Volvo Group launches world’s first vehicle using fossil-free steel

In a move underlining its commitment to reducing emissions in its supply chain, Volvo Group has launched what it says is the world’s first vehicle using fossil-free steel. The machine, a load carrier for use in mining and quarrying, was unveiled at a green steel collaboration event held in Sweden. The steel was supplied by SSAB, a global leader in value-added high strength steel production, and Volvo Group said more vehicles will follow in 2022 in what will be a small-scale series of concept vehicles and components, with mass production set to follow.

Volvo Group launches world’s first vehicle using fossil-free steel

Oct 14, 2021

In a move underlining its commitment to reducing emissions in its supply chain, Volvo Group has launched what it says is the world’s first vehicle using fossil-free steel. The machine, a load carrier for use in mining and quarrying, was unveiled at a green steel collaboration event held in Sweden. The steel was supplied by SSAB, a global leader in value-added high strength steel production, and Volvo Group said more vehicles will follow in 2022 in what will be a small-scale series of concept vehicles and components, with mass production set to follow.

UK car production struggling but alternative fuelled vehicle share at record levels

UK car production fell 27% in August, the second consecutive month of decline, with 37,246 cars manufactured, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). However, alternative fuelled vehicles (AFVs) took their largest ever share of production. SMMT said overall output was affected by the continuing global shortage of semiconductors leading to production stoppages, as well as the timing and length of some manufacturers’ summer factory shutdowns.

UK car production struggling but alternative fuelled vehicle share at record levels

Oct 04, 2021

UK car production fell 27% in August, the second consecutive month of decline, with 37,246 cars manufactured, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). However, alternative fuelled vehicles (AFVs) took their largest ever share of production. SMMT said overall output was affected by the continuing global shortage of semiconductors leading to production stoppages, as well as the timing and length of some manufacturers’ summer factory shutdowns.

Government launches major Future of Transport consultation on EVs and automotive technologies

The Department of Transport has launched a consultation on measures it says are designed to place the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge transport technologies. These include a significant expansion to the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the UK. There are a number of strands to the Future of Transport consultation, which covers aviation and maritime transport as well as cars.

Government launches major Future of Transport consultation on EVs and automotive technologies

Oct 01, 2021

The Department of Transport has launched a consultation on measures it says are designed to place the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge transport technologies. These include a significant expansion to the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the UK. There are a number of strands to the Future of Transport consultation, which covers aviation and maritime transport as well as cars.

EMEA

Innovation by remarketing specialist lays building blocks for circular economy partnerships in auto finance

Oct 01, 2021

Auto finance companies could increase business volumes by securing repeat financing of the same vehicle during its life using a recently launched digital innovation. The white label online platform retains vehicles within a specific dealer community, enabling their chosen finance company to fund vehicles through several ownership cycles. The service, from UK remarketing giant Aston Barclay, is entirely digital and slashes remarketing periods from weeks to days, executives say.

Americas

Stellantis to set up US auto finance captive with First Investors acquisition

Sep 03, 2021

Dutch-owned Stellantis is to pay approximately $285 million to acquire Houston-based First Investors Financial Services Group as the first step in creating a US-based finance arm. The company, formed at the beginning of the year from the merger of FCA and PSA, is the only major OEM currently operating in the US without a captive auto finance company.

Asia Pacific

Toyota Finance New Zealand partners with Ephesoft on digital transformation initiative

Jan 28, 2020

Toyota Financial Services New Zealand (TFNZ) has partnered with Ephesoft to drive its automotive loan application and settlement processing. TFNZ will use Ephesoft’s Transact software within its loan operations team to automate the classification and processing of key forms and documents. The Transact platform uses artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud-based services to automate document processing and will integrate with the finance company’s existing loan origination system.