Government consultation on potential changes to the ZEV Mandate is welcome and much needed, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said that a review had been factored into the regulation from its outset, but bringing it forward has become increasingly important given the challenges manufacturers face with … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Xpeng G6 long range
Whatever happens to the planed zero-emissions mandate with its stuttering schedule for implementation there is no denying it is bringing us some interesting and desirable models. But few of the newcomers will have the 'history' of Xpeng, which like Tesla of America, was rooted in technology and software rather than motor cars. Not to be phased for the … [Read more...]
Fleets growing confidence in EVs values, says Cazana
Fleet operators and leasing decision-makers looking to defleet battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can do so with growing confidence, according to the latest retail market intelligence from auto data provider Cazana. Driven by steady buyer demand and sustained high fuel prices at the pump, used electric vehicle values at the benchmark 3-year defleet point … [Read more...]
Hopes of lower fuel prices & higher EV incentives
Drivers will be relieved to know that the fuel price rises of recent weeks appear to be slowing down and should hopefully top out now, said RAC head of policy Simon Williams. Since 6 July the average price of petrol has gone up 11p a litre adding £6 to the cost of a full tank (£89). Diesel has been even harder hit, going up 17p a litre since 9 July which … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia EV4 Fastback GT-Line S
The Kia EV4 is a landmark model for the brand as their first zero emissions hatchback and Fastback saloon, and it will seriously challenge the Continental luxury brands. The hatchback is built in Slovakia with a slightly smaller bootspace than the Fastback assembled in Korea and both models have a choice of 58.3kWh standard battery or 81.4kWh long range … [Read more...]
Electric cars are turning the corner
Second-hand car buyers are increasingly looking at electric models, and surprising traders. Just one in three dealers (33%) are currently worried about the impact of electrification on the used car sector – the lowest figure recorded in the Startline Used Car Tracker since October 2022. The monthly research asks dealers to name the biggest challenges … [Read more...]
New car registrations continue slow growth
Britain’s new car market grew 11.7% in July with 156,571 units registered, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Although compared with a relatively weak July last year, the performance marks an eighth consecutive month of growth as the market continues its longer-term recovery towards pre-Covid levels. Registrations in Wales rose … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Picanto GT-Line S
With the headline rush into pure electric cars now faltering, there is growing appreciation of what a good petrol car can do for a manufacturer, as in the Kia Picanto GT-Line S. While some rivals had axed their city cars or effectively moved them up market and therefore into more expensive territory, Kia adopted a policy of keeping open their options for … [Read more...]
Newslines 31 July
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles or plug-in hybrid and fully electric, has passed the significant milestone of 100,000 new car registrations in the UK. This feat is particularly significant given that BYD sales only commenced with the ATTO 3 in March 2023. Since that time, the range has expanded from one model to ten. Aston … [Read more...]
Sinclair Group business battered
South Wales based Sinclair Motor Group reported a tough year in 2025 but expressed the hope business will improve this year. In its annual accounts published on Companies House website Sinclair Motor Group said 2025 was its toughest year since before Covid with profits down 38% despite turnover reaching more than £700m across the 12 brands it represents … [Read more...]
