Tag Archives: change

The European car market has undergone significant changes in the past two decades, with the rise of Tesla and the entry of Chinese brands. Europe, being a highly competitive market with strict safety and emissions standards, has seen shifts in the dominance of traditional car manufacturers.

Europe is the third largest automotive market in the world, after China and the United States, and it ranks second in terms of electric vehicle adoption. However, when it comes to the past 20 years, some car brands have fared better than others.

Big Brands Shrinking?

Between 2003 and 2023, the European automotive market witnessed a significant shift in brand dominance. Traditionally, Europe has been led by seven major automakers: Fiat from Italy, Citroen, Peugeot, and Renault from France, Volkswagen and Opel from Germany, and Ford from the UK.

In 2003, these seven brands (including Opel with Vauxhall) held almost 58 percent of new car registrations in Europe across 29 markets. Due to their strong presence in their respective home markets, they maintained a relatively strong position compared to Japanese and Korean brands.

For instance, Opel had a market share of 10 percent in Germany, while Renault had 27 percent in France. Although these figures were lower compared to the 1990s, they were still satisfactory because Korean brands had not yet made significant progress, and Japanese brands were trying to win over European consumers.

And Then Came SUVs

The dynamics started to shift with the popularity of SUVs, which began with the launch of the first-generation Nissan Qashqai. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia established manufacturing plants in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, producing competitive cars that appealed to local consumers.

As a result, in 2013, the Big-7 brands accounted for nearly 49 percent of the European car market, a decrease of 9 percentage points compared to a decade earlier. Between 2003 and 2013, six of these brands saw a decline in market share, ranging from a 0.9-point decrease for Fiat to a 4-point decrease for Renault. The exception was Volkswagen, which increased its market share from 9.8 percent in 2003 to 12.6 percent in 2013.

Who Came Out on Top?

In addition to Volkswagen’s slight gain in market share, the biggest winners over the past 20 years have been German premium brands, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and most recently, Tesla. These brands possess a greater level of flexibility compared to their European counterparts.

This allows them to introduce fresh products faster, catering to the evolving needs of consumers. Moreover, they were less affected by the European crisis between 2011 and 2014, and their strong global presence enabled them to save costs.

Will other struggling brands learn from their success?

The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.

News

House of Lords to Examine UK’s Plan to Transition to Electric Vehicles

August 10, 2023 David

The House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee has initiated an inquiry to investigate how the UK government intends to achieve its goal of decarbonising cars and vans within the next 12 years.

The inquiry aims to identify the primary barriers to reducing emissions from private transportation, as well as understand the costs and potential benefits associated with the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK.

Furthermore, the committee seeks to assess the progress made thus far towards the 2030 and 2035 milestones, in which sales of new hybrid cars will also be prohibited.

Committee chair Baroness Kate Parminter stated, “The time has come for action. We cannot achieve net-zero without individuals making changes to our lives, how we travel, and what we buy. The use of electric vehicles for passenger transport will be part of that, and the government has committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”

The committee has invited the public to provide evidence regarding the government’s approach to the 2030 and 2035 targets, the electric vehicle market, the experience of purchasing an electric vehicle, the disposal of electric vehicles at the end of their life, infrastructure issues at both national and regional levels, and international perspectives.

The call for evidence includes several questions, such as whether the 2030 and 2035 targets are realistic and achievable, and whether they are incentivising the growth of the electric vehicle market. The complete list of questions can be found here.

These targets have gained significant attention in recent months, with prominent newspapers and business secretary Kemi Badenoch scrutinising the phase-out. Badenoch is reportedly seeking to persuade cabinet ministers to ease the incoming zero emission vehicle mandate, which will require that 22% of all new vehicle sales be electric from 2024 and increase annually thereafter, in order to protect the UK’s declining automotive industry.

The deadline for submitting evidence to the committee is Friday 15 September.

Cars

2024 Land Cruiser MPG: Toyota’s New Hybrid SUV Offers Impressive Fuel Efficiency

August 9, 2023 David

The 2024 Land Cruiser brings about a significant change in the form of a notable price drop. With a starting price in the mid $50,000 range, this new model is approximately $30,000 cheaper than its predecessor. This makes the Land Cruiser a more competitive option compared to Ford, Jeep, and Land Rover SUVs, which were previously considered better choices due to their lower price points.

In terms of dimensions, the 2024 Land Cruiser has been made slightly narrower by 4.4 inches and shorter by 1.2 inches. This alteration enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The power comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Notably, all models of the Land Cruiser come with all-wheel drive, ensuring optimal performance in various terrains. Additionally, the SUV is equipped with non-performance features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance system, which is standard across all trims.

Despite the attractive starting price of the mid-$50,000 range, it’s worth noting that adding optional extras or choosing a more desirable trim could push the price closer to six figures. Toyota offers a limited trim called the “First Edition grade,” of which only 5,000 units will be produced. Opting for this trim will provide buyers with round heritage LED headlamps, a roof rack, rock rails, and an exclusive interior design, but at an additional cost.

Technology

Effective Ways to Change Your Android Device’s Name

July 16, 2023 David

There are a number of reasons why you may want to change the name of your Android device. Not only can it be a fun way to give your phone a unique identity, but it also offers practical benefits. For example, if multiple members of your family own the same phone model, having individual names for each device can prevent confusion when connecting to Bluetooth devices. Additionally, changing your device’s name can enhance your privacy by making it more challenging for others on your network to monitor your activity.

To change the name of your Android device, follow these steps:

Method 1: Changing the Device Name in Settings

Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
Scroll down and tap on “About phone” or “About device.”
Select “Device name” or “Device model.”
Enter the new name you want to assign to your device.
Tap “OK” to save the changes.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party App

If you prefer a more advanced method or additional customization options, you can use a third-party app to change your device’s name. Here’s how:

Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Device ID.”
Install and open the “Device ID” app on your device.
Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access your device information.
Tap on “Device name” or a similar option depending on the app.
Enter the new name you want for your device.
Save the changes and restart your phone to apply the new name.

Method 3: Changing the Bluetooth Name

If you specifically want to change the name that appears when connecting your device to Bluetooth devices, follow these steps:

Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
Tap on “Connected devices” or a similar option.
Select “Bluetooth.”
Find your device in the list and tap on the settings icon next to it (usually represented by three dots or lines).
Choose “Rename” or “Device name.”
Enter the desired name for your device, then save the changes.

Changing your Android device’s name can be a quick and simple process. Whether you do it for fun or practical reasons, having a unique name for your device can set it apart from the crowd and enhance your overall smartphone experience.

Featured

MG Has Organised A Nationwide Service Camp Till July 18

July 6, 2023 Prafful Singh

The camp is offering MG customers benefits on AC service, engine oil change, and tyre replacement

During the service camp, MG is offering free car wash and 25-point vehicle health checkup, which also includes battery checkup.
Save up to 25 percent on AC service and up to 20 percent on value added services.
Special discounts are being offered on engine oil and tyre replacement.

MG is hosting its nationwide two-week annual service camp for 2023 at its authorized dealerships across the country from July 4 till July 18.

During the camp, trained technicians from MG will perform a free 25-point vehicle health checkup, which includes a battery checkup as well. Additionally, customers will receive a complimentary top wash for their vehicles. The carmaker is offering savings of up to 25 percent on AC service and up to 20 percent off on value-added services. Customers can also take advantage of special benefits on engine oil changes and tyre replacement.

MG currently retails six models in India, including two electric cars: Comet EV, Hector, Hector Plus, Astor, ZS EV and Gloster. The MG Gloster recently received a new Black Strom edition, and you can read about it in more detail here.

Here’s what carmaker has to say about its service camp:

MG Motor India announces nationwide ‘Service Camp’

Free 25 points vehicle health check up and complimentary car wash
Upto 25% discount on AC service and upto 20% discount on value-added services
Service camp begins from July 4 till July 18, 2023

New Delhi, July 4, 2023: MG Motor India, a British automobile brand with a 99-year-old legacy, has announced the annual Service Camp for its customers. The nationwide camp will be held from July 4 till July 18 across all authorised MG service centres in India.

During the Service Camp, MG customers can avail of the following offers:

● Free 25 points vehicle health check up

● Free car wash

● Free battery Health Checkup

● Upto 25% discount on AC service

● Upto 20% off on value-added services

● Attractive discount on engine oil

● Special offer on tyre replacement

Commenting on the announcement, Rajesh Mehrotra, Director, Aftersales, MG Motor India, said, “At MG Motor India, we keep MG owners at the centre of everything we do. We believe that the services offered during the Camp by our trained professionals will enable our customers to have a hassle-free driving experience with complete peace of mind.”

MG is committed to providing superior sales and aftersales experience to its customers and was ranked No.1 in J.D. Power 2021 and 2022’s India Sales Satisfaction Study (SSI) and No.1 in India Customer Service Index Study (CSI).

2023 SUZUKI DR650S: DUAL-SPORT TEST

June 15, 2023 David

We have mixed feelings about the Suzuki DR650S. On one hand, we appreciate the fact that Suzuki has kept this model in production for over 32 years. On the other hand, it is still a motorcycle that is essentially 32 years old. However, despite its age, the DR650S has its merits and continues to be offered in the market.

The Suzuki DR650S is a big, air-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle with a carburetor. It is priced at $6999, which is the same as a Yamaha YZ125 motocross bike. What’s interesting is that the DR650S is still manufactured in Japan, while most other motorcycles in this price range are made in countries like China, Thailand, or Vietnam. As a result, the DR650S stands out as one of the last remaining models of its kind.

LOOKING BACK
The roots of the DR650S can be traced back to the 1978 Suzuki SP370, the company’s first four-stroke off-road bike. Over the years, it evolved into the present-day DR650S with various updates and improvements. In 1993, the electric starter was introduced, which was a major step forward. Today’s DR650S remains fundamentally similar to the initial version. In the late 90s, the DR650S was considered one of the top dual-sport bikes in terms of performance and handling.

THE DR TODAY
Despite the DR650S remaining largely unchanged, its role in the market has shifted. It is no longer considered a high-performance bike or a traditional dual-sport model. Instead, it serves as an entry-level adventure bike. The bike’s design and layout reflect its 90s heritage, with a thick seat and handlebars that sweep back towards the rider. Vibration is minimal thanks to rubber-mounted footpegs and handlebar weights. The power delivery of the big single-cylinder engine is torque-oriented, offering a distinct and satisfying acceleration experience. While it lacks the rev-happy nature of modern bikes, the DR650S produces more torque than many of its rivals. Its tall gearing allows for cruising at low RPM, making it comfortable for long rides on dirt roads. However, the bike may struggle on fast trails due to its street-oriented tires and limited suspension adjustability. It is also relatively heavy compared to its competitors.

The 2023 Suzuki DR650S is still around. It sells for $6999.

WHERE WE STARTED
The Kawasaki KLR650 remains the closest competitor to the Suzuki DR650S. While the KLR650 has received updates and now features fuel injection, the DR650S remains unchanged in terms of its carbureted engine. Fuel injection is seen as an added complexity and expense in a bike like the DR650S. Despite its age, the DR650S still finds its place in the modern world and has an enduring appeal. We believe it deserves to continue being produced indefinitely.

Motorsport

The Most And Least Advanced Motor Industries Around The World

June 10, 2023 Prafful Singh

The global automotive industry can change dramatically from one country to another. Between 80 and 90 million new cars are sold every year in the 195 countries of the world. More than half of these cars (54 percent) are located in Asia, as is the majority of the world’s population (59 percent). Other regions such as the United States and Canada account for only 5 percent of the world’s population, but 19 percent of vehicle sales.

The industry has many faces depending on where you are. Some are quite developed in terms of technology. Other countries are lagging behind in terms of regulations and the importance of the sector within the GDP.

Who Is Ahead?

The European Union and the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Korea, and China are very well positioned. They have a strong regulatory, trade, tax, manufacturing, and R&D structure. That’s why almost all the new cars that are presented come from these markets.

Both automakers and consumers can take advantage of the best conditions to sell, buy, and drive cars. The authorities are moving in harmony with the industry to improve development and innovation, although in Europe, the 2035 lawsuit is now holding court.

The Stellantis Factory In Tychy, Poland

Who Is Working Hard?

Behind these markets are countries working hard to become attractive for foreign investment. India, Southeast Asia, North Africa, South Africa, and some Latin American markets are improving their automotive landscape by introducing more efficient and flexible regulations and making it easier for automakers to invest.

However, there are still issues related to import taxation and population income that make it difficult for developed economies to keep pace. Brazil, for example, has a strong manufacturing hub, but is unable to adopt the latest technologies because most consumers cannot afford them. However, India is close when it comes to regulations.

The BMW Rosslyn Plant In South Africa

The Worst Countries For The Automotive Industry

Countries with the poorest automotive industries are usually those isolated in terms of trade, or where local production is nearly impossible due to lack of infrastructure and support from local authorities.

This is the case of Iran, for example. Its economy is largely blocked by international sanctions which make it almost impossible to import new and competitive cars at competitive prices. It is also very difficult to produce locally due to a lack of components and access to international technology. All cars produced in Iran today are rebadged older-tech models no longer produced in Western economies.

A large part of the African continent is also experiencing great difficulties. The heavy presence of used car imports puts new cars in a very difficult position, considering the very low income of the population. Most Africans cannot afford a new vehicle. The result? The streets are filled with polluting cars and old technology.

The Russian Case

Russia is also heading towards a difficult situation. As Western automakers have abandoned this market after the invasion of Ukraine, local production is shrinking to a handful of small companies that lack the technology to compete in global markets.

AVTOVAZ Plant In Russia

Furthermore, it is slowly becoming a satellite market for Chinese manufacturers, which means that consumers will not have much choice in the foreseeable future.

The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars accelerates commercial transformation with the UK on course to become the brand’s first direct sales market

June 8, 2023 David

We’re getting ready for a fundamental change in how we do business and 2023 will be an important year for us. This year, our commercial transformation gathers pace as we evolve what we sell, how we sell and where we sell.

This transformation is crucial to our long-term ambitions and growth as a company. We will be fully electric by 2030, introduce new ways to access a Volvo car, roll out a seamless online and physical retail experience, and create a lot more direct relationships with our ever-growing consumer base around the world.

Europe, our largest sales region and furthest along in the move towards full electrification, is spearheading this transformation – already in 2022, online and direct sales represented 11 per cent of the total sales in our top five European markets.

In the United Kingdom the change is already well under way, with many direct sales channels already operational. Since 2019, it has been possible to order a Volvo car online in the UK. The subsequent launch of the Care by Volvo subscription service in September 2020 offered a new, flexible alternative to traditional car ownership. To date, more than 12,000 new cars have been sold by this direct channel.

In early 2022 we were the first manufacturer in the UK to launch an online direct sales platform for approved-used cars. We then provided a new solution for Fleet and Business consumers with a tool for SMEs to order and manage their company cars directly with us online.

In June this year we’ll be taking the next important step as the UK becomes our first 100 per cent direct market when we close the UK wholesale channel. It is important to note that we are not closing the Volvo Cars retailers. They continue to be an important part of a seamless online and physical consumer experience. Sweden will be the next market to switch to this model, while other markets in Europe will follow as they become ready.

Getting a new Volvo: you’re in the driver’s seat

In the UK, our new approach to getting a Volvo car is designed around flexibility for the consumer. You decide how you access a new Volvo model: through subscription, leasing, Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Volvo Loan or outright purchase.

Regardless of whether you visit one of our retailer partners, walk into our urban studio, head to our website or use the Volvo Cars app, everyone should get the same outstanding and meaningful experience.

“Evolving consumer needs are the driving force behind this change. We want to provide the best possible experience for our consumers, whatever their buying preferences. The transformation is being undertaken in close collaboration with our retailer partners and we are confident it will deliver an industry-leading buying process,” says Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director. “It’s exciting to see the progress we’ve already made as we transition our business and continue the roll out of this new sales model. So far this year, 17% of our sales have been online and direct, and they continue to grow as we move towards the completion of this transformation.”

This simple and smooth buying process will be underpinned by our online store, volvocars.com. Transparent and national online pricing without haggling or hidden fees, as well as an easy-to-understand offer, makes ordering a new Volvo car a breeze.

Consumers can complete an order in a few simple steps and follow their car through every phase of the delivery process via the Volvo Cars app. Here, they also find all car-related services and functionalities in a user-friendly, seamless interface.

Apart from simplifying our offer and introducing more transparent pricing, we’re also investing in a centralised digital inventory system that will allow us to see all cars that are available across the country at any given time. That allows us to locate and deliver cars faster.

While online consumer relationships will play an increasingly important role, our physical retailers will always be a key component of our success. Not only will they deliver and service cars, they will remain responsible for a lot of everyday contact with consumers, such as providing test drives and assisting them through the new sales process.

“We are really looking forward to continuing our strong relationship with Volvo Car UK as we undergo this huge transformation,” says Chris Carr, Managing Director and owner of Volvo Cars Shrewsbury, who was among the first to sign the new partner agreement. “Volvo has shown willingness to listen to retailers throughout this journey and demonstrated openness. This collaboration leaves us, as retailers, in a really positive place to drive our businesses forward, while securing a fundamental role in the future of Volvo’s first direct sales market.”

Together with our retailer partners, we’ll also keep investing in advanced data analytics capabilities. By analysing how customers use our platforms, interact with our brand and use our products, we can understand them even better: what they want and how we can make their lives easier.

Automoto Hub