Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK has reached the milestone achievement of six million engines produced by its Deeside plant in North Wales. First Minister for Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth paid tribute to its achievements and its workforce and said, “As a new government, we want a Welsh economy that is fit for the future. Companies like Toyota, who have been part … [Read more...]
Retail News
Sami celebrates home win in WRC Finland
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team driver Sami Pajari scored his second successive victory in the FIA World Rally Championship last weekend, triumphing on home roads at Rally Finland. The 24-year-old’s win alongside co-driver Marko Salminen comes just two weeks after their maiden victory at Rally Estonia. It is the 200th win achieved by a Finnish driver … [Read more...]
New car registrations continue slow growth
Britain’s new car market grew 11.7% in July with 156,571 units registered, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Although compared with a relatively weak July last year, the performance marks an eighth consecutive month of growth as the market continues its longer-term recovery towards pre-Covid levels. Registrations in Wales rose … [Read more...]
Motorcycle thefts drop, but don’t be complacent, say Anglo Scottish
New data obtained via Freedom of Information requests has revealed Britain’s most-stolen motorbike models, as well as the regions that are most at risk of motorbike theft. Long story short: if you’re thinking of investing in improved security, don’t wait around. How many bikes were reported stolen across the UK over the last 12 months? Requests … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Picanto GT-Line S
With the headline rush into pure electric cars now faltering, there is growing appreciation of what a good petrol car can do for a manufacturer, as in the Kia Picanto GT-Line S. While some rivals had axed their city cars or effectively moved them up market and therefore into more expensive territory, Kia adopted a policy of keeping open their options for … [Read more...]
Newslines 31 July
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles or plug-in hybrid and fully electric, has passed the significant milestone of 100,000 new car registrations in the UK. This feat is particularly significant given that BYD sales only commenced with the ATTO 3 in March 2023. Since that time, the range has expanded from one model to ten. Aston … [Read more...]
Higher demand for high mileage cars
There is a growing market for cars with 100,000 miles or more on the clock, according to a third of dealers polled for the latest Startline Used Car Tracker. July’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 40% believe the quality of modern cars means they often have a lot of life left at 100,000 miles-plus. Also, 32% of dealers say buyers of cars with over 100,000 … [Read more...]
Sinclair Group business battered
South Wales based Sinclair Motor Group reported a tough year in 2025 but expressed the hope business will improve this year. In its annual accounts published on Companies House website Sinclair Motor Group said 2025 was its toughest year since before Covid with profits down 38% despite turnover reaching more than £700m across the 12 brands it represents … [Read more...]
Welsh businesses raided in finance probe
Police and the Information Commissioner's Office have executed search warrants in Swansea and across the UK as it cracks down on suspected nuisance marketing linked to car finance mis-selling claims as part of the joint regulatory taskforce. More than 12 million complaints about nuisance marketing text messages have been submitted by the public since … [Read more...]
UK automotive slowly recovering, say SMMT
UK vehicle production fell -7.5% in the first half of 2026, with factories turning out 385,979 cars and commercial vehicles, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Despite a challenging start to the year, however, output stabilised in the second quarter, dipping by just 128 units (-0.1%) year on year as exports strengthened and car … [Read more...]
