Welsh Government and councils must prioritise supporting Tata Steel Port Talbot and Toyota Deeside, according to a far reaching report prepared for the Welsh Automotive Forum. The report by Ian Henry, head of Autoanalysis, follows similar studies he has carried out for WAF in recent years but his final conclusions have been published against … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 August
The Mtsubishi Outlander PHEV is still out-selling every other plug-in hybrid SUV on the market so far in 2020 and second only to a recently-launched premium brand saloon. Despite the massive disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic and a more competitive plug-in hybrid market than ever before, 2,662 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs were registered in 2020 to … [Read more...]
Behind the Wheel: Driving towards a cliff
Tens of thousands of more jobs are likely to disappear from the UK automotive sector before the end of the year, writes Robin Roberts. Some 11,349 jobs so far axed following lockdown will grow and despite this week’s 11% rise in new car registrations the outlook is bleak. That’s because the first upturn in showroom sales came at the end of … [Read more...]
Motor industry disappointed with summer statement
Announcements to safeguard jobs and encourage consumer spending in some parts of the economy are welcome but it’s bitterly disappointing the Chancellor has stopped short of supporting the restart of one of the UK’s most important employers and a driver of growth, said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. "The automotive sector has been particularly hard hit, … [Read more...]
Your job comes at a premium for insurers
Vanarama has analysed the UK's 100 most common job titles to reveal which occupations are considered most high risk by car insurance companies therefore charged the most for premiums and there are some surprising findings. To do this, they entered the average UK’s drivers details into the UK's largest car comparison website 100 times, changing only the job … [Read more...]
Garages welcome furlough proposals
The Chancellor’s update and extension to the furlough scheme allowing businesses to bring staff back to work on a part-time basis is very welcome. said Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association. The IGA wrote to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak on 29 April, requesting a partial furlough scheme that would allow employees to … [Read more...]
Garages call for continuing support after lockdown
The Independent Garage Association has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, requesting an enhancement to the furlough scheme so that employees can partially return to work as the country prepares for the next phase of lockdown restrictions. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said, “As businesses ready themselves for the next stage of … [Read more...]
Rethink on EV models for Aston Martin Lagonda St Athan
The brakes have been applied to electric vehicle plans at the Aston Martin Lagonda St Athan plant, it has been reported. The main investor behind a total £500M boost to the company’s balance sheet last week, fashion and motor sport entrepreneur Lawrence Stroll, wants plans and development rebalanced. Aston Martin president and chief operating officer Andy … [Read more...]
Tradelines 22 January
People seeking a rewarding and exciting career in the automotive industry are being encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship place at BMW Group’s UK manufacturing operations. Opportunities exist at Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall in engineering, maintenance and business and there’re 30 places for the two to four year courses. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK … [Read more...]
£100,000 public money to ease impact of Ford withdrawal
A £100,000 investment fund will be set up to help Bridgend and surrounding area recover from the closure of Ford Engine Plant in the autumn. The money will come equally from Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region funds to enable Bridgend County Borough Council study three projects. News of the investment and feasibility studies will be outlined … [Read more...]
