Automotive Industry Digest

GEM expresses concern over Britain’s drug drivers

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is raising concerns about drug driving across the UK. In particular, GEM is worried about inconsistencies in sentencing of offenders, and by the large number of offences being committed by reoffenders.

Full tank of fuel now costs nearly £5 more than in late 2020 after yet another price rise

04/03/2021

Full tank of fuel now costs nearly £5 more than in late 2020 after yet another price rise

The price of fuel on the UK's forecourts rose by 3p a litre in February, making it £1.70 more expensive to fill up a family car and nearly £5 dearer than in late 2020, data from RAC Fuel Watch reveals.

Introducing the Limited Edition Jeep® Wrangler 1941

04/03/2021

Introducing the Limited Edition Jeep® Wrangler 1941

As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations, Jeep is introducing the most capable Wrangler ever offered on UK roads, the Wrangler 1941. Based on a Wrangler Rubicon, the 1941 utilises Jeep Performance Parts to enhance its already class-leading off-road ability.

AA Signs help thousands find their way to vaccination centres

04/03/2021

AA Signs help thousands find their way to vaccination centres

Thousands of people have been guided to their Covid-19 vaccinations as the AA has provided nearly 2,000 free signs to community vaccination centres across the UK.

Most popular Ford models add protection for owners in fight against vehicle theft

04/03/2021

Manufacturer News

Most popular Ford models add protection for owners in fight against vehicle theft

Ford has increased the number of models offering owners heightened protection from theft thanks to security technology which disables their keyless entry fobs when not in use to block illegal hacking.

Volvo Cars launches new, pure electric Volvo C40 Recharge

04/03/2021

Volvo Cars launches new, pure electric Volvo C40 Recharge

The future of Volvo Cars is electric, and the new Volvo C40 Recharge is the latest manifestation of the company’s commitment to a zero-emission future.

Technology upgrade boosts scope of new Plug-In Audi Q5 Sportback and other key TFSI e models

04/03/2021

Technology upgrade boosts scope of new Plug-In Audi Q5 Sportback and other key TFSI e models

Part SUV, part coupé and now partly electrified – the new Q5 Sportback is the latest in an already long line of Audi models to adopt a plug-in hybrid TFSI e powertrain. The best-of-both-worlds versatility, with the environmental and financial benefits of zero local emission electric driving, but increased range

Best Open Top Car honour for the Lexus LC convertible in the UK Car of the Year Awards

04/03/2021

Best Open Top Car honour for the Lexus LC convertible in the UK Car of the Year Awards

The Lexus LC 500 Convertible has won its second major award in less than a week, honoured as the Best Open Top in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2021.

British micromobility specialists EAV thrive in environmentally focused post Brexit Europe

04/03/2021

Manufacturer News

British micromobility specialists EAV thrive in environmentally focused post Brexit Europe

Electric Assisted Vehicles, the UK-based Oxfordshire manufacturer of ultra-lightweight commercial vehicles, has recently despatched its first of consignment of post-Brexit EAV2Cubed vehicles into Europe for deliveries in Germany and Norway.

Hyundai Motor reveals all-new BAYON, a stylish and sleek crossover SUV

04/03/2021

Hyundai Motor reveals all-new BAYON, a stylish and sleek crossover SUV

Hyundai Motor has revealed Hyundai BAYON - an all-new crossover SUV designed specifically for Europe. As a B-segment SUV, BAYON will be the latest and smallest member of Hyundai’s expanding SUV family.

04/03/2021

The Baker's Dozen Impact of COVID-19

Dealers recognise that their overall approach to business is reactive led by the 'here and now'. Arguably a weakness, this short-term approach served many dealers well in 2020. It was reflected in two concerns/priorities that dominated dealers' priorities to COVID-19:

The Power of Choice: Potent new Defender V8 and exclusive special editions join the range

04/03/2021

The Power of Choice: Potent new Defender V8 and exclusive special editions join the range

Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its unstoppable and award-winning 4x4 family. The new 525HP Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility

Volkswagen ID.3 named ‘Best Small Hatch’ at National UK Car of the Year Awards 2021

04/03/2021

Volkswagen ID.3 named ‘Best Small Hatch’ at National UK Car of the Year Awards 2021

The Volkswagen ID.3 has been bestowed with another prestigious prize from UK critics, claiming the ‘Best Small Hatch’ title at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2021.

All pure electric Volvo models to be available online only

04/03/2021

Manufacturer News

All pure electric Volvo models to be available online only

Volvo Cars is fundamentally changing how and where to meet its customers, and will transform the current wholesale model by moving online and with strong customer relationships.

American classics take centre stage at the Race Retro live online auction

04/03/2021

Classic Car News

American classics take centre stage at the Race Retro live online auction

The Race Retro Live Online Auction will showcase a significant number of iconic American classics, all of which will be offered on Saturday 27 th March.

Yourparkingspace teams up with EVbox to spark EV park and charge revolution for UK motorists

04/03/2021

Yourparkingspace teams up with EVbox to spark EV park and charge revolution for UK motorists

A new partnership between the UK’s fastest growing parking technology provider yourparkingspace and evbox, one of the world’s leading EV charging solutions companies, is set to revolutionise how and where motorists can charge their electric vehicle.

The Drive to Self-Serve Dealer Finance Needs to be Competitive

04/03/2021

Latest Dealer News

The Drive to Self-Serve Dealer Finance Needs to be Competitive

Traditional face-to-face banking is shrinking as the digitisation of personal finance accelerates. People are more engaged, in control and financially informed than ever before. To compete in this digital finance landscape, dealer finance needs to be price competitive and customer controlled.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles moves ahead with Autonomous Driving R&D for Mobility as a Service

04/03/2021

Light Commercial Vehicles

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles moves ahead with Autonomous Driving R&D for Mobility as a Service

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is consistently and rapidly advancing the development and implementation of autonomous driving. “With the confirmation of the group’s supervisory board for our Autonomous Driving R&D program, we are setting the course for the future of mobility.

Major market study lifts the lid on changing face of Auto Finance Technology Solutions

04/03/2021

Major market study lifts the lid on changing face of Auto Finance Technology Solutions

A revealing market study undertaken by the specialist automotive consultancy & project delivery specialist Elevenci, highlights the stark realties facing auto finance, retail, and fleet businesses looking to replace ageing, restrictive legacy systems and deliver innovation.

Volkswagen California and Grand California awarded five stars by the Caravan & Motorhome Club

04/03/2021

Light Commercial Vehicles

Volkswagen California and Grand California awarded five stars by the Caravan & Motorhome Club

The Volkswagen California 6.1 and Grand California have been handed five-star ratings in the prestigious Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards Buyers Guide for 2021, by The Caravan & Motorhome Club.

Workshops urged to maximise market share as MOT extension boon fades

04/03/2021

Latest Dealer News

Workshops urged to maximise market share as MOT extension boon fades

Workshops are being urged to maximise market share as the six-month boon resulting from the MOT extension fades.

Porsche Cayenne revealed as most expensive vehicle to repair

04/03/2021

Residual Value Update

Porsche Cayenne revealed as most expensive vehicle to repair

New data from warranty provider Händler Protect has revealed the 10 most expensive cars to repair based on real claims it has paid out in the past 12 months.

Diesel cars continue to appeal - even to those intending to buy petrol

04/03/2021

Diesel cars continue to appeal - even to those intending to buy petrol

Diesel cars are holding their appeal in the used market and even winning over one in three buyers who initially set their sights on petrol power.

Transport committee to launch fresh inquiry into smart motorways - RAC reaction

04/03/2021

Politics and Regulations

Transport committee to launch fresh inquiry into smart motorways - RAC reaction

Reacting to the news that the transport committee is to launch an inquiry into smart motorways - after the last one in 2016 - RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:

Motorline – Awarded the Number One Dealer Group for 2020!

04/03/2021

Latest Dealer News

Motorline – Awarded the Number One Dealer Group for 2020!

The Hyundai division within the Canterbury based Motorline Group claimed Dealer of the Year 2020 at Hyundai Worcester; Aftersales Dealer of the Year 2020 at Hyundai Maidstone and the number one overall ranking for Hyundai Dealer Group of the Year 2020.

Supercharged: Drivers say electric cars will overtake diesels by 2030 – AA

26/02/2021

Supercharged: Drivers say electric cars will overtake diesels by 2030 – AA

More than 12,500 drivers said that by the time the ban on new petrol and diesel comes into force, electric cars would form a fifth of all cars on the road (19% 1 ). Petrol vehicles would still be the most common fuel type, but would only account for 30% of cars.

26/02/2021

NFDA comments on roadmap out of lockdown

“We understand the importance of bringing the virus fully under control. However, it is very disappointing that dealerships will not be able to reopen until April.

All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter, Stronger and Safer

26/02/2021

Light Commercial Vehicles

All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter, Stronger and Safer

The All-New Isuzu D-Max combines smart new styling and improved off-road performance with impressive safety technology. Not only does it deliver the capability and durability you’d expect from an Isuzu pick-up truck, this tough workhorse now adds superior levels of comfort and refinement.

Project Moderna underway with key engine and design updates revealed by GTO Engineering

26/02/2021