FOLLOW UP: US UK TRADE DEAL IS ACTUALLY REAL

Following our confusion, last week, on what had actually been signed, it appears that the US and UK have indeed signed an actual, real trade deal. This means that for up to 100,000 cars exported to the US, there will only be an additional 10% tariff added, instead of 25%. Click this Autocar article link here, to read more.

NO RETURN TO 30MPH LIMIT IN DENBIGHSHIRE

One county in Wales has canvassed local residents to see if any of the roads that have been changed from 30 to 20mph limit, should be changed back to the original speed. Only people outside of specific areas, travelling through, have asked for a return to the higher speed and have not been considered. As a result, no roads are going back. You can read more, by clicking this BBC News article link here.

DEALER TO PAY FOR INFOTAINMENT REPLACEMENT SHOCK

A ruling by the Motor Ombudsman has stated that a dealer must pay for the full replacement costs of a broken infotainment system as it was deemed unsatisfactory quality. This was all under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The shock is that the dealer is being held responsible and not the manufacturer, however, the contract is with the dealer and customer, not the customer and manufacturer. If you want to learn more, click this lawgistics article link, here.

NEW STELLANTIS PARTS DISTRIBUTION HUB IN THE UK

Ellesmere Port is the location of the new Stellantis parts distribution hub, which has just opened. This site will feed 19 regional parts hubs across the country and Ireland. To find out more, click this Autocar article link here.

AMAZON AND STELLANTIS SOFTWARE COLLABORATION ENDS

Stellantis and Amazon have shelved the software collaboration that was first announced in January 2022 and meant to be behind the SmartCockpit system. If you wish to learn more, click this Yahoo Finance article link here.

OLD NISSAN LEAF BATTERIES GET SECOND LIFE IN ROME

Rome Airport is using old Nissan Leaf batteries as part of a system that reduces the pull on the electrical energy network, making them more self contained. Nissan predicts the batteries will have a life of at least seven years. Click this EV Powered article to learn more.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS - VW Golf GTI Edition 50

Volkswagen are getting ahead of the game, with announcing how they will celebrate the Golf GTI’s 50th anniversary. There will be a special edition, with 321bhp, giving a 0-62mph of 5.5 seconds an a limited top speed of 168mph. There is also some fettling to the chassis and suspension set ups to help deliver improved driving dynamics. Prices are expected to start around £45,000. Click this Autocar article link, to read more.

Caterham 310 Encore

Caterham is saying goodbye to the Ford 1.6 litre engine via a 25 vehicle special run of the 310, called the Encore. There are a number of improvements to the oily bits which allow the car to get to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. Additionally there are funky colour and livery options that will mean you not miss them. Click this EVO article link to read more.

Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial

Toyota are brining a commercial version of the Land Cruiser which will mean no back seats and acres of room, plus a mighty towing capacity. You will be able to order one from 1 August 2025 and deliveries begin in September. Prices start at £52,729.17. You can find out more, by clicking this article link from The Mud Life.

Citroën DS3 and C3 stop driving order

Citroën has issues a ‘stop driving immediately’ order to owners of Mk1 DS3 and Mk2 C3 owners, for cars built between 2009 - 2019, due to potential risk from a Takata airbag misfiring, following a fatality in France. This is connected with the recall issued in December 2024 for the same issue. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: WELCOME TO PANDELLERIA

Thanks to Jim Magill for posting about the island of Pantelleria, which has the highest density of Fiat Pandas. Sitting in the Mediterranean Sea, between Tunisia and Sicily, the locals have adopted the Panda as the car to do all the things. Click this YouTube link to a Fiat video that shows you more about this marvellous place.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 19 INTERESTING FRENCH LUXURY BARGES

Autocar has provided a list of potential luxury French cars for you to select your favourite from. And this will be a tough choice. Agree with Alan and Andrew? Let us know. Click here to see the options.

AND FINALLY: SECRET STASH

We return to the topic of Porsche’s secret stash of cars, which thanks to our seeming obsession, is less secret! We are suggesting you try the following two links as Tom Ford walks around the facility discussing the various cars for Top Gear.

Click this link here, for the concept cars and prototypes.

For the road going cars, click this link here.

SUDDEN RENAULT CEO DEPARTURE

Over the weekend there was surprise from Renault Group, as Luca de Meo announced he would be leaving the company on 15 July to become CEO of French luxury group Kering. To find out more, click this Yahoo Finance article link here.

£15.6BN FOR TRANSPORT IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING REVIEW

The UK Government has announced their spending review, where £15.6 billion is being allocated for transport projects, of which £1.4 billion is for the uptake of electric vehicles. More money is set aside for other connected projects such as training and upskilling young people. Click this Motor Trader article link here to read more.

MINISTERS TO CHOOSE WHO CAN ACCESS US UK TRADE DEAL

With the US and UK having negotiated the details of the previous agreement of areas they would discuss, the proposal of 100,000 UK built cars being exported to America, annually, at an additional tariff of 10% looks set to come into force. However, who from these shores can access that is yet to be decided. Car Dealer Magazine is suggesting that Government ministers are to work that out. If you want to read more, click this article link here.

VOLVO REVEALS ADAPTIVE SEAT BELT

Volvo has shown off a new seat belt, which has been designed to react to the individual wearing it and the environment around the car. There will be a host of sensors which relay specific information to allow different tension strengths, in the event of an collision, depending on the size and weight of the occupant. On top of which there will be over-the-air updates that Volvo says it will use to improve the technology. To learn more, click this Top Gear article link here.

BELIEV TO EXPAND EV CHARGER NETWORK

Believ has announced that, thanks to public and private funding, it will expand the public EV charging network helping to try to achieve the 300,000 charger target by 2030. They will be helping on-street charging needs as well as rural areas that have been overlooked up to now. You can find out more, by clicking this EV Powered article link here.

UBER AND WAYVE TO BRING DRIVERLESS CARS TO LONDON

Uber and Wayve will be trialling a taxi service in London come the spring of 2026. Wayve claims it uses AI to pilot vehicles and only last month Uber was complaining that they could not meet the requirements to launch driverless vehicles in the UK. A reminder that AI cannot meet the requirements of safety critical software. For more on this, click here on a Top Gear article link.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS - VW Polo Edition 50

Volkswagen are celebrating the Polo’s 50th birthday with a special edition, the Edition 50. There are a host of features included in this limited run model for a price of £26,350. Click this Motoring Research article to read more.

Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition

Honda are ending the sale of the Type R in Europe and the UK due to regulatory pressures. However, they are signing it off with a limited run of the Ultimate Edition. Just 10 are coming to these shores. No news on the price but expect it to be more than the current £48,900. Click this Autocar article link for more.

Pogea Project R107

German company Pogea has shown off their Project R107, a restomod SL, and it looks fab. A showcase for the level of detail and individuality they can offer the well heeled and discerning customer. Price is very much POA, mind you. Click this Evo article link to see more.

LUNCHTIME READ: DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER

Patrick Fuller, writing in Autocar, explains the media landscape of the 1990s. This was a formative time for many of us as we got new magazines and a change in how things were done. Click this article link to take a history lesson.

LIST OF THE WEEK: WHAT DAD DROVE

Hagerty, thanks to Antony Ingram, has provided the list of the week. Here are 10 examples of what typical Dad’s used to drive. Do you agree with Alan’s choice? Let us know. Click here to see your options.

AND FINALLY: ADVENTURES IN CUP HOLDER DESIGN

The humble cup holder may seem like a simple thing to add to a car but that is not the case. You can read about how much effort goes into trying to add something that as many people as possible will be happy with, by clicking this DesignNews article link here.

NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS MAY 2025

New car registrations rose, year on year, 1.6% thanks to Fleet. BEV registrations rose to 21.8% of the market share, which is growth but still a long way off the mandated amount. The SMMT once again called on Government financial help to encourage more people to buy electric. Click this link here to read more from the SMMT.

TFL TO INCREASE LONDON CONGESTION CHARGE

From 2 January 2026, the rate of the Congestion Charge if being proposed to increase to £18 along with the exemption for zero emission vehicles (ZEV) ending. However, ZEVs will pay a reduced amount that will change over time. If you wish to learn more, click this electrive article link here. For the Autocar article, click here.

PIRELLI CAUGHT UP IN ANTI-CHINESE CONNECTIVITY RULES

The US Department of Commerce has finalised their rules on connected vehicle technology and software. They are banning any from Russia and China. This has brought Pirelli’s ‘Cyber Tyre’ technology into the crosshairs as Sinochem, a Chinese company, has 37% of shares in the manufacturer. To read more, click this Carscoops article link here.

BRAZIL SUES BYD OVER WORKER'S CONDITIONS

BYD, the Chinese EV maker, is building a plant in Brazil, but has been raided by officials who state they released 220 workers from conditions they likened to slavery. Welfare and financial restrictions were found that contravened the local laws. For more on this story, click here to read a BBC News article.

NORTH OF SCOTLAND EV CHARGING CONTRACT SIGNED

EasyGo, an EV charging network, has signed a 20 year contract to install and maintain electric charging points across the north of Scotland. On top of that they will take on the upkeep of 425 existing council charge points. Click this electrive article link here to read more.

FASTNED TO OPEN NEW CHARGING HUB IN WEST SCOTLAND

Fastned will open its fifth charging hub in Scotland, this time at Greenock, which will house four ultra-rapid chargers that can add around 100 miles to a car’s range in five minutes. If you wish to read more, click this Electric Drives article link here.

MCDONALD’S EV CHARGING PROVISION INCREASES

McDonald’s, in partnership with Instavolt, has EV charge points at 250 sites across the UK and Ireland. They do not plan on slowing down either. Fast charging for fast food. Click this Motoring Research article link here, to read more.

TFL STUDY SHOWS ROAD INJURY AND DEATH REDUCTION

A study by Transport for London (TfL) into rates of serious injury and death on roads with 20mph speed limits has shown a reduction in the numbers. This backs up what is already known about how much a maximum speed of 20mph is better for vulnerable road users, if there is an incident. To read further on this, click the ETSC article link here.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS - BYD Seal 06

BYD are bringing the PHEV version of the Seal to the UK, depending on spec it can have up to 50 miles of electric only running, according to WLTP testing. Additionally, we will get both the saloon and estate versions. Prices are yet to be revealed. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

Lotus Emira

Lotus is updating the Emira. With changes so small we feel only the most nerdy of tread shufflers will notice the difference. However, anything that improves and already impressive vehicle is a good thing. Click this Autocar article link, to read more.

Get Lost Project Safari

Get Lost, a UK start up, has taken a Lotus Elise S1 and reimagined it in a way not many would think to go. They have made a safari rally version, with raised ride height, flared arches, big knobbly tyres and spot lights on the front. We applaud the team for what they have made and would love to have a go in one. Click this Autocar article link to read more and see the fabulous machine.

LUNCHTIME READ: THE FAMILY CAR REIMAGINED (PARTS 1 & 2)

Daniel O’Callaghan, has written about the Renault 16 in two Driven to Write articles. In these he explains the history and philosophy of the car and its origin. Fascinating stuff, which we heartily recommend you check out, by clicking this link here, for Part One.

For Part Two, click this link here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: HERE’S TO THINKING DIFFERENTLY

Hagerty has provided the list we are recommending to you to check out, this week. The Top 10 designs by William Towns. There are a couple of the usual suspects, but there are also some more obscure vehicles which are very interesting in their own right. Click the list here and see if you agree with Andrew’s selection.

AND FINALLY: NEW FUEL COST ESTIMATOR

A former colleague of Alan’s, Filip Ruminski, has produced an app and API for fuel cost estimating called Journey Cost and is especially helpful for road trips. This is a lovely bit of clean design with some excellent functionality, plus some lovely little touches which help it stand out. Click this link here to read Filip’s LinkedIn post about it all.

Click this link here to go straight to the web app.

FOLLOW UP: GERMAN COURT SENTENCES DIESELGATE EXECS

Over nine and a half years after dieselgate first hit the news, a court in Germany has sentenced four ex Volkswagen Group executives for their part in the scandal. Two were given prison time, with the others being given suspended sentences. Former Group CEO, Martin Winterkorn, is still awaiting trial after several health issues. Click this article link from DW for more.

FOLLOW UP: FRANCE CANS ZFES DUE TO COMPLEXITY

French politicians voted to end low emission zones, as it was part of a wider proposal to make daily life in France more simple. Alan predicted this would be the case, as he had just bought passes for his cars. Statues are being erected in honour of the man bringing a better life to the ordinary people of France. They will know Alan Bradley’s name and they will honour it! To read more, click this Connexion article link here.

FOLLOW UP: STELLANTIS GET A NEW CEO

After months of searching, Stellantis have named the ex-Jeep boss, Antonio Filosa, as the new chief executive officer. Also announced is that the leadership team for the 14 brands of the group will be confirmed next month. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

APRIL UK CAR PRODUCTION THE WORST FOR 73 YEARS

Apart from 2020, which was hit by Covid lockdowns, April 2025 was the worst for production since 1952. SMMT suggests that the Easter date and reduced export demand is to blame. Obviously, the call went up to demand UK based incentives to encourage more to buy. Click this Autocar article link here, for more.

TOYOTA BRINGING GR COROLLA PRODUCTION TO THE UK

On more positive production news, Toyota is bringing GR Corolla production to the UK. Expected production levels are yet to be announced. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.

VOLVO CULLING MORE JOBS

Volvo has announced big cuts at it’s Swedish bases, with 2200 roles to be made redundant. On top of that, a further 800 jobs will go across the global network. If you wish to find out more, click this Autocar article link here.

VAUXHALL GETS A NEW BOSS

Steve Catlin will be returning to Vauxhall, where he started his journey in the automotive journey, via Audi, Seat, VW Group and latterly Volvo UK where he headed up the Financial Services division. To read more, click this Car Dealer article link here.

UK EV CHARGER PLANNING REQUIREMENTS REMOVED

Lillian Greenwood, the Future Roads Minister, has announced that the requirements of planning permission for private and public chargers is to be removed. The hope is that this will help speed up the installation of chargers across the country. For more on this story, click this link to an EV Powered story.

PORSCHE REMOVE CERTAIN TAYCANS FROM SALE IN THE UK

Late last week Porsche issued a bulletin to UK dealers, to remove certain second hand Taycans from sale. This is believed to be as a result of the DVSA making a request due to an issue with battery monitoring and the risk of a short circuit and ultimately a fire. Click this Car Dealer article link here to find out more.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Alpine A390

Alpine has revealed their inevitable SUV, the A390, a SUV coupe with lots of talk about being driver focused, as you would expect from the brand. They are using a tri-motor layout to give, what the company explains, is the feeling of lightness as two are at the back and one at the front. Prices are expected to start around £60,000. Click here to read more, including the specs, via an Autocar article link.

Genesis Electrified G80

Genesis will be bringing their updated and electric G80 to the UK this month. Big battery, lots of power, quick, refined and capable of up to 323 miles. On top of which, it is longer, so everyone inside will enjoy even more room. Click this Top Gear article link for more.

Fiat Grande Panda 4x4

Fiat has shown off their concept for a 4x4 Grande Panda. Harking back to the original and adding elements that one regularly sees if searching the internet, such as a roof rack, spot lights and steel wheels. Yet to be officially confirmed for production, it is expected to make showrooms at some time. Click this Autocar link for more.

LUNCHTIME READ: MARCELLO GANDINI HONOURED AT ITALY’S POLITECNICO DI TORINO

This is over a year old, but is the acceptance speech from Marcello Gandini following the award of an honourary degree. You hear about his path to designing some of the most special cars ever, who helped him, his thoughts on how to design and use of technology. A wonderful speech from a very special person. Click this Magneto link here to read.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE SMALLEST CARS EVER MADE BY EVERY MAJOR CAR MAKER

Autocar, once again, is the provider of the List of the Week, with the smallest cars from each car maker. Some you will know, some you might not due to being local market only. Do you agree with the choices made by the chaps? Do let them know. You can check out the options, by clicking this link here.

AND FINALLY: SECRET BMWS

EVO has an article on a book about the BMWs we never have seen, as they were created to help bring the models we did get to see and buy. Fascinating pictures and stories about things that have been secret up to now. Click this link to see more.

SCOTTISH JUDGES ALLOW RENAULT NISSAN CASE TO PROCEED

Following an appeal to block the case, by Nissan, the Inner House of the Court of Session has concluded that the ‘dieselgate’ class-action can proceed against the Japanese company and Renault. The claim is that the brands fitted defeat devices in their vehicles and 8,500 people are stating they suffered loss as a result. Click this article link from The Standard to read more.

GOVERNMENT PARKING APP TRIAL PROVES SUCCESSFUL

Trials, by the UK Government, have resulted in three of the largest parking payment firms agreeing to use one single app. RingGo, JustPark and PayByPhone will enable drivers to pay for parking at the sites run by them, via the National Parking Platform. If you wish to read more, click this Autocar link here.

FREIGHT HUB EV CHARGERS FOR LORRIES

Maritime Transport will have EV lorry chargers at three site by the end of the month. Tilbury, Doncaster and Wakefield are the first to enable the use of electric lorries, with a further nine following before the end of the year. To read more, click this article link here from Current News.

DISABLED DRIVERS LEFT BEHIND BY PUBLIC CHARGING NETWORK

The Public Accounts Committee, has published a report to Parliament, that highlights and criticises the public charging network roll-out’s failure of installations when it comes to disabled drivers. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

‘CHARGE UP CHANGE’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

EVA England, an organisation that states it is the voice of EV drivers to aid in policy creation. They have created an online tool that allows you to write to your local MP to help highlight issues facing the switch over to EVs. Click this MotorTrader article link here to read more.

For the link to the EVA England Charge Up Change page, click this link here.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Nissan Micra

Nissan has revealed the next generation Micra and it will be electric. This is a reworked Renault 5. Apparently it is aimed at the European market and is trying to shed the previous generation’s reputation of being for older drivers. To find out the specifications and more details, click this Autocar link here.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota has tweaked the looks of the new RAV4, making it more boxy but also improved the technology side of things. Additionally, in the UK, we will only be able to buy the PHEV version. If you want to learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

Fiat TRIS

Fiat Professional has revealed its first electric three wheel vehicle, called the TRIS. Aimed at last mile delivery work, it has a 90km range and comes in three styles - picl-up, flatbed and chassis-cabin. At first this will be sold in the Middle East and Africa. If you wish to read more, click this electrive article link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: IF YOU CARE ABOUT CAR CULTURE DON’T BE A JERK ALL THE TIME

Matt Hardigree writes about how people being idiots in cars is potentially speeding up the demise of cars as it gives more weight to those who want them banned. He also introduces a new principle that sounds good. Click this article link from The Autopian to read more.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE CARS THAT ARE CULTS

Autocar has produced a slideshow of cars that are famous for being cult classics and a couple more they think need adding to such a list in the future. Do you agree with the decisions the chaps made? Let us know. Click here to view your options.

AND FINALLY: GARAGE RENAISSANCE

Fabris Photography has created a series that is recreating the famous Renaissance paintings, using a garage and the staff as subjects. This really is a work of art, do click this link back to the site to see all the fabulous images.

FOLLOW UP: COUNCIL FORCED TO REPAY PARKING CHARGES

As the And Finally of our episode Nice Weave - 22 April 2025 we discussed the story of citizen campaigner, Zoë Bread, who uses TikTok to highlight typically fun issues but this time it was about how misleading the parking signs were on Collier Street in Manchester. She was fined and dug into the issue as she mistakenly paid at a private machine, thanks to the confusing signage. As a result of this and the attention it drew, she and others will be refunded. Click this BBC News article link here, for more.

NISSAN CUTTING MORE JOBS

Nissan is cutting up to 20,000 jobs across its global footprint, previously the number was 9,000. On top of this plants will be shut, additional to the announced proposed battery factory. Great effort is being put into making operations more efficient, particularly from engineering and the supply chain. If you wish to read more, click this electrive article link here.

Additionally, Nissan said it would be happy to integrate the Chinese state-owned Dongfeng into it’s global production capabilities. To read more, click this BBC News article link here.

EXCELLENT FINANCIAL RESULTS FROM JLR

JLR has revealed pre tax profits of £2.5 billion for the last financial year. This took place whilst sales in Jaguar cars and the Discovery dropped, showing how important the Defender and Range Rover brands are to the organisation. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar link here.

POLESTAR GROWTH IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2025

Polestar are suggesting that some of the help that has enabled them to have a 76% increase in sales and 84% in revenue is partly down to abandoning the agency sales model. If you want to find out more, click this Autocar article link, here.

HYUNDAI TO BUILD CARS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Hyundai has announced it will begin producing cars in Saudi Arabia, from late 2026. They are the second brand to be situated in the King Salman Automotive Cluster, part of the King Abdullah Economic City near Jeddah. The expectation is for them to build 50,000 cars a year. Click this Autocar article link here, for more.

CITROËN GETS A NEW BOSS

Citroën’s new CEO will be Xavier Chardon, who is currently the head of VW France. He takes over from Thierry Koskas on 2 June 2025. Before working for VW back in 2012 he was at Citroën. To read more on this, click here for the Autocar article link.

ASTON MARTIN REVEAL CAR PLAY ULTRA INTEGRATION

After announcing their new Car Play back in mid 2022, Apple has partnered with Aston Martin, bringing us the first brand to integrate into their cars. Click this Motoring Research article link here to see more.

Drew Smith has an interesting thread on Bluesky, discussing this, click here to read that.

For additional context, here is a link to a Looking Out newsletter piece by Drew with several links mentioned that add layers of nuance to it all, click here to read the first one.

To read the second piece, click this link here.

To read the third one, click this link here.

GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION FOR CAR PARK SOLAR CANOPIES

The UK Government has opened a consultation on mandating new outdoor car parks must install solar panel canopies. The scope of the consultation includes the size, type and ownership of car parks to be included. For more on this, click this Yahoo Finance article link here.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Toyota bZ4X Touring

Toyota has revealed their version of the Subaru Trailseeker, we discussed a few weeks ago. Larger than the bZ4X SUV, this is being portrayed as a electric estate. For more information, click this Autocar link here.

Volkswagen ID.3

VW are updating the ID.3. Again. A revised front end, to bring it more in line with other cars of the range and a much improved interior is promised. There is also a presumption that the powertrain and tech side of things will be improved. You ca read more, by clicking this Autocar link here.

Denza Z9 GT

Denza, a premium brand under the BYD group, is bringing the Z9 GT to the UK at some point. This is aimed at the likes of the Porsche Taycan, with looks similar to a Panamera. In China these boast astonishing power outputs, 0-62mph times and ranges but we have yet to be told more details. Click this Top Gear article link here, for more.

LUNCHTIME READ: WHY JAGUAR’S REBRAND FAILED AND WHAT IT CAN TEACH US

Whilst most of the dust has settled following Jaguar’s marketing splash to announce how they were changing as a brand, news has come out that the company is no longer using the marketing firm Accenture Song. Apparently, the contract has come to an end, naturally. Click this Creative Bloom article link to read about how marketing professionals viewed the campaign.

If you, like the chaps, were confused as to why Accenture had anything to do with marketing, click this Marketing-Interactive link, that Drew Smith shared, which helps to explain more.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE BEST FRENCH CARS EVER

Do you like French cars? Do you like the best? You are in luck then, as Autocar’s slideshow this week has the best French cars ever and some of them were even made in large numbers too! Do you agree with the choices Alan and Andrew made? Click this link here to view your options.

AND FINALLY: SEATS TOO BIG FOR AMERICA

Volkswagen are having to recall the ID.Buzz in the US, for a very strange reason, the seats are too big! We are prodding fun, a bit, but the real concern is due to their size some may thing they can seat three instead of the two that are catered for with seatbelts. To read more, click this link from The Autopian, here.

APRIL 2025 NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES

As expected, the new car registration figures for April 2025, were down following the jump in March prior to the tax changes. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) explained how there was a ten percent drop, year-on-year. However, BEV and PHEV registrations rose, but are not near the levels needed to comply with the ZEV mandate. Once again the SMMT called on the Government to assist the industry and buyers. Click this link to read more, from SMMT.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR SUNDERLAND BATTERY FACTORY

The planned factory, by AESC, in Sunderland, which will make batteries for Nissan is to receive Government funding. £350 million has been allocated, with an expectation of a thousand well paid jobs, according to the chancellor Rachel Reeves. You can find out more, by clicking this Sunderland Echo article link, here.

NISSAN CANCELLING JAPANESE BATTERY FACTORY

Nissan is not going to build the planned battery factory in Kitakyushu, Japan. This will save the company $1.1 billion, it is reported. If you wish to read more, click this Yahoo Finance article link here.

UK - INDIA TRADE AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED

Details are a bit sketchy, but the UK and Indian Governments announced that they had reached a trade agreement. One beneficiary is the car industry or at least those who produce “high end cars”, whatever they are. Until more information is more forthcoming it is difficult to confirm if it is good or not. Click this Autocar article for more.

EU TWEAKS CO2 EMISSION RULES

The EU has made changes to the rules for car manufacturers about CO2 emissions. They will now allow brands to average their fleet output over three years rather than annually. If you wish to read more click this Yahoo Finance article link here.

FOXCONN AND MITSUBISHI AGREE PRODUCTION DEAL

Foxconn has announced the first deal to develop and produce a car for a brand. Mitsubishi has agreed to allow them to bring a car to the Australian and New Zealand markets in late 2026. To read more, click this electrive article link here.

CONFUSION OVER FRENCH ZEVS

The future of French Clean Air Zones is in doubt as the country’s parliament is voting on making daily life more simple. After hearing Alan explain some of the intricacies it is easy to see why people are suggesting it is not the most straightforward thing. Click this Connexion article to read more.

VOLTA TRUCKS GOES BANKRUPT AGAIN

In late 2023 the Swedish arm of Volta Trucks went into receivership, alas now the UK and Austrian elements have followed suit. This is a sad end to what looked like a promising venture that was let down by relying on technology from a company that themselves went bankrupt. To read more, click this article link here from electrive.

If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Jeep Compass

The latest variant of the Stellantis Medium Architecture platform is the jeep Compass, a mid sized SUV with extra off-road capability over sister cars such as the Citroën Aircross and Vauxhall Grandland. A mix of powertrain offerings is topped out by an EV with a maximum range up to 404 miles. Click this Autocar link to read more.

Volvo XC70

Volvo are brining back the XC70, in the form of a range extender with an EV-only maximum capacity of 124 miles. At the moment this is only for the Chinese market, but they are not saying it won’t be sold globally. Click this Autocar link here.

Mika Mino

Mika are a company that sell a funky electric beach buggy, but have now revealed images of the Mino, an all electric quadracycle with a top speed around 56 mph and a maximum range up to 160 miles. Friend of the show, Nir Kahn, is behind the design. Click this Wallpaper article to read more.

LUNCHTIME READ: MICRO MACHINES

Top Gear go to Japan, this time to find out more about the museum dedicated to the country’s micro machines. Smaller than kei cars these fabulous creations are discussed. Do click the link here, to read more and see the wonderful pictures.

LIST OF THE WEEK: TOP 1990S COUPÉ ICONS

Sticking with last week’s selection of the decade, the chaps move onto coupés and they do not agree with each other’s choices. At all. Click this Hagerty link here, to read more and see what is being suggested.

AND FINALLY: CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK

Mark Lucas parked his electric van in a vehicle stacker car park on Rathbone Square, in London. Due to a fault in the mechanism he couldn’t get it back for over two years. Click this Autopian link to read more about this ridiculous situation.

STELLANTIS WILL NOT PUBLISH PROFIT FORECAST

Stellantis has decided not to publish their profit forecast, stating that the tariffs cause far too much uncertainty for the financial year ahead. Their financial results for the first quarter of 2025 continued to disappoint, with a 14% drop in revenue and a 9% drop in vehicle shipments. If you wish to learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

40% DROP IN PROFITS FOR VW

Volkswagen’s financial results for the first quarter of 2025 are in and are not great. They did make a profit but it is down 40% on last year, being £1.9 billion with a 1.4% rise in sales. They stated that the increased number of EVs being bought had impacted them due to the much reduced profit margin in electric vehicles. Click this Autocar article to learn more.

IMPROVED ASTON MARTIN PERFORMANCE DESPITE LOSS

Aston Martin announced a pre tax loss of £76.9 million, for the first quarter of 2025, which is significantly down from last year’s £138.8 million. Revenue was also down, 13%, to £233.9 million, showing how the cost cutting efforts were working for the company. You can learn more, by clicking this Autocar link here.

DROP IN REVENUE FOR VOLVO

Volvo too were announcing their financial results for the first quarter of 2025 and they were down. Deliveries, earnings and revue are all down. Interim CEO Håkan Samuelsson announced cost cutting measures across their global network. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.

PORSCHE IN-HOUSE BATTERY PRODUCTION PLANS CHANGE

Porsche are not going to expand their in-house battery production, as was originally planned. Instead that money will go to software and other products, as they claim the slow uptake in EVs is to blame. This all comes as they announce a further dramatic drop in China sales, down 42% for the first quarter, and an expected drop in revenue and profits for the company overall. You can learn more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

MCLAREN GETS A NEW BOSS

Following the merger of McLaren and Forseven, Michael Leiters has stepped down with immediate affect. Forseven’s boss Nick Collins, who coincidentally was named CEO of McLaren Group Holdings - the new overarching company that encompass McLaren and Forseven. Click this Autocar article link to read more.

SKODA OPENS ONLINE SHOWROOM WITH AMAZON

You will soon be able to research and peruse your next Skoda via Amazon, in the UK. On top of which you can book your test drive before visiting a Skoda showroom and buying, if you so wish, from the car company directly. If you want to learn more, click this Top Gear article link for more.

If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Citroën C5 Aircross

Citroën has shown off the new C5 Aircross, using the same Stellantis Medium platform as the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland. This will be their flagship model. Visually there are some attractive elements and the interior looks a good mix of interesting materials and finishes. There will be a multitude of powertrains, including an electric version. Prices, for the hybrid are expected around £35,000 with a rise to about £40,000 for the EV. Click this Autocar article to read more.

Renault Trafic, Estafette and Goelette electric vans

Renault has revealed actual examples of their electric vans, rather than renders. With an EV Trafic, where you can expect a lot of versatility in its configuration and use. The Estafette is a European version of the Rivian vans Amazon uses in the US, where the parcel delivery function has been thought through extensively. Finally the Goelette is a Trafic cab, with a huge list of possible combinations and types of rear body. You can read more, by clicking this article link from Professional Van.

Isuzu D-Max EV

Isuzu, at the Commercial Vehicle Show, recently showed their electric only pickup, with a really decent towing and load capacity, the same capability as the ICE version, in terms of off road ability and a range up to 163 miles. That may not sound much, to a car owner, but to the intended end user that should easily meet their needs. To find out more, click this Professional Pickup article link here.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: HOW DOES PETROL GET TO YOUR CAR

AutoShenanigins has produced an excellent video that shuld be part of the chemestry sylabus, explaining how we in the UK get petrol up to the point of putting it in our cars. Click this YouTube link to watch.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 1990S NON-GERMAN SALOONS

A shorter than what we have recently shared list, this week, but looking at the title you will understand why. What were the options, in the 1990s if you didn’t or weren’t allowed on the company car list, to have something German? Do you agree with Andrew’s choice? What would you have? Click this Hagerty link to find out more.

AND FINALLY: DRIVING AROUND THE COAST OF BRITAIN IN A LAND ROVER

Derek Hernaman took his Series 1 Land Rover, put an 80 year old caravan on the back of it, and drove around the coast of Britain. Took him a little while and he was escorted back on the last leg with 50 other Land Rovers, as he also raised £12,000 for charity. What a lovely trip to undertake. Click this BBC News article link here, for more.

FOLLOW UP: EU IS NOT BANNING CARBON FIBRE

Thanks to listener, Alexander Aucken, we now know that the EU is not banning carbon fibre. Last week the material was removed from the draft proposal after information supplied by the car industry and conflicting research which, in the end, could not show it was a hazardous material. Click this excellent piece from Michael Taylor, to learn more.

NISSAN GB GETS a new boss

James Taylor has been appointed the managing director of Nissan GB, following his departure from Vauxhall. He replaces Diana Torres, who has been in charge for the last year. You can read more, by clicking this article link from Motor Trader.

PLANS TO INCREASE DRIVING LICENSE TEST AVAILABILITY

In some parts of the UK a learner driver may have to wait up to six months to get a driving test appointments. The Government is hoping to add up to 10,000 slots per month with additional testers and reintroduction of overtime payments. There are administrative changes happening as well. To learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

CHAIRMAN WANTS TOYOTA TO BUY SUPPLIER

Akio Toyoda, the Chairman of Toyota Motor Corp., has proposed buying Toyota Industries Corp., a supplier of the car company. However, the price suggested is much higher than current market value. The deal is at the very early stage and may not come to any fruition. If you wish to learn more, click this Yahoo! Finance article here.

ARNOLD CLARK GETS A NEW BOSS

Russell Borrie is taking over the role as Chief Executive Officer for Arnold Clark Automobiles, following the departure of Eddie Hawthorne who led the company for 27 years. To read more, click this CarDealer article link here.

If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Volvo S90

Volvo has updated and refreshed the S90, which will not be coming to the UK. External touches include design cues that we have seen on the XC90 and XC60, internally there is the new touchscreen and more refinement. The EV only range of the PHEV has increased to 50 miles. Click this Autocar article to read more.

Subaru Outback

Subaru revealed the new Outback at the New York Motor Show and it is a full SUV now. With cues to the Forester from the late 90s and early 2000s, the Outback has got bigger, with a more blunt front end. Internally there are upgrades to the displays, infotainment system and a return of physical controls for climate control. Click this Carscoops article link, to read more.

Slate Truck

An EV start up, backed by Jeff Bezos, has revealed their first vehicle an all electric small pick up truck. Based in the US, the vehicle can be bought for around $20,000 with US Government incentives. A stripped back vehicle, with no touchscreen inside (you use your own phone) and wind up windows, for example. Questions remain about the business model and if the car will come to market. You can see more by clicking this EVPowered article link here.

Thanks to listener Jamie Stokes, we discuss how the UK has a need for such a vehicle.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: THE 1976 SAFARI RALLY

Thanks to the YouTube algorithm actually suggesting something worthwhile, we bring you a video that covers the Safari Rally from 1976. Be warned, Mitsubishi commissioned this therefore they do feature quite a bit, but it is a fascinating film showing how it used to be and how much of an adventure it was. Click this link here to watch for yourself.

LIST OF THE WEEK: SECRET TREASURES OF THE OFFICIAL PORSCHE VAULT

Autocar are the supplier of this week’s list, for you to peruse. See the hidden cars no one usually sees, from test mules, to prototypes, to race cars, this place has lots to check out. Click here to see what you can select your favourite from.

AND FINALLY: ROVING REPORTER AT THE NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW

Listener Matthew Tyson kindly went and found the Subaru Outback at the New York Motor Show, following Alan’s request. But he didn’t stop with just photos of that! Below are a bunch of links to some of the weird, the wonderful, the sublime and new vehicles he found whilst mooching around. Do check them out!

4Runner Surf Concept

Selection of Toyotas and predicting the future

Toyota Land Cruiser Rox Concept

Genesis Hypercar / IMSA GTP

Hyundai IONIQ 5N Pikes Peak

Dodge Charger Daytona

Fiat making an appearance

Subaru Outback Wilderness and Trailseeker

Kia WKNDR

Mustangs

Broncos

Overlanding options if your pockets are deep

Corollas

RWB Porsches

Tastefully modded Buick

Modded Batmobile

Mercedes 300SL

BMW E30s

More BMW E30s

MORE CHANGES FOR LOTUS

Geely has announced a restructuring of Lotus to bring the two companies, Lotus UK and Lotus Technology, into one entity. Lotus Technology will buy Geely’s 51% share in Lotus UK. The hope is to make the brand more sustainable and competitive in the current market. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar article here.

CARBON FIBRE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SPOTLIGHT

The EU is looking into carbon fibre, in connection with their ‘end-of-life’ rules, as it currently does not meet the requirements. Due to the energy required to make it and how it is very problematic if recycling is attempted, it is likely to be added to the banned or restricted list. This will be a problem for the car industry. Click this Top Gear article to read more.

To listen to the Bcomp Special Edition, where they explain more about what they do, click this link here.

UK MILITARY REALISES CARS CAN BE TRACKED

The latest episode of “oh gosh, new cars are full of sensors” from the UK, finds that specific bases have banned Chinese EVs from being brought onto site or near some buildings. On top of which, officials have been instructed to not discuss sensitive information whilst inside such cars. To learn more, click this article link from The i Paper.

NYBOLT RAISES INVESTMENT

Nybolt, who showed off a reworked Lotus Elise that was charged from 10-80% in under five minutes, last year has raised more money through external investment. Whilst we are all interested in the vehicle application, their core business is energy storage which has seen a jump in interest in. If you want to read more, click this Autocar article here.

CHINA CLAMPS DOWN ON DRIVER ASSISTANCE ADVERTS

Following the fatal accident involving a Xiamo SU7, which returned control to the driver just before impact, China has revised rules on driver assistance and autonomous driving technologies. Ads are banned from using “smart driving” and “autonomous driving”. OTA updates cannot be sent to existing cars without approval, public beta testing is banned, remote parking and summon features are banned and driver monitoring cannot be switched off. Click this article link from CarNewsChina for more.

If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Mercedes-Benz G-Class ‘Stronger than the 1980s’

Mercedes has revealed a special edition of the G-Class which evokes the original G Wagon of the very late 1970s and 80s. Styled with touches of the first models but with up to date technology and engines this will only cost from £152,815. To see more, including gingercators, click this Autocar article here.

Subaru Trailseeker

At the New York Motor Show, Subaru showed us all their new electric car, the Trailseeker. An electric version of the current Outlander (not the new one, that’s a whole different story!), therefore a raised up estate. With 260 miles range, a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds thanks to 375bhp. Details of when it will come to Europe and the price are yet to be revealed. Click this Autocar article to read more.

Genesis X Gran Equator Concept

Remaining with the New York Motor Show, Genesis revealed their luxury SUV concept, the X Gran Equator. A long bonneted, typically different looking SUV, with many stating how elegant it looks. If you wish to learn more, click this article link from The Autopian.

LUNCHTIME READ: PAST GLORIES

This week we bring you not one, but two article links from Driven to Write, as Daniel O’Callaghan brings us the history of attractive and desirable Fiats. As ever, there is a history lesson punctuated with some glorious photographs helping remind us all of some of the beauties that Fiat have made.

To read Part One, click this link.

Once you’ve finished that, click here for Part Two.

LIST OF THE WEEK: INTERESTING CARS FROM RÉTROMOBILE

Not content with one segment giving you two links, we have two lists for you to peruse. There is some cross over of the cars at Rétromobile 2025, as one might expect, but the cars are so glorious that we believe you will forgive us.

Click here for the first link, from Autocar.

The second link can be clicked here, from Classic & Sports Car.

AND FINALLY: USING YOUR LOAF

A woman in Manchester has taken to TikTok to get the attention of the council following receiving a fine, thanks to buying a parking ticket but from the wrong machine. Nothing unusual in that, you might be thinking, however she appears in her videos from behind a slice of bread. Click this BBC News article link to see how she has got a council to address a problem.