They may be one of the smaller engineering companies, but Suzuki has consistently shown over a century that it’s the size of an idea which matters, not the business itself. Some 11 years before the Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co was officially formed in 1920, founder Michio Suzuki pioneered a new type of textile loom design in 1909 after watching his mother using her labour intensive and … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 July
Over the past 12 months used car purchases completed entirely via mobile devices have soared by 48.7%, compared with a rise of 22.1% on desktop or laptop computers and BuyaCar analysts say that transactions via tablets, such as iPads, are also up, but account for little more than one in every 100 sales. Mobile phones are thought to account for a tenth of sales. One in 20 learner drivers have … [Read more...]
British attempt on electric motor-bike speed record
White Motorcycle Concepts has unveiled a revolutionary 250mph-plus pure electric prototype motorcycle. Company founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob White will use it in attempts to break both the British and world electric land speed records over the next 12 months in Britain and Bolivia. The WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator, White’s brainchild, is more than two years in the … [Read more...]
Summer safety campaign returns to Welsh roads
In 2019, the the last full year before lockdowns began, there were 595 motorcycle casualties, including 22 fatalities, on Welsh roads - prompting the return of the annual 'Operation Darwen' campaign as restrictions are wound down, writes Dave Moss. Focussed on reducing the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries across the country's road network, it's supported by all four Welsh … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 April
To complement Nissan’s range of striking crossovers, 2022 will see the introduction of the fourth generation all-new X-Trail, whose world debut took place at Auto Shanghai 2021 this week. Like its cousin the All-New Qashqai, it will be based upon the Alliance CMF-C platform, which is the highly advanced architecture which was designed to accommodate Nissan’s advanced e‑POWER powertrain, as … [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...]
Motorbikes rebalancing after virus-hit
November’s motorcycle sales figures confirmed a fantastic year on year performance, during a challenging trading period, with dealers embracing the use of click and collect to meet consumer demand through the second lockdown, said Paddy O’Connell, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association. Commenting on the latest MCIA motorcycle sales figures, he said that Powered Two Wheels (PTW) … [Read more...]
Tradelines 14 October
A new type of bespoke traction battery system has been developed in Slovakia by InoBat Auto. It uses completely new internal designs and materials and is claimed to be greener and more powerful than conventional batteries now being used by car makers and full production will begin in 2021 with further refinements by 2025. Hyundai has brought a new meaning to the phrase ‘fast fashion’ by making … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 October
After a ten-year gap, the BMW ti suffix returns with the sporting 128ti arriving next month from £32,995. The 265hp 4cyl 2.0 litre engine and 8sp sequential automatic box are mated to M sport suspension and brakes with numerous body detailing and delivered with high specification trim and equipment. Vauxhall has released first images of the new Crossland ahead of order books opening later this … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 October
CUPRA has started production of the new Formentor, the first vehicle uniquely designed and developed for the brand. The CUPRA Formentor will be available to order in the UK from Tuesday 20 October, starting with the 2.0-litre 310PS petrol engine, and followed by other engines including the plug-in hybrid variant. MG has beaten its 2019 sales targets already as the UK’s fastest-growing car brand … [Read more...]