The Kia Picanto 1.0 T-GDI GT-Line S is a rarity, and it’s all the better for that. In a market dominated by so many look-alike, take-it-or-leave-it cars, the Picanto not only visually stands out but leaves others standing in the Formula Fun race. You cannot help but turn and look at this cheeky chappie and if you slip behind the wheel you’ll emerge with a wide smile of satisfaction. If you are … [Read more...]
Summer drink-drive crackdown warning
Motorists are being issued with a drink-drive warning as police gear up for their annual summer crackdown. The number of roadside breath tests carried out in June is 50% higher than any other month apart from December. Police breathalysed 36,041 drivers in England and Wales in June 2017, the latest year for which figures are available. This compares with a monthly average of 23,840 across … [Read more...]
EV planning is improving, say dealers
There’s increasing retailer satisfaction levels with manufacturers’ approach to the electric vehicle sector, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. Commenting on the results of the latest Electric Vehicle Dealer Attitude Survey, Ms Robinson went on to say the main objective of the survey is to understand retailers’ views on the approach to the electric … [Read more...]
UK new car sales drop
The UK new car market declined by -4.6% in May with 183,724 units registered, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The fall reflects continued uncertainty over diesel and clean air zones as well as the removal of incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles and the underlying economic and political instability continues to affect consumer and business confidence, said the … [Read more...]
Ford face triple dilemma at Bridgend
Global demand for the Ford triple-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine is lower than expected and driven the decision to close its production line in Bridgend next February. Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe (right), in a conference call said the employees and management at Bridgend Engine Plant had done all they possibly could to support Dragon production, but it was simply not … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant closure confirmed
Workers at Ford Bridgend Engine Plant were this morning told it’s closing after 40 years. The company called a mass meeting in the plant and it comes after many months of speculation surrounding its operations and future, and manager Wallace Yarwood broke the news to a hushed crowd with only one worker shouting "Poor show". The GMB union said it would be "hammer blow" to workers and the … [Read more...]
One in six driver vacancies go unfilled
Logistics businesses anticipate that 15 per cent of their current HGV driver vacancies will not be filled due to the nationwide skills shortage, according to the latest analysis. The 2019 Logistics Report, launched by FTA in partnership with Santander Corporate and Commercial, polled the opinions of more than 500 freight and logistics businesses operating in the UK and internationally, to … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 June
The next generation Land Rover Defender will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in early September. It is one of the car makers still pledged to the German motor show, despite 22 other makers missing it as they revisit their sales and marketing strategies, but the new Ford Puma SUV is expected to be their highlight at the event. The planned Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Renault Group … [Read more...]
Jobs going begging for mechanics and technicians
More than half of jobs for vehicle mechanics, technicians and fitters will not be filled in the near future, according to FTA’s 2019 Logistics Report. Staff shortages within repair workshops and vehicle inspection units are at crisis point. FTA will tackle this issue of 52.7% vacancies at its popular Fleet Engineer Conference, taking place on 11 June 2019 at the National Agriculture and … [Read more...]
Newport relief road scrapped
There have been mixed reactions to the scrapping of the £1.4B M4 relief road by First Minister Mark Drayford. Over-ruling the recommendation of the inspector after a £44M public enquiry last year, the First Minister said the environmental reasons were too strong and the cost was too high for the southern relief road around Newport. Environmentalists immediately welcomed the news the road … [Read more...]