Newport has the highest MoT failure rate in Wales and it’s tenth in the league of losers nationwide. Wipers and washers are the most common cause of MoT failures and can be easily avoided says a spokesman for the AA Garage Guide. Oxford is currently the favoured location for building an electric version of the Mini, two sources familiar with the … [Read more...]
The car’s the star for so many film and tv fans
Sometimes it’s impossible to watch a film or TV series without feeling a hint of jealousy for those driving the car on screen. They’re often just hastily modified props or replicas but, occasionally, they’re the real deal. From one-of-a-kind custom special builds like the Batmobile, to what are now considered classics such as the Minis from The … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: MINI Clubman Black Pack
Like their parent company BMW, MINI is keeping their ‘pedal to the metal’ by introducing a raft of additional derivatives of their core model ranges, says David Miles. I interviewed Nicholas Griebner, Head of Product for MINI UK who said, “Last year one out of 50 new cars sold in the UK was a MINI and so far this year sales are up by a further 7%.” In … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Mini goes maxi
In the 58-year history of Mini , the all-new second generation Countryman five door Crossover/SUV type is the largest ever to go on sale, says David Miles. UK deliveries started in February with prices from £22,465 and running through a 17 model range up to £32,275. These on-the-road prices will marginally incrase after the new First Year VED rates come … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 April
The Western European passenger car market is said to have grown by 10.3% y/y during March, according to IHS Markit forecasts. The different timing of Easter between 2016 and 2017 has been a big driver to the growth during March, but other factors in key markets have also come into play and IHS Markit is forecasting a slowdown and a consolidation of … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 March
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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
