The British Government has been right to back Nissan in the North East, says leading automotive economist Prof Garel Rhys. The massive car plant at Sunderland employs about 6,700 people but the "multiplier" effect through the supplier chain of component makers and related businesses almost exclusively dependent on the plant mean they pay about 33,000 … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 October
The major route through West Wales will be closed this weekend. The A48 will close in both directions from the Nantycaws turning to Carmarthen from 19:00 on Friday until 06:00 Monday for emergency work needed to repair a leaking kerosene spill from a national pipeline under the dual carriageway road and diversions will be signposted along the former A48 … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 October
The cost of unleaded petrol and diesel crept up again in September, as a result of rising world oil prices putting upward pressure on the wholesale cost of both fuels, says RAC Fuel Watch. The average cost of a litre of petrol ended the month at 112.07p, and diesel averaged 113.34p per litre, the highest average price since August 2015, and up 0.42p while … [Read more...]
Dacia voted better quality buy than Land Rover
The 2016 Which? Car Survey, the largest of its type in the UK, reveals premium brand Land Rover ranking among the least dependable cars on the market and budget brand Dacia breaking into the top five. The annual Which? Car Survey, measuring reliability and customer satisfaction, is based on feedback from 59,387 UK car owners. As well as … [Read more...]
Commercial test: Toyota Hilux 2016
The Toyota Hilux has been the mainstay of the global Pick-Up market for almost 50years. Launched in 1968 more than 18 million have been sold worldwide. To date and closer to home in 2015 the top selling Hilux range sold 34,000 units in Europe representing 23.1% of the market sector. Specifically in the UK in 2015 the Hilux models … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 July
MotorLine Maserati of Cardiff sponsored a successful Polo in the Park event last weekend. The event in Pontcanna Fields attracted hundreds of spectators and guests who enjoyed the match series and display of Maserati cars, but also took advantage of an opportunity to meet the players (right), including Ed Williams from the Vale of … [Read more...]
Car makers bid for technology to grow sales
Profit pressed car makers are increasingly turning to technology to grow business. Renault-Nissan will begin hiring at least 300 tech experts this month, joining other automakers in trying to lure staff away from Silicon Valley. Most recruits will be software engineers with experience in vehicle connectivity and mobility services, a category that … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible
There is a saying among serious off-roaders that if you want to go anywhere you get a Land Rover, but if you want to get back you take a Toyota Land Cruiser. That probably simplifies things a bit, in fact a lot, but it made me think behind the wheel of the latest Invincible Auto version of Toyota’s big off-roader series. Having just tested the 2016 … [Read more...]
Toyota back on top in world rankings
Toyota has regained top spot as the world’s biggest car maker. It has overtaken Volkswagen Group with Renault-Nissan in third place, GM fourth, Hyundai Kia fifth, Ford sixth, Fiat-Chrysler seven, Honda eighth, PSA ninth and top ten is completed by Suzuki. The World Car Brands Ranking notes Volkswagen started slipping late summer with a 7.4% drop in … [Read more...]
Toyota Mirai fuel cell cars begin deliveries
Toyota marked the arrival of its Mirai fuel cell saloon on Britain’s roads with the handover of vehicles to its first customers at a ceremony hosted at Toyota (GB) PLC’s Surrey headquarters. Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO Toyota Motor Europe, joined Paul Van der Burgh, President and Managing Director Toyota (GB) PLC, to present the cars to Dr Graham … [Read more...]
