A whole new cell of cars is being created for our electric future and some of them were lined up at the annual SMMT driving day for motoring writers last week. We have seen hybrid adaptations of some familiar models and they have been joined by pure electric derivatives but these are about to be replaced by a completely new generation from the world’s car-makers. After Tesla broke new ground … [Read more...]
Retail News
Supercar marks Audi’s legendary engine
Audi is marking the end of the V10 engine used for decades in the brand's super cars with a celebration model. Twelve years after the premiere of the first Audi R8 GT, Audi Sport GmbH is launching the second edition of this exclusive super sports car: the new 199mph Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD. The 5.2-litre, naturally-aspirated V10 engine’s output is boosted to 620PS, combined fuel consumption … [Read more...]
Testing times for industry and writers
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently held its annual regional Test Days in the north and south of the country which are always much-liked and useful events on the calendar of many motoring scribes. An annual event that provides new cars galore on offer for motoring writers to road test in the same locality on the same day, always seems a very good idea to me. It also gives the … [Read more...]
Autosport show returns
Autosport International is back on 14 and 15 January 2023 at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre following a break of three years. The show will welcome new and familiar faces, features, exhibitors and fans. Tickets are available to purchase from the the Autosport International website now. The exhibition will see the return of much-loved features unique to Autosport International. … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 October
The Kia Niro has been named the best new car on sale by leading car buying advice website Carbuyer.co.uk. The Niro, which is available with a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric powertrains, scooped no fewer than three of the 18 categories on offer. Kia has been named the top UK car brand by Reputation.com in the 2022 Automotive Reputation Report, according to Reputation’s … [Read more...]
Welsh car sales falling back
Wales saw a fall in new car registrations last month, the only part of Britain suffering as the cost of living rose. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported 8,342 new cars were registered by Welsh dealerships last month compared with 8,637 a year ago. That’s a decline of 3.42% on the year to date. The top ten models sold in Wales in September were: Nissan Qashqai, Ford Puma, … [Read more...]
Sweet smell of success in Valleys
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has visited Energizer Auto UK in Ebbw Vale to celebrate a quarter of a century in the Valleys and reaffirm its partnership with the Welsh Government. The facility established in 1997 now employs 50 skilled staff producing more than 700 automotive fragrance and appearance products ranging from fuel additives to car wash products across 43 different countries. The … [Read more...]
Welsh motor group sees profits soar
Welsh family business Day’s Motor Group saw its pre-tax profit soar threefold to nearly £24m last year. In its accounts – posted as C.E.M. Day Ltd – for the year ended December 31, 2021 and newly published on the Companies House website, the dealership chain said its profit before tax went from £7.66m in 2020 to £23.72m in 2021 – a rise of 210 per cent. Operating profit, meanwhile, rocketed by … [Read more...]
Bumping in the trade under HMRC watch
HMRC has identified an increasing risk of an error in the VAT returns for certain Franchised Dealerships, described as “Bumping”. HMRC are sending letters to some motor retailers that they believe are at risk from ‘Bumping’. Bumping is where there is a discrepancy between a vehicle sales invoice on the DMS system and the finance proposal one, which can lead to the underpayment of output VAT on … [Read more...]
Parking perils poll
Car dealership Brindley Group surveyed over 1000 UK motorists about their thoughts on parking, including skills, parking experiences, opinions on parking situations and reactions to hypothetical situations. It found: Over a third of motorists (37%) said that they have received a parking fine. 1 in 10 admitted to using their hazard lights as an excuse to park where they want. 1 in 5 … [Read more...]