European and Chinese car makers need to work more closely together, says Erik Jonnaert, ACEA Secretary General. They account for half of all passenger cars sold and built around the world and the regions are emerging as the major global regulatory powers, setting ambitious standards and targets for tomorrow’s vehicles. Last year, the Chinese car market contracted by 3.5%, marking the first … [Read more...]
What Brexit means to Welsh automotive businesses
Welsh Government and the Welsh Automotive Forum have been looking at the implications of a no-deal Brexit and produced guidance notes for businesses. UK import tariffs in a no-deal scenario - The Government has published details of the UK’s temporary tariff regime for no deal. The regime would be temporary, and the Government would closely monitor the effects of the tariffs on the UK … [Read more...]
European car prices face rise but Japanese go down
Some european cars will rise in price under the Government’s proposed post-Brexit tariffs structures. The new tariff regime would mark a shift in favour of products from non-EU countries. Even so, they mean 82% of imports from the EU would be tariff-free, down from 100% now, while 92% percent from the rest of the world would pay no border duty, up from 56%. Under the plan, the UK car … [Read more...]
Honda fall-out affects Wales
A dozen businesses in Wales make parts for Honda, said the Welsh Automotive Forum. The component suppliers employ thousands of workers and Welsh Government and WAF are taking steps to identify the true impact of the Honda closure and how the employees can be helped. Honda will close its vehicle assembly plant in Turkey along with the Swindon operation by 2021. It is part of a global … [Read more...]
Auto-industry on brink of disaster without deal
Ahead of this evening’s Brexit summit, Europe’s auto manufacturers and suppliers have come together to issue a stark warning on the potentially far-reaching impacts of a no-deal scenario on their sector, which would threaten their very business model. Automobile production plants – be they in the EU27 or the UK – receive and fit millions of parts into vehicles every day. All manufacturers rely … [Read more...]
Landmark changes signpost Paris motor show
The 2018 Paris Motor Show this week comes at a time when the European automotive industry is facing three major challenges: the introduction of WLTP, trade tensions in the US, and the outcome of Brexit negotiations. How quickly the market continues to grow will depend on how quickly it adapts to the knock-on effects caused by these factors. In the face of these challenges, car makers have … [Read more...]
Carmakers clamour for Brexit deal
A ‘no-deal’ Brexit must be ruled out now to avoid damaging one of the EU’s most valuable economic assets, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is warning. Time is running out, and negotiators on both sides of the Channel must prioritise the agreement of terms for a managed withdrawal and ‘status quo’ transition as soon as possible. ‘No-deal’ would undermine the industry’s ability to … [Read more...]
Tradelines 1 August
Canada, the European Union, Japan, Mexico and South Korea met in Geneva to discuss how to respond to threats by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on U.S. imports of autos and car parts. It was not immediately clear what kind of response the countries could be looking at, but they may impose their own tariffs or fight the United States at the World Trade Organisation. Tesla is in … [Read more...]
Brexit bombshell for business, say car makers
A no-deal Brexit is not an option for Britain’s car industry, the car makers' have warned. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said carmakers were “increasingly concerned” about the lack of clarity around departure from the European Union. With less than eight months until the divorce is due to take place, Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to find … [Read more...]
DfT faces £180M BREXIT bill over 4 years
The Department for Transport is planning to spend £180M on BREXIT planning over the next four years. It is making a determined effort to ensure the UK transport system is fully prepared for EU Exit, however the challenge ahead is complex and there is a considerable amount to achieve to ensure the best outcome for UK passengers and road users beyond March 2019, the National Audit Office said … [Read more...]