Cars made during the pandemic with irregular specifications are causing valuation issues as they start to appear on the used market, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. It is causing a headache for dealers and annoying customers who think they are getting models with higher specifications than is the case. Marcus Blakemore, chair of the trade body’s Industry Trends Committee, said that … [Read more...]
Parts suppliers struggling and issue warnings
The European automotive supply industry, a vital pillar of the EU economy, is confronted with volatility and uncertainty from both their customers and upstream suppliers. Despite facing substantial headwinds, industry players maintain a cautious optimism, navigating through challenges and strategising for transformation. High levels of uncertainty surrounding new projects and EV demand in … [Read more...]
Tradelines 6 March
Car makers, component suppliers and the recycling industry across Europe have criticised proposed new legislation on dismantling. A planned EU law would require the complete recycling of vehicles down to the smallest component, such as a circuit board, but the opponents say this is unrealistic, impractical and would generate more carbon emissions than would be saved by ethically disposing of the … [Read more...]
Legend car makers facing end of the road
Around 51% of car dealers think that the arrival of new Chinese electric vehicle companies in the UK market will force some established manufacturers out of business. Startline’s June Used Car Tracker also shows that 31% believe some existing brands are already falling behind and 36% say that the next few years will see them fold thanks to tougher competition. In terms of who will be affected, … [Read more...]
New car sales shrug off winter chill
Improving supply components and completed cars has seen another rise in registrations in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Sales in Wales rose the most in Britain with a 29.6% increase to 2,370 new cars. SMMT datum show 74,441 cars were registered last month – a 26.2 per cent rise on February 2022’s lower numbers but it was was down by just 6.5 per cent on … [Read more...]
Car-parts makers face unprecedented change
The speed of change for the automotive industry is accelerating and also diversifying, according to the latest analysis by the car maker's component suppliers body. The results of the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey reflect the expectations of automotive suppliers and provides an outlook into an increasingly volatile business environment, with the Russia-Ukraine crisis exacerbating an already … [Read more...]
Suppliers face new opportunities in car sector
Britain’s car-makers and component suppliers face opportunities as the race speeds up towards a future of pure electric vehicles, delegates to the annual Autolink Conference in Cardiff were told yesterday. On the day that the UK Government announced a £620 Million grant to boost ev-sales, extend the national recharging network on-street and in homes, as well as introduce a compulsory mandate … [Read more...]
Metal printed parts pioneered by Volkswagen
Volkswagen is pushing ahead with the use of innovative 3D printers in car production. For the first time, binder jetting is being used to manufacture components at the company’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Whereas conventional 3D printing uses a laser to build a component layer by layer from metallic powder, the binder jetting process uses an adhesive. The resulting metallic component is … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 February
The implementation of border controls between the German and the Czech and Austrian border crossings risk disturbances in automotive industry production plants soon. Sigrid de Vries, CLEPA Secretary General highlights, “Europe’s automotive suppliers are concerned about recent announcements on border closures and intensified inspections. These measures result in disruption at Europe’s internal … [Read more...]
Suppliers optimism and caution for 2021
Parts suppliers have started 2021 with mixed feelings of optimism and caution. Optimism, because demand for vehicles and components is picking up more rapidly than expected and the appetite for new, innovative technologies is accelerating. Caution, because the scars from 2020 are deep and the level of uncertainty remains high. Thorsten Muschal (above), member of the management of … [Read more...]