New WLTP rules for vans could potentially disincentivise fleets from adopting fuel-saving designs, says Arval UK. The WLTP data being used for converted and bodied chassis only take into account the frontal dimensions of the vehicle and do not include any streamlining measures fitted by body builders such as aerodynamic collars and bulkheads. The issue is … [Read more...]
North Wales hit by rising van thefts
Van thefts in North Wales have doubled in 12 months but fallen by 75% in South East Wales. CV theft across the UK has soared by 45% over the last four years with 30,000 vehicles stolen since 2015, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. A total of 32,056 vans have been stolen over the last four years with almost 10,000 thefts recorded … [Read more...]
Vital deal on Brexit must be achieved, car dealers told.
It is vital that the government agrees a Brexit deal with the EU, retailers have been told. If it cannot, then prices will rise as a result of the import tariffs that will be paid on vehicles and parts. It is in everyone’s interests that a future trade deal between the UK and EU removes these tariffs, said RMI Chairman Peter Johnson, speaking at this … [Read more...]
Midweek motoring: MS-RT Ford Transit Connect
A Welsh vehicle builder is bucking the trend with a successful new model programme, boosting jobs and home-grown skills. MS-RT of Pontypool secured Ford approval for its bespoke Transit Custom Conversion last year and has now followed with its version of the smaller Transit Connect. Later this year a long wheelbase version and double cab will be added to … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 September
Volkswagen and Porsche are recalling about 227,000 models built in 2015 and 2016 after German safety authority found a problem with pretensioning software in airbags. There are concerns the faulty software may cause airbags to go-off without an accident being sensed, said German media. Germany is allocating $60Billion to boost electric car take … [Read more...]
RAC Approved LCVs standard announced
The RAC Approved Dealer standard for used vans and other light commercials has been announced and will shake up the retail trade. Sean Kent, RAC sales director at Assurant, the New York based Fortune 500 company which partners with the RAC in providing and administering warranties and related solutions, said, “The new standard is designed to create a … [Read more...]
Sporting Transit Connect built in Wales
South Wales-based performance company, MS-RT, has revealed the first pictures of its all-new Ford Transit Connect, joining its Ford QVM-approved Transit Custom Conversion. MS-RT, which uses styling and technology pioneered by Ford’s works rally team, has finally pulled the wraps off its highly anticipated new model, developed, designed and built at … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 August
Over 2.7 million drivers have had a collision or veered off the road in the last two years because they were distracted by their mobile phone. The new study for Kwik Fit found that of these drivers, just over one million had collided with another car while their attention was diverted from the road and a further 4% of motorists, some 1.8 million drivers, … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 July
SsangYong is launching a special edition Tivoli LE from mid-July. The new Tivoli LE based on the existing ELX derivative has the “look” of the brand’s top spec Ultimate model on the outside which features a black roof, power folding mirrors with integrated indicators, black diamond cut 18” alloys and a rear spoiler from £17,745 for the Tivoli LE petrol … [Read more...]
Tradelines 10 July
Kia is turning up the heat even further with a range of special edition models on sale now. These eye-catching additions join the Picanto, Stonic, Ceed and Sportage ranges just in time for the temperatures to go off the scale and Kia has also enhanced its Ceed range, with new ‘2 Nav’ editions and the addition of automatic transmission to its ‘GT-Line’ … [Read more...]
