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...]
Britain’s on the road to an EV skills shortage
Britain is driving head on into a skills shortage of technicians trained to work on electric vehicles, according to one industry expert. Comment from Lawrence Whittaker (below), CEO at Warrantywise said, "Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grace our headlines, whether it’s a comment on the perceived lack of EV charging infrastructure, confirmation of … [Read more...]
Britain & EU losing components business
The European Union’s automotive trade balance is at a critical juncture, with the potential to become a net importer of automotive components for the first time ever in 2024. Despite significant investments in research and development (R&D), the EU’s manufacturing of innovative automotive technologies is increasingly moving abroad. In 2023, … [Read more...]
Parts suppliers struggling and issue warnings
The European automotive supply industry, a vital pillar of the EU economy, is confronted with volatility and uncertainty from both their customers and upstream suppliers. Despite facing substantial headwinds, industry players maintain a cautious optimism, navigating through challenges and strategising for transformation. High levels of uncertainty … [Read more...]
Golden anniversary of Mitsubishi in Britain
Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is celebrating its 50th year of trading in 2024 and is marking the anniversary with a calendar of events to honour the brand and its heritage. The 50th anniversary year kicked off in February at the annual Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Aftersales Conference. The event brought together all 110 Mitsubishi aftersales dealers across … [Read more...]
Tradelines 6 March
Car makers, component suppliers and the recycling industry across Europe have criticised proposed new legislation on dismantling. A planned EU law would require the complete recycling of vehicles down to the smallest component, such as a circuit board, but the opponents say this is unrealistic, impractical and would generate more carbon emissions than would … [Read more...]
British drivers love e-bay!
As one of the UK’s biggest online automotive marketplaces, eBay has revealed the most expensive parts and accessories of 2023, with performance engines, carbon fibre monocoques for high-end performance cars and exclusive number plates dominating the top 10. First and second places on the rundown of biggest buys for 2023 belonged to the performance car … [Read more...]
EV complaints rising, reports troubleshooter
Motorists' complaints about electric vehicles and dealers selling them are rising, reports The Motor Ombudsman. The latest increase may be put down to a greater number of consumers getting behind the wheel of pure battery-driven models, and the cost of living crisis driving more individuals to recoup financial losses, as pressures on household … [Read more...]
Green motoring costs 10-times estimates
The real cost of a green transport policy is up to ten times initial estimates according to the latest analysis. The Euro 7 proposal on pollutant emissions would lead to direct cost increases that are 4 to 10 times higher than those cited by the European Commission, according to a new study. The proposed Euro 7 regulation will increase the manufacturing … [Read more...]
Parts, people and processes are slowing repairs
Service, maintenance and repair issues mean that fleets are facing excessive vehicle off-road time, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. Paul Hollick, chair, said AFP members buying SMR were regularly reporting a range of problems. Some of these, such as parts supply, were felt to be outside the control of suppliers - but others, including … [Read more...]
