Volkswagen unions have been told next year will be "difficult" and the business is likely to slim down its workforce in Europe. A slower than expected take up of electric vehicles, continuing high investment in new products and intense competition from European and Far Eastern car makers has been cited as the business faces a tough two years until its new ranges become established. The … [Read more...]
Fleet discounts driving slight rise in new car registrations
October’s new car market grew by 14.3% to reach 153,529 registrations, 7.2% above pre-pandemic levels and marking the best performance for the month since 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The 15th month of consecutive growth was driven almost entirely by large fleet registrations, which grew 28.8% to reach 87,479 units. Private demand was stable at 62,915 … [Read more...]
Running costs drive motorists’ buying decisions, says Startline
The effect of rising living costs on which used cars are chosen by consumers has grown strongly in the last six months, according to September’s Startline Used Car Tracker. Running costs are the most important factor now named by 74% of motorists compared to 62% in April, followed by the cost of living, which is now at 65% against 61% over the same period. Similarly, inflation has risen from 26% … [Read more...]
Welsh new car sales leap over 26%
The new car market grew 24.4% in August with 85,657 new vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. While August is typically a quieter month with many buyers choosing to wait until the September numberplate change, an increase of 16,799 units means the sector is now entering a second year of growth. Despite this improved performance, … [Read more...]
Stock funding key in troubled times
Data released by V12 Vehicle Finance shows the fastest-selling models to assist dealers with the acquisitions they make using stock funding. Over the last six months, the following manufacturers have stood out for stock being sold within the first 30 days of funding. Top 10 manufacturers on stocking plan less than 30 days Jaguar – 45% of volume sold within 30 days of being on a stocking … [Read more...]
Range Rover is UK’s most polluting vehicle
Britain’s most polluting and cleanest cars have been revealed. But they are nowhere near as dirty as those on American roads. In the USA, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6.2V8 Supercharged 4x4 emits 3,319kg of CO2 annually, closely followed by the Ford F-150 Raptor and Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 63AMG. In Britain, the Range Rover Sport 3.0 HSE DV6 pushes out 1,607kg of CO2 a year, the BMW X5 … [Read more...]
Barbie’s cars in the pink for insurance
Barbie-mania is officially sweeping the world as the long-anticipated movie finally hits cinema screens today. The marketing machine for the film has been in motion for some time, and the first full trailer in May also gave us our first glimpse of Barbie’s car. In the movie, Barbie will be behind the wheel of a vintage convertible C1 Chevrolet Corvette but she’s been known to drive various … [Read more...]
Newcomers 24 May
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced the UK vehicle specifications and pricing for the new Amarok. The premium pick-up is available in a choice of four trims – Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura – from £33,000 plus VAT with sales beginning on 14 June and deliveries commencing late summer and rising to £47,000 plus VAT. Munro Vehicles all-electric 4x4s and Scotland’s only volume … [Read more...]
Car makers push fleet & business sales
The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, with an 11.6% increase to reach 132,990 registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The performance marks the best April since 2021’s 141,583 units but remains -17.4% down on 2019 volumes. Large fleet registrations grew by a third (33.1%) to 68,537 units as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 May
Aston Martin Works is announcing the availability for the first time in decades of new major components, including gearboxes and engine blocks, for some of the brand’s most iconic sports cars. Working with trusted suppliers the team at the heritage home of the world-renowned British car maker has developed entirely new engine blocks, cylinder heads, gearboxes and other major components – all … [Read more...]