The upcoming VW Amarok pickup.

The simmering geopolitical crisis in Ukraine finally boiled over this week. We have looked at the risks and some basic metrics for the sector in Ukraine and Russia. Right now, uncertainties are very high.

Ukraine crisis creates risks for autos

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

More evidence of the protracted nature of the chips shortage crisis came in UK car output figures. Supply chain shortages continue to hit UK car output and January’s numbers were a fifth down on year-ago levels.

On a more positive note, the latest numbers out of Thailand show a strong rebound there and China’s vehicle market also edged up in January.

Also encouraging were several just published company financials. Mercedes-Benz Group AG (the company formerly known as Daimler AG) posted a very positive set of results. Cost reductions and favourable model mix helped to counter shortages of semiconductors at Mercedes-Benz in 2021. Also, Renault has swung to a big profit, helped by contribution from Nissan and a ‘value over volumes’ strategy.

See Also:

Over at Stellantis, 2021 adjusted operating income was nearly doubled to €18bn.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

On the M&A front, Cummins is to acquire Meritor in a move that will strengthen Cummins’ range of powertrain components and accelerate development of electrified power solutions for commercial vehicle applications. And Bosch is planning to acquire Atlatec, an acquisition that could give a big boost to Bosch engineering work on SAE Level 4 solutions.

In terms of new product, Audi’s electrification is proceeding at pace: Audi charges up EV plans with e-tron GT

I was also intrigued by the sketches of the upcoming VW Amarok pickup. It looks good. But even more fascinating is the way the workhorse (how I still think of pickups) is being pitched as premium and the features it will come fitted with. For those interested, it will still carry big loads.

Have a nice weekend.

Dave Leggett, Editor, Just Auto