The latest issue (8 March) is something of a mixed affair, with the Geneva motor show prompting a wealth of new product news on one hand, while on the other, a whole load of industry developments have caused ripples.
First Geneva. When the world’s motor industry gathers, there are always plenty of interesting stories, and away from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce that had petrolheads slathering, the attention was focused on lowering emissions.
While there wasn’t really a stand-out exciting new mainstream model, developments coming in the next couple of years will show how quickly the industry can move forward when it needs to. Which is a point probably not lost on legislators as we head towards the Budget.
With an increasing number of vehicles getting under 100g/km, there’s no further BIK incentive until you reach 75g/km, giving manufacturers with cars in the 90g/km region no reason to keep pushing CO2 downwards. It’s just a hunch, but don’t expect 100g/km to be the ultimate BIK goal for too much longer.
Elsewhere in the issue there has been a substantial change in circumstances for Auto Windscreens. The firm was closed down by liquidators after selling the sites to insurance firm Marketstudy Group. However, it later emerged that Marketstudy had also bought the Auto Windscreen name, and is relaunching the brand with previous MD Nigel Davies back at the helm. It’ll be interesting to see what the plan is for that brand, and as soon as the new company can make someone available we’ll let you know.
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