In an industry so fundamentally globalised, it is no exaggeration to say that the automotive world is standing at a crossroads, says Sigrid de Vries, director general of Europe's car makers' body. Tariff tensions between Europe, the United States and China, supply chain disruptions, and intensifying competition are reshaping global dynamics.And it’s clear … [Read more...]
Brands’ boycott looming after tariffs take hold
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...]
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 … [Read more...]
UK Border plan is helpful, now get deal done say FTA
Logistics as an industry is highly flexible and can quickly adapt to circumstances, as we have seen throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Nevertheless it is good to have confirmation of how goods are expected to move between the UK and EU from the start of next year. "We are advising our members to do all they can to get Brexit ready, for example adapting their … [Read more...]
Brits still love the car showroom
The reopening of car showrooms is good news for the industry, as research finds that the majority of car owners (76%) still buy their cars from a showroom, with nearly a quarter (24%) of these second-hand cars. The survey of 2,000 UK drivers, which was commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a leading supplier of GAP Insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) for … [Read more...]
UK Global Tariff outlines trade after Brexit
Britain has outlined how it plans to trade with the world after it leaves the European Union at the end of 2020. It will replace the European Union’s external tariff with a 10% duty on cars but cut tens of billions of pounds of supply chain charges. This will pave the way for trade deals with the United States and the Brussels-based bloc, helping JLR in … [Read more...]
Van delivers biggest sales in April & EV tops car chart
A van has become Britain’s best selling vehicle during the coronavirus lockdown according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. While the Mercedes Sprinter delivered for dealers the chaotic charts saw the pure electric Tesla Model 3 top the passenger car list, but even that couldn’t match the Sprinter. Overall, the … [Read more...]
UK Automotive needs favourable Brexit deal, says SMMT president
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has urged all parties to put UK Automotive at the heart of their economic and trade policies. Setting out the industry’s priorities for a new government, the trade body called for an ambitious, world-beating Brexit trade deal to maintain the sector’s competitiveness and ability to deliver innovation, … [Read more...]
Diesel demand is still strong in used sector – Cazana
Consumer demand continues to slacken and prices are softening, but there are surprises about the performance of diesel in the trade, writes Rupert Pontin, Director of Insight at Cazana. Just days after new car sales figures showed continuing weakness, the retail expert has looked at the situation of second hand cars. July is an interesting month at the … [Read more...]
East & West are best together, says expert
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 … [Read more...]
