As First Minister, Mark Drakeford, warned that there is “not much headroom for change” around Wales’ Tier 4 lockdown restrictions many were panicking, but a few local businesses are feeling much calmer this time around. One is CarShop Cardiff, a used car store located on Penarth Road which has been operating for 15 years and reported positive annual sales figures despite the uncertainty … [Read more...]
TVR begin Welsh factory preparations
TVR is pushing ahead with plans for its proposed car production plant near Ebbw Vale. Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd has been awarded the principal contract for a significant programme of works including replacement of the main building’s roof, the recladding of the building, extensive groundworks and also preparation of a prototype build area at the side of the intended main production area and … [Read more...]
Tradelines 13 January
From March 2021 production, all Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer PureTech 3-cylinder petrol automatic variants have CO2 emissions reduced by 3g/km. Efficiency gains lead to reduced road tax (VED) charges resulting in an overall on the road price reduction of £285, qualifying models will benefit from a new high-efficiency alternator and an enhanced battery and Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation bands see … [Read more...]
Buyers urged to question finance and commission rates
One third (34%) of British consumers expect car dealers to earn commission on vehicles bought on finance, and a further 28% don’t mind so long as they’re informed, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. This news comes as the FCA introduces new regulation for the motor finance industry, which comes into force on 28 January. The changes include banning pricing models which … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 January
Tesla takes the prize for selling the most EVs at 370,000 a year, or 42 per hour. Norway sells 261% more EVs per population than any other country and recenetly saw evs overtake sales of ICE models, while 58% of all passenger vehicles sold will be electric by 2040, compared to just 2.7% today, according to analysis reported by Moneyshake. Animal-free products are being offered by some car … [Read more...]
Motorcycle sales see staggering return end of 2020
A decline of -2.6% in the motorcycle market in a year like 2020 when we faced so many challenges is hugely positive as dealers’ performance exceeded all expectations, said Paddy O’Connell, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association, commenting on the latest MCIA’s figures. Despite the multiple challenges that faced businesses in 2020, the motorcycle market ended 2020 with a … [Read more...]
Rare and rarer & ready to be picked up for peanuts
There are some of Britain’s true automotive gems. And we don’t mean the obvious one-offs and models that were launched so long ago there are only one or two left. Where’s the fun in that? CarleaseSpecialOffers said you might think Ferrari owners enjoy exclusivity, but you’d be wrong. Sort of. Even the Ferrari 812 Superfast – a 6.5-litre, 789bhp grand tourer – isn’t as rare as the Fiat … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Lexus RX 450h Takumi
The Lexus brand came to SUV prominence in 1998, actually year 2000 in the UK with the introduction of the original RX as a luxury, comfortable easy to drive large SUV, writes David Miles. Now in its fourth generation spanning two decades the petrol-electric hybrid RX 450h 5-seater and RX L limousine style 6 or 7-seater premium large SUVs have received further improvements in specification, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volvo V90 B6 AWD
While SUVs now tend to grab sales and headlines we cannot overlook estates, writes Robin Roberts. Volvo has built a sound reputation on its estate cars and the V-series has won many awards from business and family judges. In fact some estates have morphed or developed into what’re often termed crossovers, sitting in size and style between a boxy estate and taller SUV. Some believe the … [Read more...]
Driving in Europe post-Brexit
Britain's departure from the EU has prompted a flurry of information and advice from the Department for Transport, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the DVLA on rule changes affecting Britons driving in Europe from this month, writes Dave Moss. Here we round up some important changes affecting British drivers and vehicles intending to use European roads in coming months, with links to … [Read more...]