The Bloodhound SSC car has moved into final stages of preparation for its first high-speed run in 2017. The car has returned to 3M’s Atherstone facility for its final paint job, where a top-coat is being applied that will have to survive supersonic speeds. Work on Bloodhound's upper chassis began on 19 December, after Volvo's parent company and China’s seventh largest car maker, Geely, … [Read more...]
News
British car makers’ tough challenges after Brexit
The automotive sector is unlikely to get any special treatment from Europe after Brexit. Chancellor Angela Merkel says the car industry as vulnerable to any British attempt to strike market-access deals ahead of the UK's exit from the European Union. In a closed-door meeting with German lawmakers, Merkel said some industries might press for such accords with the UK government and that … [Read more...]
Black is back
New research from BCA reveals how the most popular colours for used cars have changed in the last five years. The analysis of vehicles sold by BCA this year shows black topping the colour chart, accounting for 26% of the total sold and overtaking silver which was the most popular colour for a used car five years ago. Silver slips from first to second, accounting for 18% of vehicles sold by … [Read more...]
Drivers deterred by tougher penalties for ‘phone use
An update to the law due in the first half of 2017 regarding mobile phone usage whilst driving could see the number of offenders dramatically drop. In 2014 government figures revealed that more than 500,000 motorists were still using their mobile phones while driving each day. New research by Leasing Options shows that 51% of UK drivers admit they have used their mobile phone … [Read more...]
Christmas drive: Honda Civic Type R GT
If you believe Christmas is for children and you don’t’ want to grow up, I have the answer - buy a Honda Civic Type R GT. The British-built slingshot from Swindon embodies the edginess of youth with the practicality of a family hatchback. School-runs, family shopping and rellies-round-trips can be undertaken or endured, but come the weekend and you head for your favourite bit of winding road … [Read more...]
Christmas roadtests: Jaguar and Land Rover SUVs
Santa Claus has new helpers he can call on - the latest SUVs from Jaguar and Land Rover, writes David Miles. At the annual Christmas Ride and Drive media event held at Eastnor Castle Herefordshire by Jaguar Land Rover it was announced that the new Jaguar F-Pace SUV launched in April this year is not only Jaguar’s first ever SUV but it has become the fastest selling Jaguar ever. Over 40,000 … [Read more...]
UK automotive and engine production hit records
Car, engine, van, lorry and bus making is soaring in Britain. The falling value of the pound has helped exports because our vehicles have become cheaper to buy abroad and if manufacturers buy more component parts here they will cut import costs, exchange rate charges and make more money. UK car manufacturing output reached its highest level since 1999 in November, with almost 170,000 … [Read more...]
Boost for buses in Wales
Bus passengers in North East Wales have been given a boost with Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates announcing £300,000 to help local authorities to restore key local bus services lost following the recent demise of GHA Coaches. The grant, made available to Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham Councils with immediate effect, will allow services lost to be re-introduced and to build … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 December
The wraps will come off an Audi Q8 concept at the Detroit motor show in January. The very wide and long coupe styled four-seater SUV has elements from a 1980s Audi concept but this new model will go into production against the forthcoming BMW X7 and it’s thought to share components with the sister-company Bentley SUV. Honda Motor has reached the 100 million-unit milestone in cumulative … [Read more...]
Welsh motor sport under EU insurance threat
The future of Wales Rally GB and Circuit of Wales are unexpectedly under threat from a controversial ruling by a European Court. In future, both might have to pay enormous comprehensive public protection insurance premiums and see any competitors’ accidents reported to police as if they happened on public roads. Off-road rallies, grass-track, trials and other forms of two or four wheeled … [Read more...]