The European car market may be a challenging place and likely to remain so in 2014, but this week’s digest of news in the auto biz shows no shortage of opportunities around the world.
Even in Europe’s anaemic market, there are some good performers. Is Renault a surprise? The Dacia boost for the group is providing a boost. Volkswagen? Skoda is doing well. Value brands are perhaps well placed at the moment. On a different tack, Toyota is getting something of a boost from premium Lexus with its hybrids.
Go deeper with GlobalData
BELGIUM: EU car sales up for third consecutive month
UK: Skoda sales driven by introduction of the Rapid and Octavia
Across the Atlantic, things still look pretty good.
US: Light vehicle market set for strong finish to year
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.
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 GlobalDataUS: GM to invest $1.3bn for five US plant upgrades
Ford issued slightly downbeat 2014 guidance (profit to fall), which was a surprise to some. Explanations vary. Cost of NPD is one and Ford does have plenty of new models coming down the track. Another theory says it’s about helping a possible successor in terms of setting the bar low should CEO Alan Mulally jump ship for Microsoft. This is a funny one. Certainly plenty has been written and the company line that Mr Mulally is staying through 2014 has been repeated on several occasions (but not directly by Mr M). There remains uncertainty though and the stories (which journalists love to write) appear to be spooking investors. A stop could be put to it with a very public statement from the man himself…
US: Ford expects a record 2013, “solid” 2014 despite profit slip
Still in the Americas, we have learned a bit more about the models that BMW is planning to produce in Brazil.
BRAZIL: BMW to make 3 Series, X3 and Mini Countryman in Brazil
And there was an unveiling for a Citroën DS model for China. A whole load of people from China had to make their way to Paris. I expect they enjoyed that. Yes, really. It’s not so long ago that it would have been virtually impossible to arrange such a thing overseas for all but a very few Chinese. Times have changed and this is another sign of that. And it’s good change.
FRANCE: Citroën unveils DS 5LS for Chinese market
Here in the UK, the outlook for car production is looking pretty positive. Suppliers take note.
UK: Car output approaches 1.5m this year
Nice piece here on a segment of the market attracting a fair bit of interest.
ANALYSIS: Will Audi control the mini-SUV segment?
Have you heard of Tan Chong? In southeast Asia? Get a crash course with this piece from our man in the ASEAN.
ANALYSIS: Tan Chong steps up regional expansion in SE Asia
And finally, the agreement between Aston Martin and Daimler appears to be progressing to plan. In the year of Aston Martin’s centenary, that’s very good to see.
GERMANY/UK: Daimler and Aston Martin sign technical tie-up
Have a good weekend!
Dave Leggett
Editor, just-auto.com
