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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.
Falken is expanding its motorsport commitment and will be the new Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) sponsor for the 2021 season. The agreement sees the tyre brand secure prominent logo placement on the front wings of all competing race cars in the series. In addition, there will be significant trackside signage on the start/finish straight and winners’ podium, as well as branding on the official NLS homepage with further promotional opportunities planned.
TecAlliance, a leading data management specialists in the independent automotive aftermarket, is launching its new series “What the Fix?!”. From now on, every month a new episode will present a repair query from workshop practice that the specialists on TecAlliance’s Expert Hotline have solved. On LinkedIn, Facebook and in the TecAlliance Newsletter, the problem will be described and the solution provided – a service from automotive professionals for automotive professionals. The first episode involves a Toyota Yaris with a stuttering engine that is losing fuel.
“Given the challenges facing businesses and the increasing importance of having a robust digital strategy in place, we are delighted to launch NFDA Engage, a new programme aimed at supporting dealers’ communication activities”, said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.
Venson survey shows drivers support smart motorways, but some education is still required to improve safety and a sizeable minority have safety concerns. With controversial smart motorways continuing to cause debate across the motor industry and within Government, Venson Automotive Solutions has asked drivers for their opinion. Bucking the ‘anti’ trend led by industry influencers calling for alternations to the system, 56 per cent agree that smart motorways are indeed necessary to help improve road safety and ease congestion. Half see the benefits for congestion levels, and a quarter expect smart motorways to ease emissions. However, one in ten admit they don’t know what a smart motorway is, highlighting the need for driver education.
NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson met with Rachel Maclean MP, parliamentary undersecretary of state at the Department for Transport, on 28 January to discuss the Government’s ambition to end the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030 and outline the key role dealers play on the Road to Zero.
Essex-based aggregates business G&B Finch was established in 1969. The company is a family-run business which provides aggregate and haulage services to firms in the construction industry. It also supplies ready mixed concrete and a range of sustainable waste disposal facilities, including inert soils, non-hazardous and hazardous soils and tarmac.
The company’s 50-strong fleet of commercial vehicles runs almost entirely on Michelin, having found the tyres to deliver the best longevity and endurance of any truck tyre on the market.
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