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UK vehicle production* fell by -14.3% in November with 65,932 units leaving factory lines, according to data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).** The decline was the result of a slight reduction in car output, down -1.7% to 63,126 units, and a much steeper -78.0% drop in commercial vehicle (CV) output, with just 2806 units produced – 9943 fewer than in the same month last year.
“Car production is normalizing following August’s cyber incident and, with the manufacture of a new EV model starting this week in Sunderland, the sector can look forward with some optimism. [read about Britain’s largest auto employer – Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing – AutoCrat] Growth is expected next year, with the industry poised to reap the benefits of recent UK government backing – notably new funding, modernized trade deals and efforts to reduce energy costs. The growth this package seeks to create, however, would be undermined if the UK becomes the main unintended victim of new EU local content requirements. We must instead work on a pragmatic and inclusive approach, one which protects and enhances competitiveness across the European automotive ecosystem,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. Continue reading
Honda Aircraft Company Offers Performance Upgrade Package
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Honda Aircraft Company* has announced the HondaJet APMG S, a new performance upgrade package for owners and operators of HondaJet Classic and HondaJet APMG (Advanced Performance Modification Group) aircraft. This provides operators of early production HondaJets, the prospect of upgrading their aircraft with technical innovations introduced on more recent iterations of the platform, such as the HondaJet Elite S. The APMG S modifications package has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as of the time of publication for installation on aircraft registered in the United States of America, with foreign certification planned to follow. [Hardly surprising given Honda’s heritage of innovation and advancement– AutoCrat]
“Honda Aircraft Company has challenged itself to provide our customers with top-level performance from the time the very first HondaJet rolled off the production line,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer and Large Project Leader for HondaJet Echelon. “As we approach the tenth anniversary of our first HondaJet delivery, we are excited to provide our customers the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft with the advanced technology and performance of more recent iterations of the award-winning HondaJet. We are also pleased to offer multiple interior refurbishment options to further enhance aircraft receiving APMG S modifications at our Greensboro Service Center in order to build on aircraft asset value and ownership appeal. By combining these service items, we can economize labor and downtime for our valued customers.”** Continue reading →