New car registrations in Wales shot up 23.8% despite the atrocious July weather, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It was the same rise as in Northern Ireland but slightly trailed the growth in England of 29.5% and was ahead of Scotland’s 21.6%. New car sales in Wales reached 4,955 registrations last month and the UK totalled 143,561. So far this year, Welsh dealers … [Read more...]
Welsh Government pump another £1M into green vehicles
The Welsh Government will co-fund a third round of investment in greener and cleaner innovation through the Ford Low Carbon Vehicle Transformation Fund as part of its response to the climate emergency, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, announced today. Set up by the Ford Motor Company in 2020 after it closed the Bridgend Engine Plant, the Welsh Government-administered fund addresses strategic … [Read more...]
VW Polo GTI Edition 25 unveiled
It’s a quarter of a century since Volkswagen first added the iconic letters ‘GTI’ to a Polo and now a new limited-edition version is going on sale to celebrate the milestone from £31,295. Just 2,500 Polo GTI Edition 25 models will be available worldwide – including 350 heading to the UK. All the classic GTI hallmarks are included – red brake calipers and trim strips, a honeycomb design on the … [Read more...]
Fleet costs expected to rise, says expert
Van fleet operators expect major cost increases in every area of fleet operations, according to new findings from Arval Mobility Observatory. During the next 12 months, 79% believe there will be rises in service and maintenance, 71% in insurance premiums, 69% in vehicle lease rates, 67% in EV charging, 63% in tyres, and 61% in petrol and diesel prices. Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval Mobility … [Read more...]
Tradelines 26 July
Just months after its announcement, there is now a two years waiting list for the first electrified Lamborghini Revuelto. Revuelto is the first V12 plug-in hybrid High Performance Electrified Vehicle supercar from the House of Sant’Agata and costs around £450,000. The all-new 2024 Land Cruiser makes its world debut 2 August. It is heavily based on the mechanicals and platform of the Lexus GX … [Read more...]
Car makers concerns over recycling laws
The EU has unveiled its End-of-life vehicles Regulation to boost vehicle circularity while pushing ambitious recycled content targets. ACEA is concerned that the proposal could duplicate or complicate existing rules and industry best practices on sustainable design. Law makers must instead ensure a coherent regulatory environment that enables manufacturers to scale up vehicle circularity … [Read more...]
EV complaints rising, reports troubleshooter
Motorists' complaints about electric vehicles and dealers selling them are rising, reports The Motor Ombudsman. The latest increase may be put down to a greater number of consumers getting behind the wheel of pure battery-driven models, and the cost of living crisis driving more individuals to recoup financial losses, as pressures on household budgets continue to build. The … [Read more...]
The Metro 6R4 Diaries
Welsh automotive engineer Wynne Mitchell has accrued considerable motorsport experience, having started his career as a student apprentice with the Rootes Group before studying mechanical engineering at Birmingham University. In July 1984 Wynne joined Austin Rover Group (ARG) to work on the company’s sensational offering for the Group B era – the MG Metro 6R4 – with overall responsibility for all … [Read more...]
KIA in the driving seat for EV deals
KIA is launching a new drive towards widening its EV offers. Kia UK Limited is launching its latest range of attractive customer offers, including 4.9 per cent APR on Kia’s award-winning electric cars, two free services and an exclusive 12-month free Kia Charge Plus subscription with all EV6, Niro EV and Soul EVs purchased between 3 July and 1 October 2023. Kia Electrified Event Providing … [Read more...]
Car sales rise amid warning on quota
The new car market grew 25.8% in June with 177,266 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders as it warned of problems ahead in 2024. The June performance marks the 11th consecutive month of growth as the industry gradually overcomes the pandemic-induced supply chain shortages that constrained production for much of the previous two … [Read more...]