With a strong move towards electrification alongside the full range of road transport, distribution and logistics supply businesses attending the Commercial Vehicle Show, a host of innovative powertrain options will be unveiled to the public at the NEC Birmingham, 28-30 April 2020. The UK-based manufacturer LEVC will display its new all-electric van for the first time to the public at CV Show. … [Read more...]
Ford battered by Welsh registrations
New car dealers in Wales did better than most and saw the smallest decline in January registrations, down just 2.14% to 5,224 over 12 months previously. Ford was comprehensively knocked off top spot by Vauxhall with Corsa and Grandland X a long way ahead of the traditional best selling Fiesta and Focus models, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The Golf was just behind … [Read more...]
Diesel cars collapse in January new car decline
The UK new car market declined 7.3% in January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 149,279 vehicles left showrooms as continued confusion surrounding diesel and clean air zones and ongoing weak consumer and business confidence continue to affect demand. Continuing low consumer demand was a key driver behind the decline, with registrations by private … [Read more...]
Five companies interested in whole Ford Bridgend site
Five major international companies have expressed interest in taking over the whole of the Ford Bridgend Engine Plant site, it was revealed today, writes Robin Roberts. They are among 21 businesses who have asked for details of the 1.2M sqft site when Ford end production there in September, said Welsh Economy Minister Ken Skates after meeting the Ford Bridgend Task Force seeking future use of the … [Read more...]
£100,000 public money to ease impact of Ford withdrawal
A £100,000 investment fund will be set up to help Bridgend and surrounding area recover from the closure of Ford Engine Plant in the autumn. The money will come equally from Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region funds to enable Bridgend County Borough Council study three projects. News of the investment and feasibility studies will be outlined later this morning when Economy Minister … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 January
Toyota will use the Geneva motor show in March to unveil its concept for a new small SUV due to go on sale in about 12 months. Based on the forthcoming new Yaris platform and assembled in northern France, the un-named model will sell along with a new plug-in hybrid RAV4, the company said this week. European car-makers reported an overall 21% rise in December registrations as buyers filled … [Read more...]
Welsh car buyers most loyal in disappointing 2019
UK car sales last year hit a six-year low and the industry does not expect an early recovery but Welsh buyers were most loyal, writes Robin Roberts. The SMMT said today that overall sales in 2019 were 2.4% below the previous year at 2.31M new models. Consumer confidence, confusion over clean air legislation which is tightening each year and challenging car makers, and the Brexit debate with a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Mondeo Vignale 5dr
Size can make a world of a difference to buyers and that’s where the Ford Mondeo packs them in, writes Robin Roberts. It has consistently won awards for its internal dimensions, roominess and popularity with families and business users and it’s easy to see why. The trend towards compact cars has seen the Mondeo segment shrink in numbers if not individual dimensions, but if you really … [Read more...]
Best selling used-cars surprises
Hyundai Tucson is the fastest-selling used car of 2019, while Ford and Vauxhall models dominate the best-selling list, reveals analysis by AA Cars used cars website. The Hyundai Tucson has repeated its success from 2018, with the model spending the shortest time on the site, compared to other car models, before being snapped up by speedy buyers. SUVs and smaller family hatchbacks … [Read more...]
New plan to energise Welsh automotive sector
A new plan to energise the automotive industry and help it meet future challenges is being developed by the Welsh Government. Economy Minister Ken Skates will outline the new plan at an Automotive Summit at Hensol Castle later today and hours before the Welsh sector's annual networking dinner, where the keynote speaker will be Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer on the eve of opening the car maker's … [Read more...]