Lister Tuning is relocating to a new centre in North West England where it will develop their unique high performance versions of Jaguar models. Among the first to be built there is a 670bhp Lister LFP SUV using carbon fibre components to keep down weight while the tuned V8 engine will take it to 60mph in 3.5secs and onto a maximum 200mph at a cost of about £140,000. In a major … [Read more...]
August registrations soar in face of new cars ban
New car registrations in Britain soared last month on the eve of an EU change in law which would ban models not meeting the tougher WLTP emissions test. Thousands of models across Europe were heavily discounted by dealers backed by car makers anxious to clear unsold stock of the NEDC tested models. This push and the fact some car makers are struggling to build cars which fully meet the WLTP … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 September
In a worrying result as children return to school this week, researchers polled 2,000 mums and dads and found 37 per cent have driven with someone else’s kid as a passenger despite not having a suitable child restraint for them. Fifty-seven per cent admit they don’t tend to lug a child car seat around on the off-chance they might need one for their little ones or for another parent's children … [Read more...]
UK Auto reports mixed output
UK car production declined 11.0% in July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 121,051 units left production lines as a raft of factors, including model changes, seasonal and operational adjustments and preparation for the introduction of the tough new emissions standards, affected output. Production for export in the month fell 4.2%, while 35.0% fewer cars were … [Read more...]
Used sales good for UK market
Used electric and hybrid car sales are booming. Figures from the SMMT today show a dramatic increase as the market swells for low emission vehicles now coming onto second-hand sites. Britain’s used car market held strong in 2018’s second quarter, with sales down by a marginal -0.4%, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 2,093,429 … [Read more...]
“Diesel in terminal decline” – July car sales analysis
Hybrid and electric car sales have broken records while diesel continues terminal decline, according to the latest car sales figures from the industry in Britain. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders July registrations showed a very modest 1.2% rise in overall sales, helped by strong demand for convertibles and sales incentives by manufacturers and dealers after months of … [Read more...]
Brexit bombshell for business, say car makers
A no-deal Brexit is not an option for Britain’s car industry, the car makers' have warned. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said carmakers were “increasingly concerned” about the lack of clarity around departure from the European Union. With less than eight months until the divorce is due to take place, Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to find … [Read more...]
Car-makers question Government resolve towards zero emissions
UK Automotive remains committed to the goal of zero emission transport, and will continue to massively invest in the full range of technologies and products, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Responding to the government’s Road to Zero Strategy, the industry said it supports the UK’s ambitions but huge challenges around consumer demand as well as refuelling and … [Read more...]
Welsh car sales rise against the tide
Wales bucked the trend as summer burned new car dealers with sales down 3.5% in June, according to figures from the SMMT. The news came on the day that JLR said it would have to reconsider planned UK investment if there is a “bad” Brexit deal, possibly close some British factories and make thousands redundant. Six months ago, JLR announced cuts at Halewood, said it wouldn’t renew contracts … [Read more...]
Hay Festival to discuss thoughts on electric vehicles
Go Ultra Low will be hosting its first-ever panel on the future of electric vehicles at this week's Hay Festival. The panel, chaired by broadcaster, author and electric car expert Robert Llewellyn, brings together influential speakers from the Government, and the automotive and energy sectors, to share insights on how they are working together to accelerate the transition to electric … [Read more...]