Double-digit growth in demand for British-built cars last month helped deliver the biggest February for UK car production in 17 years, said the SMMT. UK production lines turned out one car every 16 seconds in the month, with total output of 153,041 up 8.0%, as exports grew 13.4% to 118,898 units. The performance helped to drive overall year-to-date production past 300,000 for the first time … [Read more...]
Tradelines 8 March
The next Corsa has been delayed and is likely to be based on the forthcoming baby Peugeot/ Citroen models. It could be the first model produced under the new PSA ownership of Vauxhall and Opel in 2020. The MINI does not have to be built in Britain to make it a success, said boss Peter Schwarzenbauer. He was speaking at the Geneva motor show and said a decision on the site for the MINI EV … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 March
Welsh Government is backing the Heathrow third runway expansion and seeking direct flights. It sees potential business opportunities for suppliers based in Wales and will be outlined at a Heathrow Business Summit in Wales this year. Around 1 million 2015 to 2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles worldwide will be recalled due to a faulty fuse after 51 fires were reported globally. The automaker said … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 February
The proposed £1bn M4 relief road around Newport and said to be vital to the Welsh economy would cut through the first nesting site for common cranes in Wales in over 400 years, it has emerged. The RSPB said the revelation, in a Welsh Government ecology report, was emblematic of wider environmental concerns about the scheme which due to be heard at a five-month public inquiry beginning … [Read more...]
Women don’t like men with a Mini, or BMW
It’s no secret that studies often find that women consider men who drive expensive cars more attractive, but what about the cars they find least attractive? New research revealed that the Mini topped the list with just 5% of women saying that they found men driving Mini’s attractive. The survey, conducted by OSV Ltd, the UK's leading independent vehicle supply … [Read more...]
Tradelines 15 February
Mitsubishi has named its all-new SUV “Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross” before it appears next month at the Geneva motor show. As befits its sharp, coupé-like contours, the Eclipse Cross name references the Eclipse sports car which amassed more than 1.4 million sales, mainly in North America between 1989 and 2012, while also referring to the cross-functional SUV nature of this new car. South Korea … [Read more...]
Car market is thermometer of UK economy
It has been a year of ups and downs for the economy. The first half of 2016 was dominated by uncertainty in the lead up to the EU Referendum, which caused many businesses to halt investing and hiring until the result of the vote was known. Once the result for Brexit was confirmed, this understandably shook the economy and caused several industries to dip amongst further uncertainty of our … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 December
There are already over 60,000 home charge points for electric cars in the UK, and new research finds these sockets will be one of the most desirable features of neighbourhoods in 20 years’ time. The study, conducted by electric car campaign Go Ultra Low, suggests technologies such as electric car charging points, ‘positivity’ lamp posts which beam colourful lighting during winter to combat … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: MINI Seven
MINI's boost in sales this year has been fuelled by the introduction of their Clubman range - their first C-segment MINI followed by the Convertible new range including the recently introduced JCW, or John Cooper Works variant, writes David Miles. The Convertible range now accounts for 10% of total UK MINI sales making it the best selling convertible in this country The MINI Seven is the … [Read more...]
John Cooper Works Clubman announced by MINI
The new MINI Clubman receives the John Cooper Works treatment. It’s most powerful MINI Clubman, with 231 hp and 350 nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph while MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system fitted as standard for maximum traction combined with enjoyable handling. Full John Cooper Works specification including upgraded suspension, braking, … [Read more...]