The iconic electric-first brand, Tesla has come out as the Euro NCAP’s safest car brand tied with Polestar, a Swedish EV manufacturer who’s owned by Volvo Cars. Both companies scored an impressive 87% safety rating out of a possible 100%, while Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, came in third with their safety rating of 86%, closely followed by Genesis and Volvo with 85%, reported … [Read more...]
Aurobay is new powerhouse for Volvo & Geely
Volvo Cars and parent Geely Holding have will create a joint venture under the name Aurobay for its powertrain operations as the companies proceed with their announced plans to merge these into a new, stand-alone business. The new company will be a global supplier of complete powertrain solutions including next generation combustion engines, transmissions and hybrid … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 July
GoCompare says just 14% of drivers are considering an EV as their next car and of those who would consider buying an EV as their next vehicle, 60% are male and 40% are female. When asked the reasons why people are put off buying an electric vehicle, price topped the list – with more than half saying that electric vehicles are too expensive and 50% said they wouldn’t choose an electric vehicle … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 July
The Scorpion brand returns to make the hearts of the Abarth fans beat even faster with the new 180HP 1.4 T-Jet 695 Esseesse limited edition, but its British sale date and prices have not been given. Produced in a limited edition of just 1,390 models, split equally by 695 in Scorpion black and 695 in Campovolo grey, distinctive exterior and interior, the Abarth 695 Esseesse is the … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 March
With staycations booming this year, an invaluable new publication is the Caravan and Motorhome Club Buyers Guide 2021, which is full of information about the latest and most innovative motorhomes and campervans new to market. An independent, expert and knowledgeable panel carried out full technical specification, design, use of space and usability reviews of 106 new-to-market leisure vehicles … [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...]
Obituary: Hannu Mikkola 1942 – 2021
Finland's Hannu Mikkola, who died on 26 February aged 78, was one of the most successful and versatile international rally drivers during a 31-year career in a variety of cars from Volvo PV544 to state-of-the-art Group B Audi S1 and a few others in between, writes Ken Davies. Born 24 May 1942 at Joensuu, Finland, like many Scandinavian drivers of his period, Hannu started competing in a Volvo … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta is again Wales best seller
Welsh car buyers have restored the Ford Fiesta to top spot in the sales chart in January as UK registrations hit a 50 years low. Ford dealers registered 122 Fiestas last month, comfortably ahead of the 104 Kia Sportage, which was the top SUV among Welsh families and they were the only two models to exceed 100 sales in the month. Ford suffered badly in Wales last year but it has come back … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo XC40 Recharge
Although overall new car sales stalled globally in 2020 due to Covid-19, sales of electrified models substantially grew, writes David Miles. In Europe electrified models outsold diesel powered cars for the first time and the demand for SUVs continues. Now by electrified I mean, plug-in pure electric powered models, PHEV plug-in hybrid petrol/diesel electric vehicles, self charging … [Read more...]
Tradelines 27 January
Bucking the UK trend in falling sales, the UK’s fastest-growing car brand shows no signs of slowing down as MG Motor gears up to increase its network to at least 130 dealers by the end of 2021. With a range now encompassing six models and a rapidly growing reputation for offering affordable EVs for everyone, the brand has seen 28 new sites join its network in the past 12 months. Bentley … [Read more...]