British car production dipped 2.1% in January according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders yesterday. Reduced demand from car manufacturing plants and additional shutdowns related to the coronavirus pandemic have caused the fifth successive month of decline. A global snowball effect is expected to continue as the industry anticipates the upcoming budget. This … [Read more...]
Opposition AMs call for Welsh Government investment probe
Welsh Government’s investment strategy has come into question after Aston Martin Lagonda revealed widening losses and slipping sales. The luxury carmaker was enticed to St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan by the Labour Welsh Government with nearly £20m worth of taxpayer grants in the hope of boosting the South Wales economy. However, today’s financial report shows the struggling car maker’s … [Read more...]
In car challenges and opportunities down the road
Connected cars will be both an opportunity and a challenge to the suppliers and manufacturers, according to a new report. The report, “Key Players and Business Models in the Connected Car,” examines the complex ecosystem of connected car players and helps clients navigate the opportunities and challenges on the road ahead. “The connected car marketplace – and the opportunities surrounding it – … [Read more...]
Maserati quickly moving with times and power
All new Maserati models will be 100% developed, engineered and built in Italy with hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems delivering all the innovation and performance typical of the Brand's DNA. Following on from the announcement of testing of the new full electric power plants to be installed on future Maserati models, the development and production plans for the Trident Brand's … [Read more...]
Brexit’s been good for some in automotive sector
The UK transport industry has seen earnings on its investments in the EU rocket by more than 400% since the Brexit vote, the latest Office of National Statistics has revealed. UK transport trade earnings from investments in the EU rose from £177 million in 2015 to £1billion three years later – up 476% compared with before the vote. Firms involved in transportation had £3.6 billion invested in … [Read more...]
Fleets need to prepare for EV charge in demand
Fleets of all sizes will need support through a potential “sudden 2020 influx” of electric vehicles that is likely to create a vacuum of expertise, says FleetCheck. The fleet software specialist says that the new zero per cent benefit-in-kind tax rate, the availability of a wider range of models and the momentum created by the Government’s 2035 announcement are all creating a dramatic upsurge in … [Read more...]
Frustration faces first to use Cardiff’s rapid charger points
Cardiff is getting a big boost to a rapid charging network, but electric vehicle drivers face frustration under current parking laws. Engenie has installed its first two rapid EV charge points in Cardiff city centre as part of a wider rollout that will more than double the number of rapid chargers in the city, but it's left the council red-faced as it tries to catch up with legislation to help … [Read more...]
Volvo and Geely considering merging expertise
Volvo Car AB and Geely Automobile Holdings Limited are considering combining their businesses to create a strong global group, which would accelerate financial and technological synergies between the two companies. This would be a combination between two strong companies. The considered combination would have the scale, knowledge and resources to be a leader in the ongoing transformation of the … [Read more...]
After the fuel fright, freight calls for future to be fingerposted
The Road Haulage Association has set out its general approach to decarbonising the freight and logistics sector, calling on the Government to develop a 'freight roadmap' towards net zero and develop consistent, supportive policies to "give our members confidence to plan for a green future". Meanwhile, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has published a separate report which focuses on the … [Read more...]
Car makers call on Government to back drive to evs
It’s extremely concerning that government has seemingly moved the goalposts for consumers and industry on such a critical issue as ending traditional vehicle sales in 15 years, said the motor manufacturers body. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said,“Manufacturers are fully invested in a zero emissions future, with some 60 plug-in models now on the market and 34 more coming in 2020. “However, … [Read more...]