Renault-Nissan take 58% EV marketshare

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has sold its 200,000th electric vehicle and has a 58% marketshare for zero-emission cars.

Together, Renault and Nissan EVs have driven approximately four billion zero-emission kilometers and represent 200 million litres of fuel saved. Alliance EVs also represent 450 million kg of CO2 that has not been emitted while driving.

‘Renault and Nissan’s electric vehicles are the zero-emission volume leaders – and, most important, they enjoy high satisfaction rates from customers around the world,’ said Carlos Ghosn, chairman & CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. ‘Based on positive owner feedback and the increasing demand for cars that run on renewable energy, it’s no surprise that EV sales are accelerating – particularly in regions where charging infrastructure is well developed.’

The Alliance sold its 200,000th EV in early November, about four years after the launch of the Nissan LEAF, the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle. In Europe, the UK is the most advanced market in terms of electric vehicle infrastructure. Today, the quick charging network already covers 87% of the UK’s motorways.

With six electric vehicle models on the road, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is the only global car group with a full range of 100% electric vehicles – and they can be fully charged with purely renewable energy. Renault’s top markets in Europe - its main electric vehicle market - are France, Germany and the United Kingdom. In October, Renault regained the number one EV position in Europe with a market share of 31%. ZOE was the most popular vehicle with a 23% market share.

Industry celebrates young people

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Influential figures from across the UK automotive industry came together in London today to celebrate the achievements of more than 70 young people in the third iteration of an initiative to enhance skills in the sector.

The ‘Working Assets’ initiative, funded through SMMT’s Charitable Trust and delivered by the Foyer Federation, offers young people who have experienced disadvantage an exciting opportunity to develop their skills in one of the UK’s most vibrant industrial sectors.

Residents of four Foyers across the country undertook work programmes at four SMMT members’ manufacturing operations, engaging in a range of activities to enhance their long-term employability. Hosting the participants were Ford’s Technical Centre in Basildon, Essex; BMW’s MINI plant in Swindon; Toyota’s car factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire; and Unipart Manufacturing in Coventry.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, ‘The UK automotive sector employs more than three quarters of a million people, a number that is growing following significant investments by the industry.

‘Working with the Foyer Federation in the ‘Working Assets’ programme has been a privilege and we are pleased to have been able to offer this unique stepping stone to employment for some of those who have faced challenges in their lives.’

Jane Slowey, chief executive of the Foyer Federation, added, ‘We are really pleased to see this important and innovative programme develop and improve with each year. For the third year in a row, the partnership has offered a flexible and engaging programme to young people which stimulates their interest in the automotive industry and boosts their employability in the process.

‘What is more, the local partnerships we have developed between Foyer and automotive company each go from strength to strength. We are delighted to know they will continue to benefit young people and professionals alike.’

Each young person took on a variety of activities including team-building, exposure to a professional environment in a manufacturing facility, and development of CVs. The projects were specifically designed to engage the participants with the challenges of modern manufacturing, as well as develop their capacity for teamwork – and ultimately, to enhance their prospects for future employment in the manufacturing sector.

In recognition of their achievements, each young person celebrated in today’s ceremony – held at SMMT’s Westminster headquarters – was given a certificate. Also acclaimed were the contributions of the local Foyers, as well as the individual manufacturers, to the success of the scheme.

This year, as an added attraction to young people interested in the industry, the partnership between SMMT and the Foyer Federation expanded activities to running a Pop Up Talent Shop at SMMT’s headquarters in October. Part of the Pop Up Talent programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Shop mixed over 40 young people with professionals from the automotive industry to apply their skills in taster sessions and find out more about routes into the sector.