Former Volkswagen CEO, Martin Winterkorn, is in court, charged with fraud, market manipulation and perjury all connected with the dieselgate scandal. Winterkorn denies all charges. To learn more, click this BBC News article link here.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released the August 2024 new car registration figures. They are the first month in two years to not grow year on year. BEVs took a market share of nearly 23% in August, but the year to date is still only at 17.2%. Diesel, petrol and PHEV were down, but HEV rose. Private flatlined, but Business and Fleet registrations were down. Calls were renewed for charging VAT equalisation and incentives from the Government for consumer purchases. Click this link to read more, from the SMMT article.
Click this link here to read what Robert Forrester, CEO of Vertu Motors, was quoted as saying with regards to the ZEV mandate and state of the market.
Volkswagen have started to think the unthinkable and are considering closing some of their German factories. The German company needs to save billions and this is one of the possible actions being weighed up. Also being looked at is shelving a planned compact electric SUV model. If you wish to read more, click this Autocar article link here.
Volvo is the latest manufacturer to announce a modification to their future model plans, thanks to current global market conditions and slower than expected roll out of chargin infrastructure. To find out what they are aiming for, click this AMOnline article link here.
Polestar has ended the agency retail model and now allows dealerships to act in a more traditional manner. One of the changes will be the ability to target potential customers and sell to them, rather than the previous “no pressure experience”. To learn more, click this AMOnline article link here.
BMW began a recall due to issues with the Integrated Braking System. This has now been expanded to include the Mini and Rolls Royce brands. On top of that, they are struggling to cope with the scale of the issue due to the numbers involved. Parts are hard to come by and taking far longer than hoped. If you wish to read more, click this Car Dealer article link here.
Volvo has revealed the refreshed range topping XC90 model, as it adjusts future model and powertrain plans.There will be a mix of hybrid powertrains, including a plug-in. They have also taken steps to upgrade the comfort, materials used and the infotainment screen. Click this Autocar article link to read more.
Aston Martin has shown off the new Vanquish. Fitted with a twin-turbo V12 824bhp engine, this is their most powerful ICE only vehicle. Prices start from £300,000. If you want to see more, click this Autocar link here.
Renault are continuing their series where they work with a designer to reimagine a car from their history. This time the 17 coupe gets the treatment and very nice treatment it is. Especially if one likes brown. To read more about this, click here for the link to an Autocar article.
Prodrive and design agency Astheimer, have collaborated to create an electric last-mile delivery vehicle, called the Evolv. With a price of £25,000, a range up to 100 miles and a carrying capacity of 300kgs, this could be one option for companies who drop off in urban areas. Click this Autocar article link here to read more.
Driven to Write, once again, brings our recommendation for your pleasure, this week. A combination of reminding about and celebrating the pursuit of quality automotive content. Also there is a wonderful video on the Porsche 928 that is well worth your viewing time.
As Andrew and Alan say, if you like anyone’s content tell them, like or favourite it, share it and if you can support it financially. Or we will be all swept away in the flood of drivel.
Click here to read the Lunchtime Read.
Autocar once again bring us another excellent list to pick from, although there is some stretching of the definitions of “greatest” and “small”. However, do you agree with Andrew and Alan’s choices? Don’t forget to let them know. To check out the options, click this link here.
A 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Le Mans has won the Peking to Paris Rally. What a wonderful thing to have been a part of. Click this Octane link here to read more about the amazing feat and look at some glorious pictures of some of the cars that took part.
