With up to 75% of the value of vehicle components made in Europe, the continent’s automotive supply industry generates substantial economic value and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, but it's under serious threat. Yet Europe’s automotive suppliers are issuing a stark warning based on a recent study of European value creation: without urgent and … [Read more...]
MGBV8 returns on 100th anniversary
The much loved famous big-engined MGB is back for a staggering $225,000 or over £175,000. As 2024 marks the centenary of MG, esteemed MGB restomod specialist Frontline Cars is set to extend its legacy to enthusiasts across the United States. This significant milestone will see the all-new, V8-powered Frontline LE60 make its American debut at The Quail, A … [Read more...]
UK Auto surges over a million models made
UK vehicle production hit 1,025,474 units in 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. With 905,117 cars and 120,357 commercial vehicles (CVs) produced, output was up 17.0% on the previous year with the easing of pandemic-related challenges from chip shortages to lockdowns and increasing electrified model production, combined to … [Read more...]
Tradelines 2 August
New electric tram trains that will revolutionise transport across the South Wales valleys were unveiled this week at their new £100 million depot at Taff’s Well. As part of the South Wales Metro project by Transport for Wales, they are capable of operating on both electric lines and battery power up to 62mph and carry 252 passengers. Commuter scooters … [Read more...]
Oil is not in short supply, says environmental group
Since the EU imposed sanctions on Russia, there has been a redrawing of the global oil map, according to a new study . Instead of cutting demand, Europe has simply replaced imports from Russia with oil from other producing countries. Transport & Environment (T&E), who carried out the study, says the EU is missing a historic opportunity to cut oil … [Read more...]
Europe in the slow lane of ‘green revolution’
Europe will dramatically drop behind America and China in the “green revolution”, said environmental group Transport & Environment. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said last year that she would create a new European Sovereignty Fund to help EU companies compete with president Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). But whereas the US … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 June
All the EU’s four largest car markets grew, with the strongest gains in Italy (+23.1%), Germany (+19.2%), and France (+14.8%). From January to May 2023, the EU car market grew by 18%, to 4.4 million registered cars and BEVs jumped to 13.8% to 129,847 models. About 210,000 people will attend Glastonbury Festival this week, with nearly all arriving by … [Read more...]
Rental-car hire costs up this summer
If planning a holiday this summer, beware of rising car hire costs. A 12-country study of car hire costs worldwide reveals that the average weekly price to hire a compact family car (e.g., a VW Golf) this summer has rocketed to £520 a week, compared to just £310 in 2019, an increase of £210 – a 68% rise. However, this is around £100 cheaper than last … [Read more...]
Luxembourg chills with car karma
Luxembourg topped the rankings as the least stressful European country for drivers, in a study for Confused.com . The western European country’s ranking reflects its consistently good scoring, and it was found to have low traffic congestion levels. It also recorded a fuel cost of just 0.002% of its average annual income and 3.58 road fatalities per … [Read more...]
What is autonomous or not
Thatcham Research has revealed further insights from its Trust in Automation study - which polled 2,000 motorists in the US and 2,000 in the UK – and found a significant disconnect between attitudes and behaviours on either side of the Atlantic. American drivers are more likely to a see a benefit to self-driving or autonomous technology than British … [Read more...]
