Pork belly bites, turkey dinner with all the trimmings and Christmas crumble are back on the menu as Transport for Wales brings its festive feast back to the rails this Christmas. The festive dining menu has returned to selected TfW services, inviting passengers to rediscover the joy of train travel while indulging in locally sourced, chef-crafted seasonal … [Read more...]
Industry
Challenging landscape behind ev-drive, say car makers
November’s new car data offers a reminder that the road to net zero is anything but straightforward, said SMMT ceo Mike Hawes. Overall registrations slipped by -1.6%, reflecting not just a dip in private buyer enthusiasm but a market grappling with a challenging economic backdrop. Electrified vehicles dominated popular demand, making up more than half of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW 420i M Sport Coupe
It’s hard to precisely put your finger on it, but it’s fair to say that the BMW 420i M Sport Coupe fits like a glove around a driver. A development from the 3-series Coupe and Convertibles, the 4-series has been in the range since 2013 and today comes in both bodystyles as well as a Gran Coupe with a choice of four or six cylinder petrol engines with rear … [Read more...]
Budget reversed new car registrations
The Budget put the brakes on new car sales last month, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The UK new car market declined slightly in November as new registrations fell by -1.6% to 151,154 units, and the sixth fall this year was driven by a -5.5% decline in overall demand from private buyers. Fleet uptake edged up 0.2%, while business buyer … [Read more...]
Evans takes WRC runner-up prize for fifth time
Sébastien Ogier clinched a ninth FIA World Rally Championship title on Saturday as Thierry Neuville won a bruising Rally Saudi Arabia to close a dramatic 2025 season. It was a frustrating event for Welsh driver Elfyn Evans who saw his WRC Championship ambition slip away on an event which was a lottery for crews and teams. Ogier started the three-stage … [Read more...]
Fleets urged to beware security issues with Chinese models
Fleets should take a “measured approach” to security risks highlighted by the government around Chinese-manufactured cars, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Defence minister Luke Pollard last week warned Ministry of Defence employees were being urged not to discuss sensitive issues when travelling in Chinese cars and the use of such vehicles was … [Read more...]
Poll shows drivers support alcohol interlocks
Four-in-five drivers in the UK (82%) support the introduction of alcohol interlocks to reduce instances of repeat drink-driving, with just 7% against such use and 12% unsure, says the RAC. Alcohol interlocks, or ‘alcolocks’, are already used effectively in many other countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 December
iCarhireinsurance.com was told more than half of UK drivers (54%) admit they are “frequently frustrated” by other road users, 41% are rarely frustrated, 4% say they’re always frustrated - and only 1% claim they’re never frustrated, according to the poll of 958 motorists. More than a quarter (27%) said a lack of courtesy, such as not letting others out at … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MINI Cooper 5dr
The Mini has been part of the British and European car market for over 65 years and is still not ready to be pensioned off against much younger rivals. Since becoming part of the BMW Group in 1994 the famous British Leyland and subsequent Rover Group models have been completely reinvented, modernised and brought very much up to date. You only have to look … [Read more...]
Safety tech is putting a brake on sales car sales
The majority of buyers are put off by newer used cars equipped with advanced driver assistance systems such as audible speed limit alerts, according to a survey. November’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 55% believe motorists are unconvinced of the recently introduced safety benefits, 20% that some opt instead for slightly older models with fewer ADAS … [Read more...]
