Ford Bridgend Engine Plant will close from wednesday for at least a month due to the coronavirus with employees getting basic pay. "Due to the dramatic impact this ongoing crisis is having on the European market and the supplier industry, we have decided to bring forward part of the summer shutdown period for our UK operations to the Easter period," said a Ford statement. Car dealers want … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent comprehensive support
The effect of the coronavirus on society and the global economy is unprecedented with grave consequences for the automobile industry, say European car makers. Indeed, most of the members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages, and government measures, and are facing cases of corona … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent talks over future
The car-makers want detailed talks with British Government in the light of the corona virus and implications for the industry struggling with falling demand. The industry employs over 823,000 in Britain and Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “We welcome the additional and significant emergency support for business announced by the Chancellor. “The UK automotive industry is inherently strong … [Read more...]
Dealers seek Government help
The retail automotive sector employs 590,000 people in the UK and businesses must be protected through supportive fiscal measures during the outbreak of the Coronavirus, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. NFDA yesterday wrote a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP and Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise … [Read more...]
Vauxhall temporarily shut UK plants
Vauxhall is closing its Ellesmere Port car plant tomorrow and Luton van assembly plant from thursday. They along with other PSA plants throughout Europe will be shut until 27 March and the 2,560 UK workers will get paid leave. It is part of the industry's response to the spread of Coronavirus around the world with many plants closing to protect workers as well as suppliers curtailing … [Read more...]
Home deliveries need health check
A protocol is needed to ensure that home delivery fleets do not place drivers or the public at additional risk from coronavirus, says FleetCheck. These fleets could serve an essential role in the next few months by ensuring that people who are self-isolating can easily access food and other essentials – but there is a possibility that drivers could be exposing themselves to risk as well as … [Read more...]
Geneva motor show cancelled
The Geneva motor show has been cancelled and not rescheduled for this year. Organisers had to stop the two weeks show due to open next week after Swiss government feared spreading coronavirus and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people and 600,000 were expected in Geneva for the event. "We regret to announce the 2020 Geneva motor show will be cancelled. This is force majeure," said Maurice … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 February
Geneva motor show will ask exhibitors from coronavirus-infected areas to check staff for symptoms before arriving in Switzerland. Organisers will increase cleaning and disinfection at the show's venue, the Palexpo congress centre next to Geneva airport where an anticipated 600,000 visitors will attend over the next two weeks. New rail and bus services for commuters and longer distance journeys … [Read more...]
Coronavirus threatens many car makers
Car makers, suppliers and Government officials in Japan will work together to solve issues arising from the effects of the Far East coronavirus. Some Chinese suppliers have closed and are struggling to return production hampered by internal blockades, quarantine and labour shortages and the Japanese economy which heavily relies on automotive sector wants to limit damage and ensure it is ready to … [Read more...]