Recruitment issues and the need for self-isolation are causing staffing issues across the remarketing sector, reports the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Chair Philip Nothard said that VRA members were experiencing issues finding staff to fill all kinds of long-term positions, and that the problem was being exacerbated by the ongoing short-term demands of … [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 … [Read more...]
Ellesmere Port plant future hopes raised
The parent company of Vauxhall and the British Government have been in talks about the future of Ellesmere Port car assembly plant. Britain is "very hopeful" that a good outcome can be found for the Astra assembly plant and its 1,000 workers, including 300 from Wales. British business minister Kwasi Kwarteng said there had been encouraging signs from PSA … [Read more...]
Apprentices drive by garages
Franchised dealers have been promoting apprenticeships. Drive My Career is the employment platform launched by the National Franchised Dealers Association in February 2018 to make the motor retail sector more attractive to jobseekers and connect potential candidates with their local retailers. As part of the #DMCApprenticeTakeover campaign, Drive My Career … [Read more...]
Thousands of driving jobs unfilled
The UK is facing a shortage of 76,000 thousand drivers, despite the wages being higher than the UK average and jobs waiting. Mark Hall from Divert.co.uk, a rubbish removal company based in York, said, “Young kids don’t think the professional driving industry is sexy enough and instead they are all spending £30,000 on a university degree with a dubious title … [Read more...]
Brexit deal “unanswered questions” is concerning, says trade
The new, “thin” Brexit deal that is now in effect leaves many unanswered questions that could have serious implications for the UK motor industry, warns the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The trade organisation says that several key points surrounding the future of manufacturing and cross-border movement of vehicles remain vague or undefined. Sam Watkins … [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, … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: Local trains to be nationalised in Wales
Welsh Government will nationalise local rail services after a disastrous collapse in passenger numbers due to the coronavirus restrictions. After awarding the Wales and Borders rail franchise to Keolis and Amey two years ago the services have struggled and are now uneconomic and without Welsh Government intervention they would have … [Read more...]
Potential potholes for planning ahead
The impact of the coronavirus crisis and potential effects of Brexit are making planning beyond the short term almost impossible in the remarketing sector. So reports the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA), which points out that the currently booming market is arguably obscuring the potential dangers that lie ahead. Chair Sam Watkins said, “As has been … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: Welsh engine line moving to Midlands
Jaguar Land Rover is moving its petrol V8 engine line from the Ford Bridgend Engine Plant to its in-house power centre at Wolverhampton. Workers at the South Wales engine plant, which will close next month, have been building buffer stocks of the V8 engines to continue supplies to the luxury car maker until it can resume production in the West … [Read more...]
