Volvo Cars and Geely intend to merge their existing combustion engine operations into a stand-alone business in order to establish a new global supplier that will seek to develop next-generation combustion engines and hybrid powertrains. The proposed new business would clear the way for Volvo Cars to focus on the development of its all-electric range of premium cars. Volvo Cars is building an … [Read more...]
News
Car repayments now second highest after mortgage or rent
A third (33%) of Welsh drivers say their monthly car payments are their second highest expense, after their rent or mortgage monthly payments. Drivers in the North East (37%) and West Midlands’ (36%) regions of England and Scotland (35%) are the most likely to agree with this. The Opinium survey of Welsh drivers among 2000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, an independent provider of … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 October
Automotive components’ companies in Wales will get a series of meetings on dealing with Brexit issues and paid for by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Customs, Employment and Supply Chain Risk awareness sessions have been secured by the Welsh Automotive Forum in conjunction with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Legendary US brand Harley-Davidson is … [Read more...]
Pump prices still too high, says RAC Fuel Watch
Motorists are still being overcharged for fuel despite a reduction at the pumps in September, according to RAC Fuel Watch. Fears the refinery fires in Saudi Arabia in the middle of September would lead to higher pump prices have not been shown on forecourts where the cost of a litre of petrol fell by just under a penny (0.87p) last month – making for two consecutive monthly drops. In fact the … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 October
One of the last stages on this year’s WRGB was cancelled around the Great Orme, Llandudno because a safety diving team could not have worked if a competitive car had crashed off the road into the water. It follows the cancellation of two other stages on the event after a crash on one and spectators who refused to follow marshals instructions and were standing in dangerous positions on … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Electric nation is just a notion for now
In the first nine months this year official figures show that UK sales of Battery Electric Vehicles have risen by 122.1% over the same period last year to 25,097 registrations, writes David Miles. But before we think the motoring world has really changed that is still only 1.3% of all new cars sold. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles like Mitsubishi Outlander, have sold just 22,773 units - a fall … [Read more...]
Electric & premium brands’ car sales soaring
Brits are going bonkers for battery powered cars. September sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a staggering 236.4% increase in pure electric models registered, albeit from a low point 12 months earlier. But their sales would have been higher if manufacturers had supplied more and there is now a long waiting list for the lowest carbon emissions … [Read more...]
Welshmen steering exclusive super-cars club
Two Welsh entrepreneurs are the envy of all car enthusiasts owning an exclusive super-car club. Maesteg-born Richard Thomas and Craig Williams, from Usk, run Auto Vivendi, a London-based business with over £7M of exotic cars currently at the disposal of their 120 club members. As the world’s largest supercar club it not only maintains a stable of exotic sports cars which are frequently refreshed … [Read more...]
Premiums continue to fall despite IPT hike
Average premiums have continued to fall in the third quarter of 2019 indicating a trend of reducing premiums, according to the latest Premium Drivers report from comparethemarket.com. While premiums have historically fluctuated throughout the year, average premiums are now markedly lower than the same time last year. In Q3 2018, average premiums were £732. Premiums have now fallen to £707 in Q3 … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 October
Welsh Government has increased the number of traffic officers on the M4 around Newport since plans for an alternative route were abandoned this summer after a £114M enquiry recommended the go-ahead of the controversial Black-Route over greenfields. More recovery vehicles were allocated during the summer months and these will now be deployed for major events and bank holidays in future as live … [Read more...]