Automotive Industry Digest

Suzuki steps up its self-charging hybrid models

In line with continued plans to further reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy across its range of vehicles, Suzuki GB PLC is excited to introduce three 48-Volt Self-Charging Hybrid equipped derivatives to its range in Spring 2020 which will also include the launch of the new K14D Boosterjet petrol engine.

New mild hybrid Volvo XC60 gets the blue light from two fire services

17/12/2019

New mild hybrid Volvo XC60 gets the blue light from two fire services

Two fire and rescue services have taken delivery of 13 new Volvo XC60s with the firm’s new B4 diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, in a move to lower fleet emissions and fuel consumption. The addition is part of a joint investment by the Shropshire and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Services in a fleet of 53 XC60s, to provide valuable support to

17/12/2019

Seat expands Tarraco SUV line-up

SEAT is expanding its Tarraco SUV offering with the introduction of the front-wheel drive model with its advanced DSG automatic transmission.

Nissan Leaf named ‘Best Used Electric Car’ in Driving Electric Awards 2020

17/12/2019

Nissan Leaf named ‘Best Used Electric Car’ in Driving Electric Awards 2020

The Nissan LEAF (2018>) has been named the ‘Best Used Electric Car’ in the Driving Electric 2020 Awards which celebrate the best hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars on sale today.

Urgent action is needed to reduce fatal and serious crashes involving at-work drivers, says IAM RoadSmart

17/12/2019

Urgent action is needed to reduce fatal and serious crashes involving at-work drivers, says IAM RoadSmart

Urgent action is needed to tackle the stagnation in the number of people killed or injured in collisions involving drivers working or travelling on business, according to IAM RoadSmart.

Kia upgrades the specification of award-winning e-Niro for 2020

17/12/2019

Kia upgrades the specification of award-winning e-Niro for 2020

Ever since the Kia e-Niro made its debut last year, it has been queuing up to accept awards from well-respected industry commentators. The pure electric e-Niro won Car of the Year at the 2019 What Car? Awards and has been named a ‘Game Changer’ at the 2019 Autocar Awards. It also scooped the Best Electric Car gong at the Business Car Awards 2019

Driving home for Christmas: drivers planning nearly 31m getaway trips by car

17/12/2019

Driving home for Christmas: drivers planning nearly 31m getaway trips by car

An estimated 31.2m separate leisure journeys will be taken between today and Christmas Eve, the highest number since drivers were first asked about their festive travel plans in 2013*, a study by the RAC and INRIX has found.**

INEOS Automotive announces engineering partner for series development of the Grenadier

17/12/2019

INEOS Automotive announces engineering partner for series development of the Grenadier

INEOS Automotive has announced an expansion of its partnership with global mobility technology company, Magna. Its subsidiary, Magna Powertrain, has been responsible for chassis and suspension development since the inception of the project. It will now be joined by Magna Steyr, which will undertake the series development phase of the forthcoming

Nissan Qashqai unveils the secret to a stress-free Christmas road-trip

17/12/2019

Nissan Qashqai unveils the secret to a stress-free Christmas road-trip

Over 65% of people in the UK find packing the car up at Christmas is causing them stress, with a quarter (26%) saying they would rather cancel Christmas than face packing the car. Most British drivers say packing the car up at Christmas is even more stressful than wrapping presents.

More than 800 miles of roadworks completed or lifted in time for Christmas

17/12/2019

More than 800 miles of roadworks completed or lifted in time for Christmas

More than 800 miles of roadworks will be lifted or completed on motorways and major A roads to help motorists have smoother journeys over the festive period.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV named Best Used Plug-In Hybrid for 2020 by DrivingElectric

17/12/2019

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV named Best Used Plug-In Hybrid for 2020 by DrivingElectric

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been named ‘Best Used Plug-in Hybrid’ for 2020 by the influential consumer magazine DrivingElectric.

17/12/2019

Updated 2020 Mazda2 on sale now

Featuring a renewed more sophisticated exterior design, new technology, improved refinement and an upgraded interior, the 2020 model year version of this popular supermini is offered with a simplified five-model range, exclusively powered by Mazda’s familiar 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine - which for the first time is matched to Mazda’s M

Amarok-ing around the christmas tree: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles tows giant bauble across UK

17/12/2019

Light Commercial Vehicles

Amarok-ing around the christmas tree: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles tows giant bauble across UK

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is getting into the Christmas spirit by teaming up with Next, to help tow an enormous festive bauble across the country with its Volkswagen Amarok.

17/12/2019

General Motor Industry News

National Motor Museum wins funding for Golden Arrow Project

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has been awarded £74,527 by Arts Council England to reinterpret Land Speed Record-breaking icon Golden Arrow – using computer generated augmented reality and historic collections to enhance engagement for visitors.

17/12/2019

November sees slowdown of motorcycle registrations

“With poor weather and being out-of-season for motorcycling, the sales this November equated to only 5.9% of the 102,413 motorcycles registered year-to-date in 2019,” said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

Android Auto comes to BMW. BMW to offer wireless integration from mid-2020

17/12/2019

Android Auto comes to BMW. BMW to offer wireless integration from mid-2020

The BMW Group is extending the reach of seamless connectivity in its vehicles with the introduction of Android Auto™ starting in mid-2020. Android Auto, the latest digital and user-centric service addition to BMW, will allow customers to connect their Android smartphones wirelessly with their vehicle and, in doing so, enjoy access to useful

Shocking black market value of stolen cars revealed

17/12/2019

Latest Dealer News

Shocking black market value of stolen cars revealed

Motor thieves are stealing some of Britain’s most in-demand cars and selling them on the black market for as little as £1,000, according to vehicle protection and management technology provider AX.

Competition for stock drove margin pressures in November

17/12/2019

Competition for stock drove margin pressures in November

Just over half of dealers reported that consumer demand was down YoY, but hot competition in the wholesale market has kept prices relatively high for used stock.

2020 is the year of the electric car – DrivingElectric names the best

17/12/2019

General Motor Industry News

2020 is the year of the electric car – DrivingElectric names the best

As car buyers gear up for the biggest year yet for electric motoring, DrivingElectric has named the very best electric cars currently on sale.

BCA launches new online EV & Hybrid sale

17/12/2019

BCA launches new online EV & Hybrid sale

On the back of the rising popularity in the retail market of hybrid and electric vehicles, BCA is reporting significant buyer interest in a new fortnightly e-Auction dedicated to electric vehicles and hybrids. Each sale will feature up to 100 units with all vehicles sold with the new BCA EV/Hybrid Assured Report.

17/12/2019

Light Commercial Vehicles

MS-RT wins high-profile industry award

A BRITISH COMPANY that produces bespoke performance versions of Ford vans has won a prestigious award for its conversions, which are constructed by hand at a factory in Torfaen, South Wales.

Brits make £24 million in 2019 renting out empty driveways

17/12/2019

General Motor Industry News

Brits make £24 million in 2019 renting out empty driveways

The latest research from online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk also reveals that it is a record year for driveway income, with 78,000 new spaces registered with the portal over the last 12 months.

Steady increase in market share for Euro 6 vehicles at Manheim

17/12/2019

Steady increase in market share for Euro 6 vehicles at Manheim

Following an extremely buoyant October the volume of stock was down MoM, but buyer demand remained strong and 84% of vehicles sold first time at auction.

ŠKODA delivers 109,000 vehicles in November

17/12/2019

ŠKODA delivers 109,000 vehicles in November

Alain Favey, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing, emphasises: “Globally we are above the market level, except for China, where we are under pressure due to the continuously decreasing market. Our successful product campaign has been crucial to our success: alongside our successful SUV models, the Scala, the Kamiq, the first two iV

BVRLA chief writes to PM Boris Johnson following election win

17/12/2019

Politics and Regulations

BVRLA chief writes to PM Boris Johnson following election win

The BVRLA has today written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to congratulate him on his electoral win and to reiterate why the vehicle rental and leasing industry is crucial to delivering the UK’s zero-emission goals.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 4matic UK pricing and specification announced

11/12/2019

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 4matic UK pricing and specification announced

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé is now on sale, with prices starting from £72,530 for the GLE 400 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ will cost £80,615. First customer cars are expected to arrive in summer 2020.

11/12/2019

The FLA’s priorities for 2020 – an agenda for the incoming government

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has identified three improvements that the incoming Government must adopt to transform customer protection in the consumer credit market, and strengthen the growth of a sustainable and productive economy.

Majority of motorists agree with plans to install breathalysers in new cars

11/12/2019

Majority of motorists agree with plans to install breathalysers in new cars

A new poll from the UK’s leading independent car retailer found 70 per cent of drivers backed the introduction of wiring for in-car breathalysers from 2022 onwards. Some 1025 people took part in the poll on the Motorpoint website – www.motorpoint.co.uk

11/12/2019