The automotive sector is unlikely to get any special treatment from Europe after Brexit. Chancellor Angela Merkel says the car industry as vulnerable to any British attempt to strike market-access deals ahead of the UK's exit from the European Union. In a closed-door meeting with German lawmakers, Merkel said some industries might press for such accords with the UK government and that … [Read more...]
UK & six EU states face emissions penalties
The European Commission is acting against seven Member States on the grounds they have failed to fulfil their obligations under EU vehicle type approval legislation. The Commission is taking action against them for failing to set up penalties systems to deter car manufacturers from violating car emissions legislation, or not applying such sanctions where a breach of law has occurred. The … [Read more...]
Trump could be good for UK automotive interests
Wales's leading international automotive economist believes Donald Trump's election as US President will be good for the British car industry. Donald Trump’s US Presidential victory has Europe’s car makers worried but Prof Garel Rhys, former head of Cardiff Business School, says the election will have an unexpected benefit. Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Mueller and … [Read more...]
Lorry makers have been taking Europe for a ride
Leading international automotive economist Prof Garel Rhys has been looking behind the scenes of the latest price fixing by major lorry makers and its implications for all of us, with some shocking fines for the truck makers The medium and heavy commercial vehicle makers in the European Union enjoy considerable tariff protection of around 22% in comparison to the car makers … [Read more...]
EU want Volkswagen to compensate buyers over emissions
European Union Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska is calling on Volkswagen to compensate European customers hit by the company's emissions scandal in the same way as U.S. customers. Volkswagen Group of America has promised goodwill compensation worth $1,000 each to tens of thousands of vehicle owners who bought VW cars with manipulated software that have NOx emissions far above officials … [Read more...]