Ford will sell its idle Russian plants. Its passenger-vehicle production in Russia will cease by the end of June following the closure of its Fiesta and EcoSport car plants in Naberezhnye Chelny and Focus and Mondeo assembly in Vsevolozhsk near St. Petersburg and an engine plant in Elabug. Toyota will explore making solid-state traction batteries in 12 months time. It is increasing ev … [Read more...]
EV planning is improving, say dealers
There’s increasing retailer satisfaction levels with manufacturers’ approach to the electric vehicle sector, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. Commenting on the results of the latest Electric Vehicle Dealer Attitude Survey, Ms Robinson went on to say the main objective of the survey is to understand retailers’ views on the approach to the electric … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 June
JLR and BMW will jointly develop their future electric motors and powertrains. The German company will design them and the UK business will build them for both companies after reports BMW will also supply new V8 engines to JLR models for certain markets. Fiat Chrysler has withdrawn a $35 billion merger offer for France's Renault, blaming a breakdown in discussions on the French Government … [Read more...]
Tradelines 24 April
JLR is hoping strong SUV sales in America will offset a slowdown in the UK and China. The luxury British brand had to writedown $3.9Billion last year due to lower sales but the SUV sector is doing well in the US and the company has new models to launch there over the next 18 months, including the new Evoque (above) and upcoming Defender. Nissan profits have collapsed to a near ten-year low … [Read more...]
Dealers disappointing customers with servicing – J D Power
Dealers are letting down customers and their brands with poor communication when it comes to servicing, according to the J.D. Power 2019 UK Customer Service Index Study released today. While some brands stand out for good communication, others are missing opportunities to build trust, relationships and satisfaction. Sizable gaps exist between how customers prefer to schedule vehicle service … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 March
Hyundai has announced UK pricing for NEXO, the company’s 2nd generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle which is available to order directly from Hyundai Motor UK. The £65,995 NEXO brings the very latest in hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrain technology, with a range of up to 414 miles and it joins Kona Electric and IONIQ Electric as the latest electrified Hyundai model … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Land Cruiser SWB LCV
In recent weeks I have watched a variety of documentaries from the wildest and most remote places on earth and while the presenters change with each programme there seems to be a satisfying, reassuring continuity as they are all conveyed in a Toyota Land Cruiser, writes Robin Roberts. Its reputation to get you anywhere, and with precious presenters that also means getting them back, … [Read more...]
Mid-week motoring: First drive Toyota Corolla
One of the best known names on a car has returned, writes David Miles. Some 14 years after the Toyota Auris name replaced the Corolla we see the return of the World’s best-selling car brand name – Corolla - and it’s on sale in the UK from the new registration plate change month of March. The past generation Corollas achieved over 46-million global sales since they were launched in 1966 and … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 January
Flintshire council is among the quickest response times in Britain for filling serious potholes, new research has revealed. Figures released by motoring charity the RAC Foundation show the authority aims to make road repairs "immediately" but the longest response time in Wales was in Vale of Glamorgan, which promises to investigate the following working day. World War One hero soldier who … [Read more...]
SUVs to seriously consider this year
It is supposed to be the bleakest day of the year after the holiday break and bills start to arrive, but Data company HPI has compiled a select list of used compact SUVs which could lead to happy motoring in 2019. Senior valuations editor Mark Bulmer has identified five SUVs that perform well and also represent excellent value for money, making them a potentially good buy for motorists. Mr … [Read more...]