BMW has enhanced its BMW X3 and BMW X4 models with a comprehensive refresh that includes sportier styling together with modern interiors, new equipment and updated infotainment. The strongest visual aspect of the enhancements is the redesigned front and rear section which, in the latest third-generation of the BMW X3, accentuates the robust Sports Activity Vehicle appearance and its Sports … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 May
For the first time youngsters up to seven years under the legal driving age will be able to take to the wheel of three iconic British-made classic cars. Thanks to the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, youngsters aged 10 and over can take a spin in a Vauxhall VX490, Morris Minor or Austin 7 with a fully qualified driving instructor and adults are welcome to sample … [Read more...]
Volkswagen sales of EVs soar & Porsche power on
Figures being released today will show the steady advance of electric car sales. April saw further evidence that more manufacturers are racing to secure a share of the market for new EVs. New AutoMotive’s monthly data release tracks new car registrations in Great Britain and shows that the market for new EVs is distributed between an increasing number of manufacturers. Volkswagen took the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 7 April
While the pandemic has taken a toll on many people’s finances, others are emerging with a nest egg after months of lockdown living and this could ensure the car industry, along with the wider economy, bounces back quicker than originally anticipated, said James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars. He was speaking after the SMMT released March car sales figures showing a dramatic rise compared to the last … [Read more...]
Electric car sales surge, but Wales sees big loss
Electric car sales are charging ahead on British roads. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show ev registrations hit a record and hybrid sales last month were higher than September 2020, the previous best for the dual fuel vehicles. It's also the first month that the Tesla Model 3 EV, pictured above, has been officially recognised in the figures after Tesla withdrew … [Read more...]
Racing lines 25 March
Nissan's made a long-term commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship racing through to the end of season twelve 2025-2026 of the all-electric racing series. Nissan joined the series in season five as the only Japanese manufacturer. The Gen3 era of the championship begins in season nine — the 2022-23 season — and will feature even more powerful and faster cars. Nissan races … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 March
SEAT want to build an electric battery plant outside Barcelona to supply a new city car for the company in 2025 at a rumoured £17,000. The plant will be built with Spanish and EU funds and probably supply other small cars in the VW Group. Toyota, Nissan, Honda and other Japanese carmakers are assessing the impact production after a fire at a Renesas Electronics chip plant in north-east … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 March
Nissan plans for a major expansion to renewable energy generation at its record-breaking plant in Sunderland. Complementing the plant’s existing wind turbines and solar farm, the proposed 20MW solar farm extension represents a further step in Nissan’s path to carbon neutrality and the 37,000-panel extension would result in 20% of the plant’s energy coming from all onsite renewables, enough to … [Read more...]
Budget does little for car sales
The Budget is first aid for the motor industry but will not fix underlying long term ailments, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “Today’s budget provides some encouragement to an automotive sector hit hard by the pandemic and additional trading costs but it falls short of the support needed to transform the industry and market to the net zero future to which both the … [Read more...]
Staggering 75% stolen cars never recovered
More than 200 cars are stolen every day and the trend is rising. The data has been revealed following a Freedom of Information request Rivervale Leasing submitted to the Swansea-based DVLA. The Government's records made pretty grim reading because around 75,000 vehicles were nicked last year, that’s nearly 20,000 more than in 2019. So we’re talking about more than 200 stolen vehicles … [Read more...]