Seventy-five years ago, the Volkswagen Transporter arrived in Britain, shook up the commercial sector and now it’s laying down a new challenge in the electric age. The company has introduced its first eHybrid model in the popular T32 series, in 16 versions of long or short wheelbase vans together with kombi crew styles and the people orientated shuttle … [Read more...]
Chinese brands raising their image
Nearly half of motorists (44%) with £50,000 to spend would consider buying a Chinese car over an established prestige brand, new research shows. September’s Startline Used Car Tracker reports that 27% believe a well-designed and well-made car is more important than the brand, 21% that Chinese manufacturers are capable of competing with established upmarket … [Read more...]
Cut fuel duty to lift economy, says FairFuelUK
FairFuelUK warns that rising inflation — from 2.9% to 3.1% — combined with petrol and diesel prices hitting their highest levels in four years, is inflicting severe and accelerating financial damage on households, small businesses and the UK economy. FairFuelUK says the Government must act now by cutting Fuel Duty and introducing a legally‑enforced … [Read more...]
Call for scrappage scheme to boost EV adoption
More than eight out of 10 car dealers say the UK needs a scrappage scheme to support electric car sales, according to new research for one finance provideer. September’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 60% believe the government should encourage the adoption of electric cars and 61% that they need to be as affordable as possible. Also, 26% think electric … [Read more...]
Classics fine show at Castle Combe
Established as an alliance between Castle Combe Circuit and Racing Club in 2012, the annual Autumn Classic historic racing festival has grown in stature and now sits in third place behind the Goodwood Revival and Silverstone’s BRDC Classic in the closely fought league table of national historic racing events. This year’s 2-day jamboree celebrated the … [Read more...]
McLaren reveal £500M investment & planned SUV
McLaren Automotive will make a £500m investment to expand its UK manufacturing, engineering and operations, enabling it to accelerate the development of its next generation of models including a long-awaited performance SUV. The investment forms part of a larger commitment from McLaren Automotive shareholder L’IMAD, a sovereign investor of the Government of … [Read more...]
Delaying EES will help trade, said Logistics UK
The EU’s decision to adopt a pragmatic approach to the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), to keep borders flowing, will come as a relief to the logistics sector and those operating our key trading gateways with France,” said Ben Fletcher, Chief Executive of business group Logistics UK. His comments come after it was announced that France, … [Read more...]
Sunderland nets £170M Nissan Kicks plan
Nissan plans to launch a new model in Europe and invest £170m to build it in Sunderland, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. The Nissan Kicks – a compact B-segment crossover – features unique e-POWER hybrid technology and will be manufactured in Sunderland, alongside the Qashqai, Juke and LEAF. It is based in the same platform as the Juke but … [Read more...]
Money shortage putting brakes on servicing and safety – RAC
Cash strapped young drivers are most likely to delay necessary repairs or tyre replacements on financial grounds. A poll for the RAC found 25% of those under 25 and 21% of drivers in the 25-44 age group say they have done so, compared to just 5% of drivers aged 65 and older. Among drivers of all ages, 3% have deliberately avoided their MOT, a legal … [Read more...]
Cooked & cracked roads in summer, potholes coming
This summer’s heatwaves and record temperatures are likely to cause already poor road surfaces to break down further, creating even more potholes, warn the RAC. Intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun chemically ages the bitumen used to bind aggregates together to create roads. This – combined with roads absorbing even greater heat from the sun – … [Read more...]
