The Kia Sorento 4 is full of surprises in a market which often delivers nothing out of the ordinary, writes Robin Roberts. I mean; what car comes with an beach, a wood-burner, a café or its own forest? They are part of the “nat sounds” available in the highly sophisticated infotainment system and are a calming or relaxing influence in a car which is already in the lowest stress … [Read more...]
Retail News
Newslines 7 May
The Super SUV Lamborghini Urus’ high-speed record set on the ice of Russia’s Lake Baikal during the Days of Speed in March 2021 has been formally registered by the Russian Automobile Federation, a member of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. Russian racer and journalist Andrey Leontyev, 18-time record holder of Days of Speed on Baikal Ice, reached a top speed of 185.17mph from a … [Read more...]
MoT test stresses drivers
Most drivers (58%) get stressed out about putting their car through its MOT, according to research. The cost of potential repairs needed to pass the test cause the most sleepless nights – 22%, while a fifth were concerned about being ripped-off over repairs. The research, commissioned by Gocompare Car Insurance, also revealed 13% of drivers can’t remember when their car is due for its … [Read more...]
Learners are getting older, survey suggests
As driving lessons and tests return, new figures from a car insurance comparison website show almost a third of all learner drivers are over 30 years of age. Quotezone.co.uk data also reveals that many motorists spend longer as learner drivers than might be expected, with almost a third (32.2%) holding a provisional licence for more than a decade. While the general picture of learners being … [Read more...]
Sparks of realism needed for electric and hybrid vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles must become more affordable for consumers and more profitable for producers, according to GKN. For that to happen, suppliers must find new and better ways to make electric propulsion more economically viable. GKN Automotive’s technology roadmap focuses on reducing the premium for e-mobility, while maximising the benefits. Lower costs, optimum efficiency, NVH … [Read more...]
Welsh Kia dealership gains UK’s first customer service award
Welsh Kia dealership Gravells of Kidwelly has scored a near perfect result during independent marking of their performance. Kia dealerships Ken Jervis (Stoke-on-Trent), Gravells (Kidwelly) and Drayton Motors (Boston) are the first ever motor dealerships to be accredited with the ‘ServiceMark with Distinction’ by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS). ‘ServiceMark with Distinction’ is the … [Read more...]
Wales’s car sales sky-rocket after lockdown
Car sales in Wales last month rocketed over 6,750%, the biggest jump in mainland Britain, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Only Northern Ireland exceeded this leap in 12 months when showrooms recorded 13,629% rise. Scotland saw a 5,686 jump but English dealers trailed with just under 3,000%. Last month, total UK new registrations reached 141,109 cars compared to 4,205 some 12 … [Read more...]
Fleet providers see growth coming, says Arval
Company car and van fleets are markedly more optimistic about growth than before the pandemic, according to new research in the 2021 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer.When asked whether they expected the number of vehicles they operate to increase or decrease in the next three years, the response was eight percentage points higher than 2020’s survey.However, larger fleets appear to be … [Read more...]
Volkswagen sales of EVs soar & Porsche power on
Figures being released today will show the steady advance of electric car sales. April saw further evidence that more manufacturers are racing to secure a share of the market for new EVs. New AutoMotive’s monthly data release tracks new car registrations in Great Britain and shows that the market for new EVs is distributed between an increasing number of manufacturers. Volkswagen took the … [Read more...]
Genesis brand launches in UK
Hyundai’s premium Genesis brand goes on UK sale this summer. There will not be a dealer network but the manufacturer will have a Genesis Studio in Westfield shopping centre, London and also provide sales on-line. Prices are likely to begin about £35,000 for the saloon and £50,000 for the suv, and will be fixed and non-negotiable. It was established in 2015 and has been selling … [Read more...]
