Archive for the ‘Automotive Industry’ Category
Rising fuel prices, unstable financial markets and taxation changes with the apparent aim of getting us to use our cars less often (or at least pay more to use them) have been just some of the issues that have affected the automotive industry in the past 12 months. This article looks at what 2008 may hold for the automotive industry and road users in general.
The US economy and the resulting weakness of the dollar looks like it may well contribute to the price of crude oil continuing to rise as investors have been holding the commodity instead of dollars. This means that as the cost of a barrel of crude oil comes close to the $100 figure then so fuel prices have also continued to rise.
So do higher fuel costs mean we are likely to buy or use cars, vans and Lorries less in 2008? Well seemingly not based on a latest poll of motorists. Despite fuel prices increasing at alarming rates a whopping 79 percent of motorists questioned said they had not changed their petrol and fuel buying habits and had no plans to do so. In fact the motorists questioned said petrol prices would have to increase at even more alarming rates to stop them from filling up.
Environmental issues would it seem not be as important as governments throughout the world as over 1 in 3 motorists confirmed they had no plans to replace their vehicles for more environmentally friendly cars before 2010.
And so if motorists are seemingly unaffected by rising fuel costs and are prepared to continue driving despite increased road tax and the impact on the environment surely positive times are ahead for the industry in 2008?
Well before car manufacturers and dealers start doing cartwheels, caution would certainly be advised as whilst General Motors can seen promising performance in emerging markets they have seen big losses in both American and European markets.
And with the world economy in such an uncertain state as 2007 draws to a close 2008 could well see new car sales fall with used car sales increasing. Car sales and indeed sales of all types are also likely to increase via the internet in 2008 so car dealers (new and used) without an internet presence should really be looking at establishing themselves in this emerging marketplace.
And what of the actual motorist, what does 2008 have in store for us? Well how about further increases in vehicle tax, more toll roads, increased congestion charges and still a seeming lack of a viable alternative to road use through reliable, clean and safe public transport.
The good news for some motorists on one front is that whilst the government is seemingly do all they can to penalise the motorist, insurance premiums including car insurance, van insurance and motor trade insurance are pretty stable. In fact with such competition in the insurance industry the cost of insurance like combined motor trade insurance could even fall and savings could be made.
And motor traders who are looking to make savings on their motor trade insurance premiums in 2008 using a specialist insurance broker could well be the route to take to make sure they get the protection they need at a price that is right.
In 1984 Nissan established a Factory in Sunderland, North East England. In the past eight years this factory has been Europe’s most efficient car plant. Since then Nissans overall investment in the region has been approximately £2.1bn ($4.1bn). The level of commitment by Nissan has propelled the North East of England as one of the top places in Europe to relocate automotive businesses as well as the expansion opportunities available.
Nissans decision to move to the North east has prompted over 150 automotive companies to relocate or start up in the region and the industry now has a combined workforce of 18,000 skilled people. Companies in the car or car component industry can take advantage of the regions large and skilled workforce with great employment skills in the automotive industry.
In addition to the employable skills enjoyed in the region, the industry is also supported through the Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advance practice at the University of Sunderland which is recognised worldwide as a one of the leaders in its field. Its research includes materials and structural analysis, manufacturing systems and ergonomics. There is also Durham University’s Centre for Automotive Research; here they have expertise in vehicle aerodynamics and hybrid vehicles.
Located in nearby Newcastle upon Tyne is Northumbria University. The design school contributes to the industrial design of automotive products.
The North East of England also boasts a wide range of specialist industrial support. This includes the NEPA programme which looks at lean automotive manufacturing; The Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence; The Automotive Academy; and the Automotive Centre for Excellence. These resources are made available to businesses that are looking to set up in the region. The regional development agency, One NorthEast, have a dedicated team who help businesses from all over Europe and around the world to look at the opportunities available to business looking to relocate and take advantages of what the North East has to offer.
So the North East of England is a region that can support new and existing businesses that are looking for expansion opportunities or relocation opportunities in the Automotive industry. With a highly skilled workforce and support and collaboration available for the regions local Universities the North East has established itself as one of Europe’s prime locations for the Automotive industry.
If you would like to know more about these business opportunities then the best place to get advice is through the Invest North East England team at One NorthEast.
Choosing a career is an important goal for any individual. Most of us want to make a choice that will last forever. When looking into one field or another it is the long term benefits that help us make our final decision about what career path to take. The following tips will help you determine which career for life you are most interested in when thinking about the healthcare industry versus the automotive industry.
As a healthcare provider you are providing your services for the welfare of the society and to the people. The healthcare field has many opportunities from working in hospitals and clinical facilities all the way to in home care. Often there are benefits and competitive salary packages for healthcare professionals. These benefits often make the healthcare industry an ideal choice. The automotive industry has a range of opportunities as well. You can be involved in the development and production of vehicle components. This will allow you to be a part of new technology when it comes to the cars we all drive. There is also the sales side of the automotive industry that allows you to provide service and a product to people.
When you are thinking of making a choice like a career for life it is important to think about the features and benefits of your fields of interest. The following is a list of features and benefits that will help you choose between the healthcare industry versus the automotive industry.
Helping the Society: A healthcare professional has the opportunity to provide care to a large number of people. Lending this helping hand to society is not only rewarding but satisfying as well. The automotive field on the other hand is to make a better product and to sell it at a high price. Most often what the bottom line profit is tends to be more important than customer satisfaction. In addition, working to develop new designs and keeping up with the latest technology can make for a stressful environment to work in.
Training Programs: Considering the various levels of healthcare positions you are able to choose a program that specializes in the area you are most interested in. Once you complete a training program and have your diploma or certificate in hand you ready to start your career. In the automotive industry training is often conducted within the industry. Typically training is conducted for a period 12 to 24 months. You are educated on various subjects and then are able to choose the area in which you wish to specialize in.
Education Levels: A healthcare career usually requires less than 4 years of college education unless your goal is to become a doctor or practitioner. There are several areas in the field that you start working in with just a high school diploma. In the automotive industry you are looking at 4 years of college education to be in the top salaried positions. There is little opportunity for the high school graduate.
Choosing a career for life based on the above features and benefits can help you make an educated decision. When comparing healthcare vs. automotive industries the healthcare field is sure to be a more rewarding and achievable choice.