Vanarama has carried out an in-depth study to uncover the most reliable vans and pick-up trucks. It compiled data from warranty claims, MoT tests, and specialist media's survey of van operators. Budget Small Van Winner – Fiat Doblo RRP starting from £13,995 Perhaps coming as a surprise to some, the Fiat Doblo scored very well in Vanarama’s analysis of reliability. In a survey of the … [Read more...]
Industry
Newslines 13 August
Proposals for a new business park adjacent to Cardiff Airport on Model Farm, Rhoose approved by Vale of Glamorgan Council have been criticised by local residents. Vale Communities Unite say the project advanced by insurers Legal and General will increase traffic on local roads and goes against Welsh Government announcements to combat climate change after it has just put up for sale the nearby St … [Read more...]
Tiguan eHybrid plugs into UK market
The fleet-friendly Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid is on sale from £35,515 in Life trim. The newest PHEV model from the brand has a CO2 output from just 38 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of up to 176.6 mpg (WLTP, combined), with the capability to travel up to 30 miles purely on electric power from a single full charge. The eHybrid drivetrain combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a powerful … [Read more...]
Glass’s Guide ramps up services to trade
Autovista Group has unveiled Glass’s sales solution – a new platform-based application for the motor trade to value stock. “This is a game-changer for the automotive industry and will transform the way that dealers are able to access business-critical pricing information,” says Lindsey Roberts, CEO of Autovista Group. “Our new Glass’s platform pulls together our wealth of exceptional services, … [Read more...]
Fuze is just the ticket for new generation buses
Green pioneer and Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford has launched FUZE, a unique asset finance company offering the complete solution for the funding of zero-emission buses. Heralding the industry as being “on the cusp of vital change”, FUZE will offer a turnkey solution to help operators get more buses on the roads in the race to net zero. Following the company’s successful launch of … [Read more...]
Tradelines 11 August
Audi Centres across the UK are now taking orders for the all-new RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Saloon, which start from £50,900 and £51,900 respectively. The latest iterations of the high-performance duo, powered by the award-winning 400PS 2.5-litre TFSI engine good for up to 180mph, are due to be delivered to the first customers from November. This month sees Mazda Motors UK Ltd celebrate its … [Read more...]
Used cars’ sales booming, says industry
The UK’s used car market grew 108.6% in the second quarter of 2021 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 2,167,504 vehicles changed hands, up 6.6% on 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the best Q2 performance and almost the best quarter ever for the used car market. The increase tracks the country’s gradual emergence from lockdown, as businesses reopened, demand for personal … [Read more...]
The automotive industry braces for long Covid
Long Covid is about to hit the car industry with increased warranty costs expected in months or years to come, says Renee Stephens, Vice-President of We Predict automotive analysts. If current and past trends are any indication, the global pandemic has implications to change what automakers and suppliers see in their warranties as they continue to ramp up operations, with the potential for … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 August
The iconic electric-first brand, Tesla has come out as the Euro NCAP’s safest car brand tied with Polestar, a Swedish EV manufacturer who’s owned by Volvo Cars. Both companies scored an impressive 87% safety rating out of a possible 100%, while Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, came in third with their safety rating of 86%, closely followed by Genesis and Volvo with 85%, reported … [Read more...]
Semi-conductor loss more serious than pandemic
The global semiconductor shortage will have far-reaching and long-lasting effects that are likely to have a greater impact on the automotive industry than the COVID pandemic, according to pioneering software provider VNC Automotive. Perfectly placed to see the issue first hand, VNC Automotive has established itself as a leader in the vehicle connectivity space, working with clients on unique … [Read more...]