It may be August with half the world out of the office and on the beach, but there seems to have been plenty going on in the automotive world this week. For one thing, there’s a fairly serious industrial relations dispute down in South Africa, with the automotive sector being hit again. South Africa seems to be facing some economic difficulties and tensions following a period of relative stability. The hope has to be that the situation can be managed and resolved so that the economy is not damaged. At least there is talking…
SOUTH AFRICA: Talks start but massive national strike continues
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The Mercedes coolant saga continued.
Mercedes refrigerant row rumbles on
We also heard about Volvo Cars’ new family of future engines. In a sign of the times, we’re talking four-cylinder only.
FRANKFURT PREVIEW: World debut for Volvo Drive-E engines
Still on Volvo, parent Geely has been pretty hands-off in style, simply managing the bottom line. News has now emerged of plans for jointly developed products.
Geely-Volvo cars to be launched in China in 2015
There has also been plenty going on ahead of Frankfurt. This is one story that caught my eye.
FRANKFURT PREVIEW: Global debut for Range Rover Hybrid & RR Sport Hybrid
And what’s your take on the automotive ‘brand experience’? Here’s something innovative from Lexus. Just one thing…where are the cars? Maybe squeeze one in somewhere?
JAPAN: Lexus opens its first showroom without cars
In the big discussion about EV take-up, one country offers hope to OEMs looking at undershooting sales numbers: Norway. The Nissan Leaf has been as high as number two seller in the Norwegian car market. But, ahem, these pesky Evs are now clogging the bus lanes!
NORWAY: Oslo ponders bus lane ban for Evs
Finally, Monday August 26 is a national public holiday in the UK. It’s the late-summer day off when the nation looks to enjoy traditional summer activities, such as being stuck in traffic jams to the coast.
We’ll all be out of the office and joining the throng in search of summer fun.
Normal service resumes on Tuesday.
Have a good weekend.
Dave Leggett, Editor, just-auto.com
