Europe's producers now anticipate making 500,000 fewer electric vehicles than expected two years ago. In the face of ongoing economic and industrial uncertainty, the automotive supply industry braces for a year of moderate growth although the electric vehicle segment continues to take a larger share however, according to CLEP Nevertheless, overall production volumes remain significantly below … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Puma ST mHEV
The Ford Puma outran all its rivals to sit on the top of Britain’s car sales in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. Ford has a soft-spot for the Puma, first considered using it for a performance version of the Escort and then putting it on the 1997 compact coupe before shelving it a couple of years later, only to resurrect it after 17 years for the present suv series. It has also played about with … [Read more...]
UK car makers warn of clash with Canada
The breakdown of trade talks with Canada threatens massive costs for UK car makers exporting there, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders today. The stalemate on a free trade deal creates the risk of tariffs being imposed on British-made cars sold in Canada. Britain's current deal after Brexit until April means we export vehicles containing EU-manufactured parts to Canada … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 January
Bentley Motors achieved its third best ever year in 2023 with global sales of 13,560 luxury cars. Around three-quarters of customers went beyond the 46 billion different configurations available from the standard options range to add bespoke content from Bentley’s Mulliner division, representing a 43 per cent rise over 2022, an indication of the desire for truly unique exclusivity in the luxury … [Read more...]
Subaru Crosstrek now on sale
The Subaru Crosstrek has been released in the UK, replacing outgoing XV model. It has a 10 percent stiffer chassis for improved dynamic performance and ride quality, all-Wheel Drive system with X-MODE® and 220mm class-leading ground clearance. Inside there's an 11.6-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay with eyesig Driver Assist Technology standard across the … [Read more...]
Next Government must invest in hydrogen fuel
The new government that the UK is likely to see in 2024 should be pressured by fleets to deliver a more effective hydrogen van strategy, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, said there was huge potential for hydrogen as a factor in future fleet zero emissions strategies for light commercial vehicles, and much more needed to be done to support its … [Read more...]
Welsh dealers sweep up KIA retail awards
Welsh dealers with the Kia franchise cleaned up in the brand's retail awards for 2023. For the third consecutive year, Gravells Kia Bridgend was awarded the prestigious ‘Dealer of the Year’ title and Jonathan Gravell (below left) received the trophy from Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited in the dealer convention in Liverpool. An exceptional hattrick result was achieved by the … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 January
Toyota and Lexus anticipate building over 3 million vehicles and Japan and more than 7 million in offshore plants in 2024. The rise has been forecast as component supplies ease and hybrid sales are rising. Hyundai Motor UK has appointed smart home charging business Ohme as its official home charging partner. Ohme's dynamic smart chargers can connect with the grid in real time, automatically … [Read more...]
Facelift for MY2024 Mazda2 Hybrid
Arriving in the UK from March, the facelifted 2024 Mazda2 Hybrid has a more differentiated design appearance thanks to a new, and unique to Mazda, front bumper and grille design. Designed at Mazda’s European Design Studio in Germany, the revised bumper shape combined with unique rear tailgate garnish gives the 2024 Mazda2 Hybrid a fresh and independent look. Launched in May 2022, the Mazda2 … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW ID.3 Pro S
Of the legacy car-makers, Volkswagen has developed a very wide and strong range of new generation electric models. It has been working on electric cars for many years so it was probably only natural that modernising its best selling Golf family car would feature in its approach to the future, and the ID.3 fills the sector in which its petrol and diesel hatchback did so well before it led to the … [Read more...]