Euro NCAP published its fifth round of safety ratings this week and Chinese newcomers hit top scores. The highly anticipated Tesla Model Y did not disappoint and shoots to the top of recently published five-star cars, while the new electric Genesis GV60 continues the 5-star success of the GV70 and GV80 models tested last year. Euro NCAP also tested two newcomers from China’s Great Wall Motor … [Read more...]
Welsh car registrations slipping most
Car registrations in Wales slipped back more than the rest of the UK in August. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed just 2,251 new cars registered in Wales in August, The top ten were: Vauxhall Crossland, Ford Puma, Ford Kuga, Vauxhall Corsa, VW Polo, Vauxhall Mokka, Hyundai Tucson, VW T-Rock and MG ZS. The total for Wales represented a 4.74% drop on August 2021, … [Read more...]
September registrations’ uplift for the fallen
Britain's new car market rose 1.2% in August, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The growth, albeit marginal, is the first seen since February with some 68,858 new vehicles joining the road during what is typically the second quietest month of the year as many buyers choose to wait for a ‘new’ numberplate in September. In Wales, new registrations declined the most in the UK … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 September
The unique West Country-made 155mph Ariel Hipercar is going into production in two or four-wheel-drive at close to £1 Million with a 28 months waiting list. The High Performance Carbon Reduction two-seater electric supercar weighs 1,500 kilos and hits 100mph in 4.4secs with 880kW or 1,180bhp in standard form using a Cosworth battery pack good for 150 miles but it can also be recharged on the … [Read more...]
Are EVs green or greenwash?
Thousands of drivers who collect the keys to a brand new ‘72’ plate electric car tomorrow will have a nagging doubt at the back of their minds as they glide silently off the forecourt – are battery-powered cars truly better for the environment, or is zero-emission motoring just ‘greenwash’ hype? Sales of electric cars are soaring, up 49.9% year-on-year (January to July), as motorists take … [Read more...]
Dealers and makers’ reputations bashed by delays
Car manufacturers and dealers are suffering reputational damage as a result of unavoidable supply chain disruption, according to research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. While two-thirds (66%) of consumers considering a new car say they understand the difficulties involved, nearly half (48%) say the delays negatively impact their perception of motor dealers. A similar proportion (46%) say long … [Read more...]
Britain unprepared for ev switch in eight years
Rising electric costs are blowing the fuse on plans for expanding ev sales in Britain. A comprehensive survey by Rivervale Leasing found that the escalating cost of energy is the most common concern, as 21% say that they think the potential of higher home charging tariffs could stop the UK from switching to electric. Vince Pemberton, Chief executive officer at Rivervale Leasing admits, “It’s … [Read more...]
Most JLR models on stop in September
Jaguar Land Rover is facing assembly problems at its plants in September. No Land Rover Discovery, Evoque and Velar models will be built through September due to parts shortages but some production continues with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender. Jaguar XE, XF and F-Pace models are also on stop but F-Type will still be assembled. Ironically, its only full electric model, the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus UX 300e Premium Plus
Lexus has always been the quiet executive car brand and reaches a new level of refinement with its UX 300e pure battery version of the existing hybrid SUV. Some 15 years experience building hybrid cars were brought to bear when it created the UX 300e and it lacks nothing its stablemates have but adds 2020s propulsion, safety and communications technology. There are four versions with the … [Read more...]
Car production improves but issues remain
Though the outlook is beginning to look more positive as production levels rise for the third month in a row and the industry shows signs of recovery, persistent issues will continue to cause turbulence in the coming months, said Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine means the well-documented semiconductor shortage is continuing to cause … [Read more...]