Matthew Hirst will be aiming for his third straight 2023 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship victory on Saturday's Plains Rally – although this time he’ll be without his regular co-driver Declan Dear, who is on his long-awaited honeymoon. The defending Welsh champion and 2022 Plains Rally winner will be partnered for the first time by Mark Glennerster, who is stepping into Hirst’s … [Read more...]
Retail News
Toyota Gazoo Racing triumph in the sun
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team’s Kalle Rovanperä is back on top of the FIA World Rally Championship after a dominant drive to win the Rally de Portugal for the second year in succession at the weekend. The victory is the first of the season for reigning world champions Rovanperä (above) and Jonne Halttunen. They have moved to the head of the standings by 17 points thanks to having also … [Read more...]
Retailers driving job opportunities
A recruitment drive is underway in motor dealerships around Britain. The retail side of the automotive industry employs nearly 600,000 people and is one of the biggest and most varied sectors. There are automotive dealerships all over the UK and your local one might have the right opportunity for you to kick-start and develop your professional career. Drive My Career, powered by The National … [Read more...]
Banks must finance more EV deals
Almost six out of 10 dealers (58%) believe that more support is needed from their motor finance providers to retail electric vehicles, shows new research. May’s Startline Used Car Tracker reports that 41% say their lenders are less keen to finance EVs, 10% want higher deposits from buyers and 5% charge higher interest rates. A further 5% say their lenders simply won’t touch EVs at all. Just … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 May
Chinese emerging car maker BYD grew production by an astonishing 211% last year to overtake Tesla and is well placed to begin European assembly, reports StockApps. com. As the car maker prepares to build over 2M EVs this year, StockApps financial analyst Edith Reads said, “BYD’s success is attributed to several factors, including China’s increasing focus on electric vehicles, the company’s … [Read more...]
Struggle to decarbonise needs Government push
If the logistics sector is to effectively decarbonise in line with the government’s 2050 net zero deadline more support will be needed to enable operators to do so, according to a new report by business group Logistics UK. The organisation’s Electric Vehicle Report 2023 demonstrates that factors including a lack of fiscal support and an inadequate public charging network are having a significant … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 May
Here are the first views of the next generation MINI family, with Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. Each new MINI model gains its own strong individual character that is expressed in distinctive design features, while exuding individuality with a clear brand affiliation and sustainable materials are another essential part of the new design language. Another Chinese manufacturer will be … [Read more...]
Gov. will probe supermarkets’ fuel pricing
The Competition and Markets Authority will probe fuel prices and the role of Supermarkets in a study it began last year. While the evidence shows that the majority of fuel price increases are due to global factors, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, indications are that higher pump prices cannot be attributed solely to factors outside the control of the retailer, the CMA said in a … [Read more...]
Newcomers from AC and Aston Martin
The stunning new AC Cobra GT Roadster has made its global premiere in London, before confirmed buyers and customers as the legendary sports car makes its sensational return. Available in left or right hand drive with up to 663ps, the 5.0V8 two seater soft-top will be limited to 250 models annually after four years of development and it’ll cost about £285,000. Aston Martin will unveil its new … [Read more...]
Rural Wales safest in UK for car theft
Motorists in West and Mid-Wales are the luckiest in Britain. Car theft analysis shows they are the least likely to have a vehicle stolen. DVLA statistics studied by insurer Confused.com reveals those living in Dyfed-Powys are the safest from vehicle theft, where just 22 per 100,000 cars are stolen. North Wales is only slightly worse with 37 per 100,000, possibly due to its proximity to thieves … [Read more...]