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Ford is the latest car manufacturer to embrace an comprehensive electrification strategy. As Tyrepress reported earlier in the week, Ford is transforming its Cologne factory into a hub for electric car manufacturing, with the aim of making all its passenger cars sold in Europe zero emissions capable by mid-2026.
There is no question that during these socially distanced times, Schaeffler’s Repxpert ‘Tea-break training’ concept has captured the attention of the workshop community, with more than 200 workshops and technicians again attending the latest INA cooling module.
Liqui Moly’s turnover increased by 7.1 per cent to a record 611 million euro in 2020. The United Kingdom, where Liqui Moly more than doubled its sales, played a particularly important role in this. Given the devastating effects of the pandemic on the global economy and the decline in global consumption of oil and fuel, this is a great achievement. Revenue halved to 25 million euro – partly because the company invested almost 45 million euro in marketing measures during the crisis. In addition, more than 100 new employees were hired. This brings the total number of employees to 989 at the end of 2020.
Michelin has supplied five sets of 12.00 R20 Michelin XZY2 truck tyres to Co Down-based Mulgrew Haulage, for fitment to a fleet of classic vehicles being restored by the family-owned transport company.
The automotive aftermarket has been encouraged to embrace electric vehicles or risk getting left behind in an exclusive webinar titled “Auto industry skills shortage & tackling electric vehicles (EV)”, hosted by automotive and engineering recruitment specialist, Glen Callum Associates. Supported by trade associations IAAF, IMI and MMMA, the webinar challenged perceptions about how the trade could embrace and alternative fuel future. An expert panel comprising businesses and associations from engineering, crash repair, electromechanical and automotive sectors, explored whether the aftermarket is prepared for an EV future, with the experts unanimously urging businesses to invest in technology and training sooner rather than later.
To mark the UK’s exit from the EU, the EU flag has been removed from all UK driving licences and number plate designs, with the first batches issued from 1 January 2021. While existing licences and number plates will still be valid, the new versions will be issued to everyone renewing a licence or getting one for the first time.
GlobalData says that the combined sales of new vehicles in Southeast Asia’s six largest markets (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore) are estimated to have declined by 28.5 per cent to 2,468,613 units in 2020.
The latest Motorcycle Industry Association’s (MCIA) registration figures show the overall Power-Two-Wheeler (PTW) market was down 36.7 per cent in January. A total of 2,312 fewer units were sold compared to the same period last year. With much of the UK plunged into further Covid-related restrictions from January, the “weariness of the marketplace” may have contributed to the drop in motorcycle and scooter sales, respectively down -43 per cent and -22 per cent.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has reported that exports to the EU going through British ports in January fell by 68 per cent compared to the same month last year. An article in the Observer newspaper said that the fall was mostly down to problems caused by Brexit.
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market enjoyed growth in the first month of the year, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Registrations rose 2.0 per cent in January with 24,029 of the latest, low emission vehicles hitting UK roads as new models and deals drove fleet renewal. Although the fluctuating nature of fleet renewal often impacts the first month of the year in particular, 2021 opened with the highest volume January since 1990, 10.5 per cent ahead of five-year average.
News from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reveals that Australia motor vehicles sales grew by year-on-year 11.1 per cent in January 2021.
Despite the gloomy January figures, there are signs of optimism in the UK car industry. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, said that the steep fall in sales was expected as a result of the January lockdown, but she went on: “Retailers are optimistic about the year ahead, provided that dealerships will be allowed to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”
January proved to be a traumatic month for new car sales in the UK, as the market fell -39.5 per cent in the month with 59,030 fewer registrations compared to January last year, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Just 90,249 cars were registered as showrooms across the country remained shut, leading to the worst start to the year since 1970.
Automotive supplier Hella intends to sell its 50 per cent share in the South Korean joint venture Mando Hella Electronics (MHE) to Mando. The two partners have now signed a corresponding agreement and the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021 calendar year. The price is “around €60 million.”
Liqui Moly has been represented in the MotoGP Motorcycle World Championship for eight years. It is now further expanding its commitment. The oil manufacturer will be title sponsor of the race in its home country, which is to be called the Liqui Moly Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany. “This increases our brand visibility all over the world,” says Ernst Prost, managing director of Liqui Moly.
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