The UK new car market has recorded its best year since the pandemic as a strong December up 9.8%, wrapped up the 17th month of consecutive growth. Some 1.903 million new cars reached the road during 2023 – an increase of 17.9%, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. In Wales last year, registrations reached 66,761, a rise of nearly 16% over 2022 and … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 January
China's biggest electric car maker in the world, BYD, announced the next stage of its European strategy with the construction of a massive manufacturing and production centre in Szeged, Hungary. The state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind built by a Chinese automotive company in Europe and will have a highly advanced car production line as it gradually ramps up manufacturing and … [Read more...]
BEV charge is running down
The UK new car market grew by 9.5% in November to reach 156,525 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, but there's a slowdown in EV interest among private buyers. In the market’s best November for four years, registrations almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, down just 96 units (-0.1%) on 2019. Registrations in Wales rose 13.7% to 5,467 … [Read more...]
SMMT gets new president
The 83rd President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will be Mick Flanagan, Vice President for Volvo, JLR, Toyota, Nissan at Adient. He will assume office from 1 January 2024, replacing Alison Jones, Senior Vice President Global Circular Economy at Stellantis, who steps down after completing her two-year tenure. Mick draws experience from a long career in the automotive … [Read more...]
EV deadline move will bolster buyers ICEs
More than four out of 10 dealers think used car buyers will stick with petrol and diesel cars for longer following the government’s decision to delay the new car electrifcation deadline to 2035. Startline’s November Used Car Tracker also shows that 29% believe the move will mean the used electric vehicle (EV) market will take longer to develop while 19% forecast that consumer demand for EVs will … [Read more...]
Tradelines 15 November
A new fully electric premium MPV, the Volvo EM90 with a range of about 450 miles, will broaden the appeal of the brand and meets even more customer needs. Following the reveal of the already award-winning and fully electric EX30 small SUV earlier this year, the EM90 represents the second expansion with more space and features and will initially be launched in China. Plates4Less, a Swansea … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 November
Mid and West Wales has the lowest ratio of car thefts to population in Britain, said Go.Compare. Its analysis of crime data reveals Dyfed-Powys police marked up just 0.49 thefts per 1,000 registered cars compared to the highest of 12.67 per thousand in Cleveland, with the Ford Fiesta the most stolen model. Around 60,000 vehicle owners a day are paying the £12.50 fee for entering London’s … [Read more...]
First drive: Vauxhall Astra GSe
As it slips into middle-age, the Vauxhall Astra has been given a modern make-over. Launched in 1980, the Astra has been the bedrock of the company’s offering in the small family car sector as it moved through eight generations. This year it was given a mechanical boost with hybrid technology adding to the petrol power in a bid to lower emissions and better compete with younger rivals, … [Read more...]
Families turn backs on electric cars
The UK new car market grew 21.0% in September with 272,610 registrations in the month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The 14th consecutive month of growth was also the second busiest of the year after March, with the new number plate delivering its traditional market surge despite a challenging economic backdrop. Growth continued to be driven by large fleets, which … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 October
The 20mph speed limits introduced on roads in Bath have caused an increase in the number of deaths or serious injures since the change, according to a council report and local media. Bath and North East Somerset Council has reviewed the lower speed limits and found there has been an increase in incidents in most areas where the change was imposed as people are “less diligent” when walking and … [Read more...]