The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched a new Brexit Readiness Programme – a contingency aid package to aid companies in the UK automotive supply chain in the event of Britain leaving the European Union before failing to agree a deal. While officials from a number of major car firms, including Jaguar… Continue reading Car industry body to launch no-deal Brexit aid package for small firms
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Mini overhauls trim levels to ease buyer confusion
Options can then be added through some simplified packs. Comfort and Comfort Plus offer some fairly typical options, including climate control, heated seats and parking sensors, a reversing camera one of the features added for Plus. Navigation and Navigation Plus offer a full suite of infotainment and connectivity features. Safety kit is added trough the… Continue reading Mini overhauls trim levels to ease buyer confusion
Europe votes in favour of 40% CO2 reduction by 2030
“This legislation goes beyond reducing harmful emissions and protecting the environment. It looks at setting the right incentives for manufacturers; it encourages investment in the infrastructure; it proposes a just transition for workers.” CO2 from road transport – the only sector across the continent where greenhouse gas emissions are rising – is of particular concern for… Continue reading Europe votes in favour of 40% CO2 reduction by 2030
Renault considering future of Scenic
The future of the Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic is under consideration, according to Renault boss Thierry Bollore. The current generation only launched in 2016, but for the next generation, due in 2022 or 2023, the future is not certain. That’s due to a changing market in which SUVs reign supreme and MPVs such as… Continue reading Renault considering future of Scenic
German government proposes retrofits and scrappage schemes to reduce pollution
The German government has proposed a programme of retrofits and manufacturer scrappage schemes to get older diesel vehicles off the road, as cities in the country introduce bans to improve air quality. Reuters reports that diesel vehicles in the 14 German cities with the poorest air quality would be eligible for a hardware upgrade, or… Continue reading German government proposes retrofits and scrappage schemes to reduce pollution
Updated BMW i3 gets greater range
BMW’s i division has upgraded the electric-powered i3 with a new battery that is claimed to extend its range by almost 30 per cent under everyday driving conditions. The new 120Ah lithium-ion unit replaces the 94Ah battery used by the existing i3 and brings a 9.2kWh increase in energy capacity for the quirky five-door hatchback, at… Continue reading Updated BMW i3 gets greater range
Matt Prior: what does the future hold for Lotus?
Good news out of Lotus, of the kind that I suspect we should get used to in the short term: a new hiring. It takes less time to put people in place than it does cars into production, even under the stewardship of a company like Lotus’s Geely parent, which has recently transformed Volvo. Geely… Continue reading Matt Prior: what does the future hold for Lotus?
Smart Forease concept revealed
These can be used to show content from a related smartphone app. “The Forease embodies a refreshingly simple form of driving fun in the city, standing for urban electric mobility without compromise,” said new Smart boss Kartin Adt. The EV powertrain is a nod to the future direction of Smart, which will become an electric-only… Continue reading Smart Forease concept revealed
Audi plans Maybach-rivalling W12 A8 flagship
Audi is planning the return of the super-luxury Horch name, which will be used on a flagship A8 that could also mark the return of the VW Group’s W12 engine to the Audi line-up. Automotive News reports that the Audi A8 Horch will likely bring the W12 powertrain – currently only used in the Bentley range… Continue reading Audi plans Maybach-rivalling W12 A8 flagship
Lamborghini Huracan 2019 facelift to bring power boost
Every variant in the Huracán range looks set to adopt the Performante’s high-mounted centre twin exhaust system, so in turn it’s reasonable to expect greater acoustics from the 5.2-litre V10. A new rear diffuser shows the car could benefit from Lamborghini’s active aero tech previewed by the Aventador SVJ, while reprofiled lights surround additional rear… Continue reading Lamborghini Huracan 2019 facelift to bring power boost