You may struggle with the name, but the GWM Haval Jolion needs remembering and digesting. Although new to the UK, China's Great Wall Motors brand is distributed by International Motors with its vast experience of Subaru and Isuzu models and it has just announced the return of Mitsubishi in 2026. After launching in Great Britain with the compact hatchback … [Read more...]
Ford reverse ev plans and will build more hybrids
Ford says its ev-strategy was misdirected and will now spend millions of dollars to adjust production plans. Ford plans to allocate $19.5bn in special items as it reshapes its EV strategy, pulling back from some larger battery models and shifting investment towards hybrids, and extended-range vehicles. It is throwing in its development plans with Renault to … [Read more...]
Wales seriously lagging behind ability to repair EVs
A new analysis from Scrap Car Comparison reveals a growing EV “postcode lottery” in Wales, with several local authorities offering no access at all to fully certified EV mechanics, despite EV adoption continuing to rise. The study compared every UK motor repair business with those that employ at least one IMI TechSafe qualified EV technician. This allowed … [Read more...]
New plate law could increase fraud
A new proposal to amend the British Standard for number plates, BS AU 145e, has triggered urgent concern across the automotive industry sector as experts warn the ban could increase the circulation of illegal plates. Industry leaders are warning that removing these compliant products from legitimate suppliers could push motorists towards unregulated online … [Read more...]
Brits reaffirm love of motoring
The Royal Automobile Club’s expanding portfolio of unique motoring events reached new heights in 2025, earning widespread praise as well as a major industry award, all setting the stage for the Club’s impressive 2026 line-up of must-see motoring events. Showcasing its unique heritage, the Club now organises more than 60 annual motoring gatherings, led … [Read more...]
eVED plan is fraught with problems, say fleet professionals
Fleet engagement with the new government consultation on Electric Vehicle Excise Duty is “essential” to highlight a wide range of potential problems, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair, said that the industry body’s members broadly accepted the need for the government to recover revenue lost from petrol and diesel fuel duty but … [Read more...]
EU lawmakers pushing back on EV deadline
Widely expected relaxations to the European Union’s 2035 ban on internal combustion engined (ICE) vehicles will place “huge pressure” on the UK government to take similar steps, says FleetCheck. Yesterday, the EU decided it would bow to car makers' pressure and reduce the zero emissions mandate. Under the European Commission's new plan, 90% of new cars sold … [Read more...]
Reputable retailers key factor for used car buyers
Purchasing from a “reputable retailer” is the number one factor for used car buyers, according to a new survey. Conducted for the RAC Dealer Network and its aftersales partner Assurant, the research shows seller trustworthiness named by 62% of respondents — an increase from 59% in 2023 and 55% in 2021. In second place is the manufacturer and model of the … [Read more...]
DVLA issues anti-fraud advice
Latest figures show that in 2024, almost 20,000 customers called DVLA’s contact centre to report fraudulent activity. Now, the DVLA is reminding motorists how they can keep themselves safe from vehicle and driving licence scams.The DVLA has been criticised for being too lax in checking out applicants for duplicate V5C forms and allowing cloned cars to be … [Read more...]
Ford and Renault tie up for next EVs
Ford and Renault have formed a partnership for passenger and commercial vehicles, starting with two affordable electric cars in Europe. There will be two Ford-branded passenger electric vehicles based on Renault Group's Ampere platform. The cars will be manufactured by Renault Group in northern France, at the ‘ElectriCity’ facility and due in showrooms in … [Read more...]
