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...]
Fiat Punto fails to score in safety test
The final Euro NCAP test results of 2017 have shown that some carmakers are still choosing not to fit potentially life-saving technologies to new models and some have gone backwards on safety. All 16 cars announced achieved five-star Euro NCAP ratings, but December’s release has seen six three-star Euro NCAP ratings and the first zero-star rating since testing began 20 years ago. It was very … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Fiat Tipo Lounge MJ 1.6 hatchback
Families know that each generation is usually bigger than the last, and it’s the same with the new Fiat Tipo. Originally announced in 1988, the first generation Tipo remained in production until the mid 1990s but in September 2016 the new model to carry the name was unveiled. The name was the only familiar feature of the newcomer as it has moved up in size and it offers one of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 September
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the latest to offer up to £5,300 off a new model bought before the end of this month against a pre-2010 diesel or petrol model put in for scrapping. There are 13 models in the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep ranges which can be purchased under the deal. Volvo and London Taxi Company owner Geely of China is reportedly close to finalizing its acquisition of Lotus. A … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 July
More young people are applying for provisional licences but fewer going on to get full licences, says the RAC after looking at DVLA data. There has been a 13% decline in tests taken over the previous 12 months but it’s a massive 29% down since 2007. The Wales economic committee wants priority given to easing congestion to ensure better bus services. It has told the Welsh Government that … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 July
The new 1.2 litre Fiat Panda City Cross is the latest addition to the Panda family, with two-wheel-drive and urban crossover looks, all for a city car price of £12,995. The 69hp Panda City Cross is a true urban crossover with an off-road look, at an affordable price building on the style of the Panda Cross 4x4, using body-coloured front and rear bumper inserts and side mouldings and … [Read more...]
Fiat emissions probe intensifies as VW payout
German investigators say they have found a new "defeat device" in a Fiat car during emissions tests. The ministry declined to give details but said it would send the results to the European Commission, which has reviewed a previous emissions case involving Fiat. Fiat has always denied its cars were equipped with an illegal emissions test cheating device and said it fully complied with … [Read more...]
Fiat Chrysler Group explain their vero amore
Italian Fiat and US Chrysler automotive brands have in the past had partners, divorced partners, fraternised with other partners but in 2014 they found each other and it appears a successful marriage is underway as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles now known as FCA, says David Miles. Global figures just released show FCA made a global profit of 6.1 billion Euros in 2016, up by 26% on 2015. However … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 January
Despite all its diesel issues and bad publicity, Volkswagen ended 2016 as the world’s best selling group. It knocked Toyota from top spot and the merged Renault-Nissan company was third with Hyundai in fourth place, GM beat Ford followed by Honda and Fiat Chrysler and top marques were completed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and Suzuki. A South Korean court sentenced an executive of Volkswagen … [Read more...]
“Right” & “wrong” cars curb house sales
If you're browsing the Sunday papers housing pages today, you could be a victim of a little appreciated fact that over a third of Brits would be put off a property by the cars parked outside. School catchment areas and transport links often come high on the list of factors when choosing a property, but new research shows that over a third (36%) of us would be but put off renting or buying a … [Read more...]