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 Russia-Ukraine crisis exacerbating an already … [Read more...]
Welsh engineering company closes after 75 years
Allevard Springs will close its South Wales car components plant. About 60 jobs will go. The company moved to Tonypandy as part of the UK Government’s encouragement to boost jobs in South Wales following WW2 and it started production in 1947 for Land Rover. Work expanded and it was a significant supplier to car and light commercial vehicles over the next 70 years but the contraction in vehicle … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 December
The all-new Nissan Qashqai has been awarded the top five-star safety rating by the independent European New Car Assessment Programme, a particularly notable achievement given the vehicle was assessed under the new, more stringent 2020-2022 protocol. It did particularly well in adult protection and highly scored in protecting pedestrians, but the Renault Zoe and Dacia have been slated for … [Read more...]
Remanufactured parts focus of green agenda
With a total value of €4.7 bn of sold remanufactured spare parts by suppliers in 2020, the automotive aftermarket is already substantially contributing to the circular economy targets proposed by the European Commission in their Green Deal. CLEPA, together with the consultancy Oakdene Hollins, recently published a study on the contribution of automotive to the circular economy targets, where … [Read more...]
EU climate plans threaten jobs and economies
Carbon emissions from new passenger vehicles are to be cut by 55% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. These targets are the core of the revised CO2 vehicle fleet regulation adopted today by the European Commission as part of the so-called 'Fit for 55' package of measure to revise the EU climate policy. “A zero-emission tailpipe target in 2035 is a de facto ban on the … [Read more...]
EVs real threat to jobs
EU legislators are preparing to ban sales of petrol and diesel powered vehicles by 2035 as it toughens emissions laws. A proposal to slash 60% cut in emissions at current levels by 2030 due to be announced in three weeks will precede the total block and it comes as Jaguar says it will be moving future EVs up-market to match Porsche and Bentley. CLEPA said in a statement, such stringent … [Read more...]
EC steel tariffs hitting car industry recovery & jobs, say suppliers
The European Association for Automotive Suppliers is concerned that the European Commission’s proposal to extend the safeguard measure which is restricting steel imports into the EU will hurt the competitiveness of automotive suppliers and put thousands of jobs at risk. Continuing the safeguard measures in a time where steel mills are struggling to meet demand, and prices for steel have reached … [Read more...]
Optimism rises among parts’ makers
Automotive suppliers have become significantly more optimistic with their outlook on 2021, with 38% of surveyed suppliers showing positive forecasts compared to just 8% six months ago. Yet, 31% of respondents still hold a notably negative view, a much higher share than in pre-Corona times. This follows from the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey on business sentiment in the sector, held late … [Read more...]
Costs must be centre of new emissions targets
Car parts makers have called on the European Commission for a comprehensive approach across all countries and sectors to reduce CO2 emissions in a cost efficient and affordable manner over the next 30 years. What is the way forward? CLEPA said the Green Deal should be seen as the opportunity to start aligning climate policies across sectors into a coherent framework which ensures climate … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 February
The implementation of border controls between the German and the Czech and Austrian border crossings risk disturbances in automotive industry production plants soon. Sigrid de Vries, CLEPA Secretary General highlights, “Europe’s automotive suppliers are concerned about recent announcements on border closures and intensified inspections. These measures result in disruption at Europe’s internal … [Read more...]