IHS Markit forecasts used by automakers and suppliers for strategic decisions has downgraded its assessments across "virtually all regions." It called the coronavirus pandemic "the single biggest risk factor facing the auto industry for many years," reports Automotive News Europe. Global sales will fall by more than 12 percent this year to 78.8 million units, a downgrade of 10 million units from … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent comprehensive support
The effect of the coronavirus on society and the global economy is unprecedented with grave consequences for the automobile industry, say European car makers. Indeed, most of the members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages, and government measures, and are facing cases of corona … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent talks over future
The car-makers want detailed talks with British Government in the light of the corona virus and implications for the industry struggling with falling demand. The industry employs over 823,000 in Britain and Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “We welcome the additional and significant emergency support for business announced by the Chancellor. “The UK automotive industry is inherently strong … [Read more...]
Auto Vivendi add more Aston Martins to stable
Auto Vivendi, one of the UK’s leading providers of supercar-related lifestyle experiences, has taken delivery of six Aston Martins at the company’s sports car home and global headquarters, Gaydon. The six Aston Martins comprise Vantage, DB11 Volante, DBS Superleggera and three DBS Superleggera Volantes, and account for 25 per cent of Auto Vivendi’s collection of cars amassed by … [Read more...]
Budget of hope to smooth rough ride ahead
The Budget provides something for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers, said RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes. “Today the Chancellor has given a boost to drivers of today’s vehicles with a fuel duty freeze while also investing in tomorrow with funding for rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles, an extension to the plug-in car grant, funding to repair Britain’s roads and a commitment to spend on … [Read more...]
TVR apply to convert Rassau building into car plant
TVR has moved closer to building its new Griffith supercar after a planning application to refurbish the existing factory site has been submitted. According to Business News Wales, an application was submitted to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council for a former board factory on the Rassau Industrial Estate, Ebbw Vale. A Welsh building firm has been appointed to carry out the work, but it’s not … [Read more...]
Warning over collapsing dealer networks
Localised franchise dealer networks are “likely to remain important to fleets” says fleet software specialist FleetCheck following news that more are to close. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said that a long-term situation was being created where many businesses were having to travel further for routine servicing, maintenance and repair. “We’re not picking out any particular … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 March
Six-in-10 UK drivers (59%) want the new Chancellor to bolster spending on the country’s crumbling local road infrastructure in the Budget by ringfencing 2p from every litre of petrol and diesel sold without increasing duty rates, according to an RAC survey of 3,200 drivers. In fact drivers feel so strongly about the need to increase spending on maintaining local roads that they would much prefer … [Read more...]
Call on Chancellor to push green drive
With the ban on new diesel and petrol cars brought forward to 2035, wednesday’s Budget is the time for the Government to put its money where its mouth is. There’s no doubt that alternative fuel vehicles are the future, but the motor industry needs support if it’s to hit the goal, said Seán Kemple, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. “For drivers, it’s time to see mandatory … [Read more...]
Road Safety Designs moves up a gear
Wales-based road safety innovation company, Road Safety Designs, has appointed experienced business leader and investor, Simon Bailey, as a Management Consultant. The former Director of Motorcare Motor Factors will be joining the firm, chaired by Sir Stanley Thomas OBE, the Welsh businessman and property developer best known for founding Peter’s Food Services. Abergavenny-based Motorcare Motor … [Read more...]