This is an interesting bending of the rules - similar to the Volkswagen Group developing software to detect when a car is being tested such that the correct test results are delivered. FIAT Chrysler (FCA) is working with Tesla to lower the fleet emissions such that they won't get fined by the EU. FCA has already had to pay $800M a couple of years ago to settle a US lawsuit … [Read more...]
EU MPs Vote for Higher Emissions Reductions
The European Union is keen to see the end of the internal combustion engine, which is really interesting considering that the European manufacturers are behind the eight ball when it comes to electric vehicles. In October MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) voted to increase the reduction of carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. The original agreement was to reduce them by … [Read more...]
Crash Test Ratings
The majority of countries in the world will not allow a new car from an established manufacturer to be sold if they have not passed certain crash tests and these are rated by several Government agencies - albeit with similar tests and ratings. Crash tests are typically destructive - i.e. they are testing against design and Government standards and based on the results, the … [Read more...]
Luxury cars means profits for manufacturers
European car makers are struggling - at least the ones that are selling lower priced cars. To make a cheap car you need cheap components and cheap labour, so many manufacturers are building in Eastern Europe or Asia to reduce costs, however the price pressure in the market especially from even cheaper cars built in the Far East isn't helping. So what to do? Follow the example … [Read more...]