UK car production last year fell to its lowest level since 1956, according to annual statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It said a total of 775,014 cars were built in 2022 – a 9.8 per cent slump on the 859,575 made during the previous year, when the recession and pandemic were still gripping businesses. The industry blamed the global shortage of semiconductors and … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 January: Ford to make big job cuts
A massive jobs cull in Germany and other European countries is expected by the union representing Ford workers. Some positions are expected to be axed in the UK as well while the US car maker transitions towards a fully electric range from 2025, initially slashing over 3,200 jobs in Ford of Europe, and realigning with R&D in America. Bentley Motors announced a recruitment drive creating 200 … [Read more...]
Toyota sweep all before them on Monte opener
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team started the 2023 FIA World Rally Championship with a one-two finish on Rallye Monte-Carlo as Sébastien Ogier claimed a record ninth victory on the event ahead of team-mate Kalle Rovanperä. Mostly dry weather made this year’s rally – the opening round of the 2023 World Rally Championship – more a test of outright performance than usual. Ogier (below) set the … [Read more...]
Toyota Gazoo Racing looks ahead
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s presentations at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon and the concurrent Tokyo Outdoor Show looked to a future where “no car lovers are left behind”. They showed new concept models, customised vehicles, new engineering ideas and a wider selection of heritage parts to help enthusiasts maintain their classic cars. AE86 Corolla hydrogen and battery electric concepts Toyota is … [Read more...]
MoT test extension roundly criticised
Extending the time before a vehicle faces its first MoT test proposed by the Department of Transport has been criticised as dangerous for high mileage models of cars, vans and commercial vehicles. Following the announcement of a new government consultation on possible changes to the MOT, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said,“While we’re not opposed to delaying a new vehicle’s first MOT, we … [Read more...]
Little vans in short supply
Throughout 2022 franchised dealers have reported strong demand for light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, but the continued restrictions to component supply have frustrated manufacturers in their ability to produce sufficient new vehicles to match orders, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. In 2022, total LCV registrations fell by … [Read more...]
The shock of ev prices falling after Tesla cut
Over priced electric cars are seeing values collapse. Electric car drivers need to protect themselves from volatility in the used car market, following Tesla’s dramatic decision last week to slash the prices of its two best selling cars, the Model 3 and Model Y, by up to £8,000. Steve Tigar, CEO and Founder of loveelectric, said cuts on this scale could undermine the value of secondhand cars, … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 January: Make or break year for EVs
It could be a make or break year for smaller ev makers, reports Reuters UK. Tesla's 20% price cut worldwide last week has led to surge in demand from its German factory supplying Europe but at the same time put pressure on main rivals to reduce prices while some ev startups may be unable to match them and risk losing investments and sales, or worst still, seeing them go out of business. The … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 January: On a charge in N Wales
The Electric Vehicle Association for Wales – EVA Cymru – has given the ‘green’ light to a new charging hub at Rhyl. West Kinmel car park’s electric vehicle (EV) charging hub is funded by the Welsh Government and the 36 vehicle capacity hub, is a mix of 7kwh chargers for local users who have no access to off street parking and ‘rapid’ 50kw chargers for a quick charge top up and also to help local … [Read more...]
Hang on, here’s power from above
A new era for the trolley bus and truck could be around the corner. Hofer powertrain, a development and technology partner of the global automotive industry, unveiled a new megawatt charging concept unlocking a whole new dimension of efficiency compared to the present megawatt charging infrastructure. The approach makes e-trucks long-haul capable while ensuring 100 % fleet availability, takes … [Read more...]