The Vauxhall Vivaro-e, its first factory-built, fully-electric van to arrive in the market as more and more UK cities welcome emissions-free vehicles. Orders can be placed from June and deliveries begin in the autumn for the 188miles EV with a 1,226kg payload. Audi is pulling out of the German touring car series after this season. It has been involved since 1990 but now decided for … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 26 April
As the COVID-19 lock-down continues for another three weeks at least the motoring world needs to carry on, as does our service to supply interesting news items you may have overlooked. Here are a few I have selected for this week’s news briefing. Still ‘Moving the Metal’ via on-line virtual showrooms Numerous car brands are now operating virtual on-line tours and dialogues with potential … [Read more...]
Car makers outline plan for production return
As Europe is grappling with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has set out four guiding principles for a successful re-launch of the auto industry, which will be vital to the wider economic recovery of the continent. “It is in Europe’s interest that this key strategic sector not only recovers, but also is revitalised in … [Read more...]
Cleaner and greener higher tech Insignia signs in
Vauxhall’s new Insignia is on sale from £23,120 and it's very good news for business drivers. With best in class CO2s and economy, the new-look Insignia uses a new range of fuel-efficient powertrains, revised technology and a bold and attractive exterior design. Vauxhall’s new Insignia consumes up to 18 per cent less fuel than the outgoing model thanks to powerful new high-efficiency engines. A … [Read more...]
Vauxhall temporarily shut UK plants
Vauxhall is closing its Ellesmere Port car plant tomorrow and Luton van assembly plant from thursday. They along with other PSA plants throughout Europe will be shut until 27 March and the 2,560 UK workers will get paid leave. It is part of the industry's response to the spread of Coronavirus around the world with many plants closing to protect workers as well as suppliers curtailing … [Read more...]
Newcomers 21 February
There’s a new American supercar debuting at next month’s Geneva motor show, the Czinger21C. Delivering 1250hp from its hybrid powertrain, it hits 0-62mph in 1.9sec in its most advanced version and full details will be revealed at the show early next month. Built for stealth with its Vesuvius Grey paint and black detailing, yet also shot through with a bold as brass streak evident in its stunning … [Read more...]
Ford battered by Welsh registrations
New car dealers in Wales did better than most and saw the smallest decline in January registrations, down just 2.14% to 5,224 over 12 months previously. Ford was comprehensively knocked off top spot by Vauxhall with Corsa and Grandland X a long way ahead of the traditional best selling Fiesta and Focus models, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The Golf was just behind … [Read more...]
Diesel cars collapse in January new car decline
The UK new car market declined 7.3% in January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 149,279 vehicles left showrooms as continued confusion surrounding diesel and clean air zones and ongoing weak consumer and business confidence continue to affect demand. Continuing low consumer demand was a key driver behind the decline, with registrations by private … [Read more...]
Welsh jobs with Vauxhall still unknown
The future of hundreds of jobs for people in North East Wales is uncertain after Vauxhall parent Opel this week announced details of a voluntary severance scheme in Russelsheim, Germany which shares Astra production with Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. It has been known since spring last year that 2,100 jobs would be going in Germany when Opel produce the next generation Astra and it raised concerns … [Read more...]
Welsh car buyers most loyal in disappointing 2019
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...]