Lotus Cars will be made in China by its two-year-old owner, Geeley, according to a Reuters’ report. It quoted Chinese job adverts and public planning notices in Wuhan, Central China which indicated a 150,000 models annually would be assembled in the new factory, possibly SUVs, but also derivatives of their classic sports cars currently assembled in Norfolk. A new study of 1500 motorists … [Read more...]
EVs & hybrids used propositions explained
The increasing numbers of electric and hybrid vehicles making their way onto the used market will be the focus of the first Vehicle Remarketing Association meeting of 2019, taking place on 23 January at Fleet Auction Group, Coalville. Key presentations will include Ian Featherstone of the Energy Saving Trust on background drivers for EV and hybrid adoption, vehicle and charging developments, … [Read more...]
Ford and VW confirm cvs and future technologies
Ford and Volkswagen today confirmed they will begin a joint venture to build and share vans and pickups from 2022. They will join forces in a bid to reduce costs and create new ranges of electric and self-driving cars, they announced at the Detroit Motor Show. Sales will begin in 2022 and will boost profits from 2023 and “Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and … [Read more...]
Newslines 11 January
Kia is the only brand in Britain’s top ten to improve on market share last year. The ninth placed Korean brand saw a growth of 2.7% with 95,746 registrations while market leader Ford suffered an 11.6% decline, although Nissan sales collapsed 32.1% in seventh place. Honda and Toyota have joined MINI and said they will suspend car production in April for a few days. It follows the car … [Read more...]
Job cuts to come, say Ford and Jaguar
Ford and Jaguar will be cutting jobs this year as they face severe losses. Exact numbers are not known today but last year workers at Bridgend Engine Plant were sent letters suggesting a possible voluntary redundancy programme this year after expectations of lower engine demands from vehicle assembly plants around the world. Unions in the South Wales plant said over 1,000 jobs might go and … [Read more...]
Lean and green drive car buyers choices, says report
Environmental factors have become the second most important consideration to prospective car buyers behind only price, according to figures from comparethemarket.com in its latest Premium Drivers report. The new figures show that 25% of people consider environmental impacts, such as fuel, carbon efficiency and alternative fuel, as the most important factor when buying a car. With 24% of people … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 January
A GT Sport Nav+ model has been added to the revised Mazda CX-5 range of 2WD and AWD models with petrol or diesel engines. All models now come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto together with revised suspension but the new trim includes real wood and satin chrome fascia highlights, new interior lights and 19-inch bright alloys. Almost one-in-three new cars sold in Norway last year was pure … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 December
Hyundai Motor Company announced the world’s first smart fingerprint technology that allows drivers to not only unlock doors but also start the vehicle. Hyundai plans to implement the technology initially in Santa Fe SUV model that is to be released in select markets on the first quarter of 2019. Kia is introducing a range of lower costs, lower rate finance, scrappage incentives and free … [Read more...]
Mixed responses to new EU emissions target
Car makers have expressed serious concerns about the highly challenging CO2 target that auto manufacturers will have to meet by 2030. The European Parliament, Commission and Council agreed to cut carbon emissions from new cars and vans by 15% in 2025 and 37.5% in 2030, compared to 2021 levels. The European federation of transport NGOs, Transport & Environment, welcomed the agreement … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 December
Car-parts entrepreneur Ian Warhust has stepped in to save the Bloodhound supersonic speed project after it went into administration in November. The 1,000mph Bloodhound team said it is being bought for an undisclosed amount by the Barnsley businessman and a future plan will be unveiled in January. As many as 20 million individual Christmas leisure trips will take place this week in the … [Read more...]