Suzuki GB PLC has been ranked as the best car brand in the Institute of Customer Service’s UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) for January 2019. A national measure of sentiment across the country, the research asks 45,000 consumers to rate their experiences of dealing with nearly 260 different companies across 13 sectors, including those in the motor industry. Nissan is the target of a … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 January
Lotus Cars will be made in China by its two-year-old owner, Geeley, according to a Reuters’ report. It quoted Chinese job adverts and public planning notices in Wuhan, Central China which indicated a 150,000 models annually would be assembled in the new factory, possibly SUVs, but also derivatives of their classic sports cars currently assembled in Norfolk. A new study of 1500 motorists … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 October
Volvo has demonstrated the strength in depth of its SUV range with the XC40 and XC60 together winning four honours in the 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Competition. The honours, including the overall Towcar of the Year award for the XC60, were presented at a ceremony held at the RAC Club in London. The Audi SQ2 is a 300ps compact SUV being unveiled at the Paris Motor … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 August
Jaguar Land Rover will add three new models over the next five years and gradually switch most of its vehicles to a new modular platform. The first model will be a new-generation Land Rover Defender, arriving in the 2020-21 financial year, JLR said in a June 22 presentation to investors and two more vehicles will be launched between 2021 and 2024, with reports of a new entry level Land Rover and … [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 26 June
Lotus sports cars will be assembled in China, a dramatic turnaround plan revealed. The Norfolk business with about 1,000 UK staff was sold as part of its Proton parent to Geely Holdings, who also own Volvo and London Black Cab taxi makers, but it’s not known what will happen to the existing Hethel plant. Volkswagen Group has agreed to buy back some diesel cars in Germany equipped with … [Read more...]
Lotus Elise Cup power overflows
Punching well above its weight, the new Lotus Elise Cup 250 offers a scintillating blend of purity of purpose with performance at the apex of the recently revised Elise range. Supercharged, lightweight and distilled from Lotus’ extensive motorsport knowhow, the new model packs 243 hp into a chassis designed to deliver the benchmark in responsive handling and haptic feedback. The car’s … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 May
A new report into the proposed Circuit of Wales in Ebbw Vale has concluded that the project could make a "significant positive contribution" to the South Wales economy despite the risks. The report from Professor Brian Morgan of Cardiff Metropolitan University concluded that the racing circuit could kick-start a revival in the Valleys and provide long-term and sustainable benefits to the Welsh … [Read more...]
Breaking news: Lotus bought by Volvo parent
Geely has added Lotus to its portfolio of brands which already include Volvo and London Taxi Company. It has pledged to invest in the brand and raises the prospect of new British sports cars from Norfolk factory which has suffered from under-investment for decades while it has an enthusiastic following in the Far East. Geely's Volvo investment has transformed the Swedish-based car maker and … [Read more...]
Ultimate Lotus Exige races into exclusivity
The ultimate road and track Lotus Exige Cup 380 Coupe has been released. Just 60 will be made for worldwide sale, guaranteeing an exclusivity rarely found among collectors. It will top 175mph, does 0-60mph in 3.4sec and weighs just over a tonne with new bodywork to increase downforce for better roadholding and handling. The Exige Cup 380 can be ordered now, priced £83,000. … [Read more...]