The Toyota RAV4 is once again the best selling SUV in the world. VW Tiguan is next and the Honda CR-V third. After suffering the worst monthly petrol price rise in 18 years in May, June provided motorists with a little welcome relief at the pumps with the average price of unleaded falling by nearly 2p a litre. RAC Fuel Watch data shows that petrol fell from 129.37p a litre across the UK … [Read more...]
Retail News
Car makers’ concern ‘green drive’ is too ambitious
A study by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association says affordability of electric cars remains a strong deterrent for customers across the EU. The analysis, which compares national data on the market uptake of electrically-chargeable vehicles (ECVs) with GDP per capita, shows that the market share of ECVs is close to 0% in countries with a GDP below €18,000, while it is no more than … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 July
There will be some very unusual models at October’s Paris Motor Show. Full size LEGO brick versions will be displayed as the 60 year old famous Danish toy company becomes a partner for the 120thshow in the French capital. The average motorist expects to finally own their dream car at 42, according to a poll. However 37 per cent believe their fantasy car is nothing but a pipe dream and are … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible 2.8-litre
Sold in over 190 countries around the World, the latest Land Cruiser and Toyota’s all wheel drive technology has 65 years of history in their tracks, writes David Miles. The hard-core Land Cruiser has a legendary reputation for toughness, reliability, durability and go-anywhere capabilities whether its jungle, desert, mountain, war zones, peace keeping and humanitarian aid, holiday tour … [Read more...]
New Ford Focus redefines family motoring
Britain’s best selling family car moves up several gears in September with the new Ford Focus. Building on its reputation for good handling from its launch 20 years ago, the newest generation is brimming with the latest technology under the all-new stronger bodies, including the latest Dragon petrol engines from Bridgend along with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The new Focus … [Read more...]
Business drive: Mitsubishi Shogun Sport
A new tough Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is being launched into the booming SUV sector and the only European country to get it is the UK, writes David Miles. Unlike most of today’s 4x4s/SUVs/Crossovers on sale, the Shogun Sport is a no nonsense hard-core five door SUV with seven seats, a large 3,100kg towing capacity and impressive off-road abilities. A two-seat commercial version will be added to … [Read more...]
FTA wants clarity not confusion before BREXIT
Britain's Government must explain and take steps to keep the nation's trade moving efficiently post-Brexit or face delays and shortages of the products and services the UK relies on. That’s the stark warning from the Keep Britain Trading conference in London, organised by the Freight Transport Association. Leigh Pomlett, the organisation's President said, "The time for political … [Read more...]
Tradelines 27 June
Hyundai Motor UK has found over a third of Brits now don’t shop around before buying a new car, opting for the first car that they go to see. Add in those people that only went to see one other car, and the figure rises to more than half and research enforces the trend towards better informed customers making the most of online car research and buying tools. Annual EU investment into R&D … [Read more...]
Fuel for thought when you buy a new model this autumn
From September 2018 all new cars registered in Europe, India, South Korea and Japan will have to report their official fuel economy and CO2 figures according to the WLTP, says David Miles. This acronym means Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure and in Europe it replaces the outdated New European Driving Cycle test introduced in the 1980’s. The new WLTP method is supposed to … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 June
After its Geneva show unveiling of the Rimac C_Two GT hypercar capable of 258mph and 0-60mph in 1.85sec, the Croatian company has sold a 10% share to Porsche. The Germany car make wants to tap into the engineering of the 1,914hp car’s makers to cut its development costs of its own future electric hypercars. An estimated $45 Million will be expected for one of just 36 1962 Ferrari … [Read more...]