New car sales in Wales last year rose just 1.09% to 57,557 registrations, said the SMMT. They were helped by a 15.33% increase in December to 4,026 compared to the same month in 2021. Ford dominated the market but MG was very close to them. Wales Top Ten 2022 Ford Puma 1955 Ford Kuga 1341 MG ZS. 1319 MG HS. 1292 Ford Fiesta 1235 Nissan Qashqai 1209 Dacia Sandero 1167 Toyota … [Read more...]
EVs overtake diesels in 2022 UK market
New car registrations continued to improve in December and the market in Britain reached 1.61M, but still the lowest in three decades. The UK new car market recorded its fifth consecutive month of growth in December, with an 18.3% increase to reach 128,462 new registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Hidden in the figures was the fact … [Read more...]
Production levels lifting at last
Though well-documented supply challenges continue to affect car production, pressure appears to be easing as manufacturers push to return to pre-pandemic levels, accoridng to Lisa Watson, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. Speaking after the latest UK car production figures were released for November, she went on, “Challenges such as the global chip shortage remain but are … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta is good second hand buy if you’re careful
After 47 years, Ford has announced it will stop manufacturing its iconic Fiesta model in June 2023 despite being Britain’s most-owned car and the most desirable for new drivers. That’s because the company is focused on its electric future and meeting the demand for its SUV models. The Fiesta is also a firm favourite among first-time drivers, thanks to its cost efficiency, compact size and easy … [Read more...]
Vehicle leasing costs rising & more to come
Higher Bank of England interest rates mean that company car and van lease costs are beginning to increase, reports the Association of Fleet Professionals. Denise Lane, board director at the industry body, explained that the increases were not uniform across the market but widely reported by AFP members and especially appeared to be affecting vehicles already on order. She said, “Businesses are … [Read more...]
End of the ICE age in 2035
Car makers have agreed to end petrol and diesel engine production throughout Europe by 2035. But they say tough emissions targets can be met only if there is a concerted Governments’ drive to strengthen the vehicle recharging network. Following the EU deal on CO2 targets for cars and vans, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association urged European policy makers to shift into higher gear … [Read more...]
Tradelines 28 September
The all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV will debut at the 2022 Mondial de l'Auto held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 17 October. Costing about €70,000 the 380 miles range SUV has been designed to be the most sustainable SUV on Earth, using ethically sourced, upcycled materials throughout. Volvo has developed an internal radar system to alert drivers if a pet or child is left in a … [Read more...]
Ultrafabrics to bring new touch to JLR models?
Ultrafabrics is delighted to unveil its brand-new partnership with Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), the electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of global automobile manufacturing company, Tata Motors. The latest collections from the animal-free, high-performance fabric specialist have been selected for the contemporary interior of TPEM’s new EV, the AVINYA Concept. It is not unreasonable to … [Read more...]
Royalty on the road
Britain’s longest reigning monarch, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed away aged 96, was a keen motorist. Not only did she serve during the Second World War as a driver mechanic in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service – but she was the only person in the UK that didn’t need a driving license to drive, due to every license being issued in her name. So to honour the Queen’s … [Read more...]
Halve your new company car costs
With the cost-of-living crisis heading the domestic political agenda, an EV salary sacrifice car scheme costs nothing to introduce, works for all employees, and can save workers hundreds of pounds per month. An innovative electric car scheme holds the key to solving the two crises facing the world today – the climate emergency and the cost-of-living crisis. After a summer of record-breaking … [Read more...]