Please see below for the fortnightly news update from Ennis & Co, where we aim to bring you the very latest information within automotive from various UK-based and international media sources.
This week’s update covers the following topics:
· New appointments in the industry
· Automotive trends
· Diversity and inclusion
· “Ones to Watch”: the latest automotive webinars
| New appointments within automotive |
 Appointment of Louis-Marie Chevalier, Director of PSA Retail France Louis-Marie Chevalier is appointed Director of PSA Retail France. He will report to Anne Abboud, Senior Vice President of PSA Retail. He succeeded Eric Basset who leaves the group for personal reasons. Read the full article here |
 Groupe PSA appoints new Peugeot UK managing director Julie David is appointed as managing director for Peugeot UK effective 8th January following David Peel’s decision to pursue his career outside of Groupe PSA. Read the full article here |
 Ken Ramirez to head Central and South America for Hyundai Motor Hyundai Motor has named Ken Ramirez president and CEO of both Hyundai Motor Brazil and Hyundai Motor Central and South America as the company continues to strengthen its regional management team. Read the full article here |
 Kia promotes Gary Curran to new role as leasing and rental manager Gary Curran has been given a new role at Kia Motors UK as leasing and rental manager, following a stint as RV and fleet operations manager. Read the full article here |
| Automotive Trends |
| Mobility and Technology |
| Cox Automotive Mobility & Motional work toward bringing robotaxis to market Motional, a driverless vehcle technology company, will utilize Cox Automotive Mobility’s Pivet program as its fleet service provider — a collaboration the companies say lays the foundation for Motional’s path to market for robotaxis in major U.S. cities. Read the full article here |
| Norway becomes first country where EVs outsell combustion cars In 2020, 54.3% of all new cars sold in Norway were fully electric, up from 42.1% in 2019. This marks the first time such cars have comprised more than 50% of new car sales in a country across a full year. Read the full article here |
| Car industry: ‘massive investment’ needed in EV charging Mike Hawes, the head of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said that while the growth in EVs is hugely encouraging, it needs to be considered in context of the UK government’s 2030 ban on most non-zero-emissions vehicles. Certain hybrids will be allowed until 2035. Read the full article here |
| Automotive trade |
| Brexit deal makes UK EV battery production essential The Brexit trade deal makes it essential for the UK to invest in EV battery production, says Andy Palmer, formerly CEO of Aston Martin and COO of Nissan Motor. Read the full article here |
| Analysis: Will the Japanese car industry cut ties with Europe? Mitsubishi’s surprise announcement in July that it will throw in the towel and exit Europe highlights the wide-reaching problems that Japanese manufacturers – with the notable exception of Toyota – are facing in the region. Read the full article here |
| Diversity and Inclusion |
| In case you missed it… 2020: The year that changed everything Our diversity and inclusion leaders within automotive and mobility Ennis & Co have collected the following insights into the strategies and activities of our key automotive leaders in 2020. These individuals have proven themselves during what is arguably the most challenging time of our lives. Read the full article here |
 Ennis & Co and Autocar’s Drivers of Change competition 2021 We are delighted to share that our partnered initiative with Autocar, the Drivers of Change competition, was officially launched at the November 2020 SMMT Live Event. This will be the initiative’s second consecutive year, following its huge success in 2020. The competition seeks to attract talent within automotive by encouraging those from all backgrounds and sectors to enter our incredible industry. For further details and to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email: michaela.rowland@ennisco.com |
 Barbara Cox ‘Woman of the Year’ 2021 Award Cox Automotive UK is currently seeking nominations for the 2021 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award, which will honour an inspirational woman within the automotive industry. Ennis & Co is delighted to be involved in this incredible initiative as our Founder Lynda Ennis is supporting the judging of the nominees. Find out more here |
| Ones to Watch |
 Auto Trader Update on Lockdown 3.0 13th January 2021, 9:30am GMT In the first webinar of 2021, the session will update retailers on how Auto Trader will support them throughout the third national lockdown while their showroom doors remain shut. Find out more here |
