Feb 03 2025 48 mins 3
FOLLOW UP: MERCEDES JOINS EU TARIFF LAWSUIT
Before we had even managed to publish last week’s show, Mercedes-Benz had joined the lawsuit against the EU over Chinese made EV tariffs. Click this Bloomberg article link to learn more.
US PAUSES TARIFFS ON CANADA, MEXICO AND CHINA GOODS
The US has paused imposing 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese made goods. Even though this has not gone through, the chaps explain the consequences should they come to pass, on the US car manufacturing industry, dealerships and buyers. To find out more, click this electrive article link here.
UK GOV INVESTS IN CHARGING AND MINING
The UK Government is investing £65 million in Connected Kerb, who provide on street parking charging solutions. On top of this, £28 million is being invested in Cornish Metals, who mine minerals for EV batteries, solar panels and more besides. If you wish to learn more, click this Autocar article link here.
JLR PROFITS DROP DUE TO CHANGE OF DOMINANT MARKET
JLR’s most dominant market is now the US, instead of China. With a weak pound against the dollar, the two factors have reduced the year-on-year profit for the company. Another impact was warranty costs. However, they did take in a record revenue, along with an improved profit margin. Click this Autocar article link here for more.
MOST RECALLED CARS OF 2024
Once again the annual list of shame comes out, where the car brands that were recalled the most in Europe has been published. To find out more, click this Autocar article link here.
PROPOSED ASTON MARTIN MUSEUM CANCELLED
A proposed Aston Martin museum, in Newport Pagnell, have been cancelled due to the costs of the project. The Aston Martin Heritage Trust could not find a commercial partner for the museum. If you want to learn more, click this BBC News article link here.
HALF OF YOUNG PASSENGERS KILLED IN UK WORE NO SEATBELT
The shocking statistics from the Department for Transport show that 43% of young people who are killed in vehicle incidents are not wearing a seatbelt. To read more about this horrifying data, click this ETSC article link here.
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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -
Fiat Grande Panda
Fiat has revealed the full specs and prices for the Grande Panda. It will undercut the sister car from Citroën, the eC3, with a price of £20,975. The 44kWh battery has a maximum range of 199 miles and is able to charge at up to 100kW. There is also a petrol hybrid version. Fiat is making the Panda a model range all of its own, with a new model coming out in the next two years. Click this Autocar article link for more.
BMW iX
BMW has given the iX a facelift.Cost a mere £74,400 for the entry level, but if you want a maximum of 426 miles you need to pony up £92,200. There is a range of trims, battery packs and power outputs, all to suit the wealthy buyer who needs such a car. If you want to learn more, click this Autocar article link here.
Flexis vans
Flexis, the joint venture between Renault, Volvo Trucks and the French logistics company CMA CGM, has revealed their first three electric vans. We will have to wait a few years before they appear on our streets, as the end of the decade is the expected timeline. Click this Autocar article link to read more.
Genesis ends ICE sales in UK
Genesis has announced that it will not be selling pure internal combustion engined vehicles in the UK, for the foreseeable future. To find out more, click this Autocar article link here.
Lexus removes LS from sale in UK
Lexus is removing the LS saloon from its UK line up. Whilst homologation and legislation are being blamed the fact they have sold just 39 since the start of 2020 has probably made that an easy decision. If you want to read more, click this Autocar article link here.
LUNCHTIME READ: HISTORY OF LANCASTER (FORTON) SERVICES
This week we recommend reading about one of the most iconic service stations in the UK, Lancaster (Forton), positioned on the M6 between Preston and Lancaster. Click this link to a Motorway Services Online article here, to read more.
LIST OF THE WEEK: TOP GEAR’S TOP 9 - CARS WITH DODGY WOOD TRIM
Thanks to listener Dan Hall, that sent us this list, from Top Gear and their Top 9 cars with dodgy wood trim. Oh boy, are there some crackers too! Click this link to be amazed and horrified.
AND FINALLY: A FILM THAT BROKE THE RULES
Fifty years ago the original Gone in Sixty Seconds came out and it was unlike anything previously. This article from Hagerty tells the story of the film and the man who made it happen. Click this link to read more.
