During the 1970s and 80s, one-make racing series were a popular component of motor manufacturer’s marketing strategy, used to promote chosen models, writes Ken Davies. Among these were Ford Escort Mexico, Renault 5, Honda CRX, Ford Fiesta, VW Polo and even Porsche 924 and BWW M1 supercar championships that became popular among competitors and spectators alike, but perhaps one of the most … [Read more...]
Welsh confidence in Swedish brand
A million-pound refurbishment for a Welsh car retailer is complete. The new showroom, on Holyhead Road, Anglesey, houses local Volvo retailer, Tyn Lon Garage, with an investment of £1m to improve facilities for customers. The retailer’s new site features Volvo’s signature large lounge area, complete with Scandi-style furniture and Swedish cakes and coffee. Large panoramic glass walls … [Read more...]
MoT tests extended six months
The temporary MoT exemption is positive as it will allow vital services to continue and aftersales workshops to prioritise essential repair works on critical vehicles, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. On Sunday 22 March, NFDA wrote to the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP asking for a three-month MoT moratorium. Today, the Government has communicated that vehicle … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 March
Petrol prices crashed to an 18-year low this week. Falling oil wholesale cost saving are now reaching forecourts and Morrison’s has slashed 12ppl petrol and 8ppl diesel with prices at about 104ppl and 111ppl respectively, says the RAC, which is urging drivers to only go out if vital and support small independent retailers if they can. National Express timetables will be reduced today after which … [Read more...]
Logistics industry can meet delivery challenges
The business group which represents the logistics industry is reassuring UK consumers and businesses that the supply chain is capable of handling challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as Elizabeth de Jong, FTA’s Policy Director, is keen to point out, the integrity of the supply chain can only be maintained with the support of government and some elements of flexibility to keep … [Read more...]
Aston Martin St Athan hit by virus fallout
Aston Martin Lagonda has suspended vehicle production at its plants in the UK, including at St Athan, home of its DBX crossover. The company, headquartered in Warwickshire, made the announcement today, and said the decision to halt production – for a scheduled four weeks – from tomorrow was in response to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Aston Martin’s President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer … [Read more...]
New driving tech is more dangerous than alcohol
Worrying results from a new study released today show that the latest in-vehicle infotainment systems designed to improve road safety are failing and impair reactions times behind the wheel more than alcohol and cannabis use. Among the shocking results, the study – commissioned by the UK’s largest independent road-safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, found that reaction times at motorway speeds … [Read more...]
Roads falling apart faster, says industry body
Britain's roads are crumbling at an increasing rate and need much more investment in major and minor spending than has been used or promised, according to the maintenance industry. This morning's Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey of UK roads is in its 25th year, is launched at a time of unprecedented challenges due to the spread of COVID-19, and understandably, the country’s … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 March
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant will close from wednesday for at least a month due to the coronavirus with employees getting basic pay. "Due to the dramatic impact this ongoing crisis is having on the European market and the supplier industry, we have decided to bring forward part of the summer shutdown period for our UK operations to the Easter period," said a Ford statement. Car dealers want … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent comprehensive support
The effect of the coronavirus on society and the global economy is unprecedented with grave consequences for the automobile industry, say European car makers. Indeed, most of the members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages, and government measures, and are facing cases of corona … [Read more...]