Russell George AM, the Shadow Minister for Transport, has called on the Welsh Government to provide support to Holyhead Port during the Covid-19 pandemic. While some freight services continue between Wales and Ireland, the reduction in the number of passenger services has led to calls for Welsh Government financial support to fill the gap between a reduced income and the running costs of … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 26 April
As the COVID-19 lock-down continues for another three weeks at least the motoring world needs to carry on, as does our service to supply interesting news items you may have overlooked. Here are a few I have selected for this week’s news briefing. Still ‘Moving the Metal’ via on-line virtual showrooms Numerous car brands are now operating virtual on-line tours and dialogues with potential … [Read more...]
Global collapse of van production to be felt for 2020
Global commercial vehicle production volumes in 2020 compared to 2019 are forecast to be down 22 percent , some 650,000 units to 2.6 million units, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the most recent analysis from IHS Markit. Individual regional forecasts are set to a downtrend, and supply chain impacts are being felt, as the consequences of the virus have shuttered … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news
With the greater part of the World in coronavirus lockdown, in the UK there are no showrooms open with any business available mainly being done on-line and all car and component manufacturers factories are shut down, writes David Miles. UK new car sales figures released this week by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show sales fell by 44.4% in March and are down by 31% for the first … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 April
Nissan wants $4.6 billion from major lenders to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s been hit by falling demand, management shake ups and now the global effects of the coronavirus on production lines after years of expansion. Worried executives in the German car industry want the Government to lift the lockdown on dealerships now stuffed with back orders and models piled up … [Read more...]
Massive compensation claim underway against VW
Lawyers for 70,000 UK motorists have won the first stage of a High Court action against Volkswagen UK over the installation of emissions cheating devices in its diesel vehicles. In December the court was asked to rule whether software installed in the cars was a "defeat device" under EU rules and in a judgement on Monday, Mr Justice Waksman ruled that it was. Volkswagen said it was … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 March
Volkswagen has paid out £28.5 B in fines and settlements, and the German carmaker expects costs to add another £2 B, Chief Financial Officer Frank Witter told media. It was caught hiding excessive levels of toxic diesel emissions in 2015, leading to management changes and hundreds of regulatory probes and lawsuits but has so far resisted UK compensation. Vauxhall’s new Corsa is available on … [Read more...]
Diesel cars collapse in January new car decline
The UK new car market declined 7.3% in January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 149,279 vehicles left showrooms as continued confusion surrounding diesel and clean air zones and ongoing weak consumer and business confidence continue to affect demand. Continuing low consumer demand was a key driver behind the decline, with registrations by private … [Read more...]
VW’s rarest model you can chew over
You might be surprised to find that Volkswagen’s part number 199 398 500 is not intended for your car, rather for the hardworking factory attendants building each new model. It isn’t what you'd expect from the car-making giant, comes slathered in the car manufacturer’s very own ketchup, usually with a side of chips. It is a pack of the Volkswagen Currywurst—a sausage being dubbed the most … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 January
Kia will introduce 11 BEVs over the next five years and they will make up 75% of sales, under the company’s Plan S strategy announced this week in Seoul. The remaining 25% of sales will be conventional eco-friendly internal combustion engined models but it also intends to increase income from car sharing mobility services including hydrogen models. Cardiff's proposed £2.00 daily commuter charge … [Read more...]