New car registrations fell 12.2% in October across all parts of the market, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders today. Sales totalled 158,192, leaving registrations in the year to date down 4.6% compared with 2016 led by a decline in business and consumer confidence, said the SMMT chief executive Michael Hawes. Demand for diesel cars … [Read more...]
Facial recognition unlocks new opportunity for cars
The prospect of looking at your car and opening it is becoming a reality. Insurance specialist Rias has conducted research in to patents filed over the past two years by the world’s leading car manufacturers, giving us an insight in to what the future of driving may look like. Imagining a world with driverless cars seemed the stuff of dreams only a … [Read more...]
£2.5M development by Hutchings Motor Group
The fifth-generation Treforest-based Hutchings Motor Group, has opened their new Hyundai dealership in Swansea. The £2.5m development opened in time for the firm to gear up for the seasonal September car registration plate change. Group Managing Director, Stephen Hutchings said, “Following five years of successful partnership with Hyundai, we are … [Read more...]
Tradelines 30 August
Chery has released design sketches of the first of its all-new model line for global markets, ahead of its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September 2017. The first renderings of the compact SUV reveal the design direction for Chery’s new nameplate and while they will wear a Chery badge, they incorporate a new evolution of the … [Read more...]
Hopes of WRC being decided in Wales
This year’s WRC title may be decided in Wales as fierce competition heads towards a climax. The 2017 FIA World Rally Championship is proving to be the most exciting in years and this autumn’s Wales Rally GB 26-29 October will now be pivotal. It could even be the title decider. With just three rounds remaining on the WRC calendar – Spain, GB … [Read more...]
Newcomers from Aston, SEAT, Hyundai and BMW
Less than two years after being unveiled as a concept, Aston Martin has confirmed that the all-electric RapidE will enter production in 2019. Set for a limited production run of 155 cars, RapidE is Aston Martin’s first all-electric model and it will be sold on exclusivity in a market sector now being taken very seriously by rival sports car makers. The … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Ioniq hybrid Premium SE
There has been a headlong rush towards hybrids, and one-time minnow Hyundai is now a big fish, writes Robin Roberts. It showed us the fuel cell ix35 over a year ago and probably more significantly it launched the Ioniq in the UK last autumn as the first car with three powertrains, a petrol-hybrid, an electric model and soon to come a plug-in hybrid … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 May
Tighter safety controls on equipment and automation will be outlined by the EU to vehicle manufacturers by the end of the year. Safety campaigners have won their fight to make more equipment standard, particularly for heavy or big vehicles. Ford is reportedly shaking up its senior management. US media reports CEO Mark Fields is leaving the car maker … [Read more...]
Welsh drivers’ outstanding performances celebrated
Demon driver Elfyn Evans almost pulled off his first WRC win in Argentina at the weekend while Tom Cave set the pace for most of the Pirelli Rally in Northern Britain. Rally Argentina had it all: more twists than The Da Vinci Code, gravel roads rougher than the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and a spectacular finish tenser than a violin bow, with Hyundai … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Hyundai i30
The all-new third generation Hyundai i30 five door hatchback range went on sale in the UK from 1 March this year and it will be followed by Tourer estate versions due this summer. The two ranges will be similar in terms of engine and specification choices, but a little more expensive and all are covered by Hyundai’s much praised five years unlimited … [Read more...]
