France’s €8bn car industry bailout raises hopes of similar UK scheme

Ministers could face growing calls to bail out Britain’s car industry after France stepped in with an €8bn (£7.2bn) rescue package for its own firms.The French government has stakes in both businesses, and the total amount of aid includes a €5bn loan to Renault.The bailout will trigger fresh demands for Britain to look at a similar plan with its car industry in a parlous position, as this video documents.

Ferrari Announces Settlement of its Notes offering  

Maranello (Italy), 27 May 2020 – Ferrari N.V. (NYSE/MTA: RACE) announces the settlement of the offering, previously announced, of Euro 650 million in aggregate principal amount of 1.500% notes due in May 2025, with an issue price of 98.898% (the “Notes”). The net proceeds of the offering were approximately Euro 641 million after payment of… Continue reading Ferrari Announces Settlement of its Notes offering  

Karma Automotive Begins Prototype Testing For Supercar-Capable E-Flex Platform

Equipped with Karma’s racing-inspired E-Flex platform suitable for both road and track day applications, the AWD performance prototype aims to achieve 1,100 HP. A combination of attributes including 10,500 lb-ft (14,000 Nm) wheel torque, electronic torque vectoring and front and rear mounted dual electric motors will generate superior power and handling for the test vehicle.… Continue reading Karma Automotive Begins Prototype Testing For Supercar-Capable E-Flex Platform

Aston Martin chief to leave, Mercedes-AMG CEO to replace him

May 24 (Reuters) – Aston Martin Chief Executive Andy Palmer is leaving the business as part of a management shake-up and will be replaced by Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Sunday.
The luxury carmaker said in an emailed statement that it is reviewing its management team but declined to comment on Palmer's fate.
Palmer and Germany's Daimler AG, which owns a 5% stake in Aston Martin and supplies the carmaker with Mercedes-AMG engines, also declined to comment.
The Financial Times newspaper had reported earlier that the Aston Martin chief was going to leave as part of a shake-up of its leadership, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday.
Palmer had not been informed of the upcoming announcement, the newspaper reported.
Aston Martin, famed for being fictional secret agent James Bond's car of choice, has seen its share price plummet since floating in October 2018.
The 107-year old British luxury carmaker earlier t..

Renault could ‘disappear’ without government help, French finance minister warns

London (CNN Business)Renault may not survive the shock of the coronavirus pandemic without help from the French government.The French government and Japan’s Nissan (NSANF) are Renault’s largest shareholders, each owning a 15% stake in the company.The government is currently negotiating the terms of a €5 billion ($5.4 billion) loan for Renault.

Exide Technologies Announces Court Approval of First Day Motions Allowing Business Operations to Proceed in Ordinary Course

MILTON, Ga., May 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Exide Technologies (“Exide” or the “Company”), a global provider of stored energy solutions, today announced that customary first day motions to help facilitate continued operations in the ordinary course of business while the Company operates in Chapter 11 were approved by Judge Christopher S. Sontchi of the U.S.… Continue reading Exide Technologies Announces Court Approval of First Day Motions Allowing Business Operations to Proceed in Ordinary Course