According to authoritative motor industry sources the figure of three, or of a third, seem to be the most recently used; diesel new car sales have fallen by a third, SUV sales are up by a third, women drivers now own a third of UK cars, BMW’s X SUV models now account for a third of their global sales and the new third generation X3 is now being delivered to UK customers, says David Miles. Being … [Read more...]
Major car brands seeking new technology
The Future Mobility Challenge is a major new initiative to spawn new partnerships, investments and acquisitions between the world’s leading automotive brands and innovative technology start-ups and SMEs. Five of the world’s biggest automotive brands, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Bosch, Ford and Toyota, have partnered with SMMT to challenge ambitious SMEs and start-ups to devise innovative solutions … [Read more...]
Fire risk BMWs recalled after consumer probe
BMW is recalling of almost 312,000 cars following an investigation by the BBC’s consumer series Watchdog Live. The company had already issued a safety recall in 2017 affecting 36,410 petrol cars, but after Watchdog found that the same issue could affect a wider number of cars, the recall is being extended. The programme tonight features the case of Mwape Kambafwile, whose BMW 3 Series car cut … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X3 xDrive2.0d xLine
The BMW X3 has history and enduring desirability on its side in the immensely popular SUV sector which shows no sign of contracting but continues to expand with newcomers from some surprising entrants. Launched for the 2004 model year, the BMW X3 was one of the early sports activity vehicles and pitches against some worthy global rivals from its current manufacturing base in the United States. … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 January
Ford, BMW, Daimler and VW are working together on future recharging systems for cars. They want to streamline possible connections and offer standards which they hope other ev makers will adhere to by 2020. The eagerly awaited Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV will be shown to dealers and selected high profile customers this summer just before its public unveiling. Sales start end of 2018 and … [Read more...]
Future classics to consider for years ahead
Automotive data company hpi has compiled a list of vehicles which it thinks could prove to be future classics. Motoring analyst Clive Wilson identified ten cars that are relatively cheap to acquire, are holding their values and could potentially become future collectors’ items, representing a potentially good buy for people willing to make an investment. hpi’s future classics list and current … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 November
Cardiff city centre could host a cycling event on Sunday 13 May 2018. It is one of the cities being considered and councilors will be expected to directly contribute £100,000 to the event or “value in kind”, and they will discuss on Thursday, after a cycling lobby has called for more roadspace to protect them. BMW has lost an appeal to a Swiss court over a £139 M fine after it blocked sales … [Read more...]
Tradelines 8 November
BMW is considering whether it needs to recall models in the UK after a million were found with potential fire risks in the US. There are two issues being investigated, one on 3 Series models and the other more widespread and affected models are being examined. Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has answered the changing requirements of today’s car buyers with the launch of its highly flexible … [Read more...]
BMW 6 Series GT unleashed
Launched to the UK’s motoring media this week in the Valley of the Racehorse, Lambourn, Berkshire, where fine breeding and horsepower of the four legged variety are commonplace, was the new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo which makes its official sales debut on 11 November. The five-door long wheelbase all-new 6 Series Gran Turismo replaces the 5 Series Gran Turismo which was first launched … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 September
Supermarkets have slashed fuel prices and put pressure on petrol companies to reduce their own as a result of a strengthening pound. RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said, “This is some very welcome relief for motorists who have suffered a 3p a litre rise in the average price of petrol since mid-August as a result of Storm Harvey hitting the US Gulf Coast and disrupting refineries and this … [Read more...]