Mazda has announced UK pricing and specification for the latest 6 series Saloon and Tourer versions of its flagship model. Featuring an upgraded cabin, revised styling and enhanced technology, plus the UK debut of Mazda’s cylinder deactivation SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, the updated Mazda6 also sees the popular SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel engine benefit from a power upgrade to … [Read more...]
Volvo XC40 raises the game
Volvo’s push with introducing new products continues with the arrival in April of the first models in their XC40 compact SUV range of 2WD and 4WD, petrol and diesel models and to come plug-in hybrid and fully electric powered versions to be added to the line-up later, writes David Miles. The Volvo brand has gone from near bankruptcy to high flying under the ownership of the Chinese … [Read more...]
Tradelines 21 March
Volkswagen’s global headquarters were searched again by prosecutors in early March as part of an investigation into its emissions scandal, reports German media. They’ve started a fresh investigation into suspicions of market manipulation and whether VW had understated CO2 emissions on more cars than it had publicly admitted, said WirtschaftsWoche . VW plans to invest $340 million to build a … [Read more...]
Brexit bargaining must protect auto industry, say carmakers
There are potentially disastrous implications for the automotive supply chain in Brexit, say car makers. Just a few days ahead of the EU summit, where the 27 heads of state will approve the European Council’s Brexit guidelines, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is calling on the negotiators to pay urgent attention to sector-specific issues. A big concern for the … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 March
McLaren says its forthcoming ‘Hyper-GT ‘codenamed BP23 will achieve the highest top speed of any McLaren yet with the capability to exceed the 243mph of the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Only 106 of the three-seaters will be built and they are already sold to existing McLaren owners for £1.6 M plus local taxes. Audi devotees excited by the e-tron quattro concept - an SUV which is the first … [Read more...]
Exclusive: St Athan to get another Aston Martin model?
A second stunning Aston Martin model could be heading for the new production lines being installed in its St Athan plant outside Cardiff. This week, Aston Martin presented the Lagonda Vision Concept (above) at the Geneva Motor Show and marked the beginning of a new range of state of the art, emission-free luxury vehicles. Production is planned for 2021, about two years after the first … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 March
The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is now on sale, with prices starting from£25,800 for the A 180 d SE. The petrol-powered A 200 starts from £27,500, while the A 250 is available from £30,240 and the new A-Class is initially available in three trims: SE, Sport and AMG Line; and with a choice of three engines, all with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. There is yet another addition to the BMW … [Read more...]
UK new car sales still sliding, diesels collapsing
The UK new car market dipped in February, according to figures released this morning by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 80,805 new cars were registered, a -2.8% drop compared with February 2017, in what is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year ahead of the March number plate change. Continuing recent trends, demand for petrol and alternatively fuelled … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 March
Dyson is seeking another 300 engineers to work on its forthcoming new electric car project, the company has announced on the back of a massive 27% rise in earnings to £801 M last year. The company is headquartered at Malmesbury but has converted a former RAF hangar at Hullavington to develop their new car for 2020, but not said where it will be built. Fred Rees Garages, Haverfordwest is the … [Read more...]
Boost for Wales as new Toyota Auris gets go-ahead
The next Toyota Auris series will be built in its Derby plant, the company said today as it confirmed intentions first given last year. The news is also a boost for its Deeside engine plant that supplies the Burnaston assembly plant which exports 85% of production. Confirmation will safeguard about 3,000 jobs for over five years and shows faith in the Brexit deal being discussed between HM … [Read more...]