Automotive Industry Digest

General Motor Industry News

Research finds millions of potholes could be left unrepaired each year even after budget announcement

More than two million potholes a year could be left unrepaired on UK roads, even after the announcement of £500 million extra funding a year from HM Treasury to battle the UK’s pothole crisis, according to new research by Citroën UK.

Polestar 2 production begins in Luqiao, China

26/03/2020

Polestar 2 production begins in Luqiao, China

Production of Polestar 2 has officially begun in Luqiao, China. For initial delivery into Europe, followed by China and North America, the new electric performance fastback is the first electric vehicle to be produced by the facility.

Fixter, online car maintenance service provider, steps-up to offer a special discount for ‘key workers’

26/03/2020

Fixter, online car maintenance service provider, steps-up to offer a special discount for ‘key workers’

Fixter, the UK’s first end-to-end online car maintenance service provider, today announces that it will offer ‘key workers’ a special discount on their car maintenance.

First dynamic images of the all-new Seat Leon

26/03/2020

First dynamic images of the all-new Seat Leon

Seen on the road for the very first time, the all-new SEAT Leon evolves the manufacturer’s renowned design philosophy even further, bringing SEAT’s confidence, elegance and sportiness to the compact segment, while adding a quiet maturity seen in few other vehicles.

26/03/2020

FLA members report new business growth of 2% in January 2020

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that FLA members provided £11.1 billion of new business in January 2020, 2% higher than in the same month in 2019.

Aston Martin temporarily suspends operations at manufacturing sites

26/03/2020

Aston Martin temporarily suspends operations at manufacturing sites

Aston Martin is today (24 March 2020)confirming the temporary suspension of all manufacturing operations at its UK plants in line with the latest UK Government instructions on the fight against COVID-19. The suspension will come into force at all sites simultaneously tonight.

Seventh ŠKODA student concept car is taking shape: students working on a spider variant of the ŠKODA Scala

26/03/2020

Seventh ŠKODA student concept car is taking shape: students working on a spider variant of the ŠKODA Scala

For several months, 20 apprentices from the ŠKODA vocational school have been working creatively on the seventh student concept car, a spider version of the all-new ŠKODA Scala. Throughout the project, the up-and-coming talent will receive support from engineers and experienced employees from the areas of technical development, design and

Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving tests and theory tests

26/03/2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving tests and theory tests

Theory tests are suspended for one month, and driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months due to coronavirus - but tests are available for critical workers.

Now is not the time for excursions, days out and rides with the lads, warns GEM

26/03/2020

Now is not the time for excursions, days out and rides with the lads, warns GEM

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging all road users to think twice before setting off on a day trip or a fun ride.

Vehicle rental supports essential services and staff during the Covid-19 crisis

26/03/2020

Vehicle rental supports essential services and staff during the Covid-19 crisis

As the latest group of businesses and premises shut their doors, vehicle rental branches across the UK are providing cars, vans, minibuses and trucks to ensure that key workers are mobile and essential services are maintained.

Electric power: the new e-BULLI is a crossover of high-end classic and high-tech electric vehicle

26/03/2020

Electric power: the new e-BULLI is a crossover of high-end classic and high-tech electric vehicle

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is presenting for the first time the e-BULLI, an all-electric vehicle that produces zero emissions on the road. Equipped with the drive system components of the latest Volkswagen electric vehicles, the concept vehicle is based on a T1 Samba Bus produced in 1966 and comprehensively restored. The stage for the

Vehicle owners to be granted MOT exemption in battle against coronavirus

26/03/2020

Vehicle owners to be granted MOT exemption in battle against coronavirus

Temporary exemption will enable vital services to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people to get essential food and medicine.

Vauxhall Combo Cargo named Best Small Delivery Van at Business Vans 2020 Awards

26/03/2020

Light Commercial Vehicles

Vauxhall Combo Cargo named Best Small Delivery Van at Business Vans 2020 Awards

The Business Vans judges were impressed with the Vauxhall Combo Cargo’s class-leading fuel economy and high payload capacity. Under WLTP testing, the Vauxhall Combo Cargo achieves up to 68.8mpg and emissions as low as 107g/km CO2. With a payload up to 1,002kg, the Combo Cargo is an ideal choice for businesses and trades looking for a compact but

26/03/2020

General Motor Industry News

Cost of potholes rises to £1.25 billion

UK motorists spent a total of £1.25 billion repairing pothole damage to their vehicles over the last year, reveals research published today by Kwik Fit1, the UK’s largest automotive servicing and repair company. With more than 10.8 million drivers damaging their vehicle due to poor road conditions over the last 12 months, the cost over the last

26/03/2020

PRA welcomes Chancellor’s “whatever it takes” pledge to business

“With Government advice to avoid public transport, our road network and refuelling capacity becomes ever more vital, so we are pleased that the Chancellor has introduced immediate additional measures for petrol filling stations,” said Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).

Mitsubishi L200 wins “Best Pick-Up” at the Business Vans of the Year Awards 2020

26/03/2020

Light Commercial Vehicles

Mitsubishi L200 wins “Best Pick-Up” at the Business Vans of the Year Awards 2020

The Mitsubishi L200 has been named ‘Best Pick-up’ at this year's Business Vans of the Year Awards 2020. Now in their sixth year, the Business Vans awards are judged by an independent panel of experts from the commercial vehicle segment, reflecting the real needs of the tradespeople, small businesses and commercial fleets in the SME sector.

Green light for Glyn Hopkin’s three new MG sites

26/03/2020

Green light for Glyn Hopkin’s three new MG sites

MG Motor UK has cemented its relationship with highly respected dealer group, Glyn Hopkin, opening three brand-new MG sites in Cambridge, Milton Keynes and St Albans. The trio of dealerships, which adds to the group’s existing Glyn Hopkin East London MG franchise in Ilford, reinforce the marque’s sustained expansion as part of its Momentum and

Celebrity cars feature in classic car auctions virtual sale on Saturday

26/03/2020

Residual Value Update

Celebrity cars feature in classic car auctions virtual sale on Saturday

This Saturday, Classic Car Auctions will be holding their first virtual sale and included are cars with celebrity provenance from Rowan Atkinson CBE, Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay and TV presenter Mike Brewer.

Kia Sportage mild-hybrid wins Best Medium SUV at Business Motoring Awards

26/03/2020

Manufacturer News

Kia Sportage mild-hybrid wins Best Medium SUV at Business Motoring Awards

Having held top spot as Kia Motors (UK) Limited’s number one best-selling model for seven years, the Kia Sportage has continued to see success. The Sportage with 48v mild-hybrid technology has been awarded Best Medium SUV in the Business Motoring Awards 2020.

26/03/2020

NFDA writes to Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP to outline sector's priorities

“It is crucial that franchised dealers’ workshops stay open to help the Government meet its goal of keeping freight transport on the roads operating, by ensuring that thousands of vans and smaller commercial vehicles will continue to able to be serviced and repaired”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA)

Citroën Berlingo van and dispatch win big in the 2020 Business Vans Awards

26/03/2020

Light Commercial Vehicles

Citroën Berlingo van and dispatch win big in the 2020 Business Vans Awards

Citroën has been awarded two prestigious titles in this year’s 2020 Business Vans Awards, with Berlingo Van and Dispatch winning ‘Best Small Trades Van’ and ‘Best Large Trades Van’ respectively. Citroën Berlingo Van was recognised for the second consecutive year. The judges praised both models for their impressive equipment levels, overall

Kwik Fit introduces special precautions for mobile fitting appointments

26/03/2020

General Motor Industry News

Kwik Fit introduces special precautions for mobile fitting appointments

Kwik Fit, the UK’s largest tyre retailer, is introducing social distancing measures for its mobile fleet operators as it responds to a spike in bookings.

Pothole investment will be vital to ensure the economy returns to health says IAM RoadSmart

26/03/2020

Pothole investment will be vital to ensure the economy returns to health says IAM RoadSmart

New figures from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) annual survey of councils show that 1.5 million potholes were filled in 2019/20, compared with 1.9 million in the previous 12 months. Getting all roads back into a "reasonable, steady state" would cost £11.14 billion and take 11 years.

Technical milestone in road safety: experts praise Volkswagen's Car2X technology

26/03/2020

Manufacturer News

Technical milestone in road safety: experts praise Volkswagen's Car2X technology

The new Golf can help drivers to prevent accidents, thanks to its innovative Car2X technology, allowing it to wirelessly connect with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. The Euro NCAP consortium gave special recognition to the traffic hazard alert function with the Advanced Award for ground-breaking safety features. The German automotive

Garages can stay open, Government confirms

26/03/2020

Garages can stay open, Government confirms

“Following NFDA’s communication with the Department for Transport, the Government has confirmed that garages can stay open during the Coronavirus outbreak”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.

COVID-19 response will rely on vehicle rental, says BVRLA

20/03/2020

COVID-19 response will rely on vehicle rental, says BVRLA

The BVRLA has urged policymakers to work with the vehicle rental sector in maintaining the essential movement of goods, people and services during the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

Kia to reveal all-new Sorento via Facebook livestream

20/03/2020

Kia to reveal all-new Sorento via Facebook livestream

The All-New Kia Sorento will be revealed to the public on 19 March via a Facebook livestream. The Sorento will be fully revealed online in European specification, following the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show due to the growing risks associated with the spread of COVID-19.

Hey SIRI! Are the latest vehicle infotainment systems reducing road safety more than cannabis or alcohol?

20/03/2020

Hey SIRI! Are the latest vehicle infotainment systems reducing road safety more than cannabis or alcohol?

Worrying results from a new study released today show that the latest in-vehicle infotainment systems, designed to improve road safety, are failing and impair reactions times behind the wheel more than alcohol and cannabis use.

Online emissions checker helps over 53,000 london drivers avoid fines for emissions based on new clean air zones

20/03/2020