Parts suppliers have started 2021 with mixed feelings of optimism and caution. Optimism, because demand for vehicles and components is picking up more rapidly than expected and the appetite for new, innovative technologies is accelerating. Caution, because the scars from 2020 are deep and the level of uncertainty remains high. Thorsten Muschal (above), member of the management of … [Read more...]
Sustainable fuels moving up green agenda
Sustainable renewable fuels must be included in future EU mobility legislation, say car makers and components industry. Nearly 40 businesses across Europe have signed a joint letter to the EU calling on it to not be blinded by electric vehicle lights on future uses. The signatories of this joint letter represent a crucial part of the automotive, fuel, energy industry and civil society in Europe, … [Read more...]
Automotive jobs disappearing is worrying, say suppliers
A calculated 100,000 automotive jobs will disappear across Europe over the next 12 months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and nearly half will be in the supplier sector, according to parts cluster body CLEPA. Secretary general Sigrid de Vries (right) has pulled together the figures from manufacturers and industry observers and said the conclusions show how important it will be for Governments to … [Read more...]
Car makers move to save extinction
CEOs from across the automotive value chain came together for a meeting with the European Commission to align on the priorities for a solid recovery plan for the automotive sector, with a view to stimulating the wider economy and bolstering the transformation to a carbon-neutral society. CEOs of vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers, as well as their respective associations – the European … [Read more...]
Warranty worries over technology and responsibility
New technology and parts sharing is posing a tough challenge for vehicle makers to decide on warranty cover. Warranty and quality specialists from automotive suppliers met at the 2018 CLEPA Warranty Conference in Frankfurt, to discuss the future challenges in managing warranty in the future and the headline of the conference was “Warranty in a digital world”. Partners from Strategy&, a … [Read more...]
MEPs underestimate progress cleaning up transport, claim
The environment committee of the European Parliament called for stricter CO2 targets for passenger cars and vans than proposed by the European Commission and a threshold in addition to incentives for sales of low and zero emission vehicles. “Automotive suppliers fully support the objective of reducing emissions and are proud to deliver the technology to achieve it. However, the sector calls for … [Read more...]
Throttling back truck emissions
The European Commission has proposed for the first time binding EU emission standards for trucks. The proposal contains a reduction of CO2 emissions from trucks by 15% in 2025 against a 2019 baseline and at least 30% in 2030. The parameter recognises payload and mileage and is expressed as the number of grams CO2 per tonne kilometre (g/tkm). A fine of 50€ per g/tkm will be imposed on … [Read more...]
Parts makers seeking better world deal
Vehicle parts makers in the US and Europe want open trading policies without import penalties and which reflect the global nature of the industry. The American-based Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers want free and fair trade, access to raw and finished materials, and harmonized safety and environmental standards that will allow … [Read more...]
Trade lines
Customers interested in buying a Sorento who hold Caravan Club membership will benefit from an exclusive offer of £500 towards the parts and fittings of Kia genuine accessories from their local Kia dealership until 30 September 2016. Alongside other Q3 offers such as a £1,000 discount off a car when a customer takes a test drive, customers who wish to use their Sorento SUV for towing and … [Read more...]