Kia Motors UK has become the first manufacturer to offer dual language customer surveys at its eight Welsh dealerships. This is the first step that the manufacturer has taken to offer dual language amongst its network. Recognising that 19 per cent of the population in Wales speak Welsh the surveys are now available in both languages to give customers the chance to respond in the language of … [Read more...]
News
SUVs now account for a third of global sales
Almost a third of cars sold around the world is an SUV. Figures compiled by international analysts at Focus2move say this type of car is currently taking an incredible 75% of sales in China alone. The best selling car in the world remains the Toyota Corolla, followed by the Ford F-Series pick-up, and the VW Golf is third. Sales of the Honda CR-V are rapidly rising towards overtaking the … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 July
Škoda is upgrading the smallest member of its model range. The Škoda Citigo is being relaunched with three or five doors and many new design, technology and equipment features from £8,635 to £11,590. The EC is attempting to block further scrutiny of environmental issues, say clean air campaigners. The European Environmental Bureau say it is a shameless attempt by the EC to avoid public … [Read more...]
Young are being priced off the road
With car insurance sky high and education and living costs increasing, research shows that over one in five under 25s (22%) cannot afford to learn to drive. Insurance is a further barrier. With the average cost of car insurance costing around £1400*, and rising to £3878 for a 17 to 20 year old driver, it’s no wonder that this demographic is struggling. An online petition recently achieved over … [Read more...]
Due diligence call for Ebbw Vale Automotive Zone
Days after rejecting support for the Circuit of Wales development, Welsh Government has called for “innovation and entrepreneurship”. Economy Secretary, Ken Skates launched BeTheSpark, a Wales-wide movement aimed at unlocking the potential for greater collaboration between entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, risk capital, academia and government to support the creation of more home grown … [Read more...]
MG India plant to open in two years
The Chinese owners of MG who closed the Longbridge finishing facility last year have confirmed they plan to import new cars to Europe in 2019. SAIC Motor, China's largest automaker by sales volume, will set up its first car manufacturing plant in India as Chinese carmakers push into overseas markets. The automaker will bring its MG brand to India and begin assembly operations in 2019, it … [Read more...]
Computer says…. “no go”
Technology could halve unexpected breakdowns by 2020 according to telematics expert In-car Cleverness, as data increasingly helps drivers identify malfunctions before they occur. Harnessing this data would slash repair bills by £1.3 billion annually, as the one in four vehicles which breakdown annually could be inspected before they fail. Curtailing motorists’ love-hate relationship with … [Read more...]
Motoring safety has turned the corner for families
Family motoring safety has just turned the corner. In a significant move for tens of thousands of parents, Bridgestone has extended its acclaimed run-flat tyre range to most popular saloons and hatchbacks as well as small and medium-sized MPVs as replacement units. The latest Bridgestone DriveGuard range of tyres now covers 70% of models in 19 sizes and they have managed to undercut … [Read more...]
Can you ride to the challenge?
Walking and cycling charity Sustrans is running its third challenge this July, helping more people in Wales to opt for a healthier mode of transport and saving money as a result. Results from October’s Cymru Travel Challenge reveal that on average, car users can save up to £1,000 a year when they switch from a car commute to cycling or walking. The challenge is completely free of charge and … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 July
To celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic Fiat 500 a new special series, the Fiat 500 Anniversario, will be available to order from today. Available in two exclusive new colours, Riviera Green and Sicilia Orange with the 1.2-litre 69hp petrol engine, as both a hatchback and a convertible, they cost from £14,265. Ford Bridgend Engine plant helped boost Britain’s power train manufacturing … [Read more...]