A new era has begun for Wales's automotive industry. Launch pricing and official photographs of the new motorsport-inspired MS-RT Ford Transit Custom have been revealed as the model made its official debut this week. The MS-RT Transit Custom has a fusion of style and practicality offered by no other vehicle on the road, with a choice of panel van or double cab options and two … [Read more...]
Welsh business returns to MB for landmark year
Chemical Corporation returned to the tried and trusted formula of Mercedes-Benz trucks supplied by South Wales Dealer Euro Commercials for its 35th anniversary flagship. The arrival of the eye-catching 26-tonner has taken Chemical Corporation another step closer to its goal of a fleet in which every vehicle wears a three-pointed star. “We’ve tried other makes of truck in the past, but … [Read more...]
Land Rover today mark 70th year of brand
Seventy years ago this morning and the first Land Rover was unveiled at the Amsterdam Motor Show. Now Land Rover will mark its 70th anniversary with a global broadcast celebrating the famous marque and the people who love them. Starring the cars and the people who make and drive them, the online programme will pay tribute to seven decades of adventure, humanitarian aid and hard work across … [Read more...]
UK car production falls and snow chills output
Car production declined in March, falling 13.3% year on year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It reports 147,471 cars were built in British factories as the domestic market continued to slow, with demand falling 17.7%. Exports also went down 11.9% due to fluctuations in demand in some global markets. In addition, some manufacturers were impacted by the adverse … [Read more...]
Nissan to axe hundreds of Sunderland jobs
Hundreds of jobs are going at Nissan, Sunderland, the country’s largest car plant employing 7,000 people. The cuts will also affect scores of UK suppliers, including some in Wales, who make components for the Japanese owned plant near Newcastle. Nissan has been caught by the dramatic fall in diesel demand – down over a third so far this year – and its one-time class leading Qashqai … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 April
Aston Martin has announced the re-birth of an iconic name destined for the marque’s flagship Super GT. The DBS Superleggera completes the brand’s ambitions to replace each of its existing two-door sportscar models as part of its Second Century Plan. Drug-testing was carried out on some competitors in last weekend's Rallynuts stage event when it finished at Builth Wells. It is understood … [Read more...]
New seven-model Ford Focus series unveiled
The all-new Ford Focus will go on sale for September delivery. The main models offer enhanced specification while being cheaper or at carry-over levels. Prices start at £17,930 for the Focus Style – £2,300 below the model it replaces. Focus Zetec and ST-Line – together representing 55 per cent of sales – are now £850 and £250 less respectively. The new Focus range will comprise seven … [Read more...]
Wales top 18-plate cars revealed
In Wales, 18-plate registrations were recorded 19.5% lower than a year ago at 16,340, almost 4% worse than the UK average drop. As usual with a lot of dealers and the Bridgend Engine Plant in South Wales, Ford dominated the Welsh market last month but the popularity of the Corsa now celebrating a quarter of century endures and it was in the top five. It also means 1:8 new cars on the road in … [Read more...]
Diesel decline accelerated last month
Diesel’s decline continued on new car forecourts last month. It was the 12 consecutive month of falling sales but an inflated registration spike in March 2017 to beat tougher emissions requirements and tax rates has distorted the tables for March 2018 although the underlying trend is bad for diesel. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders today show a 37.2% drop over … [Read more...]
£170M Vauxhall Luton van plant investment
Vauxhall Luton van plant will build the next generation Vivaro from next year, and probably some Peugeot and Citroen models which will use the same platform in the group. The news today secures about 1,400 jobs beyond 2030 and represents up to £170m investment in the plant said the Unite union, including about £9M from the Government. It is also expected to be good news for the UK supply chain … [Read more...]