There is a shortage of engineers, in Germany. Volkswagen said a number of its engineers had left in the wake of the ‘dieselgate’ scandal over the last three years and now the new tougher WTP emissions tests meant the company is struggling to develop engines. Last month it announced it had acquired former BMW engine expert Markus Duesmann to head up its team, but it cannot find enough … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 August
MPs will probe the state of local roads in England. The Transport Committee will look at funding and maintenance but it does not include local roads in Wales, paid for by local councils, and the RAC said the main issue was potholes and frequency of incidents. BMW will invest 1 billion euros for a new plant in Hungary. It plans 150,000 cars, which it’s not specified, each year, and supply … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 July
Opel will give evidence to German authorities investigating emissions tampering. About 60,000 diesel models with Euro6 engines are thought to be affected and NOx limits are reported to be ten-times statutory levels. Bosch has been ordered to hand over e-mails with Porsche over software settings for engine management. Investors taking court action against the VW Group luxury car maker say … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 July
Automobili Pininfarina will offer a range of extremely luxurious and high-performance EV cars designed and built in a close partnership with Pininfarina SpA, the legendary Italian automotive styling house. With ongoing technical collaboration with the multi-race winning Mahindra Racing Formula E team, Michael Perschke and the ambitious new Automobili Pininfarina management team will deliver a … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 July
About 150 BMW Oxford suppliers in Britain have attended a crash course in customs clearance procedures. They have not had to worry over this as Britain was in the EU but if it leaves the car maker says they will need this information. There’s a split developing in Europe over retaliation to US trade tariffs. Germany says it wants to negotiate a deal with America because its car industry … [Read more...]
Boost for BMW UK engine plant
Engines from BMW Group’s plant near Birmingham will power the company’s latest electrified BMW i8 Roadster on sale in Britain. The Hams Hall, Midlands plant has been producing engines for the BMW i8 Coupe, the world’s best-selling hybrid sports car, since it hit the roads in 2014 and now the plant will power the new BMW i8 Roadster, as well as a new version of the i8 Coupe. Exclusively … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW roadtrip
It's been a tough 12-months and there are still issues for the motor industry, but BMW is putting on a brave face and rolling out its newest models, writes David Miles. Falling UK new car sales due to the repercussions of Brexit, potentially less investment in new cars built in the UK, higher interest rates, demonisation of diesel, tit-for-tat trading tariffs, the autumn implementation of new … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 July
The technical innovations needed to deliver ambitious plans for future low carbon vehicles were revealed in a new Automotive Technology Roadmap Report. Published by the Advanced Propulsion Centre on behalf of the UK’s Automotive Council, the report draws on the expertise of 139 organisations from vehicle manufacturers and technology suppliers to consultants and academics, who conclude there is … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 May
Local people living along the line of a proposed new £81M link road from M4 J34 to the A48 and Cardiff Wales Airport say they will fight the plan. Originally proposed over a decade ago, it’s resurfaced and the seven-mile road would cut through ancient woodland and historical sites to improve links and cut out congestion at M4 J33. For the sixth consecutive year, Toyota is assessed as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 May
Volvo V60 prices will start from £31,810 when it reaches showrooms in July with first deliveries to buyers in autumn. There will be four trim levels with two diesels and a petrol, while R-Design and Cross Country versions follow. Volvo has become first in the UK to homologate its entire model range under the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), giving extra peace of … [Read more...]