JLR will go down to a three-day week from October. It has been hit by falling demand, particularly of the diesel engines it has heavily invested in and comprise nearly all UK sales, and hopes to avoid job cuts but is concerned about implications of tariffs and stock holding when the UK leaves the EU next spring. Motorists in north Wales face five weeks of disruption with the westbound A55 … [Read more...]
News
Welsh motor clubs rally to support dog
Motor Clubs from around South Wales have entered teams in an inter-club quiz on Tuesday which will remember one of the great characters of Welsh motorsport. Seasoned competitor, event organiser, motor sport raconteur and quiz master Peter Griffiths lost his long-standing battle with cancer earlier this year. His love of motor sport was matched by that for his Welsh collie dog, Bailey, and money … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 September
VW and printer-maker HP are developing the world’s first printed 3D metal parts. GKN is using the system to produce parts for Volkswagen, with an additive process layer by layer and then sintering the component. The unveiled BMW Vision iNEXT concept suggest future luxury models may not be saloons from the company but crossover or SUVs. The pure electric model will have a 373 miles range … [Read more...]
MEPs underestimate progress cleaning up transport, claim
The environment committee of the European Parliament called for stricter CO2 targets for passenger cars and vans than proposed by the European Commission and a threshold in addition to incentives for sales of low and zero emission vehicles. “Automotive suppliers fully support the objective of reducing emissions and are proud to deliver the technology to achieve it. However, the sector calls for … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 September
Production of the current Beetle will end next year with special final editions being built. Sales have been declining but the company has not ruled out reintroducing the name on a future model, possibly with an electric or hybrid powertrain. Drivers are concerned about possible changes to motoring abroad after Brexit, said RAC Europe spokesperson Rod Dennis. While the majority would … [Read more...]
Electric dream or nightmare?
A major insurer broker has questioned the realities behind the ‘electric dream’. Commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech at the Zero Emission Vehicle Summit, Dan Hutson, Head of Motor Insurance at Compare the Market, said, “The two key issues holding back electric cars from becoming the norm are the cost and the infrastructure. "Electric cars, while often cheaper to run than petrol or … [Read more...]
Beating the thieves – on price
According to the Office for National Statistics, 89,000 vehicles were stolen in England and Wales last year – up by 56% from 57,000 in 2016. Motorists now have a new way to protect their vehicle from thieves with the launch of TRACKER Vantage, the affordable GPS security solution from TRACKER, the stolen vehicle recovery expert. TRACKER Vantage comes with integrated GPS technology, offering … [Read more...]
Six round Prestone BRC 2019 outlined
As the fast-paced 2018 series gears up for an exciting climax, the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship has confirmed its 2019 calendar. In 2019, Britain’s top-tier rallying series will feature six rounds in six territories, with events across the UK in Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, while Wales Rally GB 2019 is scheduled as a reserve round with the date to be fixed. The … [Read more...]
Newslines extra 12 September
Wales Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe has questioned spending £1.4 Billion on the planned M4 relief road around Newport, including a new bridge over the Usk, remodelling the docks and building on grazing land. It will not cut congestion and is a "20th Century solution to a 21st Century problem”, said Ms Howe and suggested money would be better spent on rail and bus links, cycle … [Read more...]
Year of the van predicted as sales evolve
“Will 2019 be the year of the used van?” is one of the key questions being posed at the next meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association, taking place on 21 September at Manheim auctions in Bruntingthorpe. Key presentations will be made by James Davis of Manheim, looking at the prospects of used light commercial vehicles in the year ahead; by Karl Davis of Coachworks Consulting on the latest … [Read more...]