The firebreak lockdown has wiped 25% off new car sales in Wales, revealed figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It is a warning to England which has just gone into a month's lockdown as opposed to the fortnight shutdown in Wales which ends on monday after 3,677 new cars were sold by Welsh dealers in the three weeks they could open last month. October new car … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 October
Electrified vehicles have outsold diesel-powered models across Europe, says JATO Dynamics. This turnaround comes as September registrations in the EU were up by 1% over 2019, marking a significant milestone in the low carbon drive and much of it was due to the arrival of the VW ID.3 . UK car production fell in September, with output down -5.0%, to register the worst performance for the month in … [Read more...]
Bigger Nugget is latest find from Ford
The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is now available in a long wheelbase version, adding even greater flexibility for adventure-loving customers. The extended wheelbase uses the extra length to provide a built-in toilet, wash basin and additional interior storage space. Based on Ford’s market-leading Transit Custom van, the Transit Custom Nugget has been developed in partnership with camper … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Puma Titanium 1.0 MHEV 6sp
The Ford Puma is the company’s latest crossover and it’s strongest new generation of family cars to date. The name has been used before by Ford and between 1997 and 2002 it was on an unusual model, a compact three-door coupe. That was based on the latest Fiesta and ironically the new car is also derived from the current Fiesta. Built in Romania and slotting between the EcoSport … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 August
Ford has commissioned custom tyres that can leave key water safety messages imprinted on stretches of sand as part of a new initiative with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The custom tyres have been designed to leave 3 key water safety messages in the sand, including ‘float to live’, ‘no inflatables’, and ‘emergency? call 999’. Each year Brits spend over five and a half million hours … [Read more...]
Wales leads UK car sales recovery with Vauxhall Corsa
New car sales in Wales have recovered better than the rest of the UK. Welsh figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a 39.22 % rise in July compared to the same month last year and brings the running total for this year to just 34.55% below the first seven months of 2019, also better than other regions. Dealers in Wales recorded 7,728 new car sales in July … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 August
Ferrari earnings have skidded because of supply chain and coronavirus pandemic issues. Earnings fell 60% to £111,680,000 in Q2 but the full year sales are expected to dramatically pick up by spring 2021 and be at the lower end of their original forecast or about £30 Billion. Fuel price rises recorded by the RAC this week will wipe out savings from cheaper insurance premiums as a result of the … [Read more...]
Ford secure loan guarantees for Dagenham engine plant
As Ford prepare to close their Bridgend Engine Plant this year with the loss of about 1,200 jobs, the company has secured a UK Government underwritten £500M loan to support its Dagenham engine plant. The guarantee covers 80 percent of a £625M loan from commercial banks to support the automaker’s substantial exports of engines and transmissions from Britain. The guarantee will help Ford to … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 July
Ford has expanded its fast-growing Active range with the new Tourneo Connect Active people mover and Transit Connect Active van variants from £21,285 and £21,675, respectively, with deliveries from the end of this year. Active varients of Tourneo and Transit Connect feature SUV-inspired exterior styling, an optional mechanical limited-slip differential for improved traction and raised ride … [Read more...]
Ford and Cupra unveil newcomers
Ford introduced electrified EcoBoost Hybrid 1.0 litre powertrain for Focus and the 48-volt mild hybrid system improves fuel efficiency supported by cylinder deactivation and boosts performance to 155ps, available from £23,610. New 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and later this year Local Hazard Information connected technology deliver a more premium cabin feel and relaxed driver … [Read more...]