Skywell of China is opening four new sites across South Wales with some very established dealers. Existing dealer Bob Davies Car Sales in Ebbw Vale joined the Skywell franchise earlier in 2025, and will now be joined by Panda Motors, Swansea, and J&J Motors across three sites in Haverfordwest, Crosshands and Bridgend. Panda Motors was established in … [Read more...]
Newcomers
Fleets’ nightmare facing eVED plan
Fleets are facing a nightmare over implementing the Government's eVED proposal. They want an easy-to-use technological solution to recording and paying the government’s planned electric car Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, CEO of the fleet software specialist, said that what was known about the scheme so far looked too … [Read more...]
EV registrations are slowly rising again
The UK’s transition to electric vehicles continued to strengthen in November, with new data from New AutoMotive showing that BEVs captured 26.4% of the new car market. This marks the second-best month of 2025 for electric car market share, reflecting steady consumer demand even as overall registrations fell. With plug-ins accounting for more than a third of … [Read more...]
Challenging landscape behind ev-drive, say car makers
November’s new car data offers a reminder that the road to net zero is anything but straightforward, said SMMT ceo Mike Hawes. Overall registrations slipped by -1.6%, reflecting not just a dip in private buyer enthusiasm but a market grappling with a challenging economic backdrop. Electrified vehicles dominated popular demand, making up more than half of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW 420i M Sport Coupe
It’s hard to precisely put your finger on it, but it’s fair to say that the BMW 420i M Sport Coupe fits like a glove around a driver. A development from the 3-series Coupe and Convertibles, the 4-series has been in the range since 2013 and today comes in both bodystyles as well as a Gran Coupe with a choice of four or six cylinder petrol engines with rear … [Read more...]
Fleets urged to beware security issues with Chinese models
Fleets should take a “measured approach” to security risks highlighted by the government around Chinese-manufactured cars, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Defence minister Luke Pollard last week warned Ministry of Defence employees were being urged not to discuss sensitive issues when travelling in Chinese cars and the use of such vehicles was … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MINI Cooper 5dr
The Mini has been part of the British and European car market for over 65 years and is still not ready to be pensioned off against much younger rivals. Since becoming part of the BMW Group in 1994 the famous British Leyland and subsequent Rover Group models have been completely reinvented, modernised and brought very much up to date. You only have to look … [Read more...]
Car makers welcome Budget plans in parts
Car makers have broadly welcomed today's Budget announcement but have some criticisms. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Government has recognised the automotive industry as a pillar of national strategic importance, backing it with an industrial strategy and additional £1.5 billion to drive competitiveness and investment. Deferring the end of … [Read more...]
Division over “split-level” electric rates for fleets
Fleets need rapid clarification on how to apply the “split-level” Advisory Electric Rates put in place by HMRC in September, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair at the industry body, says the move – which provides an AER of 8 pence per mile for domestic charging and 14 ppm for highway charging – had left electric company car … [Read more...]
Morris J-Type EV will be built in Wales
An electric vehicle remake of an iconic van sold in the 1950s will be made in Wales, thanks to Welsh Government support. Morris Commercial Ltd will establish a production facility at Bro Tathan for its modern-day re-imagining of the Morris J-Type – the Morris JE. Prototypes of the van are featured in the Post Office Lottery Post Code adverts on … [Read more...]
