Autocar confidential: Tesla's latest landmark, touchscreens to stick around and more
Our reporters empty their notebooks to round up a week in gossip from across the automotive industry
In this week's round-up of automotive gossip, we hear the full extent of the effects shutdown is having on the UK automotive industry, the Land Rover CEO's latest honorary title, and why we're still searching for the ideal car infotainment system.
*Another milestone for Tesla*
Tesla is now just a handful of Supercharger stalls away from having 5000 across Europe, spread across 519 stations in 25 countries. The expansive network is credited for helping a German Model S owner to become the first Tesla driver to hit one million kilometres (621,000 miles) in an electric car, doing so over five and a half years.
*Lockdown figures make for grim reading*
The shutdown will have serious long-term implications for the UK automotive industry. More than 60% of the full-time manufacturer workforce has been furloughed, while 51% of manufacturers are reporting revenues falling by more than half, according to SMMT data. Some 26% of firms report cash reserves for less than three months, while nearly a third predict that recovery will take up to two years.
*For he's a jolly good fellow*
Jaguar Land Rover CEO Sir Ralf Speth has been elected a fellow of Britain’s prestigious Royal Society. The honour recognises his commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as his efforts to promote research and development in the UK.
*Hands-free isn't happening any time soon*
There will never be “one perfect way of interacting with a car”, according to Mercedes-Benz’s head of user experience (UX) design, Klaus Frenzel. The firm’s voice control system is one of the most advanced on the market, but apparently it is not solely the future. “A combination of ways of interacting”, including touch control, will always be implemented, Frenzel said.
*READ MORE*
*Elon Musk threats to move Tesla HQ in row over plant reopening*
*The future of Jaguar Land Rover, according to CEO Ralf Speth*
*Mercedes to reduce model line-up, platforms and powertrains*