Car makers’ well-documented struggles to hit this year’s ZEV mandate target has eclipsed that of another struggle: to hit an even tougher target for vans. “Industry commentators focus heavily on cars, but it’s really important that we support the commercial vehicle industry as well,” Lisa Brankin, head of the UK’s number-one van seller, Ford, told Autocar. LCV… Continue reading ZEV mandate spells even bigger trouble for van makers
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
International Harvester Scout revived as electric SUV and pick-up
Short overhangs, reinforced bumpers, skidplates and body-on-frame construction are said to make the pair “multiuse tools” and “helpful companions”. Scout design chief Chris Benjamin said the brand’s cars “should always enable the customer to do the things they want to do and make their experience easier, better, faster”. Inside, the two cars are said to be “reminiscent of the… Continue reading International Harvester Scout revived as electric SUV and pick-up
BMW M5
It’s surprisingly comfortable, too. The suspension is firm, sure, but really well damped, not harsh and supremely controlled, to the point where I tended to leave the dampers in their stiffest mode. When road test ed Matt Saunders drove a Touring prototype in the UK, he found it coped well with bumpy Welsh roads, too,… Continue reading BMW M5
Stellantis to begin road testing solid-state batteries in 2026
Stellantis will start road testing solid-state batteries made by American start-up Factorial in two years. Factorial’s solid-state cells are said to have an energy density of more than 390Wh/kg, a marked improvement on the circa-270Wh/kg of many of today’s lithium-ion batteries. In real terms, that means electric cars with solid state batteries will possess significantly… Continue reading Stellantis to begin road testing solid-state batteries in 2026
LPG in decline as incentives disappear and pumps close
Two decades ago, drivers were being encouraged to swap to a cleaner way of fuelling their cars. Liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, came with generous tax incentives, slashed running costs and an expanding network of pumps at which you could top up. But now the government grants are long gone, the number of LPG-friendly filling… Continue reading LPG in decline as incentives disappear and pumps close
Pricey but tempting: the business case for in-wheel motors
On a corner of the Renault Group stand at the recent Paris motor show stood the perfect use case for in-wheel motors. The company had stripped the body panels from its new Duo/Bento quadricycle – the replacement for the Twizy – and a large caged area between the rear wheels, incorporating the e-axle with an… Continue reading Pricey but tempting: the business case for in-wheel motors
Morgan Plus Six bows out with £97k special edition
Morgan will end production of its Plus Six, the higher-powered, six-cylinder version of its two-tier ‘Plus’ range, early next year and replace it with a new flagship that ushers in a fresh design language for the British brand. The Plus Six’s departure will be marked by the Plus Six Pinnacle, which will be limited to… Continue reading Morgan Plus Six bows out with £97k special edition
Volvo considering EX30 sales ramp-up outside of EU as tariffs hit
Incoming European Union import tariff rises mean Volvo is considering shifting supply of its Chinese-built EX30 to non-EU markets, such as the UK, while it readies its Belgium factory to take over local market production early next year. The crossover is currently the third best-selling electric car in Europe behind the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model… Continue reading Volvo considering EX30 sales ramp-up outside of EU as tariffs hit
Jaguar builds new E-Types 50 years after GT’s retirement
Jaguar has put the E-Type back into (very limited) production to mark 50 years since the seminal GT’s retirement. The firm’s in-house historic vehicles division, Jaguar Classic, has used original blueprints to build two new E-Types from the ground up for a client in Southeast Asia, revealing them a half-century after the final example of the original… Continue reading Jaguar builds new E-Types 50 years after GT’s retirement
My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep.111)
This week Steve Cropley and Matt Prior spend quality time with the new Morgan MD, talk about visiting JLR Classic, talk to an artist about a brilliant new Aston Martin picture. You can make sure you never miss an Autocar podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’d be wiling to rate… Continue reading My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep.111)