Tata has finally confirmed its Agratas subsidiary will build a six-million sq foot car battery plant at a cost of £4 Billion near Bridgewater. The parent company of JLR aims to get it into production inside two years and to eventually build power packs for about 500,000 vehicles annually and provide 4,000 jobs on the lines. It will take up about half the area previously occupied by a Royal … [Read more...]
Newcomers
Van drivers carry heavier risks and penalties
Getting behind the wheel of a van can be tough, especially when you're not used to, or aware of the handling changes and travel restrictions that come with larger vehicles. Although cars and vans may be similar in mechanics, they do differ in handling and manoeuvrability. So, if you're looking to get behind the wheel of a larger vehicle, it's important to be aware of these differences to keep … [Read more...]
Reselling rates for EVs close to petrol and diesel models
Disposal conversion rates for electric vehicles were very close to their petrol and diesel equivalents over the course of 2023 and beat plug-in hybrids, reports epyx. In total, 91% of EVs found buyers when made available through trade sales to dealers, compared to 94% for petrol and diesel, and 87% for PHEVs. However, EVs did sell more slowly - at an average of 12.5 days compared to around 7-8 … [Read more...]
Makers are building the ‘wrong’ cars for ev buyers, says executive
Cheaper electric cars are urgently needed for motorists to accelerate their switch away from petrol and diesel models, says an industry financial expert. Fleets need to be able to buy electric vehicles now that used car buyers will want in four years’ time – but are being hampered by a lack of choice, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software company, said … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 February
Hyundai Motor Europe has announced the new i20 N Line with an upgraded look. Featuring refreshed design elements both internally and externally, the i20 N Line aims to enhance the driving experience with its sleek and modern appearance and is set to begin production in April but UK specification has not been confirmed. Wrexham Volkswagen has been picked as the importer's top performing used … [Read more...]
Ineos Fusilier joins the ranks of electric 4x4s
Ineos Automotive has unveiled a third model in their series after the Grenadier station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up, the smaller Fusilier. It will go on sale in 2027 with a choice of all-electric powertrain said to be good for nearly 250 miles on a full charge and as a range extending model with a near 170 miles range on electric power alone. It has also developed a fuel-cell powertrain ready … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BYD Atto 3 Design
There is no doubt that China’s BYD car company is a new major challenger to legend European manufacturers with its Atto 3 cross-over. Not only does it have Europe’s familiar family cars in sight but it will be aiming to pick off sales from the Korean and Japanese brands which have had it much their own way up to now. Build Your Dreams, to give the company its full name, launched in Britain with … [Read more...]
Make your mark & understand what it means
In a week's time the new 24-plate will start appearing on vehicles, but over a third of people don’t even look at number plates when purchasing a car and 14% said they didn’t “have a clue” how many times a year UK registration plates are updated. Go.Compare has released a survey revealing mass confusion among drivers when it comes to a car’s number plates and their meanings. The research quizzed … [Read more...]
Toyota Prius returns as a PHEV
The Toyota Prius is back in the UK, an all-new plug-in hybrid electric model returning the famous nameplate to the market this spring. As might be expected of a car that has a distinguished history of pushing the boundaries of electrified performance, the latest, third generation Prius Plug-in delivers even greater fuel economy, emissions efficiency and EV driving capability, matched to sharp, … [Read more...]
Welsh Labour Government move to restrict private cars
The Welsh Labour Government want to discourage all private car use and encourage voters to jump on buses and trains. Deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters has written to opposition leader Andrew R T Davies who questioned the stated policy on new road building in the controversial Welsh Roads Review and told him, "We confirmed that we will continue to consider investment in roads 'to … [Read more...]