Automotive industry hot issues
Comprehensive coverage of the automotive industry's hottest issues through a compilation of news, analysis and comment.
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.
Geneva 2012
11 January 2012
The 82nd Geneva International Motor Show will be held from March 8-18, 2012 (press days March 6-7)
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.
Saab - who will pick up the pieces?
26 September 2011
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.
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.
SALES WRAPS: The end of a difficult year
7 January 2011
Globally, 2010 presented the auto industry with a lot of challenges, especially how to move metal as government incentives offered over the preceding two years ended. Sales results have been mixed but not all bad; the US ended better than expected and Australia passed a million for only the third time. China surged again. We've gathered our reports - including the odd brave forecast for infinity and beyond - here for your enjoyment.
CES SHOW: More connectivity, less distraction?
6 January 2011
The annual trade-only consumer electronics show in Las Vegas brightens up the winter for many a journalist. With increasing use of telematics, internet and email in cars, it's no longer the preserve of those covering just audio, video and computers. Now the auto industry is there in force.
GUANGZHOU SHOW: Own brands and smaller cities
21 December 2010
Think of the Chinese joint ventures beginning with the word 'Guangzhou' and you don't overlook the significance of the auto show here. Among the key launches - Nissan's new Sunny (likely also to carry Tiida, Versa and maybe Sentra badges as it rolls out into 170 markets) and Guangqi Honda's new Li Nian S1; a reworked Honda City sedan. Target: younger buyers in China's third and fourth tier cities; the new happy hunting ground for automakers, both indigenous and western JV.
Emerging markets cheapies emerge from Japan
2 December 2010
Japanese automakers are starting to eye emerging markets with two low cost models specifically developed just launched
GM repays US government another $2.1bn
12 November 2010
General Motors has completed the repurchase of all the preferred shares the government obtained in return for public funds, repaying US$2.1bn to taxpayers.
High growth India
9 November 2010
India's rapid rate of economic growth is boosting its auto market and industry. With a population well in excess of a billion, motorisation has a long way to go as real incomes rise and India's middle-class expands. The country is also developing as a low-cost global hub for small car manufacturing.
