Greek auto sales have been racing ahead in recent weeks. They are up 16% so far this year, as people seek ways to protect their money in the event of Greece leaving the euro. April saw the strongest rise, with sales up an astonishing 47% versus 2014. As The Telegraph noted: “People living in a […]
Chemicals and the Economy
Ageing BabyBoomers slow housing, auto markets
As promised yesterday, the blog today looks at the wider impact of the major changes underway in housing markets. Driven by the ageing BabyBoomers these changes are, in effect, like throwing a series of large stones into the middle of a pool of water – the ripples spread wider and wider as the impact grows. One key […]
Global auto industry enters “peak car” era
Q1 saw record global auto sales volumes, as the chart above shows: US and EU manufacturers cut prices and offered great financing deals to boost sales Chinese buyers raced to beat new quota restrictions on the main cities Japanese consumers brought forward purchases ahead of April’s sales tax increase Only India disappointed of the 5 major markets, […]
BMW says “pay to use” models will challenge US auto industry
Major change seems underway in the auto industry, as BMW joins the list of those entering the car-sharing market with its DriveNow electric vehicles. As BMW’s Tony Douglas noted at their launch: “Our core business in the ’70s was selling cars; in the ’80s, late ’70s came the great innovation of leasing and financing. Now […]
Cost, knowledge and speed
There is increasing evidence for the blog’s belief that the auto industry is embarking on a fundamental shift in its approach. An interview in just-auto with Daimler’s R&D head, Thomas Weber, provides some important insights into the opportunities that may develop for chemical companies as a result. Weber notes that “cost, knowledge and speed” are […]