Thursday, 29. July 2010
We all understand that we need to replace vehicles driven by fossil fuels with alternatives as we are running out, that’s a fact. The answer certainly seems to be electric vehicles as we can create electricity from natural renewable sources such as wind, light and sea movement so we can see the benefits of developing this technology. Something that was understood by the government when it was labour led who Read more »
Friday, 12. March 2010
The new car market is in total confusion. As the extended scrappage scheme finally comes to an end I have predicted that the manufacturers will turn their attention to the fleet market and offer incentives to fleet buyers and leasing companies. Unfortunately experts don’t share my optimism, they feel that manufacturers will still be cautious and unlikely to offer more incentives than are already available with increased Read more »
Tuesday, 19. January 2010
 I reported last week about the fire sale of Saab to the Chinese and my hope that the manufacturer will still continue. Well I’m pleased to advise that it looks as though the new 9-3 and 9-5 will continue as planned, great news in my opinion albeit that the future of the company is still rather sketchy. However, having just read this news I heard that Ford owned Volvo has just been bought by Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, with the sale expected to complete by mid year. The Swedes appear to be as indifferent about their car making heritage as we were in this country a few years ago when our home grown car industry collapsed. All such a shame. By Graham Hill
Thursday, 13. August 2009
I think I need to get myself a business plan and get on the list for Dragon’s Den following their clear interest in the motor industry. In a recent edition Deborah Meaden offered, and had accepted an investment of £100,000 in Service, Maintenance and Repair portal Servicing Stop. This followed on from a rejected offer of £50,000 made to Loony Ling for a 20% stake of her madhat car leasing brokerage. Did she want the money? No. Did she want an amazing amount of publicity? Of course she did and it worked a treat so well done Ling, the mad Chinese woman! Maybe I could do the same, even if it just resulted in a shed load of publicity! Hmmmm! Watch this space! By Graham Hill
Saturday, 8. August 2009
Still no money for motor finance. Back in March of this year the Automotive Assistance Programme (AAP) approved £2.3 billion of support to help, as ministers predicted, up to 100 companies through the crisis. To date not a penny has been paid out whilst those responsible for the pathetic scrappage scheme pat each other on the back. The provision of cheap wholesale money to lenders would get people back into new cars. In America, where they have similar problems and have staff looking into chat rooms and tweeting each other, it has been found Read more »
Wednesday, 21. January 2009
As car manufacturers continue to beat a path to the Chancellor’s door I ask myself what they are going to ask for? We already know that cars in the UK are overpriced so why not cut prices in order to stimulate sales. On the other hand, as Lord Mendelson has suggested, it is the funding that needs to be looked at in order to make it possible and affordable for the public and small businesses to drive new cars and Read more »
Sunday, 11. January 2009
I’m confused! I could understand the bailout of the banks, we can’t allow the banking system to collapse. And whilst the VAT cut was never going to have a significant effect on the economy in terms of kick starting expenditure it was a small step in the right direction but why are the Government listening to the car manufacturers? Of course it’s terrible when people lose their jobs and making loyal and good workers redundant is one of the hardest things Read more »