A Geely official once told me that the reason Chinese car groups launch so many brands is because of the lack of brand loyalty among local consumers. We’re still in an expansionist era but it will calm down eventually – and therefore “there’s a race to be in the group that makes it to the finishing… Continue reading New Chinese brands in ‘race to the finish line’ for survival
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Are our road safety laws too relaxed?
The government has a big road safety bill in the offing. Need we brace for impact? Perhaps not. As part of it, I understand, we’re likely to get lower drink-driving limits and tougher requirements for over-seventies to prove they are still safe on the road. I’m sure most people would agree that these are overdue – but it’s… Continue reading Are our road safety laws too relaxed?
Elan M100: revisiting the first – and last – FWD Lotus
A one-piece, bespoke foam and plastic-skinned dashboard. A quick-fold hood that didn’t leak and which stowed beneath its own lid. Electric windows good for more than five consecutive rises and falls. Back in 1989, all this didn’t sound like a Lotus. Even more un-Lotus-like was the appearance of a Japanese engine beneath this car’s steeply… Continue reading Elan M100: revisiting the first – and last – FWD Lotus
Renault could cut prices of 4, 5, Twingo if EU’s E-Car class approved
Renault will look to cut the prices of the 4, 5 and new Twingo by up to 15%, rather than create new models, if the European Union’s proposed new E-Car category is brought in next month with certain parameters included. The EU’s proposal is centered around creating a new class of small affordable electric cars –… Continue reading Renault could cut prices of 4, 5, Twingo if EU’s E-Car class approved
Citroën becomes second manufacturer eligible for £3750 ECG
The Citroën e-C5 Aircross has been confirmed as eligible for the Electric Car Grant (ECG) and is only the third car on sale to qualify for the larger, £3750 subsidy. While 38 sub-£37k cars have now been named eligible for the scheme, only two of those – the Ford Puma Gen-E and Ford E-Tourneo Courier –… Continue reading Citroën becomes second manufacturer eligible for £3750 ECG
2026 Renault Twingo brings 163-mile range and sub-£20k price
Renault is hoping to revive the city car class with the new Twingo EV, which has been unveiled in production-ready form. Twingo programme director Olivier Laik said: “Over the past 10 years, sales of A-segment cars have decreased significantly, from more than 1.0 million units per year to less than 600,0000. “With the increasing number of… Continue reading 2026 Renault Twingo brings 163-mile range and sub-£20k price
Volvo to ‘never give up’ identity as it increases Geely parts sharing
Volvo will increase its use of shared hardware from across the Geely group as it embarks on a drive to cut costs and boost profit margins with future EVs. The company has announced plans to work towards an operating margin of 8% – a substantial increase on last year’s 5.6% – as part of a… Continue reading Volvo to ‘never give up’ identity as it increases Geely parts sharing
Chery pits new iCaur V27 against Defender, Land Cruiser
Chinese car-making giant Chery’s iCaur brand has unveiled the V27, a new rival for the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser that could be bound for UK showrooms. A hardy 4×4 that draws on cues from its established competitors, it is the largest car in the nascent iCaur line-up, being slightly shorter and narrower… Continue reading Chery pits new iCaur V27 against Defender, Land Cruiser
Pay-per-mile tax misses the point of smart EV driving
The planned new EV tax as reported is so badly constructed that it’s going to alienate most electric car drivers. Those who’ve made the switch, of which I’m now one, are under no illusion that a version of fuel duty will eventually catch up with them. But the system as proposed and reported includes none of… Continue reading Pay-per-mile tax misses the point of smart EV driving
Industry reacts: pay-per-mile tax on EVs ‘entirely the wrong measure’
Car industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called the proposed pay-per-mile tax on electric vehicles “entirely the wrong measure at the wrong time”, warning it could deter motorists from switching to EVs. As reported by national media this morning, the UK government is set to introduce a levy of 3p per mile… Continue reading Industry reacts: pay-per-mile tax on EVs ‘entirely the wrong measure’