Carmakers pump up production (03/05/10)

Global auto production increased by 57 per cent during the first three months of 2010, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The figures, which were compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), suggested that year-on-year growth in China, Japan, Canada, Mexico and the UK was in excess of 70 per cent.

"In the first quarter of last year, everyone went into inventory control mode," Calum MacRae, of PwC, told the news provider.

"Now we're seeing a recouping of the losses we had last year."

Argentine 2010 auto output seen reaching record (03/05/10)

Argentina is expecting to produce a record 680,000 vehicles and export an all-time high of about 435,000 units this year, Reuters reports.

"Most of this [increase] is due to Brazil, which is growing at four or five per cent, meaning there will be very good demand for vehicles," Cesar Luis Ramirez Rojas, President of the Adefa carmakers' association, told the news provider.

Peugeot, Changan Agree on Chinese Production Venture (06/05/10)

Peugeot Citreon Europe has agreed a joint venture to produce cars and light commercial vehicles in China.

The company has teamed up with China Changan Automotive Group to increase its presence in the world's largest auto market.

"This is a small step in the right direction for Peugeot as it seeks to become a more international business," Mike Tyndall, an Automotive Specialist with Nomura, told Bloomberg.

"China is becoming a very competitive market and Peugeot has been losing share."

Diesel Car, Car of the Year Awards 2010 (10/05/10)

Peugeot was also celebrating last month after taking the top prize at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The company's 5008 took the Diesel Car, Car of the Year 2010 honour, while the Jaguar XF triumphed in the best executive car category for the third year in a row.

Skoda won best large car and estate car for its new Superb, with Ford's Fiesta winning the best small car for the second year running and the Toyota Prius taking the best eco car award.

Volkswagen's Golf won the best medium car gong, while Peugeot also picked up awards for its 3008 and RCZ models.

SMMT lifts forecast for car & van sales (06/05/10)

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has increased its full-year forecasts for both car and van registrations in the UK, it has been confirmed.

In January, the body suggested that 1,817,000 cars would be registered in 2010, but it now believes that this figure could be closer to 1,924,000.

Furthermore, it has predicted that van registrations will reach 202,000, representing a rise of 7.7 per cent from its previous estimate of 187,600.

"SMMT's latest forecasts reflect the better than expected results in the first quarter and improving consumer confidence," said SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt.

"The coming months will be challenging now that the scrappage scheme has ended, but industry remains cautiously optimistic."

Toyota Plans to Cut Domestic Production Capacity 20% by 2015 (12/05/10)

Toyota has confirmed that it plans to reduce its production capacity in Japan by about 20 per cent over the course of the next five years.

The world's biggest automaker told Bloomberg that its domestic capacity will be cut from 3.9 million to 3.2 million as it focuses on boosting output to emerging markets.

Meanwhile, Toyota also revealed that it will close a line at its Takaoka plant from the current fiscal quarter until the second half of 2011, cutting production by 220,000 units.

Russia car scheme boosts sales (22/05/10)

Russia's scrappage scheme is having a major impact on vehicle sales in the country, with a rise of 20 per cent posted in April, according to the Association for European Businesses.

Nine of the ten best-selling vehicles in Europe during the month were produced in Russia, following the introduction of the $1,666 discount in March.

GM China JV to raise capacity nearly 50 pct by 2012 (23/05/10)

General Motors (GM) has announced that it is set to expand its SAIC-GM-Wuling mini-van and pick-up truck joint venture, Reuters reports.

The move will see capacity increased by almost 50 per cent by the end of 2012, with 210,000 units added at each of its two facilities in Liuzhou and Qingdao.

Finally, officials in California are planning to further tighten the greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency gains for vehicles in the state.

According to reports, the new set of regulations - which will come into force between 2017 and 2025 - will add about $1,000 per vehicle in cost and provide fuel savings of roughly $3,000.

"We're expecting to see a continuation of the move toward electric drivetrain vehicles, meaning either plug-in hybrids or fuel cells or battery electrics," Mary Nichols, Chair of the Air Resources Board, told Reuters.

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