Latest Analysis & Opinion
-
ArticleChanging supplier business models will influence car tech and design
A squeeze on automotive suppliers, together with the adaptation of new technology, will lead some major players to play a bigger role in overall vehicle development cycles, especially in shaping customer user experiences
-
ArticleElectric vehicles could transform role of tier 1 suppliers in production and technology
As OEMs look to reduce production costs and manage more complexity, automotive suppliers will face challenges. But with more EV models in the pipeline, many have the opportunity to grab a larger piece of the pie both for manufacturing and supply chain management.
-
ArticleExplaining EU vehicle emissions targets: can OEMs avoid heavy fines?
The new average fleet targets that came into force in Europe on January 1st 2020 are having big impacts on vehicle development and technology, pushing OEMs to produce and sell more hybrids and EVs. But the rules are complex and varied by brands, volume and sales. Here we provide a summary of the key rules and terminology.
-
ArticleCES 2020: Is Sony’s Vision S a scary sight, or a revelation for carmakers and suppliers?
Should automotive manufacturers and the supply chain fear or embrace this surprise announcement from the consumer technology giant?
-
ArticleFCA–PSA fusion: first of the electric shock waves?
The merger attempt by FCA and PSA will be complicated but makes economic and operational sense, including for investing in technology and systems. Whether or not it goes ahead, more consolidation is likely as the automotive industry gears up for electrification
-
ArticleA divided global electric vehicle market could limit OEM economies of scale in manufacturing
Sales of hybrid and battery electric vehicles are set for significant regional divergence, which could fragment economies of scale across automotive production, R&D and technology costs, according to a new powertrain forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media
-
ArticleGlobal trade disputes could dim electric vehicle technology development in key markets
Trade uncertainties such as those between the US and China, or the UK and the EU, could put the brakes on growth in the electric vehicle and battery technology for some OEMs and countries, despite bullish forecasts for alternative powertrains
-
ArticleWhat took the air out of Dyson’s electric car project?
The iconic manufacturer of vacuum cleaners has cancelled plans to develop and build an EV. That was probably a smart decision, considering the huge costs, competition and struggling market that Dyson would have been entering. An analysis from Ultima Media’s automotive analyst, Daniel Harrison.
-
ArticleStricter EU CO2 regulations will reshape vehicle platforms and car design
As OEMs try to reduce CO2 and transition to electric vehicles in the face of the high fines, we expect a profound impact on vehicle design.
-
ArticleSuppliers will face squeeze as OEMs push to meet EU CO2 targets
As carmakers strive to reach the more stringent CO2 emissions targets being phased in across the EU next year, we predict that many are likely to put more pressure on their supply base to help reduce emissions
-
ArticleEurope’s auto industry warns of “catastrophic consequences” of no-deal Brexit
With uncertainty continuing over Britain’s departure from the European Union, automakers and suppliers warned this week of “catastrophic consequences” if the country leaves the bloc without a comprehensive agreement in place.
-
ArticleGreater expectations: brighter days will return for the automotive industry
Although automotive OEMs will face years of stagnant vehicle sales, a stronger recovery thereafter will bring growth back up to long run averages and herald a return to stronger profits. By then, however, the industry is likely to have undergone further consolidation.
-
ArticleRe-tooling of manufacturing plants and supply chain for EVs pose investment risk for OEMs
Tooling and conversion of technology for automotive plants are signicant costs for OEMs as they invest in electrification, which some may struggle to afford, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
-
ArticlePricier, technology-laden new vehicles are driving consumers to buy used vehicles
OEMs’ own sales and technology strategies, combined with growing regulations, are leading more consumers to the second-hand vehicle market, a development that could reshape future automotive business models, according to a new report.
-
ArticleElectrification poses cost and technology risk for automotive industry
The high R&D, production and technology costs of electric vehicles could mean that OEMs will be selling most at a loss for years to come, according to a report by Automotive from Ultma Media.
-
ArticleEmissions regulations pose existential risk for OEMs
Escalating fines over CO2 and fuel standards, especially in Europe and China, are set to have significant impacts across OEM profits and investment plans, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
-
ArticleBuilding Volkswagen’s Industrial Cloud
Volkswagen Group’s landmark project with Amazon Web Services will help to connect all its global factories, and eventually the supply chain as well. At the core of the project is a drive to establish a standard software stack that will transform the way production IT is developed and implemented across Volkswagen locations.
-
ArticleTrade wars compound risks for automotive investment
The impact on tariffs and especially of uncertainty in key trading regions including the US, China and Europe are having real impacts on automotive companies and their investments in technology, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media’s new business intelligence unit.
-
ArticleAuto industry faces lengthy decline in sales
Global new vehicle sales could face years of falls or stagnation, hurting OEM profits and putting pressure on investment in technology, according to a forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media’s new business intelligence unit.
-
ArticleThe outlook: Global challenges grow for automotive suppliers
Automotive suppliers are facing a tougher environment as vehicle production declines, the Chinese market weakens and growing efforts to electrify powertrains are reshaping demand structures.
