Europe’s automakers are calling for immediate support from the European Union and member states after suffering a production loss that could render companies short of cash in just weeks. In a statement on Tuesday, industry association ACEA demanded “strong and coordinate action” to aid manufacturers, their suppliers and dealers who face a “severe” financial hit.
TIA creates coronavirus resources page on website
The COVID-19 page is for use by TIA members and others as they navigate the impact of the pandemic, TIA said.
Mexico auto lobby urges government to keep border open for business
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – The Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA) on Monday urged the government to keep goods flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border despite the coronavirus outbreak in a bid to help automakers weather the crisis. In a statement, AMIA also asked for regional content rules under a new North American trade agreement not to […]
OE Tire Brands Finding Right Balance, J.D. Power Says
Overall customer satisfaction with original equipment (OE) tires reaches an all-time high in 2020, as tire manufacturers have found the right balance of performance characteristics — without making sacrifices that jeopardize the customer experience. That’s according to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, just released.
New President of Continental North America Appointed
Robert (Bob) Lee will take over as the new president of Continental North America.
He succeeds Jeff Klei, who will retire after serving more than 30 years in the industry. Lee will be responsible for leading customer, governmental and other external relationships across the region.
USMCA rush amid pandemic adds to concern
Reports that the Trump administration was considering a June 1 start date have stirred concern among auto makers, parts suppliers and trade groups that say the deadline, which they say is premature, could disrupt a smooth transition from NAFTA to the new trade deal, especially as the outbreak worsens.
Bosch develops new virus test that shortens wait to 2.5 hours
Auto supplier Robert Bosch GmbH said its healthcare affiiate developed a test that can diagnose COVID-19 in less than 2.5 hours and might help efforts to fight the coronavirus outbreak. “Infected patients can be identified and isolated faster,” Bosch CEO Volkmar Denner . Patients typically must wait one or two days for test results. The ability to test for COVID-19 is seen as a key variable in restricting its spread.
Detroit’s near future based on crossovers, SUVs, not EVs, production plans show
DETROIT — General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. have widely touted their commitment to emission-free electric vehicles, but their production plans show a growing reliance on ever-larger gas-powered vehicles. The two biggest U.S. automakers will make more than 5 million SUVs and pickup trucks in 2026, but only about 320,000 electric vehicles, according to detailed production plans for North America seen by Reuters.
U.S. set to grant automakers a lifeline, but no bailout
WASHINGTON/DETROIT — The $2 trillion economic rescue package before the U.S. Senate would send the federal government to the auto industry’s rescue for the second time in a dozen years. Automakers are fearful of being tagged as seeking a new government bailout so soon after the 2009 government-funded auto restructurings. Detroit has not sought industry-specific assistance and instead made the case the entire economy needs urgent access to liquidity.
Michelin gauges tire market decline
Clermont-Ferrand, France – Tire market data as of 29 Feb shows that the Covid-19 crisis has led to a 9% year-on-year decline in the global passenger car and light truck tire market, Michelin has reported.
Meanwhile, worldwide demand for truck tires was down 16% over the first two months of this year as a result of pandemic, according to the French tire group.