Seven out of 10 dealers (71%) say the industry wide shift to the agency sales model is “effectively over” according to new research. April’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows that 33% believe agency hasn’t worked for most dealers, 31% that most manufacturers are abandoning their plans, and 10% that the model is bad for customers. Ineos is the latest brand … [Read more...]
Brands’ boycott looming after tariffs take hold
A majority of Brits say they will boycott brands from a country imposing tariffs on UK models. Almost six out of 10 people (59%) say they are less likely to buy a car from a country imposing tariffs on UK-made models. While the UK imports comparatively low numbers of US made models, there could be reaction to brands with US links, such as Tesla (shown … [Read more...]
Ineos Fusilier joins the ranks of electric 4x4s
Ineos Automotive has unveiled a third model in their series after the Grenadier station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up, the smaller Fusilier. It will go on sale in 2027 with a choice of all-electric powertrain said to be good for nearly 250 miles on a full charge and as a range extending model with a near 170 miles range on electric power alone. It has … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 May
It now costs a few pennies short of £100 to fill a typical diesel car after the latest price hikes by fuel stations, says the RAC. The motoring body said petrol models were just behind at £92.20p for a 55 litres fill and they have never been so high. Ford of Europe together with 27 companies have joined an appeal to the European Union (EU) to ensure all … [Read more...]
Tradelines 20 October
There was no substantial jump in the number of fleet MOT tests undertaken during September, despite warnings that deferrals made during the pandemic could lead to massive demand, new figures from epyx show. Using an analysis of information held on its 1link Service Network platform, the company says that there were almost 52,000 MOT tests carried out … [Read more...]
Tradelines 20 January
Ineos Cars' boss Tom Crotty has denied it was forced to change its mind over building an assembly plant in Bridgend because of Brexit costs, despite being in favour of the split from the EU. He has said there was a ready made assembly plant offered by Mercedes as the German company had revised its plans for using its assembly plant on the French/ German … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend plant closure and its Welsh legacy
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant closes down today after 40 years but its legacy is being set out for the future. Ford has been part of Bridgend and a major contributor to the Welsh economy and automotive industry for over 40 years so the full impact of the company’s decision to leave the town will be felt throughout the local economy and community for a long … [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...]
BREAKING NEWS: INEOS U-turn on Welsh car plant
Ineos has suspended plans to build its new 4x4 Grenadier in Wales. The company is now talking to Daimler about taking over a car plant it's vacating in France. In a blow to Welsh automotive manufacturing which promised up to 500 jobs at Brocastle, Bridgend, it said today, “INEOS Automotive can confirm that it is reviewing its manufacturing strategy … [Read more...]
Wales’ Ineos Grenadier 4×4 unwrapped
This is the new Ineos Grenadier. INEOS Automotive today reveals the exterior design of the Grenadier, its forthcoming, no-nonsense 4x4 vehicle for the world, as another step on the road towards start of production. Heavily influenced by the previous Land Rover Defender loved by Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it will be built in a new factory at … [Read more...]
