LOTUS CUTS MORE JOBS

Following the announcement in November last year, Lotus are cutting a further 270 jobs in the UK. The proposal is claimed to be to “enhance competitiveness”. The jobs will be lost from the Hethel production facility and not the other two sites in the UK. If you want to learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

ASTON MARTIN RESTRUCTURING FINANCES

Lance Stroll is looking to increase his stake in Aston Martin, taking it to 35%. At the same time, the company is selling shares in the F1 team, to help raise further cash. You can read more, by clicking this Yahoo! Finance article here.

STELLANTIS ENDS LEAPMOTOR PRODUCTION IN POLAND

Stellantis has suddenly and without explanation, ended production of the Leapmotor T03 in Poland. The company had already backtracked on opening a second Polish production facility, back in November 2024. If you wish to find out more, click this electrive article link here.

AMPERE GETS NEW CEO

Luca de Meo has handed over the running of Ampere to Josep Maria Recasens, who was the Chief Operations Officer. Ampere is the electric vehicle and software development spin off from Renault. de Meo was CEO of Ampere whilst being CEO of the Groupe Renault. Click this electrive article link to read more.

LUCID WINS NIKOLA FACTORY AUCTION

The bankruptcy auction of Nikola’s assets has enabled Lucid Motors to buy the production facility in Arizona. You can find out more, by clicking this TechCrunch article here.

6000 NEW PUBLIC CHARGERS FOR BRIGHTON

Char.gy and Brighton and Hove city have penned a deal that means 6,000 new public on-street chargers will be installed. Char.gy takes advantage of utilising the greenest/cheapest grid production, with different costs depending on when you charge. You can read more, by clicking this EV Powered article here.

GM AND CRUISE SUED BY INVESTORS

Investors have sued GM and Cruise, claiming that the companies overstated the capability and state of their autonomous project. The lawsuit contends that GM also asserted that the AV division was key to the financial performance of the company, with the company claiming $50 billion profits were expected by 2030. If you wish to find out more, click this GM Authority link here.

HCVA LAUNCHES CAREERS HUB

The Historic and Classics Vehicle Alliance (HCVA), has launched a careers hub that will allow for a central point that will highlight job opportunities in the industry. To learn more, click this Hagerty article link here.

For a direct link to the careers hub, click 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 - Audi A5 PHEV

Audi has revealed the specifications for their A5 PHEV, which will come with a maximum electric only range of 67 miles. The electric motor will be paired up with the 2.0 litre petrol engine, giving a combined 295bhp. The saloon prices start at £48,950, with the estate reaching £60,520. Click this Autocar article link to read more.

Isuzu Dragon Max

For the Bangkok Motor Show, Isuzu created the Dragon Max, a restomod version of their third gen TFR space cab pick up. It looks ace. More of this please. Click this Top Gear article link to see more.

Easter 2025 Jeep Safari

The annual Jeep Safari is upon us and once more we get to see some brilliant ideas from the company. Click here to see the link from CarScoops, which not only has lots of photos but videos for each of the models.

LUNCHTIME READ: 50 YEARS OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ 450 SEL

The 450 SEL 6.9 brought astonishing performance and power to the top of the Mercedes-Benz range 50 years ago. The technical challenges and solutions, though, are very impressive. Click this link, from Hagerty, to read what went into creating this famous car.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE INTERESTING, WILD AND OFTEN OBSCURE TREASURES OF THE SAAB MUSEUM

Saab, a car company we still mourn the loss of, does have a museum. Thanks to Trollhättan, Saab AB (a defence company) and the Wallenberg Memorial Trust the car collection has been kept together. Click this Autocar link to see some of the special cars that make up this special museum.

AND FINALLY: CARS HELPING PLANES

Motor Trend has an article explaining all the times cars have worked with planes, to the benefit of planes and us. Click this link here to read more.

NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES MARCH 2025

The March 2025 new car registration figures have been revealed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). They show an increase that you have to go back to 2019, to find bettered. Electric vehicles, unsurprisingly, increased as buyers tried to avoid the new VED and luxury car tax. Private, on the one hand, had a surprising jump but then not when thinking about the tax changes. This is expected to be a bit of a one off month, with the numbers next month being a lot lower. Click this link to read more, from SMMT’s own article.

UK GOVERNMENT TINKERS WITH ZEV

The UK Government has announced changes to the requirements of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate. These add up to tinkering. Finally, we get a decision on hybrid vehicles post 2030, where they will still be sold. Small manufacturers will be exempt from the requirements. All OEMs will be given more flexibility in achieving the required target rates, with the CO2 credit transfer system remaining in place until 2029. In reality though, as we continue to be in a cost of living crisis and vehicles are too expensive, trying to mandate a market will remain difficult. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

CAR BRANDS AND TRADE BODY FINED BY CMA

Ten car companies and the SMMT have been fined by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for agreeing to not compete with each other when advertising the amount of recycling that could be achieved with their cars. Additionally, the second charge was for anticompetitive practices when it came to recycling end of life vehicles. Following an admission to this, they are to pay £77 million in fines. In Europe a similar investigation has found 15 brands guilty and they will pay £382.7 million, as a consequence. To find out more, click this Autocar link here.

MCLAREN MERGES WITH FORSEVEN TO SECURE FUTURE

McLaren has merged with Forseven, to create McLaren Group Holdings, thereby securing its immediate future. Both entities are owned by CYVN Holdings, which is the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund. Forseven has a raft of vehicles almost ready for production but needed a badge to stick on them. Click the EVO article link here to read more.

RENAULT AND NISSAN RESET PARTNERSHIP

Renault and Nissan have renegotiated their partnership, following a few tumultuous years. Nissan will no longer contribute to the Ampere project, will rebadge the Twingo city car vehicle and have sold their joint-venture stake in India to Renault. If you would like to learn more, click this electrive 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 - Nissan Micra

Nissan has revealed the first images of the new Micra, which is a rebadged Renault 5 EV. Once again the company revealed no details or specifications. This caused the chaps to discuss the Leaf and ask why it was coming back. Click this Autocar article link to learn more about the Micra.

Longbow Speedster and Roadster

Longbow is a UK EV sports car start up that showed off their images of how they envisage their coupe and roofless lightweight EV sports cars will look. Without the context of technical specifications we are promised rapid 0-62mph times, as well as a range that is surprisingly long considering the aimed weight of the car. Will it ever be made, we doubt it, but if it is, that would be cool. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

New New Van News: Mercedes-Benz eVito

Mercedes has almost doubled the range of the eVito, which will boast a maximum of 298 miles, beating all the competition on that metric. Will be very interesting to see what the real world figures are, when used by customers, and what the price will be. Click this Top Gear article link to find out more.

LUNCHTIME READ AND WATCH: 50 YEARS AGO GM BUILT THE MOTORHOME OF THE FUTURE

Gm created the GM Motorhome and it was groundbreaking at the time, whilst still innovative today. You can read more by clicking this article link, from The Autopian, here.

To watch the restoration project, as Alan recommended, click this YouTube link here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 30 SHOW STOPPING CLASSIC CARS FROM RÉTROMOBILE 2025

We are bringing you a list, that we are confident you will struggle to pick just one car from. We did! Click the Classic & Sports Car link here, to see what options you have.

AND FINALLY: ADDING A STICKER TO SAVE A RECALL

Think of this as a bonus Lunchtime Read as The Autopian recounts the story of Ford saving themselves the largest recall in history, by sending a sticker to customers. Click this link here, to find out more.

FOLLOW UP: SUNDERLAND NISSAN FUTURE SECURE

François Bailly, who is head of planning for Nissan, in Europe, has stated that the Sunderland plant’s future is “very safe” as they reveal images of the next Leaf and Juke EVs to be built there. However, the Qashqai EV is being delayed for market uncertainty reasons. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.

US TO IMPOSE 25% TARIFFS ON IMPORTED CARS AND PARTS

President Trump has announced tariffs on imported cars and parts, of 25%. This will increase the price of cars, to US consumers. This will also hit US based manufacturers, when the market is already struggling. Click this Autocar article to read more about the implications.

Sam Lowe, who writes about EU and UK trade policy, has looked into the announcement and has explained some of the nuance that might be lost in the mainstream coverage. Click here to read his Substack post.

Meanwhile, the UK Government is in “intense” negotiations with the US over these moves, hoping to avoid being hit. To read more, click this Autocar article link.

UK SPRING STATEMENT REACTION

The car industry has reacted to the UK Government’s spring statement, and it is not happy. Seemingly, when the leaks made it clear they were going to remove benefits from those most in need, some in automotive land thought that there would be financial incentives for wealthy private buyers to get new shiny cars or for incoming taxes to be postponed. If you wish to read more, click this article link from Motor Trader.

UK VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY CHANGES COME INTO FORCE

The UK Government’s changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) came into affect on 1 April 2025. There is an inflationary increase to all levels, but additionally some cars previously exempt from VED as well as the Expensive Car Supplement, will now be covered. This includes electric cars and those first registered back in 2017. On top of all that there are changes to the van excise duty and pick ups. To find out more, click this article link from Ayvens, which explains all the issues well.

JIM ROWAN LEAVES VOLVO

Jim Rowan, the Volvo CEO for the last three years after moving from Dyson, has left the company with immediate effect. His replacement is the former CEO, Håkan Samuelsson, on a two year interim basis. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar link here.

WAYNE GRIFFITHS LEAVES SEAT AND CUPRA

More changes to the heads of brands, this time, the surprise announcement that Wayne Griffiths is leaving the Seat and Cupra brands. He has managed to keep Seat relevant, in the face of the VW Group’s inability to work out what to do with it, and brought Cupra from nothing into a rapidly expanding brand. To find out more, click this Autocar article link here.

INSTAVOLT OPENS NEW CHARGING HUB

Instavolt has opened a new charging hub, near Winchester, not far from junction 9 of the M3. This is their largest site to date as well as being powered completley by 100% renewable energy. They use a mix of solar, renewable grid energy and battery storage. You can find out more, by clicking this EV Powered 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 - Nissan Leaf

Nissan has revealed the first images of the new Leaf, which has morphed into a SUV. There are no technical details yet, but the company claims it will have 372 miles or real world range. The full launch is later this year. Click this link to read more, from Autocar.

Smart #5

Smart has shown off their largest car to date, the #5. According to Autocar the dimensions mean it is a similar size to the Peugeot 5008 SUV. Using the same underpinnings of the #1 and #3, it will have a 800V architecture.Range is expected to a maximum of 366 miles and prices are predicted to start around £40,000 when deliveries begin in October. Click this link to read more.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Aston Martin has revealed the Vanquish Volante, a 214mph V12 soft top. Coming with 824bhp the convertible is 95kgs heavier thanks to stiffening of the chassis and suspension, as well as the folding roof mechanism. Prices have not been announced but it is expected to be a smidgen more than the coupé version, which starts at £334,000. If you wish to read more, click this Autocar article link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: AUTOMAKERS ARE BEGINNING TO REALISE YOU’RE FED UP WITH OVERCOMPLICATED CAR TECH

The Autopian bring us all a sliver of hope that car makers are waking up to the fact that most of us do not like in-car tech they are foisting on us. Interestingly, this is thanks to reviewing a RAM heavy duty pick up. Click this link here to read more.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE BEST CARS OF THE 1990S

Once again we invite you, via a list, to wallow in nostalgia and escape the grim reality of life, at the moment. Again we visit the 1990s, with Autocar offering many options from which to pick. Do you agree with Andrew and Alan’s choices? Click here to see what you can find.

AND FINALLY: WHERE UTILITARIAN IS COOL

Again, we link to an Autocar article for this recommendation, a visit to the Mercedes Unimog museum. Have a look at the many and varied tasks these cool machines have and continue to help with. Click the link here for the fun!

FOLLOW UP: RECALL FAILURE HIGHLIGHTED

Auto Data Solutions (ADS), data analysts, have reported on their Freedom of Information request regarding how many cars and vans have been repaired following manufacturer recalls. Between 2018 and 2023 announced recalls, 3.2 million vehicles are still to be fixed. ADS suspects the number is actually higher. Click this Motor Trade News article link for more.

COUNCILS TOLD TO REPORT POTHOLE REPAIRS

The UK Government has stated that, from 30 June 2025, local councils must report back to them the number of potholes they have repaired in order to continue to receive highways funding. To read more, click this article from Autocar.

EMPLOYEE CAR OWNERSHIP SCHEME TO END

The UK Government is expected to close what it believes is a loophole, with ending the Employee Car Ownership Scheme (ECOS). This allows the employee of a manufacturer or dealership to buy a brand new car at a large discount, pay very little to no interest and hand it back after six months, whilst getting another. As the employee “buys” the car it isn’t covered by benefit-in-kind requirements. To read more and find out the impact this might have, click this Autocar article link here.

BYD HAS NO UK FACTORY PLANS

BYD has made it clear that it will not open a factory in the UK, due to what it says are the limitations of the manufacturing base, including a lack of workers. They will be building a factory in Hungary though. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

AUDI TO CUT 7,500 JOBS TO SAVE CASH

Audi is the latest OEM to announce a huge cost cutting initiative that will include the loss of jobs. To save $1 billion a year, they will cut 7,500 jobs by 2029. Click this Autocar article link, to read more.

ARNOLD CLARK EXPANDING CHARGING NETWORK

Arnold Clark has announced they are investing a further £30 million to expand their rapid EV charging network by doubling in size. Following their original announcement, nearly two years ago, they have installed 240 charge points to date. To learn more, click this electrive 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 - Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Renault has shown off their electric hyper hatch. The 5 Turbo 3E is due to arrive in 2027 and will have 533bhp. Only 1980 examples will be built, which is the year the original 5 Turbo came out. Maximum range is expected to be around 250 miles however, it is not clear how much this is reduced by enthusiastic driving. No price has been announced. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

Renault 5 E-Tech Roland-Garros

Renault also gave us information on a much more attainable model, the Roland-Garros. With a max range up to 252 miles, it comes with a 52kWh battery pack and a 150bhp electric motor. There will be a variety of design touches to highlight the connection with the French Open tennis championship. Prices start at £29, 995. Click this Motoring Research article to read more.

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota has updated the technology and looks of the bZ4X, their first full EV. The looks are now in line with the rest of the range, whilst the tech upgrades should mean for a better ownership experience. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: CARS THAT MADE THE 90S

Join us on a trip down memory lane, if you are old enough as we recommend watching a video about what made the cars from the 1990s so special. Click this Influx YouTube link to watch.

LIST OF THE WEEK: TOP 10 ROAD GOING RALLY CARS

Continuing, well -ish, the theme from the previous recommendation, we have a list from Hagerty of their selection of the best road going rally cars. Do you agree with Alan’s choice? If not, what would you have picked, let us know. Click this link here to view your options.

AND FINALLY: DRINKING GAME RETURNS HARD

To those that play along with the Motoring Podcast’s drinking game, this is going to be one item that may well send you blind. In the 1970s and 80s, Toyota brochures in France actually came with a record that could play in the brochure and explain things to prospective owners. Click this link to read more from the Autopian and we can all be happy for Alan.

FOLLOW UP: NISSAN LEADERSHIP CHANGES

The turmoil at Nissan continues, as CEO Makoto Uchida announces he will resign and Ivan Espinosa, the chief planning officer, will step up into the vacated role. That is the fourth CEO in six years. Click this AMOnline article link to read more.

FORD INJECTS $4.8 BILLION INTO EUROPEAN OPERATIONS

Ford has been forced to help the European division, a separate company, by investing up to $4.8 billion, as debts reach $5.8 billion. Unions are very fearful that the company will go bankrupt. If you wish to learn more, click this Reuters article link here.

FIAT UK MAKE MANAGEMENT CHANGES

Ah, the carousel that is Stellantis management positions, in the UK. This time Fiat are making changes, with a new head of sales and a new head of marketing. Neil Heilbron will be heading up the sales function and Victoria Hatfield in charge of marketing. You can read more, by clicking this AMOnline article link here.

MIDLANDS CHARGER NETWORK TO EXPAND BY 16,000

13 local authorities have been allocated up to £40 million, via a Government grant, to install a further 16,000 charge points across the Midlands region. Apparently, this more than doubles the provision. To find out more, click this EV Powered link here.

MOTO INSTALLING 300 HGV CHARGERS

Moto, the motorway service station operators has announced that they will be installing 300 eHGV charge points across the UK in the next five years. Click this EV Powered article link here, for more.

M56 TO GET NEW SERVICE STATION

The M56, near Tatton, will get a new service station in the mould of the one at Tebay, following approval of the planning permission. There will be a farm shop, 100 bed hotel and the usual provisions one would expect. If you wish to learn more, click this Manchester Evening News 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 - Mercedes CLA

Mercedes has taken the wraps off the new CLA, a four door saloon, which will come in electric and hybrid forms. The EV has a claimed maximum range of up to 495 miles, with Mercedes making the further claim that it will do 421 if driven just on the motorway. Hybrids are supposed to give us diesel like mpg figures. Click this Autocar article link to learn more.

Toyota C-HR+

Toyota has revealed the C-HR+, an electric SUV that sits below the bZ4X in the range, but hoped to be a huge seller for them. With a maximum claimed range of 373 miles and a price which is expected to start from around £38,000 it will be up against the likes of the Volvo EC30, BMW iX2 and Mini Countryman. Click this Autocar story link for more.

Morgan Supersport

Morgan has unveiled the Supersport, their most advanced car to date with a host of engineering and design work to make a modern car which is still linked to their heritage. Price is starting from just over £100,000. To read more, including an interview with the head of design, Jonathan Wells, click this Autocar link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: FRANCE’S MANOIR DE L’AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM IS MIND BLOWING

Hagerty provide the link to this week’s recommended reading, with an article about the Manoir de l’Automobile museum. A stunning example of how and what to house for the visitor’s pleasure. Click this link here to read more and maybe add to your trip agenda.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 30 CARS THAT ARE 50 IN 2025

A couple weeks ago, we helped to make you feel old with a list of cars that in no way many could be 25 years old. Well, thanks to Classic & Sports Car we have doubled the age. 50 year old cars are on the menu, which some are more believable but still. Click this link to see what options there are.

AND FINALLY: TEMPORARY DELAY

Auto Shenanigans has visited the longest running temporary traffic lights in England. They’ve only been in place for 10 years. Click this YouTube link to see more.

NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS FEBRUARY 2025

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has published the latest new car registration figures. Once again it is not great news overall, with a 1.0% decrease. However, BEVs are up 42% year-on-year but this is just 6253 extra electric cars. For the first time since October 2023 Private rose, but only marginally as Fleet decreased but is still doing all the heavy lifting. Interestingly Tesla registrations rose 21%. To read more, click this link to SMMT’s post.

MOTABILITY POSTS BIG LOSSES FOR 2024

Motability, the UK’s biggest fleet operator, that supplies cars to those who qualify for disability payments, posted a loss of more than £565 million for 2024. This is a huge drop from 2023, when they had profits of £748 million as well as a rise in revenue of 24%. Blame is being put on insurance, servicing and new car costs rising dramatically, with the additional penalty of depreciation being more than expected. If you want to find out more, click this Autocar article here.

EU TO CHANGE CO2 AIMS AND PUSH FOR FANTASY TECH

The EU has announced the Automotive Action Plan. In their industrial strategy they will be targeting aspects to help the industry on the continent. CO2 targets are due to be relaxed, a push on charging infrastructure, incentives to buy EVs, help with battery raw materials and autonomous driving technology. Click this electrive article link here, to read more.

KIA MANAGEMENT PLAYS MUSICAL CHAIRS

Kia UK is the latest company to play managerial musical chairs, with the head of sales and head of marketing swapping offices. You can read more, by clicking this AMOnline article link here.

SELF DRIVING CARS CANNOT BE MADE TO WORK

An article in The Register, covering how academics are able to fool self driving car technology by adding simple stickers to road signs. In the piece they actually make it clear that the current development process will never work. Click this link to read it and understand the issue.

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 ES90

Volvo has unveiled their flagship electric saloon. Using a lot of the same stuff as the EX90 SUV, except 800V architecture instead of 400V. Prices are expected to start around £70,000 and run up to £90,000 for the top of the range Ultra spec. Two battery packs are available which give a variety of performances depending on configuration. Range of the smallest set up is expected to be a maximum of around 400 miles. Click this Autocar article to read more.

Volkswagen ID.Every1

Volkswagen has shown off the concept for their small, affordable electric car. Called the ID.Every1, the claim is the production car will look very much like this. Expected to have a maximum range of around 155 miles, costing around €20,000. The design is reminiscent of the Up! and is very simple, as cost is a key factor for VW with this car. You can read more, by clicking this Top Gear article here.

Volkswagen reintroducing buttons

Not only do VW treat us to a cute affordable car but also deciding we can have buttons again, for key controls. Volkswagen are saying this is due to customer feedback, hoping we all forget EuroNCAP are changing their scoring to ensure we do not have only touch screen interfaces. Click this Autocar article to read more.

UK Car of the Year 2025 - Kia EV3

Kia has won the overall UK Car of the Year award with their EV3, following in the footsteps or should that be tyre treads, of last year when the EV9 won. As a reminder, Andrew is one of the 30-odd judges for these awards. Click this link here to read more from the UK Car of the Year awards site.

LUNCHTIME READ: JAG MAN MUST DIE

As the dust has settled a bit, after the reveal of New Jaguar, we are sharing an article from Esquire, that discusses how the brand decided to move on from its past and the aims it has for the future. Whether they are successful, only time will tell. To read more, click here for the link.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 22 CARS POWERED BY BRITISH V8 ENGINES

Classic & Sports Car provide, once more, the list of cars for you to select from. This time, which is the one with a British V8 you’d like to have the most. Click here to see more.

AND FINALLY: RUSTIVAL 2025

Hubnut, has announced Rustival is returning in 2025. The date is 30 August and it will be located at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon. Click here to see more and sort your tickets.

To wet your appetite, here are the host’s reviews of Rustival 2, from last year.

Click Hubnut’s video link here.

To see Steph from I Drive A Classic, click here.

And for Furious Driving’s take on the last show, click here.

FOLLOW UP: A CORRECTION

Last week, during the discussion on the Kia PV5 Andrew moved onto a matter that was tangentially related as it concerned the coverage of the Government announcing the extension of the plug-in grant for electric vans.

However, in how he moved to that and the editing after, Andrew inadvertently gave the impression he was attacking the Professional Van outlet and their writers. That was not the intention and we apologise for how that segment came out. It has been removed.

ASTON MARTIN CUTS JOBS IN COST SAVINGS PUSH

Aston Martin has cut 170 jobs as it looks to cut costs following a disappointing 2023. Hit by supply chain issues production was down and therefore so were deliveries to customers. The company is aiming for £25 million savings annually. To read more, click this link to a BBC News article.

STELLANTIS PROFITS FALL 70%

Stellantis has released information on their 2024 performance and it is bad. Net profits fell 70% on those of 2023. With an operating income down 80% for just the US market alone. Whilst in Europe it fell 63%. Much of the blame is put on an ageing line up, with much of the hope resting on the new cars coming out. If you wish to read more, click this AMOnline article link here.

NISSAN CANCELS NIGHT SHIFT AT SUNDERLAND PLANT

Nissan has announced that it is cancelling one of the night shifts at the Sunderland plant, as it looks to save costs globally. Click this BBC News article link here, for more.

SKODA TO SLASH WORKFORCE BY 15%

Skoda is the latest brand to announce it is reducing it’s workforce. 15% of the 41,000 employed positions will go through natural fluctuations, the company stated. For more information on this, click the link here for a Yahoo!Finance article.

PORSCHE REPLACES BOARD MEMBERS

Porsche has decided the fault of increased costs and sales falling, is due to the chief financial and the marketing and sales directors. They have been now replaced, with Jochen Breckner now in charge of finance and IT, whilst Matthias Becker will be heading up sales and marketing. To read more on this, click the Autocar link here.

ITALIAN REGULATORS INVESTIGATE MISLEADING EV INFORMATION

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) and the Italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza) are investigating BYD, Stellantis, Tesla and the VW Group over claims of misleading information regarding their electric vehicles. Driving range, battery degradation and warranty information are all being questioned. If you want to learn more, click this CarScoops article link here.

LIVERPOOL TO GET 58 ELECTRIC DOUBLE DECKERS

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has ordered 58 electric double deckers, from Alexander Dennis.The Department for Transport’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas fund (ZEBRA 2) is partially helping to fund the purchase. Click this electrive article link here to read 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 - Kia EV2

Kia, at the EV event in Spain, previewed the next electric car due to come out after the EV4, the EV2. This is around the same size as the Renault 4 and 5, as well as Vauxhall Corsa, but will be a SUV. Once again, details are scant from the Korean company, yet the price is expected to be around €30,000. To find out more, click this Autocar article link here.

Kia EV4

After last week’s tease, Kia filled in the gaps with details emerging at the same Spanish event as previously mentioned. Prices are expected to start at €37,000 and the maximum range will be 391 miles. There will be a variety of battery packs and thus capabilities, which differ between the saloon and hatchback. Click this Autocar article link to learn more.

Kia PV5

Again, at the same event mentioned, Kia detailed the specifications and performance of their first foray into electric commercial vehicles. Cargo wise, it should be able to swallow two Euro pallets, however, weight is limited to a maximum of 850kgs for the load. To find out more information, do click this link to a Professional Van article.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: ASTON MARTIN’S NEW CEO PLANS TO BE THE FIRST TO MAKE IT SUSTAINABLY PROFITABLE

Our recommendation this week is a fascinating interview with Adrian Hallmark, the CEO of Aston Martin. He explains why he took the job and the belief in the mission. This appears to be quite an honest interview too, with his passion and ideas coming across. Time will tell if he is successful, but it seems, from this distance, the best plan the company has had for decades. Click this link to read more from the Robb Report.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 25 CARS THAT ARE 25 IN 2025

Classic & Sports Car provide our recommended list for you, this week. You may not like it though, as there is a very good chance at making you feel old. Do you agree with the chap’s selections? Let us know your pick. Click here to view what options you have.

AND FINALLY: BMW’S PAST

BMW has created an online museum for their past models. What an amazing thing it is too. So much information and easy to navigate. Click this link to their website and say goodbye to many hours!

FOLLOW UP: DAZZLING HEADLIGHT RESEARCH RESULTS

The College of Optometrists, working with the RAC, has conducted research into if headlight dazzle is a problem. The results from the first research suggest there is, particularly for under 35s and those not in SUVs. If you wish to find out more, click this article link from the College here.

FOLLOW UP: AUTOPIAN THINKS APPLE SHOULD BUY NISSAN

Matt Hardigree makes the case, in The Autopian, as to why Apple should buy Nissan. He does however admit that he’s not using logic. Click this link to read more, if you so wish.

RENAULT SHARES BATTERY SUPPRESSION SYSTEM WITH INDUSTRY

Renault has developed a system to allow for EV and hybrid battery fires to be put out quicker than is currently possible. An access port has been added to the battery pack which will be opened by the pressure of a fire hose, enabling water to get directly into the battery cells and cover them with water. Renault has named this the Fireman Access system and is sharing it with the entire car industry. To read more on this excellent move by Renault, click this Autocar article here.

BMW PAUSES INVESTMENT IN OXFORD EV PLANT

BMW has paused the planned £600 million investment in the Mini Oxford plant that would enable EVs to be made there. They have cited “multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry" and not taken up a £60 million grant from the UK Government, as a result. If you want to read more, click this BBC News article link here.

BRAKE DUST PARTICULATE TOXICITY

Research from the University of Southampton has suggested that brake dust particulates, when the brakes have copper as part of their construction, is more damaging than diesel vehicle emissions. Removing copper from the brakes drops this. Click this Top Gear article link to read more.

FAKE SPEAKERS IN SOME CHINESE VOLVOS

Customers in China have discovered that some of them have fake Bowers and Wilkins speakers fitted, as the displayed names are Bowers and VVilkins. Not only that but the drive selector is not as advertised by Volvo. This is embarrassing, to say the least. To find out more, click this Ars Technica article link here.

TESLA AUTOPILOT RULED DEFECTIVE IN GERMANY

A German court has agreed with a Tesla owner and ruled that the company’s Autopilot was defective, due to phantom braking issues. Either the owner is to be fully compensated or have their Model 3 replaced with a car that has non defective Autopilot. You can read further on this, by clicking the link here to a CarScoops article.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Kia EV4

Kia has revealed the Cupra Born, VW ID.3 rival the EV4. Coming in both hatchback and saloon shape but not fastback which is destined for other markets. Details on powertrain and battery options are yet to be revealed, but the expectation is 58kW or 81kW battery packs and front or four-wheel drive. Range should therefore be around the 350 miles maximum. The car will be launched later this year. Click this Autocar article link for more.

Kia PV5

The first of Kia’s commercial vehicles has been revealed, the PV5. Details, as with the EV4, are yet to be revealed however it will initially come as a panel van, called the Cargo Van and passenger vehicle, named the Passenger Van. You can find out more by clicking this Professional Van article link here.

Peugeot 504 Break

Peugeot’s in-house design team have reimagined the classic 504 and produced there distinct versions. One being inspired by Pikes Peaks hillclimb. A second drift capable version. Finally, a homage to the French rap group 113 who drove one onto stage at the French music awards in 2000. To see more, click this Wallpaper article link here.

Mazda 2 axed

Mazda is cutting the ICE and mild hybrid versions of the 2 from its range in the UK. You can still buy a rebadged Toyota Yaris Hybrid, called the Mazda 2 Hybrid. Click this Autocar article to read more.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: FROM CANADA TO ARGENTINA

Follow a young couple as they modify a Toyota Chinook and drive from Canada to Argentina. We love an adventure and this video shows some of the experiences they shared in taking such a fabulous journey. Thanks in large part to a car. Click this YouTube link to watch.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 25 OF RENAULT’S GREATEST PERFORMANCE HITS

Autocar give us 25 options for your favourite fast Renault. Do you agree with the choices? What would you pick? Do let us know. Click here to see what you can select from.

AND FINALLY: MOTORING ART - OLGUN KORDAL

Classic & Sports Car interview Olgun Kordal about his work and use of vivid and bold coloured backgrounds in his images. There are a stunning set of pictures to view, which you can by clicking this link here.

FOLLOW UP: COURTS REFUSE GOVERNMENT REQUEST

The UK’s Supreme Court has blocked the Government’s attempt to reduce the compensation due to those sold finance for their car purchase. The fear was it would stop or reduce car loan availability. We now wait until April to find out the final ruling. Click this BBC News article to read more.

ASTON MARTIN GIVEN DEADLINE TO BE FIXED

Adrian Hallmark, the new CEO of Aston Martin, has outlined that the company must be “going in the right direction’, in terms of towards profitability in the next 12-18 months. Aston will not be following a volume model, but one where they maximise the profitability from each vehicle. If you wish to learn more, click this CarScoops link here.

For the more bizarre ideas from Aston Martin, you can click this Top Gear article link to read further.

NISSAN CANNOT GUARANTEE SUNDERLAND FUTURE

As the fall out of the collapsed merger continues to rain down, one step Nissan is taking is to continue it’s global cost saving exercise. Unfortunately, that means the Sunderland facility is under threat as three international plants are earmarked for closure. This is a step up on November’s original announcement, where only job losses were thought to be enough. If you want to learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

PORSCHE TO REDUCE WORKFORCE

Another car company not immune from the issues of the industry, Porsche has announced that it will be reducing the workforce by around 1900 staff. The expectation is this will be achieved by natural retirement and turnover. Some reports suggest 1500 positions will also go for temporary staff. This is the latest in a number of announcements from Porsche that show just how badly hit they are. Click this electrive article link to learn more.

NEW UK CAR PARK GUIDANCE ANNOUNCED

On Monday 17 February new guidance came into affect, from the new organisation, the Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel (PPSAP). They have brought in a rule that offers greater protection to those struggling to pay upon arrival at a car park, if they are privately run and use ANPR or CCTV to enforce and monitor parking. To read more on this, click here for an article link from Motoring Research.

CONIGITAL GOES INTO LIQUIDATION

Conigital, once heralded as beacon in the UK autonomous vehicle world has called in a liquidator as it voluntarily folds. This is after the company claimed to have raised £500 million from a private equity group. However, the UK Tech News outlet was suspicious of this and published an article back in June 2024 questioning the validity of this claim. Click this article link to read about that. Then, click here, to read about the latest situation.

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 - Subaru Forester

Subaru has released the details of the new Forester which is coming to the UK, from late Spring 2025. Revised looks, both inside and out, with power coming from a mild hybrid powertrain combined with their 2.0 litre boxer four petrol engine. Prices start at £38,995 for the entry level Limited model, rising, for the range-topping Touring version to£42,995. Click this link to read more from PistonHeads.

Modena MA-01

A restomod that isn’t a butchers 911, well knock us down with a feather. Instead, Modena has decided to bring their interpretation of the Maserati Biturbo and Shamal. This is a very good thing. Okay then, so it is a touch pricey at around £500,000 but that does include the donor car! Click this Evo link here to see these lovely looking cars.

Renault 5 GTL

A classic Renault 5 GTL has been converted to electric power, giving a range of 50 miles, and updating of some aspects of the vehicle. There is a retro styled digital dash, which came from a company using ‘software code-free approach’ and no, we don’t know what that means either. Not that we care, in this case, as it looks very cool. Click this Top Gear article link to see more.

LUNCHTIME READ: SKYLINE OR SIMILAR

Antony Ingram went to Japan recently-ish and he chose to hire cars to help him get around. What a brilliant idea! He has written up his experience for Hagerty and click this link to read more. Fabulous.

LIST OF THE WEEK: CARS THAT ENDED PRODUCTION IN 2024

As there has been too much nice stuff in the second half of the show, here is a list thanks to Evo, which has all the cars that went out of production in 2024. Do you agree with the choice of what will be missed the most? Click the link here to see what options there are.

AND FINALLY: YOU WILL NEED YOUR BIG COAT

Top Gear went to the wonderful F.A.T. Ice Race, at Zell am See and they took a lot of gorgeous photos. Click this link, which will bring a smile to your face, which is the whole point of the And Finally section.

FOLLOW UP: NISSAN HONDA DEAL OVER ALREADY

Before it even really got going, it appears Nissan are to walk away from the deal as Honda are accused of changing the agreement, with a proposal that made Nissan a subsidiary and not equal partner. When you look at the market evaluations of them, you can see why Honda may suggest they are the bigger company. Click this Autocar article link here to read more.

FOLLOW UP: VAUXHALL LUTON TO SHUT BY JUNE 2025

Stellantis has confirmed that the Vauxhall Luton plant will close by June this year. The announcement of the closure came in November 2024, with this one now being the specific date. Ellesmere Port will continue to operate. For more on this story, click this Autocar article link here.

JANUARY 2025 NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES

The Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders has revealed the new car registration figures for January 2025. They are down over all, but BEVs are at 21% market share. Unfortunately, Private is still down with Fleet doing all the heavy lifting. Many “commentators” have tried to tie in Tesla’s drop to the CEO’s actions in the US, but this is not the case due to the length of time it takes to get a delivery from order, especially if specific options are wanted. Click this SMMT article link to read more on the state of the market.

STELLANTIS RESHUFFLE CONTINUES

Linda Jackson, the CEO of Peugeot, will retire as the reshuffling of Stellantis management continues, following the departure of the previous CEO. To read more, including other moves, click this Autocar article link here.

MOT CHANGES WORRY INDUSTRY

A new change expected to MOTs, where any recalls that have not been completed must be noted as either an advisory or fail, is worrying the industry. The fear is this could overwhelm workshops as there is an estimated 5 million vehicles on the road with recall work to be performed on. If you wish to find out more, click this AMOnline article link here.

BID TO STOP GHOST MOTS

The DVSA is taking the next step in using photographic evidence, in a bid to prevent ghost MOTs. These are where a workshop gives an MOT without even seeing the car. Following an initial trial they are now working on honing the process of confirming the car is in the garage and being inspected. Click this article link from the UK Government.

ELECTRIC VAN MOT PROBLEM

Fleet operators are asking for an approved deferral for electric van MOTs as they need to be handled at a commercial vehicle testing station due to their weight. As they fall into the heavy goods vehicle category, they must be tested at one year. However, the Association of Fleet Operators seems to think that the rules need not apply because they’re electric, as somehow physics doesn’t apply when its an EV. Click this Motoring Research article link for more.

UK GOVERNMENT FINDS CARS SEND LOTS OF DATA

According to reports in the media, the UK Government has warned some employees to be careful when inside their or Government issued cars as what is said could be sent to a foreign Government. Of particular concern are Chinese vehicles. They will be really shocked when they learn what all modern cars can do. To read more, click this electrive article link here.

SNAKE PASS UNDER THREAT

Derbyshire County Council has called on the Government for help in maintaining the Snake Pass. The threat is that they will not be able to afford to repair the route, which is seeing an increasing number of landslides and damage. You can find out more, by clicking this BBC News 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 - Arctic Trucks’s Land Cruiser 250

Arctic Truck has sprinkled their magic on the new Land Cruiser. They have raised and widened the vehicle, added chunky tyres and a wide body kit. These will be available later in 2025. To see more, click this Hagerty article link here.

Audi naming change. Again.

Audi has, once again, changed how it will name its models. No longer will the the odd numbers for ICE and hybrid versions and the even numbers for EVs. This is as a result of “feedback” from customers and dealers. Click this Autocar article link here for more information.

LUNCHTIME READ: SEATTLE TO SARATOGA SPRINGS

For our recommendation this week we are going on a road trip across America. In some 2CVs. Yep. Really. Follow this amazing journey via this link to the article on Citroënvie.

LIST OF THE WEEK: BELLISIMA! FIVE FABULOUS FIATS OF THE 1990S

Hagerty supplies this week’s list to select from. It may be small but it is mighty, as someone once almost wrote. The best Fiat’s of the 1990s. Do you agree with the choice? What would you pick? Do let the chaps know. Click here to check out the options.

AND FINALLY: FINES, THE FINAL FRONTIER

A lady from Long Island, USA, used to have a license plate with the same alphanumeric ID as the Enterprise from Star Trek. That sounds quite cool, except people are buying novelty plates from online stores and fitting them. Even though she handed back the plates four years ago, she is getting fines and citations for driving offences. To find out more, click this Gizmodo article link here.