Find out what top analysts think of challenging topics in the automotive industry

THE WEEK THAT WAS: After the automated distraction, the automated help call

By: Graeme Roberts | 14 June 2013

Watched a clip from a US TV network last night about some new research into the question vexing many regulators over there, especially as far as younger drivers are concerned, driver distraction.

COMMENT: Hyundai looking for love

By: Tony Lewis | 14 June 2013

The old adage ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ attributed to Ford’s return to racing in the US in the early 1950s* has been given a new twist by Hyundai. The company doesn’t want to be the world’s biggest car brand, but it does want to be the most loved.

ANE CONGRESS 2013: Quotes of the week

By: Simon Warburton | 14 June 2013

Shrugging off French air traffic controllers' strike action, this week saw many of the industry's top executives gather for Automotive News Europe's Congress in Paris. Here is a brief snapshot of what they said.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: A fine British name: Toyota Auris Touring Sports

By: Graeme Roberts | 7 June 2013

The UK market looked strong in May while Toyota's UK plant, clobbered by the 2008 recession, is now claimed to be back at capacity, following the start of production of the Auris Touring Sports or, to you, 'Corolla wagon'.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: Flying the profits flag

By: Graeme Roberts | 31 May 2013

Quarterly and other results to the thirty-oneth of March continued to dribble in this week so let's start by hoisting the Union Jack, drum roll, trumpet blast, and highlight Jaguar Land Rover's 11% full fiscal year profit hike.

COMMENT: Detroit to Johannesburg - Danny Glover's campaign continues

By: Simon Warburton | 31 May 2013

Hot on the heels of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa's (NUMSA) claim for a 22% pay increase and the union finds itself in the spotlight for the second time in a week with the visit of Hollywood actor, Danny Glover, to Johannesburg.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: Pain and gain

By: Graeme Roberts | 24 May 2013

More read-it-and-weep news for struggling European rivals from Volkswagen group this week as it chalked up another little milestone - selling over 3m vehicles in the first four months of a year.

COMMENT: Colombia's OEM suppliers and assemblers at the crossroads

By: Juan Vargas | 24 May 2013

Vehicle assembly in Colombia began in 1956 when the government signed an agreement to build Austin trucks locally. Colombian entrepreneurs soon saw the opportunity to invest in technology to be part of the necessary OEM supply chain. But those with up to 57 years of experience are in danger of disappearing unless they make radical decisions.

COMMENT: Will 'outrageous' 20% pay rise keep South Africa lights on?

By: Simon Warburton | 24 May 2013

Here we go again. In 2010, South Africa was convulsed by a wave of industrial unrest as pay bargaining talks lumbered into action and three years later, hey presto, the same actors seem to be going through the same painful process once more.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: A little bit of niggle

By: Graeme Roberts | 17 May 2013

I wouldn't have thought that, with the current state of play in the European auto industry, there'd be too much niggle in the union ranks. But we've reported on a bit this week.