A report in the Financial Times suggests that a Japanese group including a former Japanese prime minister is drawing up a plan for Tesla to invest in Nissan. Nissan is currently seeking a partner or strategic investor anchor after the recent collapse of merger discussions with Honda and the proposal is being led by former Tesla board member Hiromichi … [Read more...]
Tradelines 24 July
In June 2024, EU car registrations increased by 4.3%, driven by gains in three out of the region’s four major markets: Italy (+15.1%), Germany (+6.1%), and Spain (+2.2%). In contrast, France saw a decline of 4.8% last month but the registrations of BEVs accounted for 14.4% of the EU car market, down from 15.1% the previous year while hybrid-electric … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 May
Just one in four drivers (26%) say that it is safe to make a hands-free call while driving, new findings show. May’s Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 36% don’t make hands-free calls because they believe them to be risky and the research also shows that 16% make hands-free calls but acknowledge their concentration on driving is worse, and 22% say … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 February
A feasibility study will be carried out into reopening a railway station at St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan. It would serve the expanding industrial businesses at the former airbase and housing developments but its only a short distance between Rhoose and Llantwit Major halts. Volvo Cars is streamlining and standardising its model names for fully electric … [Read more...]
Tradelines 22 November
The rate at which used car prices are dropping has taken the market by surprise, admits a motoring industry expert. Phil Nothard, insight director at Cox Automotive – the owners of Manheim Auctions – told the Car Dealer Podcast that significant price falls in the used car market have caused ‘waves across the sector’ and explained that the market had ‘slowed … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 September
In Cardiff this weekend, cyclists will be joined by British BMX Flatland Champion Matti Hemmings for a ride starting at PedalPower at 2pm and finishing at Cardiff City Hall. They are part of a global bike ride under the Kidical Mass movement to promote riding and child safety expected to be supported by 100,000 people and Swansea hosted a rideout last … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 June
All the EU’s four largest car markets grew, with the strongest gains in Italy (+23.1%), Germany (+19.2%), and France (+14.8%). From January to May 2023, the EU car market grew by 18%, to 4.4 million registered cars and BEVs jumped to 13.8% to 129,847 models. About 210,000 people will attend Glastonbury Festival this week, with nearly all arriving by … [Read more...]
EU car sales soar nearly 30%
The EU car market recorded a significant 28.8% increase in passenger car registrations in March, surpassing more than a million units (1,087,939). All the bloc’s largest markets saw double-digit growth last month, with Spain (66.1%) and Italy (40.7%) in the lead. In the first quarter of 2023, the EU car market saw a substantial increase in new car … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 March
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to mark the end of production of one of the most transformative cars in the marque’s history. This Bespoke masterpiece, limited to just 12 examples worldwide, is also the last V12 coupé Rolls-Royce will ever make, as it embarks on its bold new electric era as it ends Wraith production … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 April
Kia has revealed UK pricing and specification details for the all-new Kia Niro as customer pre-orders for the second-generation open with deliveries in the autumn. There is a choice of 139bhp 1.6 litre hybrid, 180bhp 1.6 litre plug-in hybrid and 64.8kWh pure electric models in three trim levels from £27,745, £32,775 and £34,995 respectively for each … [Read more...]