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...]
Newslines 11 August
Tough labour laws in France mean that Ineos stands to pick up an idling Daimler plant in Hamach in a distressed sale for €500 Million to build its forthcoming Grenadier 4x4 after suspending plans for a new factory outside Bridgend. If the sale falls through, Ineos may return to South Wales but there is another option on a struggling Nissan site in Spain as … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 June
To boost the re-opening of showrooms across its dealer network in England and Northern Ireland, and Scotland from the end of June, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is now offering its customers savings of up to £4,000 until September 28, as well as the assurance of prompt delivery of their chosen vehicle either to their local dealership or to their home free of … [Read more...]
Tradelines 15 April
Ford is preparing for a $600M loss in the first three months of 2020 due to sales slowdown in the shadow of the global coronavirus. It’s already secured credit facilities and has a $30B reserve to cover most eventualities. New service and maintenance procedures at Arval UK have been adapted in a matter of days to keep essential fleets available 24/7 during … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 April
Nissan wants $4.6 billion from major lenders to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s been hit by falling demand, management shake ups and now the global effects of the coronavirus on production lines after years of expansion. Worried executives in the German car industry want the Government to lift the lockdown on dealerships now … [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...]
Newslines 12 November
Volkswagen is breaking new ground with a concept for an electric estate car to be shown at the Los Angeles motor show the end of this week. The ID Space Vizzion is their latest proposal for a new model after a future EV hatchback was unveiled in the autumn. Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to shut down assembly plants last week to ease any Brexit issues with … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 September
Volvo is first to offer plug-in hybrid versions of its entire model range with launch of new XC40 T5 Twin Engine. The front-wheel-drive hybrid system uses 180hp three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with 82hp electric motor to achieve combined output of 262hp – highest figure in the XC40 line-up. With the UK set to bake in an Indian summer heatwave this … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 August
BMW, Mercedes, Tesla and Ford models made in the USA and exported to China will be more seriously affected as a trade war escalates. China’s counter measures to the US tariffs rising will take effect on 1 September and more will be rolled out on 15 December. VW is cleaning up its act and business in the wake of the 2015 diesel emissions scandal which has … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 May
Vauxhall is continuing its journey towards electrification with the new Grandland X all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The new Grandland X Hybrid4 is Vauxhall’s first-ever plug-in hybrid and features state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology using a 200hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric … [Read more...]
