More women have headed online to buy cars in recent months than ever before through internet car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk, accounting for half of all sales for the first time ever. And deeper analysis shows that women remain significantly more decisive than men, measured by how likely they are to go ahead with an online car purchase.
In its response to the consultation on ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans, the National Franchised Dealers Association has highlighted dealers’ concerns and provided the Government with detailed recommendations to ensure that the transition to zero-emission vehicles can be sustained. The Government has proposed that the original 2040 date be brought forward to 2035 or perhaps earlier, yet no clear strategy has been defined.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging motorists to get their delayed MOT test done this summer ahead of a surge in demand in the Autumn. The projections, based on due dates and vehicle MOT expiry dates, show that demand for MOTs will be at around 3.4 million in September, 4.8 million in October and November and 4.2 million in December. This demand is predicted to be around double the normal volumes (approx. 2.5 million per month). However, August demand is predicted to be just over 2 million MOTs, which is fewer than usual.
Motor oil has developed from a simple lubricant to a high-tech liquid. At the same time, the number of oil grades and specifications has increased significantly. Oliver Kuhn, deputy head of the oil laboratory at Liqui Moly, provides more insight and explains what really matters.
Ending the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars and vans by 2035 or earlier would not only be unfeasible but seriously economically damaging, particularly at a time when the economy is struggling to recover from the Coronavirus lockdown. The original date of 2040 is already a very tough ask”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
With the UK and many other European countries having experienced three months of lockdown, most sources are predicting full-year 2020 car tyre sales declines of around 25 per cent. The most optimistic appear to be suggesting 10 per cent drop, but how likely is a 90 per cent recovery by the end of the year? The good news is that there are reasons to suggest the post-lockdown tyre market is on the road to recovery.
During the last few months Tyres & Accessories has analysed the tyre choices of the UK’s largest Police fleets. Having begun with an introductory investigation into Police tyre supply as part of the June 2020 magazine, our July edition took a closer look at which tyres the Metropolitan Police fleet chooses. Throughout the series we have found a number of consistent trends. Firstly, despite the tyre supply business being contracted to Goodyear and Michelin (via ATS Euromaster), the Police fleets are actually surprisingly open to competing tyre brands. And secondly, tyre consumption habits vary significantly between Police forces.
UK commercial vehicle production increased 23.9 per cent in June year-on-year, but this was not enough to mitigate first-half contraction in 2020. Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 4,144 vans, trucks and buses left production lines last month. The increase appears particularly strong because it follows a particularly weak June 2019, when output fell by more than half due to key model changeovers. Despite this production ramp-up, the first six months of 2020 saw total output decline by -24.8 per cent, on the same period in 2019, due to the pandemic lockdown of global markets.
The coronavirus pandemic has put many visits to dream destinations on hold, but Falken Tyres is using its social media feeds to provide some vicarious thrills. The Sumitomo tyre brand’s new ‘Pass the Wheel’ campaign comprises three beautifully shot videos to provide a virtual road trip along some of Europe’s most beautiful roads and passes. The videos show the drive from Zell am See in Austria, across Switzerland, Italy and France, and into Monaco. The campaign trailer has already clocked up 1.7 million views on Falken’s YouTube Channel.
Michelin has developed its Michelin Track Connect motorsport monitoring system with a new Leisure mode. The new mode is the third available in the tyre monitoring system, and the first designed to extend its accessibility to all users, regardless of the type of tyre fitted. The new mode joins Expert mode for track day participants looking for to improve their performance, and Motorsport mode for rally drivers – and soon track competitors too. Both of these modes require the Michelin Track Connect Kit – comprising sensors and a Bluetooth receiver as well as the smartphone app – and connected Michelin tyres, unlike the Leisure mode. The system has recently become original equipment on the new Renault Clio Rally.
Yokohama has been chosen by Mercedes-AMG to supply original tyres on several new models. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé, GLE 63 4MATIC+, GLE 63 4MATIC+ Coupé, GLA 35 4MATIC, GLA 45 4MATIC+ and GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ will all run on the Japanese tyre manufacturer’s Advan Sport V107.
Michelin sales contracted more than 20 per cent in the first half of 2020 due to coronavirus affected markets. The 20.6 per cent contraction in sales resulted in an operating result of 310 million euros – 3.3 per cent of sales – 78.5 per cent less than in 2019 (1,438 billion euros). Volumes fell by 22.4 per cent. Operating income went from 1.381 billion to 177 million euros, while net income fell from 844 million to a loss of 137 million, with earnings per share going from 4.74 euros to a loss of 0.75 euros.
Car industry analysts have outlined the compound challenge facing the UK’s car sector following the publication of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ half-year figures. The stats show that the first half of 2020 yielded the lowest level of UK car manufacturing since the 1950s. Edwin Kemp, head of automotive strategy at KPMG, commented that the SMMT’s June 2020 new car manufacturing analysis is a harbinger for businesses’ likely descent into insolvency throughout the automotive supply chain. Peter Barnes, head of automotive at global legal business, DWF, added that the challenges facing the UK automotive industry add up to a perfect storm for the sector.
UK car manufacturing output declined -48.2 per cent in June, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures reveal. Only 56,594 units were produced in the month. The SMMT revealed that the 381,357 cars produced in the first half of 2020 represent the weakest six months of UK manufacturing since 1954. This is -42.8 per cent down on 2019’s first half, with more than 285,000 units fewer produced. 11,349 jobs have been lost across manufacturing and retail during the pandemic. The SMMT warns that the fear of Brexit tariffs could endanger more jobs without dedicated restart support. The society called for greater urgency in talks to secure an ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union. Its latest survey data shows nine in 10 firms are missing clarity of information to allow them to prepare for the end of the transition to the new ongoing relationship between the UK and EU.
Diesel used car prices rise by 31.3 per cent as demand for older vehicles in the used car market outstrips supply. Vehicle auction group Aston Barclay says it recorded its highest ever used car prices in Q2 as demand exceeded supply during and after lockdown. During Q2 older used cars were the most in demand with stock between 55-78 months rising by 20.6 per cent and stock between 79 and 126 months rising by 13.1 per cent. Diesel used cars rose by 31.3 per cent, which was an all-time high at Aston Barclay.
Ryan Doka; Pixabay
Liqui Moly
Chris Reading; Pixabay
West MidlanSer Amantio di Nicolao; flickr
SMMT
Falken
Michelin
Yokohama
Michelin
SMMT
SMMT