Automotive industry hot issues
Comprehensive coverage of the automotive industry's hottest issues through a compilation of news, analysis and comment.
General Motors grapples with Europe's problems
21 May 2012
As Europe's auto industry faces up to overcapacity in a falling car market, attention is turning to General Motors. With its European operations currently in loss, GM is looking to reshape its European manufacturing footprint and adjust plant-model mix to raise capacity utilisation. As ever, the possibility of plant closures is proving controversial.
Quarterly results season rolls around again
26 April 2012
It's quarterly results time and we've been slicing and dicing the reports to remove the bumpf, claimed 'highlights' and so on to bring you just the facts. Analysis, where applicable, courtesy of Rob Golding.
Auto China, Beijing 2012
20 April 2012
Once upon a time, few from the west would have bothered with the Beijing show. Times change. With news like three more JV plants in one week, no one ignores China any more. Press days were 23 and 24 April and our previews and coverage are here.
Are two GM Europe plants for the chop?
27 March 2012
Before General Motors axes two European plants - Opel's at Bochum, Germany and Vauxhall's in Ellesmere Port, England, or even three, if Eisenach is included - labour agreements good through 2014 have to run out. GM has signaled lots of talks before then. Our coverage is all here.
Jaguar Land Rover on a roll
23 March 2012
Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover is impressively growing volume and contributing to its parent's bottom line. It has also just struck a deal with Chery to create a manufacturing joint venture in China.
Saab - who will pick up the pieces?
23 March 2012
It was perhaps inevitable but one of the longest-running vehicle manufacturing epics has ended with the formal entry into bankruptcy of Saab. Or has it ended? Reports are now circulating that Chinese manufacturer Youngman - apparently the source of so much controversy with General Motors - is back in Sweden. The unions want the receivers to sell up wholesale, not piecemeal, while rumours abound Turks and Indians could be interested. Saab isn't over yet.
GM-PSA alliance
8 March 2012
General Motors chairman Dan Akerson has revealed PSA Peugeot-Citroen and General Motors will begin their recently announced alliance to streamline product development and purchasing by beginning joint development of at least two passenger cars by this autumn.
Geneva 2012
31 January 2012
The 82nd Geneva International Motor Show ran from 8 to 18 March, 2012 (press days were 6 and 7 March). All our coverage is here.
Full-year results rolling in...
30 January 2012
Full-year, Q4, fiscal Q3, even fiscal Q1 (JCI), forecasts - all here for one-stop easy access.
Delhi Auto Expo 2012
4 January 2012
As automakers focus more and more on the BRIC markets, eyes are increasingly turning towards motor shows like Delhi's, once just of local interest but now another launchpad for global models. Our men on the ground include Chris Wright and local resident Satnam Singh while Glenn Brooks provides the product details.
Detroit 2012
3 January 2012
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) - 'Detroit show' - is January's big auto show. Coverage from our team on the ground at the Cobo is gathered together here.
Tokyo show 2011
30 November 2011
New venue, new location, new approach, not every automaker attending, Tokyo's show - once a huge attraction in the Asia-Pacific region as it heralded a new round of Japan's four-year model redesigns - has changed for 2011. It's still Concept Central, reassuringly. All our coverage is here.
Thai floods: Recovery under way
28 October 2011
The Thai government has suspended import duties on built-up and knocked down [kit] vehicles and parts until June 2012 as a relief measure for the country’s flood-hit automotive industry. All manufacturers qualify for the tax holiday. All our coverage of the effect on the auto industry of the worst floods in 50 years is here.
Q3 financials are rolling in...
24 October 2011
...so we're accumulating them all here for one-stop easy access.
Brazil attracts new investment wave
12 October 2011
Brazil's car market may be slowing, but Mercosur's largest market is attracting a new wave of investment reflecting the country's positive long-term demand prospects and low manufacturing costs.
2011 IAA Frankfurt Show coverage
12 September 2011
Check here for our latest coverage from Frankfurt...
Frankfurt debuts
24 August 2011
Frankfurt debut announcements are intensifying as the premier Europe show gets closer. Here's a selection
Q2 financials are rolling in...
27 July 2011
...so we're accumulating them all here for one-stop easy access.
German OEMs step up investments in China
29 June 2011
As Chinese premier Wen Jiabao visits Europe, a number of European automakers and suppliers announce plans for additional investment in China
Automakers sign up to produce more in Russia
9 June 2011
International OEMs with plants in Russia are being gently nudged by the Russian government to invest in more capacity and increase local sourcing. A new framework of rules – 'Decree 166' - has been constructed that give foreign investors breaks on tariffs if they invest more in Russia.
Encouraging financial results roll in
6 May 2011
After the pain some gain: Most Q1 results rolling in (and the odd fiscal Q4, fiscal full year and even fiscal Q2) are looking better than a year ago. Here's a round-up.
Auto Shanghai 2011
18 April 2011
Launches of global models such as the Chevrolet Malibu and Citroen DS5 underline the importance of this key Chinese motor show.
Is Saab in the Last Chance Saloon?
5 April 2011
Property sales and leaseback, two labour-representative resignations from the board and a new 582-unit car order that will help pay June wages and suppliers are the latest developments in the Saab Saga. Earlier, Europe's association of automotive suppliers (CLEPA) called on the struggling automaker to voluntarily declare itself bankrupt to allow employees the chance to secure state aid. Is the end nigh nonetheless? All our coverage is here.
Crisis in Japan
15 March 2011
The latest news and updates concerning the effects of the earthquake/tsunami crisis in Japan on the automotive sector
Heads roll at Renault
14 March 2011
Renault has implemented sweeping changes to its management structure following its industrial espionage affair, with chief operating officer Patrick Pelata's request to resign accepted by the board, though he has been offered a role elsewhere in the Renault-Nissan alliance.
GENEVA PREVIEW: Automakers hope for new model boost in flat Europe market
21 February 2011
Carmakers gathering for the Geneva motor show are scrambling to boost their presence in booming emerging regions, as they showcase the new models they hope will boost their share of Europe's flat market.
2010 results are rolling in...
27 January 2011
...so we're accumulating them all here for one-stop easy access.
Renault refutes claims it would let fired exec "keep money and go"
20 January 2011
Renault is strenuously denying it told one of its sacked senior executives he could "keep the money and go" as the industrial espionage affair continues to grip France.
