Kia has built its reputation in the UK with its family-friendly SUVs so it was probably only a matter of time before introducing its compact SUV. Based on the Rio hatchback, the new Stonic has a longer body and stands slightly higher on the road with added ground clearance over the supermini stablemate. The Kia Stonic comes in eight versions: two engines and four trim grades –‘2’, ‘GT-Line’, … [Read more...]
Retail
EVs registrations climbing through April
Latest UK electric car sales data shows one in ten new cars registered in April were fully electric. This data is from New AutoMotive’s Electric Car Count (ECC) – the most up-to-date and comprehensive electric car sales data in the UK. British brand Jaguar is the quickest by far to electrify, with 47% of cars sold in April being fully electric. Petrol market share continues to fall, dropping … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 May
Automotive finance provider, JBR Capital, has launched into 2022 with a record-setting four-month period – the most successful since the company was founded in 2015. Based in London, JBR Capital has lent over £80 million from 1 January to 30 April 30, enabling an ever-growing number of clients to fund their passion for high-end vehicles. The new 536bhp Flying Spur Hybrid – the second … [Read more...]
New car sales crumble, used-models in demand
New car sales are still crumbling under the weight of supply shortages, rising costs and concerned buyers facing higher costs of living. UK new car registrations fell by -15.8% to 119,167 units in April, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Despite showrooms being open for the entire month, unlike the previous year which saw lockdown restrictions in place until 12 … [Read more...]
HGV drivers desperately needed
With the HGV driver shortage continuing to place pressure on UK supply chains, Logistics UK is urging HGV drivers who have left the workplace to consider re-joining. Hundreds of spaces are available on government-funded refresher training courses, called Skills Bootcamps. Managed by the Driver Academy Group, a consortium comprising of business organisation Logistics UK, HGV training specialist … [Read more...]
Daily rentals shortage hits businesses
A shortage of daily rental vehicles is causing a wide range of problems for businesses affecting everything from maintenance to taking on new starters, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. James Pestell, AFP Director, said that the issue had been affecting van short term hire for some time but had now started to spread to cars, becoming a common subject of discussion among AFP … [Read more...]
Tradelines 4 May
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation has launched a digital learning platform providing users with the skills they need to become improved professionals. The simple to use platform features a wide range of digital courses related to highways and transportation infrastructure and services and includes paid-for and complementary courses and modules on sustainable transport, … [Read more...]
The “bubble-car” is reborn with electric power
The new light electric vehicle based on the Isetta bubble-car will hit the streets after all. Manufacturer Artega had run into difficulties but now ElectricBrands has bought the company and together with the XBUS is expanding its product range with another sustainable, eco-friendly electric car boasting a modern retro style. Driving in urban areas can often be expensive and nerve-wracking: we … [Read more...]
Leasing EVs is about to take off
Brits are more likely to lease a new electric car than buy one, according to one supplier. That's according to leading provider Select Car Leasing, which has revealed it has seen a 300 per cent upturn in interest for EV models over recent months. The buzz around electric cars and vans has rocketed over the past 12 months due to a combination of the government’s 2030 carbon emission … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus NX450h + Takumi PHEV
Lexus has come a long way in a short time with its luxury compact SUV NX450h+. Launched in 2014, the Lexus NX range brought a new player into the compact luxury crossover sector and it made significant inroads before being replaced in 2021, but it’s still based on the latest Toyota RAV4 platform with refinements to the suspension. And that's no bad thing. The second generation introduces the … [Read more...]