UK car sales last year hit a six-year low and the industry does not expect an early recovery but Welsh buyers were most loyal, writes Robin Roberts. The SMMT said today that overall sales in 2019 were 2.4% below the previous year at 2.31M new models. Consumer confidence, confusion over clean air legislation which is tightening each year and challenging car makers, and the Brexit debate with a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Mondeo Vignale 5dr
Size can make a world of a difference to buyers and that’s where the Ford Mondeo packs them in, writes Robin Roberts. It has consistently won awards for its internal dimensions, roominess and popularity with families and business users and it’s easy to see why. The trend towards compact cars has seen the Mondeo segment shrink in numbers if not individual dimensions, but if you really … [Read more...]
Best selling used-cars surprises
Hyundai Tucson is the fastest-selling used car of 2019, while Ford and Vauxhall models dominate the best-selling list, reveals analysis by AA Cars used cars website. The Hyundai Tucson has repeated its success from 2018, with the model spending the shortest time on the site, compared to other car models, before being snapped up by speedy buyers. SUVs and smaller family hatchbacks … [Read more...]
New plan to energise Welsh automotive sector
A new plan to energise the automotive industry and help it meet future challenges is being developed by the Welsh Government. Economy Minister Ken Skates will outline the new plan at an Automotive Summit at Hensol Castle later today and hours before the Welsh sector's annual networking dinner, where the keynote speaker will be Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer on the eve of opening the car maker's … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Mustang 450ps 5.0V8 GT
At first you may not see a similarity between San Francisco and Barry, South Wales but I’ve found a connection, they are both good places to test the Ford Mustang GT. With its burbling 5.0V8 underfoot the roadtest takes on a new aural significance and the Welsh town’s steeply sloping streets horizontally split by connecting roads are reminiscent of the dramatic backdrop for the film Bullitt and … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 November
Car sales in Europe will grow for the sixth year and be the highest in the last decade. VW leads from Renault and Ford, according to statistics analysed by Focus2Move and diesel is sliding while petrol is growing along with electric and hybrids. Academics and engineers are joining to trial pothole monitors in council, pubic service and taxis vehicles in Wales. Using GPS and … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 November
The new Mazda CX30 from £22,895 is the safest family car you can buy, according to the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. It produced a near perfect 99% score for adult occupant protection, slightly better than the MB GLB and Ford Explorer and a star above the new Vauxhall Corsa. Land Rover puts fans inside the New Defender on the set of No Time To Die, the 25th official James Bond film, in a … [Read more...]
Used cars sales rebound
The SMMT said used car sales rose 0.9% in Q3 after nine quarters of decline. Some 2,076,382 transactions took place between July and September, 18,925 more than the same period in 2018. Demand for diesel models was up 1.4% in the quarter with 858,442 changing hands, while petrol sales were flat with a slight drop of -0.2%. Plug-in electric and hybrid models showed a solid increase of 13.0%, … [Read more...]
Tradelines 13 November
Nissan profits have collapsed by 70% in three months. It made $278M to the end of September with retail sales down 7.5% globally, European registrations slid 23% but sales showed a steadying picture in America. JLR is looking for partners to share new technology and other costs, say media reports. BMW and Zhejiang Geely are mentioned but others may be approached to assist market improvements in … [Read more...]
Jeff Churchill – perennial privateer underdog
One of the most talented amateur rally drivers in Wales, Jeff Churchill, has died aged 76, writes Ken Davies. Often described as the Welsh Roger Clark in the 1960s and 70s, Jeff was a prolific competition driver from the moment he competed in his first event, showing a prodigious and versatile talent behind the wheel, but although he tried road rallies, he was far happier on gravel. Born in … [Read more...]