The dream of the global car industry to deploy the same technology across a range of brands around the world has long been under pressure, and recent events have further pushed a once-profitable strategy further into the darkness. “The difficulties of Stellantis continue to cast doubts about the global brand conglomerate business model,” Phillipe Houchois,… Continue reading Why the global automotive business model might be dead
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
New BYD Sealion 7 undercuts the Tesla Model Y at £44,990
BYD has announced its new Sealion 7 SUV will start from £44,990, undercutting the rival Tesla Model Y by £2000. It’s the brand’s first European model to use the new ‘Evo’ development of the architecture that underpins the existing Atto 3 crossover, Dolphin hatchback and Seal saloon, named e-Platform 3.0. It uses cell-to-body construction (in which battery cells are… Continue reading New BYD Sealion 7 undercuts the Tesla Model Y at £44,990
Mercedes-AMG’s new super SUV to pack more than 1000bhp
New car is being developed with “AMG first, EV second” mantra Electric GT SUV will use advanced tech to take on Eletre and Cayenne EVs Mercedes-AMG’s answer to the Lotus Eletre and upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne will be launched in two years and be one of the most powerful cars the brand has ever produced.… Continue reading Mercedes-AMG’s new super SUV to pack more than 1000bhp
Seat Ibiza and Arona to gain hybrid power as brand commits to ICE
Griffiths confirmed the Cupra Leon would be updated in its present form, which includes internal combustion and plug-in hybrid versions, to allow for production to be extended “well into the next decade”, alongside the closely-related Cupra Formentor. “The Cupra Leon and Cupra Formentor are both based on the same platform,” said Griffiths. “We will extend… Continue reading Seat Ibiza and Arona to gain hybrid power as brand commits to ICE
Ora 03 maker GWM to launch Haval SUVs in UK next year
Great Wall Motor, the Chinese company behind the Ora Funky Cat, will expand its UK portfolio next year with the introduction of SUV brand Haval. Having launched the Ora brand in 2022 with the electric hatchback (renamed the GWM Ora 03 last year), it’s now moving to “provide a wider choice for customers as it enhances its overall product… Continue reading Ora 03 maker GWM to launch Haval SUVs in UK next year
Mk1 Ford Escort back in production with 296bhp and modern tech
A new UK engineering specialist has revived the original Ford Escort RS, with the backing of the car-making giant. It has been developed by Coventry-based Boreham Motorworks and is unique for being allowed to use the Escort name and Ford badges. Unlike many similarly conceived rivals, it is not a restomod based on an existing chassis.… Continue reading Mk1 Ford Escort back in production with 296bhp and modern tech
Caterham Seven CSR Twenty
Caterham makes some noises about the plushness of the CSR Twenty’s interior – it has some new materials, more artfully applied, but like the aerodynamics these things are relative. This is still a Seven interior, which means it’s relatively snug and basic. The seats are pleasingly softly finished, there are carpets and the centre console has… Continue reading Caterham Seven CSR Twenty
Who is McLaren Automotive’s new owner CYVN?
After finalising the purchase of McLaren’s sports car arm, CYVN Holdings can now be talked about in the same breath as Tata Motors, BMW and the Volkswagen Group when listing foreign firms that are investing in blue-chip British automotive brands. Unlike its peers, however, CYVN doesn’t exactly trigger the same name recognition. The deal was… Continue reading Who is McLaren Automotive’s new owner CYVN?
Geely launches Ford E-Transit Custom rival in the UK
Geely’s commercial vehicles arm, Farizon, will soon enter the UK market with a rival for the Ford E-Transit Custom and the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric. Named the Farizon SV (Supervan), it is based on an architecture designed specifically for electric vehicles, with batteries mounted under the floor of the cargo bay. It will be offered in… Continue reading Geely launches Ford E-Transit Custom rival in the UK
How cutaway diagrams make the complex more simple
I am neither technically minded nor gifted. I love words, language and intricate and complex concepts accurately and flamboyantly explicated across several pages. But I also love analysis and rationalising, and my journalism training taught me to explain things as simply as possible. I am one of those people who says “explain it to me… Continue reading How cutaway diagrams make the complex more simple