Nearly 60 percent of drivers would consider owning an electric or hybrid vehicle instead of a petrol or diesel to cut down on their carbon emissions, they told pollsters for Hyundai. However, cost (58 per cent) was the biggest concern for Brits considering an eco-friendly car, followed by a worry there aren't enough charging points (54 per cent), with time … [Read more...]
Tradelines 19 June
A recall has been ordered for Adam and Corsa models in Germany. Authorities believe 210,000 models may exceed NO2 levels in real world conditions across Europe and that’s likely to include thousands sold in the UK. There are hopes that FCA will be able to revive its bid for a deal with Renault, subject to Nissan support. The French Government would … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 June
JLR and BMW will jointly develop their future electric motors and powertrains. The German company will design them and the UK business will build them for both companies after reports BMW will also supply new V8 engines to JLR models for certain markets. Fiat Chrysler has withdrawn a $35 billion merger offer for France's Renault, blaming a breakdown in … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 June
The next generation Land Rover Defender will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in early September. It is one of the car makers still pledged to the German motor show, despite 22 other makers missing it as they revisit their sales and marketing strategies, but the new Ford Puma SUV is expected to be their highlight at the event. The planned Fiat … [Read more...]
Newslines 31 May
Nissan is giving its blessing to the $35 billion (£27.7 billion) merger of Renault with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, according to the Nikkei newspaper. The plan raises difficult questions about how Nissan would fit into a radically changed alliance with Renault, its current partner Mitsubishi, and the FCA group and comes after FCA and PSA failed to progress … [Read more...]
FCA and Renault talk of merger
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles want to merge with Renault in a $35B deal which the French car maker is seriously considering. French and Italian Governments would have a say in the venture, which is likely to be based in the Netherlands for tax reasons, and which would bring synergies for both sides, reducing development costs and production, without major … [Read more...]
Turning the corner with Alfa Romeo
Car sales are a series of ups and downs but there are strong signs that Alfa Romeo has turned the corner this year, writes Robin Roberts. A recent independent survey of owners who have used their models for some time concluded that the sporting Italian brand was second only to Lexus in terms of overall satisfaction with models, manufacturer and dealership … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 April
Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Vauxhall have started idling UK plants this week. The move announced weeks ago is intended to help them adjust to supply and certifications under the anticipated Brexit terms and Honda will introduce six non-production days as well this month. Automakers could be hit with billions of euros in fines for … [Read more...]
FCA to act on car finance commissions
Some methods used by finance brokers to reward car dealers that end up overcharging an estimated 560,000 customers about £300 million pounds a year will be banned. The Financial Conduct Authority said it found widespread use of commissions that allow brokers to set the customer interest rate and thus earn higher bonuses. “We found that some motor … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 November
Commuters face three weeks of travel chaos on Wales' rail network just weeks after it was taken over by Welsh Government's Transport for Wales. The effect of storms on ageing trains means an "unprecedented" third of the fleet of 127 are damaged, so many will not run or be replaced by buses and Transport for Wales said they are trying to "share the pain" … [Read more...]
