The Mazda MX30 pure battery car is easing into its range at the right time, according to UK MD Jeremy Thompson. “Although Mazda has been researching, developing and selling electric cars for over 50 years, they did not feel the time was right to launch the pure battery MX30 until now,” he said. Mr Thompson said that major markets around the world are shifting towards ending the internal … [Read more...]
Heritage sell off by Mitsubishi Motors UK
Mitsubishi Motors is selling its historic heritage fleet and personal number plates as the business prepares to close down in the UK. The auction will run from April 1 to April 30 on the specialist online platform Auto Auction. All 14 historic cars are up for grabs with detailed descriptions and a comprehensive array of images and videos for each vehicles, as well as introductory films … [Read more...]
Government immediately slashes grant for BEVs
The Government is immediately slashing the grant for battery electric vehicles, lowering the price ceiling while altering the qualification for electric vans and further reductions will come. It's unheralded announcement about the changes effective today have been criticised by car makers, dealers, motoring organisations and fleet companies who say it sends the wrong message to motorists who want … [Read more...]
Difficulties setting values of newest and future cars
Sellers and buyers face a torrid time setting values on the latest hybrid and electric cars. Aside from the myriad of other issues that will affect both the production and adoption of BEVs and advanced hybrid technology, the industry needs to begin to understand what the future value of these cars will look like, and also the level of retail consumer interest. Without a realistic view of the … [Read more...]
UK car making lowest in generation
UK car making slumped last year to the lowest since 1984, hit by Covid-19 interruptions and a collapse in demand for most of the year. The car makers' body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief Mike Hawes said it was a "dreadful year" but added that a comprehensive vaccination programme might restore buying and production.Output was 920,928 vehicles, a 29.3% fall on … [Read more...]
£100,000 Ford Escorts reborn in Wales
The Welsh car industry has been boosted with the creation of a new manufacturer, MST Cars of North Wales. The motor-sport orientated bespoke builders of Ford Escort Mk1 and Mk2 road, race and rally cars in various specifications from £69,000 to over £100,000 has evolved from its competition parts' business. That was itself a development of its hardware, engineering and automotive … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 January
Revolution Campervans, which produces campers on new or used VW Transporters, has witnessed a noticeable trend in 2020 of customers buying them as somewhere to work from home and as a mobile office – then doubling as a base for camping adventures and staycations. One customer was Chris Edge (above), the operations director of a house building company near Swansea, bought his Revolution VW camper … [Read more...]
Brexit deal provides hope for automotive sector
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders want to ensure all automotive companies benefit from continued tariff-free trade with our largest market after agreeing on Brexit terms. While no substitute for the benefits provided by remaining in the EU, the TCA provides hope for the future, with a foundation on which to build, domestically and internationally, in 2021.Given the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 November
Ford is introducing a new Ranger chassis cab variant for the first time in 2021. It will provide a wide range of customers with the ability to easily create bespoke vehicles based on Europe’s best-selling pick-up and winner of the International Pick-up Award 2020. Autotrader announced a new partnership with automotive industry charity, Ben. The company has made a significant donation to Ben … [Read more...]
New Nissan Micra for MY2021
The Nissan Micra has been significantly refreshed.There’s a new engine in the range, which can trace back its origins 38 years, with a host of technical and trim changes and it goes on sale this month from £13,995. … [Read more...]