this week’s 11% rise in new car registrations the outlook is bleak. That’s because the first upturn in showroom sales came at the end of three months when all showrooms were in … [Read more...]
End of the road for Mitsubishi cars in UK
Mitsubishi cars will stop being sold in the UK and Europe. Importers Colt Cars, of Cirencester has written to over 100 UK franchise dealers saying the news was unexpected from Japan and meant no new generation models would be coming through the system but they can sell current models. Colt Cars is working to ensure as many retailers as possible are retained to support customers with parts and … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 June
Passengers might have to pre-book bus and train tickets in future to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Wales' economy minister has warned. Ken Skates said space on services would be "vastly reduced" for passenger safety but Transport for Wales said passenger numbers have collapsed in ten weeks and social distancing has cut capacity by over 90%. Britain's new car … [Read more...]
World’s car sales stall but EVs silently move on
New car registrations in Europe faced a steady decline in April. Volume fell from 1.34 million units in April 2019 to 292,600 vehicles in April 2020. This represents the lowest monthly level since the 1970’s, and the worst result among the big three markets – China, USA-Canada, and Europe. Europe’s sharp decrease was only outperformed by India (-100%). Year-to-date volume for India was also the … [Read more...]