Equipmake, the Norfolk-based electronics R&D company, is about to begin an unprecedented expansion phase that, within five years, will convert it to a tier one manufacturer of electric motors for cars, making “hundreds of thousands a year”. The firm, which over the past decade has used a highly successful phase designing KERS systems for Formula… Continue reading UK electric motor firm Equipmake ready to become world’s top supplier
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Ballistic blast-resistant Skoda Superb Estate launched
Skoda is offering a ballistic blast and bullet-resistant version of the Superb Estate in a co-engineering project with a British-based team. Based on the 187bhp 2.0 TDI version the Superb Estate, the £118,688 armoured model looks almost completely identical to its regular siblings but is certified to PAS 300 civilian protection, meaning it can protect against blasts from missiles and bullets.… Continue reading Ballistic blast-resistant Skoda Superb Estate launched
European commissioner: ‘Diesel cars are finished’
European commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska has branded diesel cars “the technology of the past”, saying that “I think in several years they will completely disappear”, with the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal being a catalyst for this. Bienkowska, speaking to Bloomberg, said that following the emissions scandal, public sentiment is moving towards cleaner cars and a greater awareness of emissions. The… Continue reading European commissioner: ‘Diesel cars are finished’
DS 4 and 5 production ends as part of drastic line-up changes
DS has ended production of its slow-selling 4 and 5 hatchbacks as part of an aggressive product plan designed to turn around shrinking global sales. The PSA Group premium brand is now only selling what a spokesman described as an “extensive supply” of existing stocks for the 4 and 5, both of which have suffered from dwindling sales and contributed… Continue reading DS 4 and 5 production ends as part of drastic line-up changes
JLR product boss: Driver’s cars will thrive despite greater autonomy
Enthusiast drivers are going to have more choice than ever before as autonomous technology is developed because car firms will be able to increasingly polarise their line-ups, according to Hanno Kirner, Jaguar Land Rover’s head of product strategy. Kirner believes that while many people will be happy to use autonomous cars day to day –… Continue reading JLR product boss: Driver’s cars will thrive despite greater autonomy
Pagani: why the small Italian maker is planning an electric hypercar
The fastest thing about many supercar start-ups is the speed at which they fold, some producing nothing more than broken promises during the brief period between foundation and demise. Not so Pagani. The Italian manufacturer remains a tiny player when compared with Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it has proved to be in it for the… Continue reading Pagani: why the small Italian maker is planning an electric hypercar
Citroen C5 Aircross SUV launched in Europe
Citroën has officially launched the C5 Aircross in Europe, bringing a firm focus on in-car comfort to the compact five-seat SUV segment. One year after a China-specific model made its debut at the Shanghai motor show, Citroën has now repackaged the C5 Aircross to appeal to European customers. It is set to rival the Nissan Qashqai and… Continue reading Citroen C5 Aircross SUV launched in Europe
2020 Ssangyong Korando EV to be a ‘proper 4×4’
Ssangyong‘s first electric model will be a “proper 4×4” that’s “off-road capable” when it arrives on roads in 2020, according to the brand’s UK boss, Nick Laird. Arriving as part of the next-generation Korando SUV family, which will first launch in 2019 with conventional petrol and diesel versions, the electric variant will take inspiration from the e-SIV concept shown at the 2018 Geneva… Continue reading 2020 Ssangyong Korando EV to be a ‘proper 4×4’
DS to launch flagship BMW 5 Series-rivalling saloon in 2020
DS is primed to launch a flagship saloon as early as 2020, according to company sources. It is thought that the new luxury model will be based on the PSA Group’s EMP2 platform, which underpins numerous other cars within the company including the DS 7 Crossback, the recently revealed Peugeot 508 and the Vauxhall Insignia. The… Continue reading DS to launch flagship BMW 5 Series-rivalling saloon in 2020
Hamburg older diesel car ban begins May 31
Hamburg authorities have announced that a ban of diesel cars of the Euro-5 standard and older will take place from the end of the month. City officials erected signage last week for its ban on diesel vehicles in certain areas of the city, as the country’s air quality measures and backlash against diesel steps up a notch. Officials… Continue reading Hamburg older diesel car ban begins May 31