Industry

UK car makers warn of clash with Canada

26 January 2024

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 … [Read more...]

Call for incentives for retail buyers to switch to EVs

26 January 2024

There are currently no financial incentives for private car buyers to switch to an EV, says specialist leasing company DriveElectric. So, unless the government changes its policy on consumer purchase incentives or reduces taxes in the run-up to a general election, or there’s a new government with a more pro-EV policy, sales of new EVs are likely to … [Read more...]

Newslines 23 January

23 January 2024

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 … [Read more...]

EU criticized over EV strategy

22 January 2024

Europe's law makers are ignoring carbon-neutral fuels in the rush towards zero emissions and putting too much importance on pure evs, according to the components industry. The European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on the CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles today. While the … [Read more...]

Subaru Crosstrek now on sale

19 January 2024

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 … [Read more...]

Next Government must invest in hydrogen fuel

17 January 2024

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 … [Read more...]

Welsh dealers sweep up KIA retail awards

17 January 2024

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 … [Read more...]

Newslines 16 January

16 January 2024

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 … [Read more...]

Facelift for MY2024 Mazda2 Hybrid

15 January 2024

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 … [Read more...]

Crash, bang, wallop – it’s National Pothole Day