Skoda workers have won a 12% pay rise. They had threatened industrial action if their claim was not met to meet rising living costs and falling unemployment. Western European car sales slipped six percent in March. The UK, Germany and Italy all suffered steep declines offset by slight improvements in France and Spain. Mercedes-Benz Cars UK has launched its latest campaign for Approved … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 March
The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is now on sale, with prices starting from£25,800 for the A 180 d SE. The petrol-powered A 200 starts from £27,500, while the A 250 is available from £30,240 and the new A-Class is initially available in three trims: SE, Sport and AMG Line; and with a choice of three engines, all with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. There is yet another addition to the BMW … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mercedes E 350 d AMG Line Estate
The fashion of buying saloons and hatchbacks is looking distinctly outdated with the clamour for must-have SUVs showing no signs of easing off. But the other interesting trend is the turn towards quality cars which hold onto their value over longer periods and which is being felt further down the buying chain. What goes around comes around, as Mercedes-Benz knows better … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MB C-class 250d AMG Line coupe
You know Mercedes-Benz must be doing something right after nearly a century of making cars and when close rivals are struggling they turn out models like the C-class 250d AMG Line coupe. It’s not smallest, biggest, most economical or fastest, but it simply does so many things so well it stands head and shoulders above competitors in its class. If you asked me to define this coupe … [Read more...]
Popular models in big US recall campaigns
Nearly 500,000 Mercedes cars across its range in the US are being recalled. They are to be checked for faulty air bags which may inadvertently deploy. US dealers are also recalling 342,300 Kia Soul and Soul EVs with suspected faulty pinion gear on the steering. Failure could result in the system falling apart. Meanwhile, over 216,000 Audi A5 and Q5 models will be checked by American … [Read more...]
Mercedes showcase robots and drones for deliveries
With the unveiling of its Vision Van at its Innovation Campus in Stuttgart, Germany, Mercedes has showcased how robots and drones could soon be used more effectively for delivery tasks. Van hire and leasing specialist Northgate has looked at how the enhancements would work. Mercedes has teamed up with world-class flying vehicles and intelligent control software manufacturer Matternet to … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 September
A more advanced and technically refined Ford Mustang for Europe has been unveiled. It features enhanced 450PS 5.0V8 engine with 10-speed automatic, revised suspension, safety systems and improved equipment but it will be at least six months before the new series hits European roads. PSA will share its EV knowledge and experience with newly acquired Opel/ Vauxhall for future vehicles. On … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 August
A retired coach driver from Tewkesbury has taken delivery of his 14th Mitsubishi – 38 years since he bought his first one. Cliff Hodson, 78, recently collected a 2016 Mirage from CCR Mitsubishi in Cheltenham and has remained loyal to the brand ever since purchasing a Colt from Gloucester’s Roger Head Motors in 1979 and over the years he and wife, Ann, have had a Sigma, Galant, Lancer, … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 July
Audi has launched a recall for up to 850,000 diesel cars to update vehicle software controlling emissions in a bid to avoid potential driving bans, reports Automotive News Europe. The service is also being offered to Porsche and Volkswagen brand cars using the same six- and eight-cylinder engines and follows a similar move last week by Mercedes-Benz for about 750,000 models. Drivers much … [Read more...]
Tradelines 26 April
Kia Motors (UK) Limited President and Chief Executive Paul Philpott completed his first London Marathon in support of The Children’s Trust. He recorded a time for the course of four hours and 17 minutes and raised £37,000 for the charity and Customer Service Manager Sonia Appleby managed the course in five hours and five minutes for the Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice and brought in … [Read more...]