Author: Aimee Turner
Government officials confirmed they’ve held talks with suppliers hit by the continued Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) production shutdown, as fears grow over job losses across the automotive supply chain. Representatives from the Department for Business and Trade joined a unprecedented meeting of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) Automotive Components Section today to listen to directly from affected firms. The department said the session was geared toward understanding the challenges and concerns facing suppliers. The talks come as JLR’s production halt enters its third week following a cyber attack at the top of August. The corporate has not…
As artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools reshape industries, dealerships find themselves at a crossroads. On the one hand, the potential advantages of AI are undeniable – streamlining manual tasks, connecting siloed systems, and enhancing customer experiences across the vehicle lifecycle. On the opposite, implementation isn’t straightforward. Dealerships face complex operational environments, heavy sales pressures, and cultural resistance that may turn even essentially the most promising project into an uphill struggle. So how can dealers approach AI implementation strategically, ensuring not only a smooth launch but long-term success? Laying the foundations Paul Humphreys, managing director, retail, at vehicle remarketer Cox…
One other 10,000 Citroën and DS models have been recalled, with owners warned ‘don’t drive’ following safety concerns about their airbag systems. The alert concerns faulty Takata airbags, which might explode and cause fatal injuries. It follows the death of a girl in Reims, France, last 12 months after an airbag in her 2014 Citroën C3 ruptured. No drivers have been hurt within the UK, but the danger has prompted a widening of the recall. Back in June, an urgent stop drive order was issued for certain Citroën and DS models. Now their parent company Stellantis has added further vehicles to the…
The federal government is being urged to supply emergency financial support to guard Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) supply chain because the carmaker’s production stoppage looks set to proceed into next week following a significant cyber attack. The UK’s biggest automobile manufacturer has told staff at its plants in Solihull, Halewood and Wolverhampton they may remain off work until at the least Wednesday, though they have to stay on standby because the situation is kept under review. JLR was forced to shut down its production systems on 31 August after a cyber attack that disrupted its global operations. David Bailey, professor…
A family owned AM100 dealer group is offloading a set of its prestige brand dealerships to latest owners in Dubai.Harwoods is selling its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) franchises, together with its BMW & Mini and Volvo authorised repairer operations, to DXB Investments.DXB, an investment company headquartered in Dubai, will operate the companies under the brand new name of Southeast Motors. A family owned AM100 dealer group is offloading a set of its prestige brand dealerships to latest owners in Dubai. Harwoods is selling its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) franchises, together with its BMW & Mini and Volvo authorised repairer operations, to DXB…
Tustain Motors Group, which operates seven retail sales and repair sites across Tyneside, Northumberland and south-east Scotland, has been acquired in a management buyout (MBO) led by managing director Kevin Robson. The deal, accomplished at the tip of July sees the £41m turnover group, which posted pre-tax profits of £1.1m last 12 months, move into recent ownership. The corporate opened its seventh site earlier this 12 months in Cramlington – the previous Evans Halshaw Automobile Store at Manor Walks – and expects turnover to exceed £50m in 2025. Founded in 2010 by industry figures John Tustain, Brian Baxter and David…
– Workforce increases by 165 as business accelerates growth- Expansion strengthens group’s premium brand line-up- Lloyd’s sharpens give attention to long-term regional investment – Workforce increases by 165 as business accelerates growth – Expansion strengthens group’s premium brand line-up – Lloyd’s sharpens give attention to long-term regional investment Cumbrian AM100 retailer Lloyd Motor Group is expanding its north east operations with the acquisition of three Jaguar Land Rover businesses from Lithia UK. The acquisition includes Stratstone Jaguar Land Rover Newcastle, Stratstone Land Rover Stockton and Stratstone Land Rover Service Centre, Houghton-le-Spring and can see 165 people join the business. Sam Lloyd, managing director of Lloyd Motor Group, said:…
Once the undisputed leader of the UK automotive market, Ford has seen its dominance unravel over the past decade – with its slow, awkward transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) coming under fire. While Ford has now committed to an all-electric future, some would say its transition critically did not match the pace of its competitors while its singular concentrate on SUVs left its loyal fan base feeling abandoned at roughly the identical rate the automotive maker proceeded to ditch a complete raft of much-loved models. Strong demand for stylish, high-margin SUVs – alongside a world push for profitability and efficiency…
The Department for Transport (DfT) has updated the eligibility rules for the UK’s electric automotive grant, tightening the edge for higher-spec models. When the Government launched its latest £650 million grant scheme last month, only electric vehicles (EVs) priced at £37,000 or below were eligible for the money incentive. On the time higher-spec trims of base models under that £37,000 limit were also allowed to qualify. From today, the DfT has introduced a cap of £42,000 for costlier trim levels. Vehicles with a purchase order price exceeding this amount are actually officially not eligible for grant support. A DfT spokesperson said:…
The Renault Rafale is a head-turning flagship SUV coupé that blends standout style with the punchy performance of Renault’s full hybrid E-Tech powertrain. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine works with twin electric motors to deliver brisk acceleration and impressively low emissions – a mix that secured it the title of Best Hybrid Large SUV within the EcoCar Electrified Top 50 Awards, where judges praised each its performance and elegance. Step inside and also you’ll discover a premium, technology-rich cabin, crafted with sustainable materials to make it a a daring, stylish addition to Renault’s growing electrified line-up The Rafale is obtainable in…