The expression “needs must” is something that Ford assiduously adhere to in their model range. They simply cannot afford to not be represented in a model sector, particularly if it’s a growing sector. So the Ford EcoSport MPV based on the Fiesta platform was really a forgone conclusion. It had to happen. Ford make good workmanlike MPVs in the … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 August
The basic Ford Fiesta has jumped from about £10,345 to £13,395 with Studio and Style models dropped from the range. It has been done to give Ford room to introduce the forthcoming Ka+ from under £9,000, but it could mean rival makers gain with dissatisfied Fiesta owners moving away from the brand to keenly priced alternatives. Renault is launching a … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 August
Admiral Insurance, which has offices in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, said profits rose to £193m for the six months to 30 June. Its highest ever interim results represent a 4% rise in pre-tax profits. Road Safety professionals across Europe are counting down to the first Project EDWARD (European day Without A Road Death) on Wednesday 21 September … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 August
The Lamborghini Centenario will make its UK public debut at the leading luxury automotive event, Salon Privé, 1 to 3 September. The Lamborghini Centenario coupé has yet to be seen on UK soil, but will be on display during this spectacular three-day event at the renowned World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace. Produced in limited numbers, … [Read more...]
Summer sales cooling in showrooms
Britain’s new car market is “cooling" this summer. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed a 0.1% rise compared to a year ago and put down to business sales keeping it ahead. Sales in the first seven months of 2016 were 1,599,159 but the industry has been expecting a slow down and SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said it was … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 July
UK drivers are the most likely in Europe to be distracted by attractive pedestrians, and the majority of road accident fatalities involve young men. The summer period has a significantly increased risk with almost two thirds of young people saying they are more relaxed with their driving during the holiday months, say Ford. As thousands of families … [Read more...]
Ford to create JLR battery plant?
Jaguar Land Rover declined to comment on a newspaper report that it is in talks with Ford Motor and BMW to build a battery plant in the UK. JLR executives have met Ford and BMW officials about collaborating on a plant with the capacity to supply "several hundred thousand vehicles," the Sunday Times paper reported. JLR may launch an electric Jaguar … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Ford S Max with AWD
Yes summer is officially here but it’s time to remember the horrors of last winter’s weather. Gales, floods, ice and for some long months of deep snow so how many of us were just wishing to have 4x4 traction for our family or work cars? Most of the major volume sales manufacturers are saying that up to 20% of … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 June
Volkswagen will pay owners of its polluting diesel cars in the U.S. up to $7,000, and agree to fund a grant program to offset air pollution, under a $10 billion (£6.9 billion) settlement being negotiated for submission to a federal judge next week. VW will provide cash payments worth between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on the vehicle’s age and other … [Read more...]
Big shake up for small cars in Europe
The small car market in Europe is facing a shake up. Volkswagen Group will stop producing more than 40 car models as part of a new strategy, German newspaper Handelsblatt reported. VW said last week it would invest billions of euros in electric cars, ride-hailing and automated driving to become a world leader in green transport by 2025 as it reshapes … [Read more...]
