Despite a record-low base of comparison due to the COVID pandemic, sales of new cars continued to decline in the EU last year because of the microchip shortage. With chip supplies expected to stabilise in 2022, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association now forecasts that passenger car registrations in the EU will return to growth this year, rising by 7.9% to reach 10.5 million … [Read more...]
Welsh engineering company closes after 75 years
Allevard Springs will close its South Wales car components plant. About 60 jobs will go. The company moved to Tonypandy as part of the UK Government’s encouragement to boost jobs in South Wales following WW2 and it started production in 1947 for Land Rover. Work expanded and it was a significant supplier to car and light commercial vehicles over the next 70 years but the contraction in vehicle … [Read more...]
Sparks of realism needed for electric and hybrid vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles must become more affordable for consumers and more profitable for producers, according to GKN. For that to happen, suppliers must find new and better ways to make electric propulsion more economically viable. GKN Automotive’s technology roadmap focuses on reducing the premium for e-mobility, while maximising the benefits. Lower costs, optimum efficiency, NVH … [Read more...]
Some E-mobility suppliers struggling to cope
An analysis by Berylls Strategy Advisors of the ‘Top 100’ automotive suppliers shows an industry undergoing dramatic change in times of severe economic challenges. But the research also shows certain sectors of the supply industry coping far better than others – for some very clear reasons. Each year, Berylls, the international automotive management consultancy, lists the 100 largest … [Read more...]
Thousands of auto-jobs to go as EVs grow
Hundreds of thousands of car workers face losing their jobs as the industry moves towards more electric models, says a new assessment report. Those who are lucky enough to remain or gain employment will also have to significantly upgrade or learn new skills to work in the changed industry and supply chain. The real impact of moving to a low emissions transport and economy has been … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 July
About 150 BMW Oxford suppliers in Britain have attended a crash course in customs clearance procedures. They have not had to worry over this as Britain was in the EU but if it leaves the car maker says they will need this information. There’s a split developing in Europe over retaliation to US trade tariffs. Germany says it wants to negotiate a deal with America because its car industry … [Read more...]