COVID-19 hits the auto industry
The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak is causing disruption in China (especially Hubei province) with knock-on impacts on economic activity, including automotive, in China and beyond.
FREE TO READ - Global pandemic sector recovery briefing
24 Feb 2021 | Graeme Roberts
As we enter a recovery phase around the world, we aim to bring you the latest news and intelligence on the speed, nature and shape of the automotive sector's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 Beijing motor show - the world premieres
30 Sep 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Following two media days and two trade days, AutoChina 2020 opened to the public today, 30 September. Below is a list of world premieres.
UK auto industry launches scheme to save supplier jobs
29 Sep 2020 | Dave Leggett
The UK's auto industry trade association, the SMMT, has launched what it calls the 'Safe Harbour Scheme' to prevent insolvencies and save jobs across auto sector as it grapples with the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
UK rush hour traffic levels up
22 Sep 2020 | BusinessCar magazine
Traffic levels during the morning rush hour in Britain have returned to those last seen in January, before the coronavirus pandemic hit, according to data from RAC Insurance.
FCA and PSA amend merger terms to conserve cash
15 Sep 2020 | Dave Leggett
The boards of Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) and Peugeot-Citroen (PSA) have agreed to amend terms of their proposed merger in a move designed to further conserve cash in the light of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connectivity and health science converge to fight pandemic
14 Sep 2020 | Guest
In this latest guest article written exclusively for just-auto, Dato Madani Sahari, the CEO of Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), reflects on the coming together of connectivity and health science in the search for solutions to mobility restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
US Big 3 'engine for US economic recovery'
28 Aug 2020 | Dave Leggett
A report produced for the 'American Automotive Policy Council' (AAPC) says that American Automakers FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors are vital to the US economy, driving growth in both manufacturing and job creation.
UPDATED - Daily automotive coronavirus briefing FREE TO READ
19 Aug 2020 | Graeme Roberts
A daily update of news and views on the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis and its impact on the automotive sector
JLR 'bailout talks' with UK Government ended - report
17 Aug 2020 | Dave Leggett
Talks between the UK Government, Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Steel - which could have seen the British Government make big bailout loans and possibly take a stake in both businesses, have reportedly ended without agreement.
13 Aug 2020 | Dave Leggett
Rideshare firm Lyft has announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2020 which show revenues down 61%. It also posted a hefty quarterly operating loss as the pandemic hit rideshare volumes, but said that there were signs of recovery in July.
GM develops and shares new workplace safety technology
13 Aug 2020 | Dave Leggett
General Motors has developed new technology to aid workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the company is sharing its innovations with the world for potential use in job sites as diverse as manufacturing plants, offices and schools.
COVID-19 pandemic 'breathes new life into electric scooters'
10 Aug 2020 | Dave Leggett
The COVID-19 pandemic is breathing new life into the electric scooter market and business models based on their rentals, a research firm says.
ZF first-half sales down 27% to EUR13.5bn
7 Aug 2020 | Simon Warburton
ZF has recorded first-half sales down 27% to EUR13.5bn (US$16bn) as the supplier reacts to conditions created by the global pandemic.
BorgWarner posts Q2 net loss of US$98m
6 Aug 2020 | Simon Warburton
BorgWarner has recorded a second-quarter net loss of US$98m, while sales fell 44% to US$1.43bn.
Delphi Technologies records Q2 operating loss of US$60m
6 Aug 2020 | Simon Warburton
Delphi Technologies has posted a second-quarter operating loss of US$60m, compared to an operating income of US$56m in the previous year.
Continental posts Q2 net income loss of EUR741m
5 Aug 2020 | Simon Warburton
Continental has reported a second-quarter net income loss of EUR741m (US$879m), compared to plus EUR485m the previous year.
Lear records Q2 net loss of US$294m
4 Aug 2020 | Simon Warburton
Lear has posted a second-quarter net loss of US$294m, while sales fell to US$2.4bn from US$5bn.
Cooper Tire posts Q2 net loss of US$6m
4 Aug 2020 | Simon Warburton
Cooper Tire has reported a second-quarter net loss of US$6m, compared with net income of US$9m for the same period last year.
Hankook Tire records Q2 operating profit of US$57m
4 Aug 2020 | Simon Warburton
Hankook Tire has posted second-quarter operating profit down 37% to US$57.4m.
Ford Q2 results battered by pandemic
31 Jul 2020 | Dave Leggett
Ford managed to post a profit in the quarter ended 30 June, but that result was heavily skewed by Volkswagen's $3.5bn investment in its self-driving Argo AI business unit.
ASEAN vehicle sales plunge 66% in Q2
30 Jul 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Sales of new vehicles in southeast Asia’s six largest markets combined plunged by almost 66% to 291,889 units in the second quarter of 2020 from 849,334 units in the same period of last year, according to data analysed exclusively for just-auto from local industry sources.
UK retailer Pendragon to axe 1,800 jobs
30 Jul 2020 | Dave Leggett
UK car retailer Pendragon is to cut around 1,800 jobs as it accelerates a review of its business model and reacts to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faurecia records H1 operating loss of EUR114m
28 Jul 2020 | Simon Warburton
Faurecia has posted a half-year operating income loss of EUR114m (US$134m), including EUR20m of COVID-19-related one-offs, while sales fell from EUR8.97bn to EUR6.17bn
Mercedes-Benz rejigs NA production, C-Class to end
20 Jul 2020 | Dave Leggett
As part of a cost-saving reaction to lower demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp deterioration in financial results, Daimler is rejigging plant-model mix in North America.
PSA global sales reach 1m units in first half
16 Jul 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA says global sales reached1m units in the first semester, in the context of the coronavirus crisis.
PSA gradually restarts Ellesmere Port from 17 August
15 Jul 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA is to resume gradual production at its Ellesmere Port facility from 17 August.
Italy inches towards support for its automotive sector
14 Jul 2020 | Dave Leggett
The Italian government is getting closer to announcing measures to support its economy and automotive sector in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, reports suggest.
Geneva show cancelled for second year
29 Jun 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Switzerland's largest public event has been cancelled for the second year in succession, with the next Geneva International Motor Show pencilled in for 2022.
Hybrid PowerBoost V6 for new P702 2021 Ford F-150
26 Jun 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Ford has shown the new, 2021 model year F-150. Production won't start until September and the media preview event saw no firm news about engines and gearboxes, with the exception of what the company is calling 3.5L PowerBoost, a gasoline-electric engine and motor combination available with RWD or 4WD.
Auto fuel cell JV turns to hand sanitiser
23 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Not the usual result of a Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM) partnership but these are extraordinary times: Honda and General Motors (GM) in the US are producing nearly 12,000 gallons of hand sanitiser.
Union agrees Vauxhall workers transfer to Luton van plant
23 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
PSA Group said on Tuesday (23 June) unions had agreed to the voluntary temporary transfer of workers from its Ellesmere Port Astra plant and a parts centre to Luton to create a third shift to meet demand for vans.
COVID-19 to cut UK annual vehicle output by a third
23 Jun 2020 | Dave Leggett
The SMMT has said that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the UK automotive sector means car and light commercial vehicle production is forecast to fall by a third to just 920,000 units this year.
Mazda Japan plants back to normal in July
23 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mazda Motor announced it would resume both day and night shift operations, without suspensions, at all plants in Japan "before the end of July".
Malaysia sales fall 62% in May
23 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in Malaysia fell by over 62% to 22,960 units in May 2020, from 60,760 units in the same month of last year, as economic activity continued to be held back by measures put in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Nissan’s latest production cuts unsurprising
22 Jun 2020 | Dave Leggett
Nissan said last week that it is to make further production cuts in Japan due to COVID-19 impacts on global vehicle demand.
Ssangyong ineligible for Korean COVID-19 rescue fund
22 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Ssangyong Motor Company does not qualify for financial support under the government's market stabilisation fund, according to the South Korean government-run Korea Development Bank (KDB).
'Paper drivers' offer Japanese automakers potential new sales
19 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
So called 'paper drivers' are a potential market for additional car sales in Japan, according to a media report.
Nissan further cuts production in Japan
19 Jun 2020 | Dave Leggett
Nissan is to make further production cuts in Japan due to COVID-19 impacts on global vehicle demand. Nissan said it will cut production at its three Japanese manufacturing facilities - Oppama, Tochigi and Kyushi - with new production suspensions planned on dates from June 29 through July 31.
19 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
The Thai new vehicle market fell by over 42% to 40,418 units in May 2020 from strong year earlier sales of 88,097 units, according to wholesale data compiled by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Falken Tyre is on a roll as the COVID-19 lockdown eases
18 Jun 2020 | Matthew Beecham
In the latest of our COVID-19 industry updates, we speak with Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe, to find out how the tyre manufacturer has been affected and how it is updating its working practices to ensure employee safety.
Renault tight-lipped on politician's "edge" comment
18 Jun 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says it has no comment at this stage concerning French Secretary of State, Agnès Pannier-Runacher's observation the automaker was "on the edge."
Spain aid targets scrappage and competitiveness
18 Jun 2020 | Simon Warburton
Further details have emerged concerning Spain's EUR3.75bn (US$4.2bn) sector support plan, with a focus on fleet renewal and competitiveness.
Plastic Omnium acquires two surgical mask production lines
17 Jun 2020 | Simon Warburton
Plastic Omnium has acquired two production lines for surgical masks.
JLR job losses "another devastating blow for auto workers" - union
15 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Unite, the UK and Ireland automotive industry union, has described the announcement that 1,100 agency workers at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) factories will lose their jobs as "more devastating news for the UK's automotive communities".
Mahindra eyeing Ssangyong exit - reports
15 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mahindra & Mahindra, the Indian automaker that owns a 75% slice in SsangYong Motor, has hinted at giving up control of the struggling South Korean automaker as losses from COVID-19 soar, industry sources told local media at the weekend.
BASF says battery materials plants in Europe "advance as planned"
15 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Preparations and construction of BASF battery materials plants in Europe are advancing as planned, the supplier said.
Revised data shows China sales up 14.5% in May
15 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in China expanded by 14.5% year on year to 2.19m units in May 2020 from weak year earlier sales of 1.91m units, according to revised data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
12 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in Vietnam fell by just over 29% to 18,571 units in May 2020 from 26,181 units in the same month of last year, according to wholesale data released by the Vietnam Automotive Manufacturers Association (VAMA).
Kia Motors closes two plants due to coronavirus
11 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Hyundai Motor Group affiliate Kia Motors, South Korea's second largest carmaker by sales, halted its two domestic plants today (11 June) after two workers at the plants near Seoul were confirmed to have contracted coronavirus.
Germany may impose 'gas guzzler tax' on high CO2 emitting vehicles - report
11 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Germany plans to increase a climate protection surcharge on motor vehicle tax for new cars from 2021 so owners of 'gas guzzlers' such as large SUVs will have to pay much more taxes, a draft law reportedly showed this week.
PSA's Vauxhall wants Astra plant workers to build vans at Luton
11 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Having restarted van production at Luton last month, PSA's Vauxhall now wants Ellesmere Plant workers, who normally assemble the Astra line, to transfer temporarily to the Luton van line to help it meet strong demand.
Denso Europe supports COVID-19 research
11 Jun 2020 | Simon Warburton
Denso International Europe is supporting research and response efforts led by Technical University Delft and the Erasmus MC Foundation to fight COVID-19.
D&C - Looking to the post-Covid automotive world (4)
10 Jun 2020 | Dave Leggett
In the fourth of a series of conversations, just-auto editor Dave Leggett and GlobalData lead automotive analyst Calum MacRae discuss some of the big questions prompted by the coronavirus crisis and its potentially lasting impact on the automotive sector.
Hyundai Mobis to use 'untact' marketing in post COVID-19 era
10 Jun 2020 | Dave Leggett
Hyundai Mobis says it will boost overseas orders with various 'untact marketing activities' as part of its response to changes in the global economy and social environment in the post COVID-19 era.
Spanish suppliers forecast 20%-30% 2020 turnover drop
10 Jun 2020 | Simon Warburton
Spanish automotive suppliers are forecasting a 20%-30% drop in turnover in 2020, while employment in the sector is expected to fall between 6% and 10%.
Call for better EU EV recharging plan
9 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and Eurelectric said they welcomed the focus on infrastructure for electrically chargeable vehicles in the coronavirus recovery plan announced by the European Commission (EC).
Nissan Sunderland restarts vehicle production
9 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan's Sunderland plant in north east England has resumed vehicle production after almost three months, with a new Juke B-SUV the first unit off the line.
Malaysia suspends sales tax to revive car sales
9 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
The Malaysian government said it would suspend the sales tax on locally assembled cars this month until the end of 2020 following a sharp fall in sales in the first five months of the year.
Shiftec retools UK machinery for safety equipment
8 Jun 2020 | Simon Warburton
Shiftec has re-tooled machinery at its plant in Willenhall in the UK, to produce safety equipment for social distancing in vehicles, offices and industrial workplaces.
Ford delays US salaried workers' return
5 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford has said it was delaying plans for salaried workers to begin returning to offices in late June until September.
5 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Japan's new vehicle market continued to decline sharply in May 2020, with sales plunging by almost 45% to 218,285 units from 396,120 units a year earlier, according to registration data released by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
UK LCV registrations down 74.1% in May as pandemic continues
4 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell 74.1% year on year to 7,541 units in May as the nationwide coronavirus lockdown continued to impact registrations, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Ford's China ventures increase May sales as market rebounds
4 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford's China joint ventures have reported year on year sales growth for May in a sign of how the world's largest auto market is continuing its recovery from coronavirus-induced lows.
Dacia sends 1,100 to 'technical unemployment'
4 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Dacia has placed 1,100 employees at its factory in Mioveni, near Pitesti, Romania in 'technical unemployment' between 2 and 30 June, local media reported.
UK new car sales down 89% in May
4 Jun 2020 | Dave Leggett
The UK new car market fell by 89% in May as it was impacted by lockdown and shuttered dealerships. However, the result was an improvement on April (-97%) with just over 20,000 vehicles delivered, helped by ‘click and collect’ services.
Hyundai-Kia US sales rebound in May from April low
4 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Hyundai Motor Group reported an 18% fall in US vehicle sales to 104,786 units in May from 128,296 units a year earlier, as the COVID-19 coronavirus continued to impact demand in the world’s second-largest automotive market.
3 Jun 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Taiwan's new vehicle market declined by 11.4% to 33,528 units in May 2020 from 37,829 units a year earlier, according to local reports citing registration data compiled by the Directorate of Highways.
PSA UK donates PPE for COVID-19 fight
3 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
PSA Group UK is supplying personal protection equipment (PPE) face masks to NHS hospitals and a number of care homes close to the company's two UK manufacturing plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port, and its offices in Coventry.
VW Mexico ready to go on 15 June
2 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Volkswagen's Mexican unit said it was ready to restart operations in the states of Puebla and Guanajuato on 15 June after activity was idled in late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
NZ May sales off 32% year on year
2 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
May 2020 new vehicle registrations in New Zealand were down 32% year on year to 8,313 units compared with 12,259 a year ago.
Most Japanese firms will revise supply chains - survey
1 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Seven out of 10 Japanese companies with domestic plants will revise their supply chains, a Nikkei survey showed, highlighting corporate efforts to find a new normal in light of continuing risks from the novel coronavirus.
UK builds just 15 CVs in April
1 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Only 15 commercial vehicles were manufactured in the UK in April, down 99.3% year on year due to the coronavirus shutdown.
1 Jun 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Scania plans to reduce its workforce worldwide, citing a sharp decline in revenue due to the coronavirus.
France moves first to bolster the automotive sector
29 May 2020 | Calum MacRae
This week France announced plans to inject more than EUR8bn into its automotive sector. The hope for the European industry is that it’s not the only country to act.
Macron lauds Valeo work to restart
27 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
French President, Emmanuel Macron has hailed efforts by Valeo to cope with the coronavirus crisis as the supplier looks to gradually resume operations in an environment the Head of State said had not been seen since wartime.
Faurecia could create 600 new jobs in new tech boost
27 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Faurecia says there is the potential to create 600 new jobs in R&D and production for Zero Emission Mobility as well as Cockpit of the Future solutions, following President Emmanuel Macron's unveiling of a EUR8bn (US$8.8bn) support package for the automotive sector.
Valeo backs France aid plan for new technologies
27 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Valeo will support Paris' EUR8bn (US$8.8bn) automotive recovery plan by locating new technologies such as 48V in France.
PSA hails State sector support
27 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has welcomed plans by the French government to support the domestic sector, with aid of more than EUR8bn (US$8.8bn) for a range of new technology and relocalisation initiatives.
France to inject more than EUR8bn into auto sector
26 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
France is to plough more than EUR8bn (US$8.8bn) into its domestic automotive sector as it looks to address the myriad challenges facing the industry in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Macron to unveil "new stage" in auto support plan
26 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
President Emmanuel Macron is currently meeting senior OEM, supplier and union representatives in Paris with a major announcement concerning support for the sector being made later this afternoon (26 May).
English car dealers can re-open from June 1
26 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Car dealerships will be allowed to re-open in England on June 1 as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are eased further.
2020 New York auto show cancelled
22 May 2020 | Glenn Brooks
This year's New York International Auto Show had been due to take place in April but in March it was delayed until August. Now it is being cancelled.
SMMT calls for UK car showrooms to re-open
22 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
The UK automotive industry is calling on government to allow the country’s 4,900-strong network of new car showrooms to re-open as a matter of urgency. The UK auto industry's trade association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also said there is a GBP61 million daily cost to the UK Treasury of keeping dealerships closed.
TrueCar extends dealer financial support into June
22 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
TrueCar is to continue financial payment relief for its dealer customers through June.
Paris "uncompromising" on France site retention
21 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Paris has delivered an indication to Renault its wish to see sites preserved in France as speculation swirls the future of some plants is being reviewed.
Infiniti braced for Nissan Motor cuts
20 May 2020 | Glenn Brooks
In ten days' time, Nissan's luxury brand will have a new boss. Much work awaits Peyman Kargar.
PSA GSM behind closed doors on 25 June
20 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA's annual General Shareholders Meeting will be held on 25 June, 2020 behind closed doors.
Renault Flins plant to produce 1.5m masks per week
20 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has acquired a mask production line to be based at its Flins plant in France and capable of manufacturing up to 1.5m surgical masks per week.
Webasto Q1 sales down 18% to EUR708m
20 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Webasto has posted first-quarter sales down 18% to EUR708m (US$775m), while EBIT dropped to EUR-40m compared to EUR24m the previous year.
First 'social distance' Range Rover comes off Solihull line
20 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The first Range Rover made under new social distancing measures drove off the production line at Tata Motors owned Jaguar Land Rover's assembly plant in Solihull, England, today (20 May) following the recent temporary pause in production due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan sales plunge 29% in April
19 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Japan's new vehicle market plunged by close to 29% to 270,393 units in April 2020 from 378,687 units a year earlier, according to registration data released by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
Le Maire to reveal auto support plan in fortnight
19 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
France has dropped a further hint it will introduce an incentive scheme to kick-start the country's moribund market which plunged 86% last month as the sector reels from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Denso/GMS to support COVID-19 efforts in Indonesia
19 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Denso and Global Mobility Service (GMS) are to support the delivery of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing kits, which detect COVID-19 and the raw materials for the kits to medical institutions, testing organisations and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia.
Indonesia slashes forecasts as sales plunge 90% in April
19 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in Indonesia were forecast to fall by 40% to around 600,000 units in 2020, from just over 1m units in 2019, as the global COVID-19 pandemic continued to ravage the economy.
Big changes for future Mitsubishi models
19 May 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Four years ago this month Nissan Motor told us that it had become the largest shareholder in Mitsubishi Motors. Time enough to have integrated platforms, powertrains, plants and consolidated or where relevant, expanded the global model range?
Gestamp Q1 net income down 66% to EUR14m
19 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Gestamp has recorded first quarter net income down 66% to EUR14m (US$15m), as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is felt.
Novares resuming Europe operations after liquidity injection
18 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
At the end of March, Novares received a cash injection of EUR45m from its shareholders Equistone and BPI, allowing it to reopen 13 of its 19 European production sites.
GM CEO calls Cruise cuts "prudent"
18 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
General Motors' CEO has said layoffs announced at the company's self-driving Cruise unit were "prudent" but insisted she saw a "huge opportunity" for its vehicles to move both people and packages.
Bosch starts facemask production in Stuttgart
18 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Bosch has started fully-automated production of facemasks at its plant in Stuttgart-Feuerbach.
Daihatsu cuts production due to parts shortages and low demand
18 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Daihatsu is to suspend production at some Japanese plants due to a shortage of overseas sourced components and low demand.
18 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA and FCA have each decided not to distribute an ordinary dividend in 2020 related to fiscal year 2019, in light of the impact from the current COVID-19 crisis.
FCA seeks EUR6.3bn loan guarantee from Rome
18 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) is working with the Italian government to secure an EUR6.3bn state-backed loan guarantee aimed at helping its Italian supply network's liquidity and supporting the restart of vehicle production at FCA's Italian manufacturing facilities.
Subaru extends production reduction to 19 June
18 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Subaru has extended its production reduction in Japan to 19 June citing the global COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact its supply chain and sales activities around the world.
RHA hails new UK furlough rules
18 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
New UK government furlough rules will help firms manage irregular workloads as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, says the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
FTA wants more UK furloughing flexibility
15 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Britain's Freight Transport Association (FTA) says it is keen to see more flexibility incorporated into the UK government's furloughing scheme.
Pirelli UK to resume production from 18 May at reduced rate
15 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Pirelli UK is to recommence production at its plants in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent from 18 May.
RHA urges more help for UK truck operators
15 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Britain's Road Haulage Association (RHA) is urging the government to do more to help truck operators recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
South Korea to hold hydrogen mobility show in July
15 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
South Korea still plans to stage the world's first hydrogen mobility energy show this year, as it looks to secure its global leadership in hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles and related industries.
Thailand urged to support sales with scrappage incentives
15 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the Thai government to introduce scrappage incentives to help the domestic vehicle market recover quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to local reports.
France mulls automotive incentives
15 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire has raised the possibility of a "reinforcement" of automotive conversion incentives, but stresses it might be among a range of measures to support the beleaguered industry.
Why Nissan should axe the Datsun brand
14 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Car companies find themselves in extraordinary times right now due to the COVID-19 crisis and the impact of lockdowns and economic recession on sales. A key theme emerging in companies’ response to the crisis is the need to focus on core and profitable activities.
Automotive CEOs and European Commission discuss recovery plan
14 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
CEOs from across the automotive value chain held a virtual meeting with the European Commission to agree priorities for a solid recovery plan for the automotive sector, with a view to stimulating the wider economy.
VW suspends some production in Europe - reports
14 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
After tentatively restarting car production at European plants in recent weeks, reports say Volkswagen is pausing production on some assembly lines in Germany due to low market demand.
SMMT says automotive manufacturing ready to ramp up
14 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The UK automotive manufacturing sector has announced its preparedness to get production lines rolling again, with the publication of new sector-specific guidance by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Cooper Tire to restart UK manufacturing on 15 June
14 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Cooper Tire Europe plans to start the process of reopening its manufacturing plant in Melksham, England, in the first half of June and expects to be manufacturing by 15 June.
Mitsubishi Electric supports COVID-19 relief work
14 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Mitsubishi Electric is to support healthcare professionals in the fight against COVID-19 by donating around US$930,000 and providing medical institutions with essential items such as masks.
Russia collapses - will Lada bounce back?
14 May 2020 | Glenn Brooks
With some 300 dealers and a steady 20% share of its home market, AvtoVAZ Group remains the dominant automaker in Russia. Things are tough just now though with the largest monthly collapse on record (-72%) happening in April and Lada matching that (-71%) percentage drop.
PSA to resume Luton van production
13 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Having put employee protection measures in place, PSA Group plans to resume van production at its factory in Luton, England, on 18 May.
Ford reopening UK and Spanish engine factories
13 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford said it would restart "initial production" at its Dagenham engine plant in Essex, east of London and Bridgend engine plant in south Wales from 18 May.
Tata Motors slowly restarts output, sales and service in India
13 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata Motors announced a restart of Indian manufacturing operations for both commercial and passenger vehicles at plants in Pantnagar (Uttarakhand), beginning last week, and at Sanand (Gujarat).
Unions "playing with fire" - French Finance Minister
13 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
France's Finance Secretary has accused union officials of "playing with fire" and took aim at the CGT labour body's decision to secure a temporary halt to Renault's restart of its Sandouville factory in the light of efforts by Paris to encourage a shift back to domestic manufacture.
Hyundai-Kia overseas plants restart operations
13 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Hyundai Motor Group on Tuesday said it had resumed operations at most of its overseas plants amid signs that the global COVID-19 pandemic may have passed its peak.
Finance Minister "regrets" CGT Renault Sandouville action
13 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire says he "regrets" the decision by the CGT union to bring action halting activity at Renault's Sandouville plant in the north of the country.
Vietnam sales plunge 46% in April
13 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in Vietnam plunged a further 46% to 10,816 units in April 2020 from 20,127 units in the same month of last year, according to wholesale data released by the Vietnam Automotive Manufacturers Association (VAMA).
China’s shift to online sales gathers pace
13 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Volkswagen in China is reporting that sales have recovered sharply after the COVID-19 slump that hit the market hard in the first quarter. It now says there is a big shift towards online sales and reducing human contact in a digital sales process. Michael Mayer, head of sales and marketing for VW in China, provides an update.
Porsche increases VW holding, Q1 profit falls
12 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE) has increased its holding of ordinary shares in Volkswagen AG to 53.3%.
Honda books Q4 operating loss12 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Honda Motor booked an operating loss for the fiscal fourth quarter ended 31 March 2020 of JPY5.6bn, a year on year plunge of JPY47.9bn, due primarily to a fall in sales revenue and unfavourable model mix.
First OEM confirms EV debut for AutoChina 2020
12 May 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Plans for the world's biggest motor show in even numbered years are proceeding, the biennial event in Beijing having been delayed from its original dates in April.
Ford Mach-E to get OTA updates
12 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford's upcoming all-electric Mustang Mach-E will receive over the air (OTA) software updates that work to continuously improve the SUV over its life without the need to visit a dealership.
Arlington Automotive enters administration in UK
12 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Arlington Automotive has entered administration in the UK, potentially threatening 600 jobs.
It wasn't COVID-19 that did for Dacia
12 May 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Formerly the darling of Groupe Renault, Dacia has become the troubled teenager in the family. A sales collapse in the months before the COVID-19 crisis was entirely avoidable, a sudden reversal of fortune which commenced in January caused by no low-C02 engines and not one new model for five years. The parent firm needs to remedy this, pronto.
AAM records Q1 net loss of US$501m
12 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
AAM has posted a first-quarter net loss of US$501.3m, while sales fell to US$1.34bn compared to US$1.72bn the previous year.
Toyota axes North America production by a third - report
11 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Toyota plans to cut production in North America by nearly a third to the end of October due to the coronavirus crisis and expects it will take some time for output to return to normal, a news agency report said.
Toyota, Mazda, see China sales rise in April
11 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor both recorded rises in car sales in China in April, their first monthly increases since the novel coronavirus broke out in January, and an indication of the possible return of consumer demand.
Honda resuming North America production
11 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Honda is gradually resuming car, engine and transmission production at its plants in the US and Canada from today, Monday 11 May.
Magna Q1 sales down 18% to US$8.7bn
11 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Magna has reported first-quarter sales down 18% to US$8.7bn in the light of the coronavirus crisis.
Most suppliers expect 20% revenue drop in 2020 - CLEPA
11 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
European supplier association, CLEPA says a survey of automotive supplier companies on the Continent to gauge the impact of the coronavirus crisis shows the sector’s outlook has worsened considerably during the past weeks.
Lear Q1 net income down to US$76m from US$229m
11 May 2020 | just-auto plus
Lear has reported first-quarter net income down to US$76m from US$229m, while sales fell to US4.5bn from US$5.2bn.
ZF gradually restarts Europe/Americas
11 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
ZF is gradually restarting production in Europe and the Americas as it looks to align with customer ramp-up.
Mazda to secure JPY300bn in fresh loans
11 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mazda Motor at the weekend approached three leading local banks and other lenders in Japan to secure JPY300bn (US$2.8bn) in fresh loans, as the company struggles under the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Hyundai raises KRW600bn from bond issue
11 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Hyundai Motor said it has issued KRW600bn (US$493m) of new bonds amid strong investor demand, twice the amount originally planned, with the company looking to strengthen its balance sheet as the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to impact its global vehicle sales.
Ford also shoots for May 18 NA production restart
11 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Ford says it is planning to resume production and operations in North America beginning May 18, taking a phased approach. General Motors had already said it is planning to restart production in North America on the same date.
GM to install factory fever scanners
7 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Thermal camera makes Flir Systems will supply General Motors with scanners to detect fevers among workers when they return to car factories, the companies said.
Nissan extends US production suspension
7 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan said it was extending production downtime for most of its manufacturing facilities in the US indefinitely.
PSA elaborates on health/teleworking measures
7 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has elaborated on its health and teleworking measures as the manufacturer looks to manage the coronavirus crisis.
7 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Taiwan's new vehicle market declined by just over 11% to 30,822 units in April 2020 from 34,680 units a year earlier, according to local reports citing registration data compiled by Taiwan's Directorate of Highways.
West European car market down 80% in April
7 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
The COVID-19 crisis saw West European new car registrations fall by 80% year-on-year (YoY) in April, according to data released by LMC Automotive.
Delphi Technologies posts Q1 US$20m operating loss
7 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Delphi Technologies has posted a first-quarter operating loss of US$20m compared to operating income of US$55m in the prior year period.
BorgWarner Q1 net sales down 11% to US2.3bn
7 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
BorgWarner has recorded first-quarter net sales down 11.2% to US$2.3bn.
BMW deliveries down 20.6% in Q1; warns of volatility in outlook
6 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
BMW has reported a sharp fall in quarterly deliveries and warned that the decimation of demand in major automotive markets will impact its annual profits in 2020.
New Zealand sales plunge in April
5 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
New Zealand's Motor Industry Association said April 2020 registrations were down 90% (9,601 units) year on year, as expected, with 1,039 new vehicles sold compared to April 2019 with 10,640 sales.
Fiat Chrysler books EUR1.7bn Q1 net loss
5 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) said first quarter 2020 results reflected impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak with a net loss of EUR1.7bn.
Renault's Dacia and Ford resume Romanian production
5 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Renault owned Automobile Dacia resumed operations at Mioveni, near Pitesti, Romania, on Monday, 4 May while Ford also restarted its car plant in Craiova, southern Romania, the same day.
Australian sales down almost 50% in April
5 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
New vehicle sales in Australia fell almost 50% year on year in April 2020 but the the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) might draw some comfort the market didn't tank as much as here in the UK last month.
D&C - Looking to the post-Covid automotive world
5 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
In the second of a series of conversations, just-auto editor Dave Leggett and GlobalData lead automotive analyst Calum MacRae discuss some of the big questions prompted by the coronavirus crisis and its potentially lasting impact on the automotive sector. In this second instalment, they consider impacts on the supply-side of the business.
SAIC Motor stabilises in April, V-shaped recovery in China expected
5 May 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Shanghai based SAIC Motor reported a slight year on year rise in global sales in April 2020, of 0.5% to 433,000 units, after a steep decline in the first quarter of the year due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the country.
Auto sector outlines restart action plan
5 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Europe's automotive industry is proposing a 25-point action plan to ensure a strong restart of the sector and the economy at large.
5 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett has written to British Chancellor of the Exchequer (Treasury Secretary), Rishi Sunak, urging him to help thousands of hauliers avoid insolvency
UK new car market down 97% in April
5 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
UK new car sales in the month of April fell by a staggering 97% as the market was effectively frozen under COVID-19 lockdown rules that shuttered dealerships across the nation.
Ford NA built just 26 vehicles in April
4 May 2020 | Glenn Brooks
According to Ford Motor Company data, all 14 North American plants built zero Lincolns and a mere 26 Fords between them in April.
GM Korea cuts new SUV production
4 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
GM Korea will cut May 2020 output at the factory building the Trailblazer SUV, as the coronavirus outbreak slowed US exports and also disrupted parts supplies, a media report said.
PSA to gradually restart production
4 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA is to gradually restart production in the coming weeks with a first wave of partial reopening of industrial activity between 4 and 11 May (from 11 May in France), taking into account the commercial context (ending lock-down, reopening of dealers, the commercial, situation of each model).
Mahindra and Maruti go export only in April 2020
4 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mahindra & Mahindra exported only 733 vehicles during April 2020. Maruti Suzuki reported zero domestic sales and even fewer exports than M&M.
Virus slowdown sees 'SUVs parked in the sea' - report
4 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan Motor's Jupiter Spirit car carrier, laden with about 2,000 Armada SUVs, Rogue crossovers and Infiniti sedans arrived recently at Los Angeles harbour after a three week journey from Japan to face a full 'parking lot' and had to anchor a mile offshore, a media report said.
Cummins increases revolver capacity by US$2bn
4 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Cummins has entered into an agreement providing for an additional US$2bn revolving credit facility, which terminates on 30 April, 2021.
Toyota brakes NA operations until week of 11 May
4 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Based on an extensive review with its supplier and logistics network, Toyota has said it will postpone the ramp-up of its North American manufacturing operations from the week of 4 May to the week of 11 May.
Pirelli gradually restarts work
4 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Pirelli is gradually returning to work today (4 May) with a plan aimed at ensuring maximum protection of employees’ health and workplace safety.
VW delays US plant restart1 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Volkswagen of America has reportedly put back the restart of production at its assembly plant in Chattanooga amid concerns about the readiness of the company's supply base.
Honda America making ventilator compressors for Dynaflo
1 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Honda of America has begun producing and delivering components for the production of ventilators to Dynaflo.
Tata's Jaguar Land Rover ramps up face visor production
1 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover is scaling up production of protective face visors to support the fight against coronavirus.
Denso provides COVID-19 update
1 May 2020 | Dave Leggett
Denso has provided an update on how it is responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as the pandemic continues to impact its business and the automotive industry at large.
Daimler gradually restarts production
1 May 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Daimler said on Friday Mercedes-Benz car plants in Untertuerkheim, Berlin, Hamburg, Sindelfingen and Bremen had restarted production after a period of short time working or suspension due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Adecco defends move as Bentley prepares restart
1 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
Employment provider, Adecco says it is acting "in accordance with both the letter and spirit" of the UK government's job retention scheme in the light of labour body, Unite's claim it prevented around 200 agency workers based at Bentley's site in Crewe being made redundant.
BYD donates 100 facemasks to Hungary
1 May 2020 | Simon Warburton
BYD has donated 100,000 facemasks to Hungary.
Ford to supply its own face mask and shield needs
30 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Having said earlier it plans to restart production at most of its main continental European vehicle and engine plants from 4 May, Ford said it was now producing face masks in the UK and face shields at other sites in Europe for employees working during the COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 hits Meritor Q2 results
30 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Heavy truck component supplier Meritor said sales fell 25% year on year to US$871m in its second fiscal quarter ended 31 March 2020.
Haldex extends COVID-19 layoffs
30 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Heavy truck suspension and braking specialist Haldex said it had extended short-term layoffs for most employees in Landskrona, Sweden, first introduced on 30 March and affecting 250 workers.
Goodyear posts Q1 net loss of US$619m
30 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Goodyear has posted a first-quarter 2020 net loss of US$619m compared to US$61m a year ago, while Q1 sales were down 15% to US$3.1bn.
VW extends new vehicle warranties due to COVID-19
30 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Volkswagen Passenger Cars is extending warranty for new vehicles by three months due to dealer closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EC approves EUR5bn French State aid for Renault
30 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
European Commission (EC) authorities have approved a French aid measure consisting of a EUR5bn (US$5.4bn) loan guarantee to Renault to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Renault appoints Joji Tagawa as director
30 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has appointed Joji Tagawa as a director proposed by Nissan.
30 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
UK engine production fell 40% year on year in March 2020 as the coronavirus lockdown hit output.
Visteon records Q1 net loss of US$35m
30 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Visteon has posted a first-quarter net loss of US$35m compared to US$14m net income in 2019.
Bosch "steels itself" for 2020 recession
30 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Bosch has posted 2019 sales revenue down 0.9% to EUR77.7bn (US$84.4bn) as the manufacturer "steels itself" for a 2020 recession.
AD Plastik customer Revoz restarts in Slovenia
30 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
AD Plastik says one of its principal customers, Slovenian manufacturer, Revoz, has restarted business operations.
VW gets 'substantial' COVID-19 hit on Q1 sales
29 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Volkswagen said the COVID-19 pandemic had "a substantial impact" on business in the first three months of the year.
RHA 'implores' UK to help logistics companies
29 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Britain's Road Haulage Association (RHA) is 'imploring' the UK government to do more to save thousands of logistics firms who face what they term ruin as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Renault Busan plant to close for four days in May
29 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has updated its operational situation in Busan, South Korea, noting the plant will close for four days: 4 May and from 6 May – 8 May.
Skoda resumes traction battery production
29 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Skoda has restarted production of high-voltage traction batteries for VW Group PIH models at its Mladá Boleslav plant, employing what it says are comprehensive hygiene measures.
Cummins Q1 net income down 23% to US$511m
29 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Cummins has posted first-quarter net income down 23% to US511m, while revenue fell 17% to US$5bn.
Geely's Volvo Cars cuts 1,300 non-manufacturing jobs
29 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Geely's Volvo Cars is to axe 1,300 'white collar' jobs.
Renault updates plants operational capability
29 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has updated its operational capability as the manufacturer looks to gradually resume production at its many European, North African, South American and Asian plants.
Ford posts $2bn quarterly loss, puts brakes on AVs
29 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
As expected, Ford has confirmed a set of downbeat quarterly financial results that indicate the depth of the reversal caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this year. The company also took the opportunity to save money and put the brakes on investment in autonomous vehicles (AVs).
Nissan cuts annual results forecast due to COVID-19
28 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Nissan has filed a notice with the Tokyo Stock Exchange to report that the company’s consolidated earnings for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, may 'differ by more than 30% from the previous financial forecast announced in February'. The company cited a continued decline in the company’s performance resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible booking of a one-time loss.
US forecaster expects 'historic low' April
28 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Historic lows are expected in April as the full effects of COVID-19 are felt across the US new passenger vehicle market for the entire month, a forecaster predicted.
28 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
In the first of a series of conversations, just-auto editor Dave Leggett and GlobalData lead automotive analyst Calum MacRae discuss some of the big questions prompted by the unprecedented coronavirus crisis and its impact on the automotive sector. In this first caffeine-powered instalment, they consider the rapidly changing global business landscape.
Using driving simulators to navigate the ‘new normal’
28 Apr 2020 | Matthew Beecham
As COVID-19 continues to impact the global automotive industry, OEMs and Tier Ones are looking at how to minimise cost, catch up lost lead time and ultimately, create new products that will stimulate demand to buy again. Ansible Motion, manufacturers of driving simulators, explains the role simulators can play for an industry looking to catch up where it can. Matthew Beecham spoke to founder Kia Cammaerts about the possibility of a new ‘Machine Age’.
Brembo restarts some Italian activities
28 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Brembo has restarted some of its activities in the Italian plants of Curno, Mapello and Sellero today (28 April), temporarily suspended on 16 March, due to the emergency situation generated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Continental Q1 consolidated sales down 11% to EUR9.8bn
28 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Continental has recorded first-quarter consolidated sales down 11% to EUR9.8bn (US$10.7bn), a number it says is "above own expectations
Eberspaecher gradually restarts global manufacture
28 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Eberspaecher is preparing the gradual start-up and re-start of production in its around 40 plants worldwide.
Michelin resumes tyre output in Romania
27 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Michelin reportedly has resumed tyre production at its factory in Zalau, western Romania.
Nissan reportedly cutting May and June Japan output
27 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan Motor will cut vehicle production in Japan by 70% in May and 43% in June, according to documents seen by the Reuters news agency.
Daimler converts bus to transport Covid-19 patients
27 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Daimler Buses has converted an inter-city vehicle for the transfer of Covid-19 patients at its plant in Neu-Ulm.
COVID-19 causes global auto industry running rate to dip to a historic low
27 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Our analysis shows that the global light vehicle market hit a seasonally adjusted annual running rate (SAAR) of just 54 million units in March, which compares with almost 90 million light vehicles sold globally in 2019.
Mitsubishi forecasts JPY26bn net loss as sales plunge
27 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Mitsubishi Motors said it expected to book a JPY26bn (US$242m) net loss for the current fiscal year ending 31 March 2021 after forecasting a net profit of JPY5bn last November, as revenue continued to fall sharply due to the COVID19 coronavirus pandemic.
Production restarts at VW Wolfsburg plant
27 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
The production of vehicles at VW's main Wolfsburg plant in Germany has begun today, after weeks of shutdown due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Toyota Yaris Cross for Japan and France build
24 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Toyota unveiled a new compact SUV to the world this week, the Yaris Cross, based on the same the TNGA compact car platform used by the latest generation Yaris subcompact passenger car launched last October.
Renault looks to Flins start as Europe slowly reboots
24 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says it is aiming to restart production in its Flins plant north-west of Paris at some point next week once appropriate hygiene measures are put in place.
Toyota Australia boosts hybrid supply from Japan
24 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Toyota Australia said it had secured "a substantial increase" in production of the popular RAV4 Hybrid SUV from the factory in Japan with additional vehicles set to arrive down under during the second half of 2020.
JLR plans Europe production restart in May
24 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to gradually resume production from 18th May, starting with manufacturing plants in Solihull in the UK as well as in Slovakia and Austria.
Valeo Q1 consolidated sales down 8% to EUR4.5bn
24 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Valeo has posted first-quarter consolidated sales down 8% on a like-for-like basis to EUR4.5bn (US$4.8bn).
Valeo GSM behind closed doors on 25 June
24 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Valeo is to hold its General Shareholders Meeting behind closed doors on 25 June in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Thai sales plunge 42% in March
23 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Thailand's new vehicle market plunged by almost 42% to 60,105 units in March 2020 from strong year-earlier sales of units 103,164 units, according to wholesale data compiled by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Toyota Japan production cut further
23 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Amid some good restart news, automaker production cuts keep on coming.
Maven no more as COVID-19 forces GM to focus on its core
23 Apr 2020 | Calum MacRae
Business conditions precipitated by the COVID-19 crisis have proved the ideal distraction for General Motors to gently kick its Maven car-sharing initiative into touch.
Unite claims credit for 200 Bentley staff now furloughed
23 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
UK labour body, Unite maintains it has prevented around 200 agency workers based at Bentley's site in Crewe being made redundant by employment provider, Adecco, while the car manufacturer started temporarily ceasing production due to the Covid-19 health crisis.
Ricardo delivers first 2,000 faceshields to UK health services
23 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Ricardo has delivered the first 2,000 of its purpose-designed protective face shields as part of its effort to support UK care homes and National Health Service (NHS) Trusts.
Antolin 2019 sales down 4% to EUR5.2bn
23 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Grupo Antolin has posted 2019 sales down 4% to EUR5.2bn (US$5.6bn), while EBITDA increased to EUR435m from EUR356m.
Automakers to suspend production in Japan
23 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Honda Motor announced it would halt production at two vehicle assembly plants in Japan next week due supply chain disruption caused by the COVID19 coronavirus pandemic, according to local reports.
Renault Q1 revenue down 19.2% to EUR10.1bn
23 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has recorded first-quarter Group revenue down 19.2% to EUR10.1bn (US$10.9bn), while the manufacturer also posted sales falling 26% to 672,962 vehicles as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause uncertainty.
Daimler warns on outlook as Q1 earnings plunge
23 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Preliminary quarterly earnings from Daimler show a big COVID-19 crisis induced decline and the company has also warned of a much weaker outlook for the year.
FCA to resume LCV production in Italy
22 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Fiat Chrysler plans to resume production of Ducato light commercial vehicles at its Sevel plant in central Italy on 27 April, a week before a national lockdown imposed by the Rome government is due to end, unions told local media.
Nissan sets some Europe restart dates
22 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan said on Wednesday (22 April) vehicle production in Spain, suspended since 13 March there, the UK since 17 March and in Russia since 30 March, would resume slowly from 27 April.
COVID-19 sends automakers deeper into debt
22 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has drawn down on a EUR6.25bn (US$6.79bn) credit line to cope with the coronavirus health crisis, a media report said.
Hyundai cars pile up in US port after production push
22 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Hyundai cranked up South Korea output for the US just as factories in that key export market were shuttering production in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, a move that is now proving costly, a media report said.
Carlos Tavares to reduce 2020 compensation
22 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA chairman, Carlos Tavares has informed the board he intends to reduce his long-term compensation 2020, by 50,000 shares, equivalent to 35% of his fixed compensation and 38% through the LTI 2020 plan.
Financial pressures in automotive will boost M&A activity
22 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
GlobalData's deals tracker shows an uptick in the number of deals in the automotive sector reported since the COVID-19 crisis hit the global auto industry in March. It's not too surprising in an industry that is stressed by short-term operational pressures as well as big long-term strategic challenges.
21 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan Motor said it would shut its global headquarters in Japan for 16 days until early May to contain the spread of the coronavirus, even though the government has permitted keeping workplaces open to get the economy running.
Mitsubishi postpones full year results announcement
21 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) said it would postpone the announcement of financial results for the fiscal year ended 31 March, 2020, which was scheduled for 13 May, blaming the global virus outbreak.
Linamar looks at partial NA restart in early May
21 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Supplier company Linamar has issued an operations update in which it says tentative partial restart of closed facilities in North America is planned for the week of May 4th, in line with automotive OEMs.
CLEPA/ACEA adopt Covid-19 Business Code
21 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Europe's Automotive Suppliers Association (CLEPA) and ACEA have jointly adopted a 'Code of Business Conduct in view of Covid-19’ to support a rapid and smooth restart of the automotive industry.
Valeo inks union deal for gradual production restart
21 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Valeo has signed a majority Group-wide agreement with the CFE-CGC, CFDT and FO labour organisations, with the goal of ensuring protection for employees and allowing operations to be gradually resumed.
GM expands medical projects and charitable deliveries to hospitals
21 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
With ventilators and face masks now in production, GM is expanding its manufacturing of personal protective equipment, including latex-free face shields, protective gowns and aerosol boxes. All of these supplies are being donated.
Wages cut as South Korean vehicle output plunges in April
21 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Hyundai Motor Group earlier this week said it was cutting executive salaries by 20% as part of its efforts to weather the escalating COVID19 global pandemic.
PSA posts Q1 revenue down 15.6% to EUR15.2bn
21 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has recorded first-quarter revenue down 15.6% to EUR15.2bn (US$16.5bn), with the Automotive Division falling 15.7% to EUR11.9bn as the coronavirus pandemic impact is felt.
Virus hits JLR fiscal year sales
20 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Tata Motors owned Jaguar Land Rover retail sales in fiscal 2019/20 (to 31 March, 2020) were down 12.1% year on year to 508,659 vehicles, "primarily as a result of the coronavirus pandemic significantly impacting sales in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year".
Audi production gradually restarts in Europe
20 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Audi says it will gradually initiate the restart of production at its plants in Europe during the coming weeks.
Interflex offers sites for PPE manufacture
20 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
UK automotive supplier, Interflex has offered its premises and equipment for the production of PPE or other essential products in the fight against Covid-19.
ArcelorMittal teams to produce ventilators
20 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
ArcelorMittal is partnering with researchers and medical professionals in Spain to produce ventilators in information released earlier this month (6 April).
Indonesia sales drop 15% in March
20 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in Indonesia declined by almost 15% to 76,800 units in March 2020 from already weak year earlier sales of 90,189 units, according to member wholesale data compiled by industry association Gaikindo, as the impact of the global the COVID19 pandemic on the country's economy continued to escalate.
Tesla opens virtual store on Alibaba Tmall
20 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Tesla opened an official virtual store on China's Tmall site last week, as the US electric vehicle manufacturer continues its efforts to expand its share of the world's largest vehicle market.
Fragile automotive supply chains will complicate factory re-starts
20 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Even as the unprecedented global COVID-19 public health crisis is yet to reach a peak in many countries, a number of carmakers and major component companies are now talking about restarting temporarily shut down plants later this month or in early May.
Ford and GE ink US government ventilator deal
17 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
General Electric and Ford will produce 50,000 ventilators for the US government under the Defense Production Act for US$336m, media reports said.
Ford, expects Q1 net loss of US$2bn
17 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Having earlier pegged its first quarter loss at around US$650m, Ford, in a US regulatory filing now says that will be much higher.
Sweden - Volvo Cars restarting Torslanda plant
17 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Volvo Cars' main manufacturing plant in a suburb of Gothenburg will be brought back online on Monday. Torslanda powered down on 26 March.
EU sales data shocks include Volvo outselling Fiat
17 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
ACEA data for calendar Q1 in the European region reveal some astonishing changes in brand rankings. That includes Volvo easily outselling Fiat in March and Nissan being fewer than 500 vehicles behind all of FCA.
Veoneer to hold 2020 stockholder meeting virtually
17 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Veoneer is to hold its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in virtual only format.
Mapping the auto manufacturers building PPE and medical equipment to battle COVID-19
17 Apr 2020 | Mike Vousden
Auto companies are rising to the challenge of building vital medical and PPE supplies in the fight against COVID-19. The world is facing a severe shortage of medical equipment as it tackles the novel coronavirus. Existing suppliers only turn out a fraction of the supply needed to combat the virus, so the world is turning to existing large-scale manufacturers to make up the deficit. As GlobalData has noted previously, automotive companies – especially component suppliers – are well placed to pivot to producing medical supplies.
Ford joins coalition on mobile coronavirus testing
17 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Ford, Wayne State University, the Wayne State University Physician Group and ACCESS are launching a new initiative, which will improve access to Covid-19 testing for symptomatic first responders, health care workers and corrections officers in Michigan.
PSA extends Groupe Webstores offers
17 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has outlined an extension of services available on Groupe Webstores, including financing offers as the automaker deals with the coronavirus pandemic.
Goodyear expects substantial Q1 loss
16 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Goodyear Tire said first quarter results were significantly affected by COVID-19 with volume down 18% versus last year. It has temporarily suspended its quarterly dividend and reduced 2020 capital expenditure to further enhance liquidity.
ACEA details guidelines for re-launch of EU auto industry
16 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
As Europe is grappling with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has set out four guiding principles for a successful re-launch of the auto industry, which, it said, would be vital to the wider economic recovery of the continent.
Crisis will boost digital sales in India
16 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Hyundai Motor India recently announced it has expanded the coverage of its online sales platform ‘Click to Buy’ to pan-India level. The move highlights a shift towards digital sales in India, a trend that will likely outlive the coronavirus crisis, analysts say.
Slovenia's Cimos to resume production end of April
16 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Slovenian car parts manufacturer Cimos intends to restart production at its domestic sites at the end of April and the beginning of May, local media reported.
Honda extends Mexico plant closure, furloughs more in US
16 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Honda Motor said it would extend a shutdown of its Mexican plants through 30 April and plans to furlough most US salaried workers for two weeks as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
VW to resume production 'step by step'
16 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Volkswagen has detailed a "step by step" resumption of passenger car production starting with Zwickau and Bratislava from 20 April and other German, Portugal, Spain, Russia, South Africa, North and South America plants from 27 April.
AD Plastik restarts production for Avtovaz in Russia
16 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
AD Plastik has resumed manufacture at its Russian plants for Avtovaz, after being designated a "producer of special national importance."
Faurecia strengthens liquidity by EUR800m
16 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Faurecia has strengthened its liquidity by EUR800m (US$870m) to face any potential scenario related to the Covid-19 crisis.
Johnson Matthey helps provide ventilator components
16 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Johnson Matthey is helping to provide increased numbers of ventilator components in Europe through its customer, Hoerbiger Flow Control in the light of the coronavirus crisis.
Hyundai US expands drive-thru test help
15 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Hyundai Motor America is expanding support for COVID-19 drive-thru testing to 22 hospitals across the US with US$4m in grants through its Hope On Wheels programme. These grants are designed to combat the coronavirus by providing increased access to testing throughout the nation.
Ford's journey to the post-Covid business landscape starts with survival
15 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Ford has let us know it expects to see a $650m loss for the first quarter. It's a big number, but there's no great surprise there. Ford wasn't exactly in great shape before the crisis hit.
Michelin restarts Romania metallic cord output
15 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Michelin Romania, part of French tyre manufacturer Michelin Group, said it had gradually resumed production at its metallic cord factory in Zalau, local media reported.
Japanese automakers preparing to lay off staff
15 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Three automakers in Japan plan to put up to 20,000 workers on temporary leave due to ongoing production cuts, according to local reports, as global vehicle demand continues to be decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Kia looks to suspend production in South Korea
15 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Kia Motors said it was planning to suspend production at three of its nine vehicle assembly plants in South Korea later this month due to the sharp fall in global vehicle demand caused by the COVID19 coronavirus.
Valeo secures EUR1bn in additional credit lines
15 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Valeo has unveiled EUR1bn (US$1.1bn) in additional credit lines with its main banking partners, adding its 2020 financial obejctives in connection with its 2019 full-year results are no longer valid.
Wrapping Solutions teams with Optima for facemasks
15 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Interior fittings supplier, Wrapping Solutions is partnering with Optima in the current pandemic crisis to produce up to 24,000 facemasks per day in a two-shift operation in Germany.
Ford steps up COVID-19 related production
14 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford, with design and testing consultation from 3M, has developed a new powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). Production started today (14 April) at the automaker's Vreeland facility near Flat Rock, Michigan, with paid UAW volunteers, with the ability to make 100,000 or more.
Autoliv switches to virtual AGM
14 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Autoliv, the vehicle safety systems supplier, has changed its annual stockholder meeting to a virtual gathering.
Mahindra confirms reduced investment in Ssangyong
14 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
SsangYong Motor has confirmed its Indian parent Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd will inject KRW40bn (US$33m) to help it stay afloat, as the company continues to struggle under the impact of the global COVID19 coronavirus pandemic.
Vietnam sales plunge 40% in March
14 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in Vietnam plunged by almost 40% to 18,270 units in March 2020 from 30,199 units in the same month of last year, according to wholesale data released by the Vietnam Automotive Manufacturers Association (VAMA).
Lear takes extra coronavirus measures
14 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Lear says it is taking new measures to address industry conditions created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
14 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
General Motors is increasing production capacity for facemasks at its Warren, Michigan facility due to the "overwhelming number of requests."
14 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in China fell by over 43% to 1.43m units in March 2020 from 2.52m units in the same month of last year, according to wholesale data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
How COVID-19 is impacting Kia future models
14 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Will the expected sharp fall in Q1 profit delay Kia Motors' relentless roll out of ever more cars and SUVs? To an extent yes, although that has already happened due to many factories being offline. The US and European downturns are now severe but fortunately South Korea and China are on the up, so planned vehicle programmes will probably continue, albeit delayed in some cases.
Renault transfers JV shares to Dongfeng
14 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault is to focus on LCV and electric vehicles in China in a preliminary agreement with Dongfeng Motor through which the manufacturer will transfer its shares to Dongfeng.
Volkswagen Group China claims "strong customer interest"
9 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
With only SAIC VW's Urumqi vehicle plant in the country's west still offline, Volkswagen Group China now has 32 of 33 car and component production sites back up and running. Meanwhile, all Volkswagen brand dealerships have re-opened and "strong customer interest" is claimed.
Visteon withdraws 2020 financial guidance
9 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Visteon has withdrawn its financial guidance provided in February, 2020 and has unveiled operational cost reductions in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Nissan after $4.6bn credit line
9 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan Motor has requested a US$4.6bn commitment line from major lenders to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic while it seeks to engineer a desperately needed turnaround, people with knowledge of the matter told the Reuters news agency.
Almost 1.5m vehicles lost from Europe production
9 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Factory shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 crisis have resulted in lost production amounting to 1,465,415 motor vehicles to date, according to new figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
Henkel withdraws forecast for fiscal 2020
9 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Henkel says it has decided the forecast for fiscal 2020 published in the Annual Report, 2019 will no longer be upheld as manufacturing worldwide deals with the coronavirus pandemic.
BYD Europe gives coronavirus update
9 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
BYD has outlined its Europe operations situation in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
PSA backs 'All United Against Coronavirus' alliance
9 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA is supporting the 'All United Against Coronavirus, an alliance of Fondation de France, AP-HP (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris) and Institut Pasteur.
Virus clobbers Mercedes Q1 sales
8 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mercedes-Benz sold 477,378 cars in the first quarter of 2020, down 14.9% year on year.
VW keeping parts units going to supply China
8 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Volkswagen said "a few" components units, which have continued operation "to some extent", will extend their operations to safeguard the supply of parts to plants in China from the Tuesday after Easter.
Indonesia faces up to COVID-19
8 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Economic growth in Indonesia, like in the rest of Asia, began to slow sharply in March as reality began to sink in over how big a health threat the COVID-19 coronavirus, now referred to locally as SARS-COV2, has become both domestically and across the globe.
US DHHS gives GM $489m ventilator contract
8 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced the first contract for ventilator production rated under the Defense Production Act, to General Motors.
Will Hyundai be the big winner when COVID-19 ends?
8 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Blink and you risk missing a major shift in global car markets. As recently as February, Hyundai sold just 6,066 cars in China. This month, an accelerating recovery means the country will almost certainly displace the collapsing US as the brand's No.2 market behind Korea. With many new models headed for the launchpad in all regions, Hyundai is ready for all eventualities.
Russia March sales up 2% as AEB appeals for State support
8 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Russia new car and LCV sales rose by 4% in March and 1.8% in Q1, but the Association of European Businesses (AEB) is calling on Moscow to provide State support for the auto sector in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Indonesian vehicle production forecast to fall by 50% in 2020
8 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Indonesian vehicle production is expected to fall by 50% in 2020 as economic activity in the country and in key export markets declines sharply due to the COVID19 coronavirus pandemic.
SEAT starts ventilator production at Martorell
8 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
VW Group brand SEAT has now started production of emergency ventilators at its Martorell facilities to contribute to the crisis caused by COVID-19.
PSA agrees solidarity deal with most unions
8 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has agreed an deal with four out of its five unions representing 80% of staff for salary compensation, health protocol and possible adaptation of the annual site closure calendar.
Benteler donates face mask holders to Galician health service
8 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Benteler is donating face mask holders to the Galician health service in north west Spain.
Faurecia UK agrees to government job retention scheme
8 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Staffordshire's Faurecia now will furlough workers following pressure from union Unite.
GEFCO shifts 750 tonnes of parts to France in two months
8 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Automotive logistics specialist GEFCO said it had transported 750 tonnes of key automotive spare parts to France, including turbo compressors, pistons, control panels, doors and mouldings, in eight chartered flights to prevent production stoppages over the last two months.
Australian sales down 18% in March
7 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Australian new vehicle sales were down 17.9% in March, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said, attributing the drop to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general economy.
New Zealand sales tank in March
7 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
New Zealand's Motor Industry Association said March 2020 registrations were down 37.3% year on year with 8,317 new vehicles registered compared to March 2019's 13,271 sales.
Nissan reportedly lays off 10,000 US workers amid coronavirus outbreak
7 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan Motor reportedly is to lay off about 10,000 workers at its idle American plants while Honda Motor is placing more than half its US staff on temporary leave, as Japanese automakers step up their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan sales decline continues in March
7 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Japan's new vehicle market continued to shrink in March 2020, by 9.2% to 581,438 units from 640,813 units a year earlier, according to registration data released by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
French supplier body suspends 2020 subscriptions
7 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
French suppliers association, FIEV (Fédération des Industries des Equipements pour Véhicules), says it will not collect subscriptions for this year given the scale of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ford Turkey extends production suspension
7 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford Otomotiv Sanayi, jointly owned by Ford Motor Company and Turkish conglomerate Koc Holding said it was extending the suspension of its production operations until 27 April.
Kalyani Group pledges US$3.3m coronavirus donation
7 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Bharat Forge and other Kalyani Group companies, have pledged assistance via a direct contribution of INR250m (US$3.3m)to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PMCARES Fund) to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Michelin ASM to go behind closed doors on 23 June
7 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Michelin is to hold its Annual Shareholders Meeting behind closed doors on 23 June and reduce its 2019 dividend in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
JLR DHL logistics agency workers furloughed instead of sacked
6 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Over 100 agency workers, employed on the DHL logistics contract at Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover plant at Halewood in Merseyside have had their jobs saved, the Unite union claimed.
UK LCV sales more than halve in March
6 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
UK sales of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) last month fell more than the 44.5% plunge seen for new cars - 54.3% year on year in March amid nationwide lockdown measures in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Schaeffler and family donate EUR1m to Red Cross
6 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Schaeffler and the Schaeffler family are jointly donating EUR1m (US$1.1m) to the Red Cross to help in the fight against Covid-19.
Mahindra cancels Ssangyong recovery plan
6 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
South Korean SUV manufacturer Ssangyong Motor Company on Monday said it would have to sell off non-core assets to help it remain in business after its Indian parent company Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd cancelled its turn-around plan for the company due to the escalating global COVID19 coronavirus pandemic, according to local reports.
Ford toppled as UK market leader
6 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Ford has lost its long held position as the UK market's number one passenger vehicle brand. SMMT data for March show that during the first quarter, Volkswagen became the top selling marque.
Lear postpones Investor Day due to coronavirus concerns
6 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Lear is to postpone its Investor Day, previously scheduled for 9 June in Southfield, Michigan, due to ongoing health and safety consideration, as well as travel restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Cooper Tire continues temporary plant closures in Americas
6 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Cooper Tire says its manufacturing plants in the US and Mexico will remain closed for at least another two weeks to protect the health and safety of employees during the coronavirus outbreak.
Subaru brings forward Japanese plant shutdown
6 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Subaru Corporation said it would change the starting date of its planned production halt at its Gunma manufacturing plant due to newly occurred interruptions in our supply chain.
Toyota suspends production at five plants in Japan
6 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Toyota Motor on Friday said it was halting production at five plants in Japan in response to a sharp fall in overseas demand due to the global COVID19 coronavirus pandemic.
PSA inks extra EUR3bn syndicated loan
6 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has signed an additional EUR3bn (US$3.2bn) syndicated loan in addition to the existing EUR3bn undrawn confirmed line of credit for a total amount of EUR6bn.
China recovers as the rest of the world suffers - the week
3 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
While the rest of the globe still deals with the humanitarian and economic fallout from COVID-19, a recovery of sorts is emerging in China.
Germany - March car sales fall by 38 per cent
3 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
The KBA has reported a record 37.7% year on year drop in March for the German passenger vehicle market. Sales ended the month at 215,119, with Volkswagen the market leader slightly bettering the overall fall.
Ford plans virtual annual meeting in May
3 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford has published its 2020 proxy statement and and said it would hold a virtual annual meeting next month.
Honda extends North America plant shutdowns
3 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Honda Motor said it would extend a shutdown of all US and Canadian car plant production through 10 April and at its plant in Celaya, central Mexico, until 13 April, because of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Nissan furloughs UK car plant to end of April
3 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Production at Nissan's British factory, the country's biggest car plant, is suspended throughout April, continuing a shutdown in place since mid March as the coronavirus outbreak continues across Europe.
Ford to build face shields at Brazil and Argentina car plants
3 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford said it would make 50,000 face shields at factories in Brazil and Argentina to donate in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Nissan Vietnam to close plant due to coronavirus
3 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan Vietnam will shut down its assembly plant for two weeks amid a nationwide social distancing campaign to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the company said.
COVID-19 poses threat to shared mobility providers in India
3 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Reports from India suggest the burgeoning shared mobility services sector is emerging as a big loser in the current COVID-19 crisis and is also denting its prospects further out.
COVID-19 will force auto retailers to embrace digital transformation
3 Apr 2020 | Mike Vousden
Early reports from most countries around the world indicate that auto sales in March have nosedived as efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis begin to bite. With governments issuing stay-at-home orders, dealerships have seen customer footfall drop significantly or dry up altogether leading to markedly reduced auto sales.
Michelin brings forward Dundee plant closure
3 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Michelin is advancing the closure of its Dundee factory in Scotland from June this year, with the site not restarting production when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Italy - Fiat fewer than 500 cars ahead of VW in March
3 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Due to the sudden collapse of sales, the Italian market's leading brand was only 478 vehicles ahead of Volkswagen in March, a month when the overall market plunged to levels not seen since 1959.
Recticel temporarily stops European activities
3 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Recticel has temporarily stopped its European automotive activities, although it notes business in China is progressively returning to pre-coronavirus levels.
US market shock - Kia outsells Hyundai
2 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
It has happened before on the odd occasion at a monthly level but now Kia Motors America has outsold the Hyundai brand for a full quarter, and by a significant number of vehicles.
COVID-19 and the Malaysian socio-economic balance
2 Apr 2020 | Guest
In a fourth guest article written exclusively for just-auto, Dato Madani Sahari, the CEO of Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), describes the potential impact of COVID-19 on Malaysia and its burgeoning automotive sector.
2 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Geely's Volvo Cars sold 131,889 cars in the first quarter of 2020, down 18.2% year on year. The company said global sales performance was affected by the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
US car market crash points to tough times ahead
2 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Light vehicle sales in the US fell nearly 39% in March compared with last year. The sharp drop to US vehicle sales last month was widely expected as social distancing and lockdown measures took hold in the US in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
PSA unveils panoply of coronavirus measures
2 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has outlined the range of measures it is taking to help in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, including respirator component production.
2 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan said its manufacturing facilities in the US would remain closed "through late April" as a measure to help protect employees and reduce the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
Mitsubishi Motors cuts more production
2 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said it would temporarily suspend production at three plants in Japan "considering global market decline due to the global expansion of COVID-19 coronavirus".
US light vehicle sales in March down 39%
2 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Light vehicle sales in the US fell nearly 39% in March compared with last year, according to industry sales data emerging today.
Renault makes 1,300 cars available for healthcare staff
2 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault is making nearly 1,300 vehicles available to French healthcare personnel as they battle the coronavirus pandemic.
PSA postpones AGM due to virus
2 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
PSA is the latest to postpone its annual general meeting due to coronavirus.
RHA asks for Brexit transition extension in coronavirus crisis
2 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett has written to British MP, Michael Gove, handling part of Brexit negotiations, to call for an extension to the UK’s transition period for leaving the EU as political bandwith is completely consumed by the coronavirus crisis.
M&M future models - Mahindra and Pininfarina
2 Apr 2020 | Glenn Brooks
It was a terrible March for Mahindra & Mahindra in its home market, sales of passenger vehicles plunging by 88 per cent to 3,384 from 27,646 in March 2019. The company cites not only COVID-19 but also a lack of cars and SUVs for dealers to sell due to plant closures earlier in the year. Whenever the Indian market eventually returns to growth, M&M should be ready with lots of fresh product, as this report explains.
Continental withdraws outlook for current fiscal year
2 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Continental is withdrawing its outlook for the current fiscal year due to the uncertainty regarding the duration of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and related possible consequences for production, the supply chain and demand.
Could Europe’s vehicle market fall more than initial estimates?
1 Apr 2020 | Calum MacRae
At the start of April everyone in the industry will be keenly observing the actual light vehicle sales performance for March. The first market to report is France, courtesy of the CCFA, the French automotive manufacturers association. The numbers do not make for pretty reading.
1 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Sales by India's biggest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India, which sells one in every two cars in the country, fell 16% in the last fiscal year, hit by a slowing economy and lean demand as well as the coronavirus outbreak, a media report said.
Volkswagen again extends production suspension
1 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Volkswagen production in Germany has been suspended for a further five working days until 19 April.
Renault puts some staff on temporary contracts
1 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has put some employees at its Île-de-France [large area around Paris] sites on temporary contracts.
Daimler 3D printers produce medical equipment
1 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Daimler says its 3D printers at Mercedes-Benz - used to produce automobile components in normal times - have been turned over for the production of medical equipment. Daimler says it is making its machines, know-how, and trained specialists available for the production of medical equipment to fight the COVID-19 public health crisis.
VW expects Chinese market to rebound quickly
1 Apr 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Volkswagen was optimistic the Chinese vehicle market would return to close to last year's level by early summer, following signs of a strong sales rebound in recent weeks.
Geely targets sales rise, Lynk & Co European launch, in 2020
1 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group this week said it was targeting a 3.7% sales increase to 1.41m units in 2020 despite the global coronavirus pandemic, following a 9% decline to 1.36m units in 2019 - according to local reports.
Ford postpones NA production restart indefinitely
1 Apr 2020 | Dave Leggett
Ford is delaying the restart of vehicle production at its North America plants and has put no date on a future restart.
1 Apr 2020 | Simon Warburton
TomTom has withdrawn its 2020 outlook as the economic impact resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic on its financial results can currently not be reliably assessed.
GAC and GIRH to co-develop COVID19 solutions
1 Apr 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Chinese automaker GAC Group this week signed a partnership agreement with the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health to develop technology and products for the prevention and control of respiratory diseases, according to local reports.
31 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Porsche Automobil Holding SE said its AGM would be postponed "in the light of the existing bans on meetings due to the corona pandemic".
Auto sector faces biggest existential crisis since 2007-09
31 Mar 2020 | Calum MacRae
The automotive sector is facing its biggest existential crisis since the 2007-2009 financial crisis with 97% of light vehicle manufacturing plants in Europe and North America temporarily shut down.
Jobs of over 1.1m EU automobile workers affected so far, ACEA claims
31 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The jobs of at least 1,110,107 Europeans working in automobile manufacturing are affected by factory shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, according to data compiled by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
Delphi draws on $500m credit facility
31 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Delphi Technologies said it had been taking significant steps to conserve cash given the immediate impact on its business from the coronavirus pandemic.
PSA/Valeo team for 10,000 respirators study
31 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA and Valeo among other companies led by Air Liquide, have been asked by the French government to study the possibility of increasing respirator production to provide 10,000 of the machines in 50 days in a bid to aid the coronavirus battle.
Faurecia temporarily shutters many plants
31 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Faurecia has shut down a large number of its production sites in Europe and will do the same in North and South America, following similar temporary moves by its customers.
Ford and GE plan ventilator production
31 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford, in collaboration with GE Healthcare, said it would begin producing in Michigan a third party ventilator with the goal of producing 50,000 of the vitally needed units within 100 days and up to 30,000 a month thereafter as needed.
Lear adds face masks; face shields in development
31 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Seating and e-systems supplier Lear Corporation said it had added capacity at its AccuMED production facility, which specialises in the manufacturing of medical products, to produce protective masks to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
SEAT turns windscreen wiper motors into ventilators
31 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
VW-Group brand SEAT has revealed that it is making ventilator prototypes at its Martorell plant in Spain and a ventilator is now currently undergoing prolonged testing as part of the approval process.
All Renault sites now shut apart from China and South Korea
31 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says all its plants worldwide with the exception of those in China and South Korea are now shut as the manufacturer takes stock of the spread of the coronavirus.
Nissan to temporarily cut production in Japan due to spread of COVID-19
30 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan said it would temporarily "adjust" (read: cut) production at three of its factories in Japan, "due to decreased demand in the automobile market".
Paris to modify 2020 show in coronavirus light
30 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Paris Motor Show organisers say the 2020 event will not take place in its current form when it opens later this year in the light of the huge uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump uses Defense Act on GM over ventilators
30 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
President Trump invoked the US Defense Production Act to force General Motors to produce ventilators, a media report said.
Marelli extends temporary Europe shutdown
30 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Marelli has extended the temporary shutdown of its manufacturing activities in the majority of European plants to 3 April.
GM Korea cuts salaries, delays payments, to help it ride the coronavirus storm
30 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
GM Korea said on Monday it would delay payment of 20% of the salaries of management level employees from April, as the company looked to protect its financial health as global demand for its products continued to decline due to the COVID19 coronavirus.
Toyota asks for JPY1 trillion credit line from Japanese banks
30 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Toyota Motor has asked two leading Japanese banks to set up a line of credit totaling JPY1 trillion (US$9.2bn), according to local reports citing company sources.
2020 NAIAS Detroit auto show cancelled
30 Mar 2020 | Glenn Brooks
The North American International Auto Show will not take place this year, the organiser has announced.
Component makers' recovery from coronavirus some way off
27 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is by far the most significant theme to affect the technology industry in 2020. It will put incredible strain on the world's economy, which will be effectively halted for three months or more. Many companies will not survive this initial phase.
Mitsubishi cuts kei car output
27 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said it would temporarily suspend production of kei cars in Japan.
Faurecia/Valeo donate 130,000 masks to hospitals
27 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Faurecia has donated 100,000 surgical masks to the Civil Hospitals of Colmar in Eastern France, an area particularly affected by the coronavirus, while Valeo has also made a similar gesture.
FCA readies face masks factory
27 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is in the process of converting its first plant to produce face masks for donation to first responders and health care workers.
Lear provides coronavirus business update
27 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Lear is instituting additional employee safety measures and enhancing the company's financial flexibility in light of the substantial impact Covid-19 is having on the automotive industry and the global economy more broadly.
AAM withdraws 2020 financial outlook
27 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
AAM says, as a result of the unexpected disruption in light vehicle production and economic uncertainty due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is withdrawing its 2020 financial outlook.
27 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) said plants across the US and Canada, as well as headquarters operations and construction projects, would remain closed until 14 April, "dependent upon the various states' 'stay-in-place' orders and the readiness of each facility to return to production".
VW extends Chattanooga shutdown
27 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Having earlier announced a production suspension from 21 March to 10pm Sunday, 29 March, Volkswagen said its US plant in Chattanooga will now remain closed next week, extending the shutdown period to 10pm, Sunday 5 April.
FTA calls for Brexit transition extension
27 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
British logistics association, FTA is asking for an extension to the Brexit transition period as Europe remains resolutely fixed on fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Volkswagen extends suspension of production in Germany
27 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Volkswagen is to extend the production suspension at its German plants for a further four days until April 9.
COVID-19 - A message from just-auto's publisher
26 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is incredibly fast-moving, uncertain, and complex, with potentially profound and long-term impacts on a global, cross-industry scale.
26 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Toyota said it would further extend the length of its production suspension at all of its automobile and components plants in North America, including Canada, Mexico and the US, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and significant decline in vehicle demand.
UK union claims Faurecia "terrifying" laid off workers
26 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The UK's Unite union claims Faurecia Interiors is "terrifying" laid off workers by refusing to inform them whether they will be registered under the government's scheme to pay workers 80% of their wages.
26 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Automotive supplier Brose said it was "largely" stopping work at most of its European locations beginning late March.
Suppliers expect 20% revenue drop in crisis - CLEPA
26 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
European automotive supplier association, CLEPA says a poll supported by McKinsey shows 60% of respondents expect to lose 20% or more of revenue.
Nio confident on prospects despite COVID-19 crisis
26 Mar 2020 | Matthew Beecham
It’s clear that the impact of COVID-19 on China was significant and dramatic in the first few months of 2020. Factories closed, workers unable to leave their homes and a depressed automotive sales market. Despite the setbacks, Chinese electric vehicle startup Nio has looked to the positives and adopted new ways that have seen it sustain order levels to those before the crisis hit. Matthew Beecham spoke to Nio’s VP for Europe Hui Zhang about the measures it took and what the future holds for the brand.
Ford aims for North America production restart
26 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford said it was aiming to restart production at some plants in North America as early as 6 April, bringing key plants back online while it introduces additional safety measures to protect returning workers.
Kia, Hankook suspend US production
26 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
One of the last to hold out, Kia Motors has now said it would suspend production at its US assembly plant until mid April to help prevent the spread of the COVID19 coronavirus.
US vehicle market heading for 35.5% March decrease - Edmunds
26 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Analysts at Edmunds say that March will see a much reduced US vehicle market in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, with overall sales down by a forecast 35.5% and the SAAR down at a depleted 11.9 million units.
Oyak Renault suspends Turkey operations
26 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Oyak Renault Automobile Factories in Turkey has temporarily suspended most operations from today (26 March) in Oyak Renault Automobile Factories.
PSA denies FCA merger plans being reassessed
25 Mar 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Groupe PSA has denied that it is looking afresh at the proposed financial terms of a merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Along with other big OEMs, each could soon be facing major difficulties if there is an extended economic downturn in their home regions.
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este shifts to October
25 Mar 2020 | Glenn Brooks
The annual Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este motor show will take place in October rather than May, the promoter has announced.
GM to draw additional $16bn liquidity
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
General Motors plans to draw down about US$16bn from its revolving credit facilities, a proactive measure to increase its cash position and preserve financial flexibility due to the current uncertainty in global markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renault shuts down Latin America production
25 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has shut down production activities at industrial sites in Latin America until further notice, depending on the evolution of the coronavirus health situation.
New Zealand new vehicle biz all but shuts down
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
New Zealand's Motor Industry Association and Motor Trade Association said in a joint statement members would provide parts for and service and repair only vehicles used in the supply of essential services as the country enters a mandatory Level 4 lockdown.
Mazda cuts production due to coronavirus
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Mazda said it would "adjust" production globally "in consideration of difficulties in parts procurement, the plummeting sales in overseas markets, and the uncertainty of future markets".
Ford lends a hand to speed respirator and ventilator production
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford said it had joined with companies including 3M and GE Healthcare to lend its manufacturing and engineering expertise to quickly expand production of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for healthcare workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus.
Antolin to produce medical equipment for Spanish hospitals
25 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Grupo Antolin and its employees have launched several initiatives to manufacture medical equipment and address the shortage of protective equipment against coronavirus in Spanish hospitals.
Ford postpones NAFTA plants reopening indefinitely
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford said, in light of various governments' orders to stay and work from home, it was now not planning to restart plants in the US, Canada and Mexico on Monday, 30 March as originally hoped.
Aston Martin temporarily suspends operations at manufacturing sites
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Aston Martin has temporarily suspended all manufacturing at its UK plants in line with the latest UK government instructions on the fight against COVID-19.
Now Volvo AB postpones already scaled down AGM
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Having scaled back its annual general meeting after Sweden's public health agency upgraded the risk of spread of the new coronavirus in the country and banned public gatherings of more than 500 people, heavy truck and construction equipment maker Volvo AB has now decided to postpone the AGM "given the uncertain and accelerating developments in the wake of COVID-19".
China - Volkswagen restarts 22 plants
25 Mar 2020 | Glenn Brooks
A Volkswagen Group representative has told just-auto.com that the majority of its SAIC-VW and FAW-VW joint venture plants are back online.
25 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Renault is the latest automaker to postpone its AGM due to the coronavirus outbreak.
BorgWarner temporarily suspends operations at certain locations
25 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
BorgWarner has temporarily suspended operations at certain of the company’s manufacturing and assembly facilities.
Schaeffler suspends 2020 guidance
25 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Schaeffler has suspended guidance for the 2020 financial year for the Group and its divisions published on 10 March, 2020
Nio expects positive gross margin in Q2 as operations normalise
25 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Chinese electric vehicle startup Nio said it expected to make a positive gross profit margin in the second quarter of 2020 despite the market turmoil caused by the COVID19 coronavirus.
Geely ramps up - all China plants back online
25 Mar 2020 | Glenn Brooks
All Zhejiang Geely Holding Group manufacturing facilities in China are now up and running, a spokesman told just-auto.com.
ZF to suspend "many operations" in Europe and North America
25 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
ZF is to suspend "many operations in Europe and North America" following announcements by truck and passenger car manufacturers in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
China's best selling car back in production
24 Mar 2020 | Glenn Brooks
Amid government claims that the number of new deaths in Wuhan from COVID-19 has fallen to zero, Dongfeng Nissan has moved to restart production of China's best selling vehicle.
Japanese automakers suspend production in India
24 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Several Japanese automakers confirmed earlier this week they had suspended operations at their Indian factories due to the spread of the COVID19 coronavirus in the country.
Plastic Omnium outlines coronavirus measures
24 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Plastic Omnium says staff are working from home where possible, while those who enter the supplier's plants have their temperature checked and production is organised to avoid contact between employees when changing shifts.
Nationalisation "not on agenda" - Renault chairman
24 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says it is not envisaging nationalisation as reports in France speculate some large companies in France could come under the tutelage of State control in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Romania parts producers stop production
24 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Around 400 automotive component suppliers in Romania have stopped output, leaving 230,000 workers unemployed, the Romanian Association of Automobile Manufacturers (ACAROM) told Ziarul Financiar.
Marelli suspends most Europe production
24 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Marelli has temporarily suspended production activities in the majority of its European plants for the rest of this week except for some local cases where operations will continue on a reduced scale.
Apollo Vredestein scaling back European production
24 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Apollo Vredestein is scaling back production in its European plants in Hungary and the Netherlands.
Bridgestone updates Europe coronavirus actions
24 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Bridgestone EMIA says its plants across its European manufacturing network will be either temporarily closing or reducing production, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bosch to 'drastically cut' German operations from 25 March
24 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Bosch is to 'drastically cut back' operations at its German locations from 25 March.
Toyota furloughs seven lines in five Japanese plants
23 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
"Due to the market situation and decline in demand overseas", Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has decided to halt production on seven production lines in five Japanese plants starting from 3 April.
BMW to step up investment in China despite recent market decline
23 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
BMW is considering increasing its planned investments in China, according to local reports citing a company executive, despite the sharp decline in the country's vehicle market due to the COVID19 coronavirus.
Bridgestone announces 'temporary slowdown' in Europe
23 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Bridgestone EMIA announced that plants across Europe would be either closing temporarily or reducing production in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 hits Indian auto industry
23 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Some 25,000 auto executives in India will be working from home to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
EU auto industry faces 'unprecedented crisis' - ACEA
23 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Europe's vehicle-maker trade association, ACEA, has warned that Europe's auto industry faces its 'worst crisis ever'.
US 2020 new vehicle sales forecast scenarios on latest virus impact
23 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
ALG, a subsidiary of TrueCar, has made an updated 2020 new vehicle sales forecast to account for the quickly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the latest economic outlook.
Shutdowns to cost European auto industry GBP29bn
23 Mar 2020 | Calum MacRae
Sweeping announcements by the region’s automakers mean that over one million vehicles will be lost from production in the period up to the week beginning 27th April. The COVID-19 coronavirus is cutting a swathe through the economic and social fabric of the world and bringing incalculable human cost. Indeed, it is presenting an economic crisis few expected to see again in their lifetimes after the 2007/8 global financial crisis.
Hyundai shuts down its Chennai plant in India
23 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Hyundai Motor said it had suspended production at its vehicle assembly plant in Chennai, India, until at least the end of March as the COVID19 coronavirus continued to spread rapidly across the globe.
Ford stops emerging markets production for 'weeks'
23 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford has temporarily suspended production in India, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam in response to the coronavirus.
Bugatti suspends Molsheim production
23 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Bugatti has suspended production of its sports cars in Molsheim, Eastern France.
Kamux shutters six German showrooms
23 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Kamux is closing its six showrooms in Germany as Berlin shuts all retail stores except for food, chemists and other necessary services.
Ford suspends South America production until April
23 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford has temporarily suspended production at its manufacturing sites in Brazil – Camacari (BA), Taubate (SP) and Troller's plant in Horizonte (Ceara) – and at the Pacheco plant in Argentina, in response to the growing impact of the coronavirus in South America.
JCB stops UK production until at least 30 March
23 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
JCB has stopped production at all its UK manufacturing plants as disruption resulting from the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a reduction in global demand.
VW Group chief warns that plant closures will be extended
23 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess has warned that VW Group temporary plant closures will likely last longer than the periods so far announced.
Jaguar Land Rover confirms UK plant shutdowns
23 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed that it will temporarily suspend production at its UK manufacturing facilities. The company’s intention is to resume in the week of 20 April, subject to review.
Pirelli temporarily stops UK production
23 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Pirelli has temporarily halted work at its UK factories of Burton on Trent and Carlisle from 23 March, with no visitors allowed on either site.
The virus gets worse - the week
20 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
There was a glimmer of hope in all the bad news this week - Wuhan, aka Coronavirus Central (thanks a lot) on Thursday reported no new cases, the first such report since the bug started to take hold last January. So, perhaps, this, or some of this, might be over for the rest of us in two, maybe three, months? Let's hope so. Or maybe not.
Ford brings forward summer shutdowns to Easter at plants in UK
20 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Ford says it has decided to bring forward part of the summer shutdown period for its UK manufacturing operations (engine production at Bridgend and Dagenham) to the Easter period. It's another sign of the deepening short-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the industry and the need to adjust production to much lower market demand.
Veoneer sees 'limited' Q1 virus sales hit
20 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Given rapid changes in the market caused by the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, Veoneer has updated indications of its first quarter 2020 results, current business situation and short term responses.
Adient suspends FY2020 outlook
20 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Adient is suspending its FY2020 outlook due to global economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tavares virtually discusses coronavirus with Finance Minister
20 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has confirmed CEO, Carlos Tavares discussed the continuing coronavirus crisis with French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire this week as Paris launched a colossal financial package to assuage the worst of the economic fallout.
Skoda closes Czech plants due to coronavirus
20 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Skoda has suspended production at its Czech plants in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí for an initial period of two weeks.
Asian automakers halt production in US, Europe
20 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Japanese automakers said they would suspend production at their North American plants due to the spread of the COVID19 new coronavirus.
Volvo suspends all car production
20 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Geely-owned Volvo Cars has said it is also suspending car production at its European and US plants.
Tesla and Toyota top vehicle maker rankings after COVID-19 review
20 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
A ranking of top vehicle manufacturing companies worldwide compiled by data and analytics company GlobalData shows the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis will be strongly adverse across the industry this year, with all major companies impacted.
Coronavirus to weaken Europe consumer spending; rebound extent uncertain
19 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Although the coronavirus pandemic will trigger a sharp deterioration in European Union consumer spending in the first half of the year, the region's positive fundamentals before the outbreak will likely support consumption once the virus is contained, Moody's Investors Service said on Thursday (19 March).
Ford suspends dividend and takes other coronavirus steps
19 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Ford said on Thursday (19 March) it had added US$15.4bn of additional cash to its balance sheet, drawing from two credit lines, suspended its dividend to preserve cash and provide additional flexibility, withdrawn guidance for its 2020 financial results and launched a three month payment deferral for eligible US new car customers with three more paid by for up to six months of payment 'peace of mind'.
Oil and additive supplier pays workers 'corona consolation' bonus
19 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
German oil and additive specialist Liqui Moly said it was not reacting to the corona crisis with short time work or layoffs but instead paying a bonus of EUR1,000 to each employee.
Union demands more coronavirus protection for auto companies
19 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Following the announcements of temporary manufacturing closures and the expected shutdown of much of the UK's automotive sector in the coming days, Unite, the union representing many auto industry workers, has called on government ministers to introduce measures that will ensure that no business will go to the wall due to the coronavirus crisis.
ZF mulls closing "entire plants"
19 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
ZF says it is estimating it will have to stop whole factories and individual product lines as the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic continue to take their toll across suppliers and OEMs in Europe and beyond.
MTA donates EUR200,000 to Italian hospitals
19 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
MTA has donated EUR200,000 (US$215,000) to several hospitals battling the coronavirus outbreak in Italy following the death of former chairman, Umberto Falchetti
Will North America closures go beyond March?
19 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Could the 'Detroit Three' coronavirus related plant closures continue beyond March?
Michelin shuts Europe factories for "at least" a week
19 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Michelin has closed its production facilities located in European countries most affected so far by the coronavirus pandemic for "at least" a week.
GM and FCA join Ford in NA plant closures
19 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
General Motors and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) have joined Ford in shutting their North American manufacturing plants through March 30 in response to the deepening COVID-19 coronavirus crisis. The US 'Big 3' have all coordinated their initial response to the crisis, working with the UAW.
Ford shutters NA plants through March 30
18 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Production at Ford’s manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada and Mexico will be halted after Thursday evening’s shifts through March 30 to 'thoroughly clean and sanitise the company’s plants' it said, thereby boosting COVID-19 containment efforts.
Tesla says essential employees, including production, should still come to work
18 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
CNBC has just reported an e-mail sent to Tesla employees by the company's head of human resources (HR) for North America, Valerie Workman, encouraged employees to work if they feel comfortable doing so on 18 March.
18 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Honda North America announced it would be closing four US vehicle plants starting 23 March due to an anticipated decline in market demand related to the coronavirus.
Renault halts Mioveni, Romania manufacture
18 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault is temporarily suspending production at its Mioveni plants in Romania from 19 March to 5 April, except for what it says are the most critical activities.
Renault stops Portugal manufacture
18 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has stopped manufacture at its Portuguese factory of Cacia, with the development communicated to unions.
Rolls-Royce stops production for at least four weeks
18 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Following parent company BMW's announcement earlier it was suspending output at plants in Europe and South Africa, Rolls-Royce said production at its Goodwood manufacturing plant would be shuttered from Monday 23 March for two weeks and, "in order to further secure the health and welfare of the employees of the company", that suspension would be followed by a previously planned two week Easter maintenance shutdown.
BMW closing factories in Europe and South Africa
18 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
BMW is suspending output at plants in Europe and South Africa (a key source of RHD cars for the African continent and export) and said its pre-tax profit and vehicle deliveries would drop significantly in 2020 as coronavirus spreads.
COMMENT - Automakers have no alternative but to shutter plants
18 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Many automakers are temporarily shutting down their manufacturing plants in Europe in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis. What's going on?
Toyota shutters European plants 'until further notice'
18 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Citing "acceleration of the current coronavirus pandemic in Europe and its social and economic impact", Toyota Motor Europe (TME) said associated "lock-down measures taken by various national and regional authorities, an uncertain short-term sales outlook and difficulties in logistics and supply chains are being felt and will increase in the next weeks" so it would shutter its various factories across the continent from today (18 March) until further notice.
Renault to stop Tangier/Casablanca production from 19 March
18 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault Group is suspending production at its Tangier and Casablanca sites in Morocco from 19 March in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Renault halts Revoz production in Slovenia
18 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault has stopped production at its Revoz plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia and has urged staff to stay at home and follow national authorities' instructions in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Virus shutters Nissan's Sunderland plant
17 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Nissan stopped output at Britain's biggest car factory due to the impact from coronavirus as it assessed supply chain disruption and the drop in demand, the most significant closure to affect the country's vehicle making sector so far from the outbreak, Reuters reported.
Volkswagen confirms production cut from Thursday
17 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The Volkswagen brand said late on Tuesday (17 March) it would suspend production on Thursday (19 March) due to the coronavirus crisis.
Daimler suspends European production for two weeks
17 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, the Daimler Group has suspended "the majority" of its production in Europe, as well as work in some administrative departments, for an initial period of two weeks.
17 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The spread of the coronavirus will negatively impact around 16% of North American companies under its baseline economic scenario, but under its downside scenario, that figure will jump to about 45%, Moody's Investors Service says in a report published today.
Ford also suspends European production
17 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Ford has joined other vehicle manufacturers in Europe and decided to suspend operations at its European manufacturing plants in response to the deepening COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.
Yanfeng is on a mission to wipe out COVID-19 germs in the car
17 Mar 2020 | Matthew Beecham
Given the accent on tomorrow’s car interior is becoming more about occupant comfort and health, how will that affect the interior? Maintaining a social distance, we put this question to Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer at Yanfeng Technology. The coronavirus epidemic highlights just how important vehicle hygiene is for the entire mobility industry. The supplier has developed an antimicrobial device that can be integrated into the headliner console and uses UV light to disinfect the air and surfaces in the vehicle interior. Other discussion topics put under the microscope include smart interior surfaces and Yanfeng’s Experience in Motion 2020 (XiM20) concept vehicle.
Unite union urges UK govt to "pick up phone" in coronavirus crisis
17 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
British government requests for domestic manufacturers to turn some of their lines to ventilator production have met with a positive reaction from one UK union, but which is nonetheless urging London to "pick up the phone" to discuss the health situation and the economy.
UK asks JCB to evaluate ventilator production
17 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
JCB says it has been approached by British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson asking whether or not the manufacturer could transfer some of its skills to ventilator production as the coronavirus pandemic increasingly concentrates European governments' minds.
Westport Fuel Systems temporarily suspends Brescia production
17 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Westport Fuel Systems has temporarily suspended production at its Brescia, Italy, facility effective immediately in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Volkswagen calls halt to production at Europe plants
17 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Like many other automotive manufacturers in Europe, Volkswagen Group is planning to temporarily suspend production at its European plants due to the ongoing severe impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.
Renault shuts all France sites until further notice
16 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault is to shut all its 12 factories in France from the end of today (16 March) until further notice as reports circulate Paris is to impose further draconian measures in a bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
PSA shuts Europe plants for next 11 days
16 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA is implementing a sweeping round of plant closures across Europe for the next 11 days as the number of coronavirus cases has seen the Continent become the new global epicentre.
Renault shuts Spain factories for two days, France normal
16 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says its plants in Spain are closed today (16 March) and tomorrow as the coronavirus outbreak continues in the country, although its French sites are operating normally.
Brembo stops Italy production for one week
16 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Brembo is to temporarily halt production in its Italian plants of Stezzano, Curno, Mapello and Sellero from today (16 March) to 22 March as the effects of the coronavirus continue to be felt.
FCA to halt production at European manufacturing plants
16 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has announced today that it will temporarily suspend production across the majority of its European manufacturing plants due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 emergency.
Ford tells office workers to work at home
13 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Since the coronavirus issue is rapidly diminishing in China and our team there already has begun to return to work, this action does not apply to our team in China.
Virus hit supply chain axes Saturday Seat shift at Martorell
13 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Seat cancelled a production shift scheduled for tomorrow (14 March) because the coronavirus outbreak had hit its supply chain, according to a spokesman.
China automakers seek government help
13 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Vehicle makers in China are calling on the government for assistance following a 79% plunge to vehicle sales due to the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis in the country.
Automakers scale back public events due to virus risk
13 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Heavy truck and construction equipment maker Volvo AB has scaled back its annual general meeting after Sweden's public health agency upgraded the risk of spread of the new coronavirus in the country and banned public gatherings of more than 500 people.
China new vehicle sales tumble 79% in February
13 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
New vehicle sales in China plunged by 79.1% to 310,000 units in February 2020 from already weak 1,482,000 sales in the same month of last year, according to wholesale data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
Car market forecasts likely to be revised as public health crisis deepens
12 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Following news that car sales in China plunged 80% in February due to the impact of measures to tackle the coronavirus (Covid-19), David Leggett, automotive editor at just-auto's parent company GlobalData reckons the outlook for 2020 will remain uncertain for some time.
Coronavirus seen hitting US sales
12 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
US new vehicle sales could drop as much as 9% due to the impact of the coronavirus, a media report said.
No MTA impact so far on Renault
12 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says it has had no impact so far from the disruption caused by the slowdown at MTA's Codogno plant, which has now partially resumed production
Coronavirus supply chain impact peak pegged at mid-March
12 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
The repercussions of COVID-19 on the global manufacturing supply chain are expected to worsen over the coming months, a London based research firm said.
Pirelli slows Turin production as employee has coronavirus
12 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Pirelli is slowing production at its Settimo Torinese plant in northern Italy after an employee was found to have the coronavirus currently sweeping through Europe and the world.
China passenger vehicle sales plunge 80% in February
12 Mar 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Retail sales of new passenger vehicles in China plunged 80% year on year in February 2020 from weak February 2019 sales of 1.21m, according to preliminary data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).
February Romania sales fall 27%
11 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
New car registrations in Romania fell 26.8% year on year in February 2020 to 8,836 units, according to data from the Association of Automobile Builders of Romania (ACAROM) cited by local media.
Honda and Nissan resume manufacturing in Hubei
11 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
Honda has said that limited operations have resumed at its vehicle production site in Wuhan, according to reports.
Renault Wuhan "tentative" restart date of 16 March
11 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says it has received a "tentative" restart date from Chinese authorities to start manufacturing again in Wuhan from 16 March, as the country slowly starts to emerge from its coronavirus crisis.
Toyota cutting Lexus output as China sales slow
10 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Toyota Motor will temporarily cut output of Lexus models in Japan from next week due to a fall in demand in China because of the coronavirus outbreak, a company source was quoted as saying on Tuesday (10 March).
Virus sends Jaguar Land Rover China sales plunging
6 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Tata Motors said its Jaguar Land Rover sales in China plunged 85% year on year in February.
West European car market down 7% in Feb
6 Mar 2020 | Dave Leggett
West European car registrations fell by 7.0% year-on-year (YoY) in February, according to data released by LMC Automotive. LMC also revised this year's market outlook down amid rising concerns over the economic impact of the deepening coronavirus crisis in Europe.
MTA partially restarts as military cordons off Codogno
5 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Electronic component supplier, MTA says it has secured permission for a limited number of staff to resume partial production at its plant in Codogno, which remains cordoned off by the military in a bid to stem the coronavirus outbreak.
All Webasto coronavirus staff now released from hospital
5 Mar 2020 | Simon Warburton
Webasto says all its employees who had been infected with the coronavirus have now been released from hospital.
Coronavirus leads to global vehicle sales nosedive
4 Mar 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Global light vehicle sales figures in January 2020 should make for alarming reading.
2020 Geneva motor show - all the digital debuts
3 Mar 2020 | Glenn Brooks
The cancellation of the Geneva motor show meant that most vehicles which would have been world debuts were instead revealed via online premieres. Concepts, prototypes and production models originally due to have their public premieres are listed below.
Renault mulls using other suppliers as coronavirus spreads
28 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says it is evaluating whether or not other unnamed component manufacturers can step in to fill the supply gap created by the temporary shutdown of one of its key suppliers in Italy.
MTA in the dark as to Codogno factory situation
27 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
MTA says it has "no idea" what will happen with the situation at its shut Codogno factory as the supplier highlighted its experience of introducing strict hygiene measures in its Chinese facility in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.
MTA appeals to Rome for production restart
27 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
Italian component producer, MTA says it is calling on Rome to allow it a partial resumption of work at its Codogno factory, which has been forced to shut as the coronavirus spreads in the country.
Toyota says parts shortages could affect production in Japan
27 Feb 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Toyota Motor said continued shortages of components due to the outbreak of the COVID19 coronavirus in China may affect production at its plants in Japan from next month, according to a Reuters report.
Harman pulls out of Geneva Show on coronavirus
26 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Major supplier Harman has pulled out of exhibiting at next week's Geneva Motor Show. The Samsung-owned company said the decision reflected the rapid expansion of the coronavirus crisis and said the safety and well-being of its employees is its top priority.
Coronavirus may reduce supply of low-cost Chinese tyres
26 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
The closure of manufacturing facilities across China due to the COVID-19 coronavirus may reduce the supply of low-cost tyres to the aftermarket in Britain.
MTA warns "irreparable" supply effect unless restart
26 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
MTA is maintaining unless authorities allow it to partially resume production at its factory in north Italy as the coronovirus spreads, three FCA lines and those of Renault, BMW and Peugeot will stop.
Geneva show issues coronavirus guidelines
26 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
Organisers of the Geneva Motor Show have issued wide-ranging advice for exhibitors and visitors attending next week's event in the Swiss city in the light of the current coronavirus epidemic, which has hit Italy particularly hard.
Toyota resumes operations at all plants in China
25 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Toyota says it has resumed operations at a plant in Chengdu, China - which means all four of its China JV factories have restarted manufacturing operations after an extended new year holidays shutdown due to the coronavirus public health crisis.
PSA continues China shutdown to 12 March
25 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA is extending its shutdown of manufacturing in China to 12 March as a result of the coronavirus epidemic, but says there is no significant impact on Group results.
Japan gov sets up coronavirus council for autos
20 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Japan’s economy ministry has said it will set up a team including the country’s automakers and suppliers to discuss measures to minimise any impact from the coronavirus outbreak on its auto industry.
JLR warns of China supply-chain hit
18 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has warned that its UK production risks being hit from next month because of supply-chain difficulties due to the disruption of parts supply from shutdown factories in coronavirus-hit China.
Automakers restart production in China
18 Feb 2020 | Graeme Roberts
Automakers across China restarted production this week, after three weeks of shutdowns to help prevent the spread of the COVID19 virus, although most are operating in conditions far from normal.
FCA halts output in Serbia on China disruption
17 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) has temporarily halted production at its Serbian plant due to a shortage of parts supplied by factories in China.
Beijing auto show postponed17 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
The Beijing Motor Show (Auto China 2020) scheduled for April has been postponed due to the health crisis in China caused by the coronavirus outbreak. No new date for the show has been announced.
Honda extends Wuhan closures by another week
17 Feb 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Honda Motor said at the end of last week it would postpone the restart of vehicle assembly operations in Wuhan, the city at the centre of China's coronavirus outbreak, by at least a week at the request of the local authorities.
IMF gathering data to assess coronavirus impact
14 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
The IMF says it is gathering data to assess the full impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China, but hopes to see a 'V-shaped' recovery, according to remarks made by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaking in a press briefing.
JCB reduces output as coronavirus hits supply chain
14 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
JCB is to reduce production levels at UK factories due to anticipated component shortages from Chinese suppliers impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Hyundai-Kia resumes production in South Korea
12 Feb 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors on Tuesday said they have restarted production at their domestic plants after component shortages began to ease.
GM Korea also hit by China parts shortages
12 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
As Korean manufacturers brace for more coronavirus related parts shortages from China (Hyundai has already halted production), GM Korea has said it will temporarily suspend one of three domestic car assembly plants due to shortages of Chinese parts.
Webasto to reopen Bavaria HQ after coronavirus shuttering
11 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
Webasto is to reopen its headquarters in Stockdorf, Bavaria tomorrow (12 February) after a two-week shutdown due to staff contracting the coronavirus.
Nissan in Japan to halt output on parts supply shortage - report
10 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Nissan is planning to temporarily halt production at its plant in Kyushu, Japan, due to supply-chain impacts in China stemming from the coronavirus health crisis, according to a report in the Nikkei newspaper.
JLR shuts China operations to 14 February
7 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) says it will not allow employees to travel from the UK to China and will close its operations in the country until 14 February as the coronavirus crisis continues to escalate.
Plant closures in China extended as coronavirus crisis worsens
7 Feb 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Automakers this week announced further extensions to their plant closures in China as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread and claim more lives.
FCA says Europe plant faces stoppage due to virus
7 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) has warned that one of its European plants is facing a halt to production due to a break in supply of a critical component sourced in China.
VW Group 'most exposed' by virus impact - S&P
6 Feb 2020 | Dave Leggett
Volkswagen Group is the vehicle manufacturer most exposed to the coronavirus outbreak in China, according to a report by ratings agency S&P.
South Korean automakers suspend production due to coronavirus
4 Feb 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
Hyundai Motor Group has suspended production on a number of assembly lines in South Korea due to component shortages from some of its Chinese suppliers following last month's coronavirus outbreak, according to local reports.
Webasto coronavirus cases rise to seven
4 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
Webasto says the number of its employees who have the coronavirus has now risen to seven, with the supplier extending its Stockdorf headquarters closure until 11 February.
Valeo latest supplier to extend Wuhan shuttering to 14 February
3 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
Valeo says it is to extend the closure of its plants in Wuhan to 14 February following instructions from Chinese authorities.
PSA prolongs Wuhan shutdown to 14 February
3 Feb 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA has extended the shutdown of its operations in Wuhan to 14 February as the coronavirus continues to spread worldwide.
Chinese auto industry impacted hard by coronavirus
3 Feb 2020 | just-auto.com editorial team
China's automotive industry is expected to take a massive hit from the rapid spread of the corona virus in the last two weeks, at least in the first quarter of the year but very possibly for longer.
Korean plants hit by China disruption
31 Jan 2020 | Dave Leggett
The Wuhan coronavirus is already causing difficulties for South Korean plants that source parts from China.
Magna stops China travel as coronavirus spreads
31 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
Magna has joined a growing list of suppliers and OEMS which have banned travel to China as the coronavirus crisis expands across the world.
Bosch cancels all China travel until end February
31 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
Bosch has cancelled or postponed all travel to and from China until the end of February as the UK confirmed its first coronavirus cases have reached the Western end of Europe.
PSA will apply Wuhan extension if China makes request
30 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA says it will apply any extension to the current Lunar New Year holiday in China if asked, as uncertainty continues to swirl around repatriation plans for Western multinationals out of the country in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, which has now claimed 170 lives.
Changan Ford puts back return to work
29 Jan 2020 | Dave Leggett
Ford's China joint venture with Changan plans to resume production on 10 February at its Chongqing plant. The Chinese Lunar New Year holiday ends this weekend and the company was previously preparing to resume operations on 3 February.
Plastic Omnium mulls Wuhan situation as virus spreads
29 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
Plastic Omnium says normally it will re-open its Wuhan sites next week after the China New Year holiday, but the situation currently remains fluid as the coronavirus crisis continues to spread around the world.
Webasto coronavirus cases rise to four
29 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
Webasto now says four employees have contracted the coronavirus and will close its Stockdorf headquarters in Bavaria until 2 February.
Renault works with China as France plans Wuhan evacuation
28 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
Renault says it is working with the French Foreign Ministry (Quai d'Orsay) as well as the Chinese government in order to assess the mounting crisis in Wuhan where the coronavirus has seen the city put on effective lock-down.
PSA working with Paris and Beijing on coronavirus plan
27 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA says it is continuing to work with French and Chinese authorities as Paris mulls repatriating its citizens in Wuhan by air later this week.
PSA mulls Wuhan evacuation as coronavirus crisis grows
26 Jan 2020 | Simon Warburton
PSA says it is evaluating potential evacuation options for its 38 expatriate employees in Wuhan as the crisis surrounding the coronavirus shows no sign of abating.
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