European and Chinese car makers need to work more closely together, says Erik Jonnaert, ACEA Secretary General. They account for half of all passenger cars sold and built around the world and the regions are emerging as the major global regulatory powers, setting ambitious standards and targets for tomorrow’s vehicles. Last year, the Chinese car market contracted by 3.5%, marking the first … [Read more...]
What Brexit means to Welsh automotive businesses
Welsh Government and the Welsh Automotive Forum have been looking at the implications of a no-deal Brexit and produced guidance notes for businesses. UK import tariffs in a no-deal scenario - The Government has published details of the UK’s temporary tariff regime for no deal. The regime would be temporary, and the Government would closely monitor the effects of the tariffs on the UK … [Read more...]
Honda fall-out affects Wales
A dozen businesses in Wales make parts for Honda, said the Welsh Automotive Forum. The component suppliers employ thousands of workers and Welsh Government and WAF are taking steps to identify the true impact of the Honda closure and how the employees can be helped. Honda will close its vehicle assembly plant in Turkey along with the Swindon operation by 2021. It is part of a global … [Read more...]
Auto-industry on brink of disaster without deal
Ahead of this evening’s Brexit summit, Europe’s auto manufacturers and suppliers have come together to issue a stark warning on the potentially far-reaching impacts of a no-deal scenario on their sector, which would threaten their very business model. Automobile production plants – be they in the EU27 or the UK – receive and fit millions of parts into vehicles every day. All manufacturers rely … [Read more...]
Private practice when learning – avoid penalties
Getting private practice while learning to drive plays an important role in gaining vital experience behind the wheel before taking the driving test but before you offer to take someone out make sure you have the relevant information. IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, had this advice for those willing into giving the learner additional driving … [Read more...]
Carmakers clamour for Brexit deal
A ‘no-deal’ Brexit must be ruled out now to avoid damaging one of the EU’s most valuable economic assets, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is warning. Time is running out, and negotiators on both sides of the Channel must prioritise the agreement of terms for a managed withdrawal and ‘status quo’ transition as soon as possible. ‘No-deal’ would undermine the industry’s ability to … [Read more...]
FTA wants clarity not confusion before BREXIT
Britain's Government must explain and take steps to keep the nation's trade moving efficiently post-Brexit or face delays and shortages of the products and services the UK relies on. That’s the stark warning from the Keep Britain Trading conference in London, organised by the Freight Transport Association. Leigh Pomlett, the organisation's President said, "The time for political … [Read more...]
Lots to sort in BREXIT talks, says FTA
The announcement of a Brexit transitional period ending in December 2020 will be a welcome relief for manufacturing and retail businesses exporting and importing from the EU, according to the Freight Transport Association. However, FTA has warned that there is still much to agree on the detail of the UK's departure from the European Union, and the EU's "nothing is agreed until all is agreed" … [Read more...]
Falling car sales hit trade and Government revenues
An estimated £2.6 billion loss of revenue has resulted from the 5.7% fall in new car sales last year given by figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, according to AA Cars. AA Cars explored the key reasons underpinning this decline in new car sales and surveyed almost 20,000 drivers. It found that 31% of motorists blamed this change primarily on rising living costs … [Read more...]