Dana Williams CEng (IMechE), is the Welsh Automotive Forum's new Project and Operations Manager, responsible for Member liaison and also the delivery of our Net Zero Mobility Wales project. With a 22-year career in the automotive and aerospace industry, she started as a graduate at Ford Motor Company (Bridgend), within Manufacturing Engineering, after which she spent 4 years at BAE Systems … [Read more...]
It’s getting tougher for Welsh automotive sector
The UK Automotive industry is unlikely to return to previous high levels of production and component suppliers in Wales must look elsewhere to survive, delegates to the Autolink 2022 conference were told yesterday. The gloomy outlook and warning was given by Prof Ian Henry, managing director of AutoAnalysis and a HM Government advisor on the motor industry speaking at the annual Welsh Automotive … [Read more...]
Cyber risks outlined to Wales’ automotive businesses
Cyber risks facing the automotive components suppliers in Wales will be covered in one of the presentations at this month's Autolink 2022 conference in Cardiff. Thales of Ebbw Vale will have two speakers covering the issues which can impact on the products, reputations and security as well as finances of parts and services suppliers in Wales with national and international … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 July
The eagerly awaited Autolink networking event organised by the Welsh Automotive Forum will be held on 27 September at Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith. It brings together key suppliers and automotive component makers, potential investors and specialists with a session of presentations, opportunities to discuss ventures and see the latest products created for the industry. Just 10% of a sample of … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 January
Toyota pushed General Motors off the top spot in America after 90 years domination of the market. Toyota sold 2.332 million vehicles in the United States in 2021, compared to 2.218 million for General Motors, as GM's US sales were down 13% and down 43% in the fourth quarter while Toyota was up 10% for the year. Former chief executive of the Welsh Automotive Forum, Tim Williams, was made an … [Read more...]
£230M investment saves Ford Halewood jobs
Ford Halwood plant will get a £230M investment to produce electric powertrain components in two years for the company's European EV fleet. An undisclosed amount of that has come from the UK Government and it will safeguard about 500 jobs on Merseyside which have been under threat as the industry moves from internal combustion engined cars and vans to pure electric models by 2030. Ford has … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 April
It’s the 20th anniversary of MINI being assembled in Plant Oxford by BMW Group. In early 2001, production began for MINI body parts in Swindon and on the 26 April the first new MINI rolled off the line in Oxford which has since built over 5 million cars and currently makes MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch, MINI Clubman and the MINI Electric, all on the same production line. A post mortem has … [Read more...]
A plan for saving automotive jobs in Wales
Welsh Government and councils must prioritise supporting Tata Steel Port Talbot and Toyota Deeside, according to a far reaching report prepared for the Welsh Automotive Forum. The report by Ian Henry, head of Autoanalysis, follows similar studies he has carried out for WAF in recent years but his final conclusions have been published against a background of a global economic … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 November
Dr Andy Palmer CMG, President & Group CEO at Aston Martin Lagonda will be deliver the keynote speech at the annual Welsh Automotive Forum networking dinner next month. Master of ceremonies will once again be undertaken by presenter, journalist and low carbon champion Quentin Wilson and it’s taking place at The Vale Hotel, Miskin on 5 December. According to data, 48,271 drivers across Wales … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 October
Automotive components’ companies in Wales will get a series of meetings on dealing with Brexit issues and paid for by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Customs, Employment and Supply Chain Risk awareness sessions have been secured by the Welsh Automotive Forum in conjunction with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Legendary US brand Harley-Davidson is … [Read more...]