Engines from BMW Group’s plant near Birmingham will power the company’s latest electrified BMW i8 Roadster on sale in Britain. The Hams Hall, Midlands plant has been producing engines for the BMW i8 Coupe, the world’s best-selling hybrid sports car, since it hit the roads in 2014 and now the plant will power the new BMW i8 Roadster, as well as a new version of the i8 Coupe. Exclusively … [Read more...]
News
Newslines 9 July
A high number of ex-pcp sourced cars entering the used market has led to a fall in used prices. It’s not just the volume going on sale but the fact many are diesel and hatchbacks or saloons and not the more desirable petrol powered SUV models say analysts at Cazana. Falling prices, steady low interest rates and slowly improving pay are boosting car finance deals. While new car sales are … [Read more...]
Doctors are prescription for problems
A study by GoCompare Car Insurance has found GPs are the most likely to make a claim due to an accident that was their fault. Analysis shows more than one in every eight (12.4%) GPs has made at least one ‘at-fault’ claim in the past year – more thandouble the national average across all occupations (6%). Interestingly, 11.6% of these claims involved no injuries, with GPs not actually making the … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 July
The technical innovations needed to deliver ambitious plans for future low carbon vehicles were revealed in a new Automotive Technology Roadmap Report. Published by the Advanced Propulsion Centre on behalf of the UK’s Automotive Council, the report draws on the expertise of 139 organisations from vehicle manufacturers and technology suppliers to consultants and academics, who conclude there is … [Read more...]
Britain’s Korea link is strong & growing
Britain is now the biggest EU market for Korean cars. The growing strength of the automotive relationship between the UK and South Korea was highlighted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders during its trade mission to the country this week. Latest figures from the UK trade body show that Britain is now the largest new car market in the EU for Korean car brands. 190,215 British … [Read more...]
EU has unrealistic goals for EVs, say car makers
Ahead of next week’s European Parliament votes on future CO2 targets for cars and vans, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association says the severe lack and unbalanced distribution of charging points is putting off consumers buying electric cars. A new study provides a much-needed reality check for the Parliament, showing that the CO2 targets proposed by some MEPs are simply … [Read more...]
Motorists’ deep unhappiness with dealer finance services
A mystery shop of car dealerships has revealed there is nation-wide consumer confusion about car finance, stemming from a lack of transparency and inconsistent sales practices. The research by Confused.com comes ahead of the results of a review by the Financial Conduct Authority into the growing motor finance sector, which will review potential for consumer harm, due in September … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 July
Jeep will now give a 5-3-5, warranty. It consists of a five year warranty, a three year servicing programme, plus five years roadside assistance to offer even greater value and peace of mind to new customers buying a Jeep vehicle for the first time. The new generation Hyundai Santa Fe will cost from £33,425 in September. It gets a new 4WD system and eight speed automatic transmission on … [Read more...]
Welsh car sales rise against the tide
Wales bucked the trend as summer burned new car dealers with sales down 3.5% in June, according to figures from the SMMT. The news came on the day that JLR said it would have to reconsider planned UK investment if there is a “bad” Brexit deal, possibly close some British factories and make thousands redundant. Six months ago, JLR announced cuts at Halewood, said it wouldn’t renew contracts … [Read more...]
Williams and Whittock get Hyundai R5 test drive
Welshman James Williams and English co-driver Ross Whittock are the first recipients of a test with Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing. Their prize is a test in the latest specification Hyundai i20 R5 for leading the Prestone MSA Motorsport News Junior British Rally Championship after the opening two rounds. The prizes, which are supported by Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing, will offer … [Read more...]