Renault now faces a criminal investigation over its diesel emissions. The French government said that the country’s consumer fraud watchdog had sent prosecutors the findings of its independent inquiry into possible emissions test manipulation by Renault. The law in France means there has to now be a preliminary review of the issues before a formal prosecution begins and which could lead to … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 October
Transport bodies are warning of HM Customs and Border Force chaos if France insists on ending the mutual agreement to check identities and vehicles at Calais. The French are suggesting after the Jungle Camp is moved this week and inhabitants relocated through France that it might review the agreement on French officers working in Dover and English officers in Calais. Mercedes-Benz is … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Renault Megane Dynamique 1.5 dCi 110
The all-new Megane is the fourth generation stretching back over 20 years with global sales of 6.5-million. The new five door hatchback range currently has 25 variants in its line up but that will be extended next year with the arrival of diesel-electric hybrid powered versions in addition to the current petrol and diesel powered models. Current prices for the new models start at £16,600 and … [Read more...]
EV sales charge to over 500K this year
Europe will see more than half a million electric vehicles on its roads by the end of 2016, says a report by Transport & Environment (T&E) . In three years the EV fleet on European roads has risen from 100,000 to almost 200,000 by 2014, and almost doubled again last year and is on course to end the year at 600,000 at current rates of acquisition in the European Free Trade … [Read more...]
In the cloud and on road technology around the corner
Renault and Nissan will work with Microsoft to develop cloud-based services for vehicles. The services will be based on Microsoft's Azure cloud service and will include advanced navigation, predictive maintenance and over-the-air software updates as the businesses move towards autonomous cars over the next four years. Renault and Nissan plan to launch more than 10 vehicles with autonomous … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 September
Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s headquarters and Nagoya plant were raided by Japanese government officials this week. The raid comes after Mitsubishi said that more of its vehicle models were involved in a mileage cheating scandal than initially stated and deepens the crisis for the Japanese automaker struggling to recover from a mileage manipulation scandal which it admitted went back 25 years and … [Read more...]
Tradelines 24 August
Welsh Government is halving support it offers to firms for youth job creation. Jobs Growth Wales did offer 100% subsidy for firms to employ people aged between 16-24, but its now halved that and says it is part of a readjustment of activities to merge Jobs Growth Wales, ReAct and Traineeships. The RAC will take legal action to stop unaccredited garages using its branding as it moves to … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 August
The basic Ford Fiesta has jumped from about £10,345 to £13,395 with Studio and Style models dropped from the range. It has been done to give Ford room to introduce the forthcoming Ka+ from under £9,000, but it could mean rival makers gain with dissatisfied Fiesta owners moving away from the brand to keenly priced alternatives. Renault is launching a series of 66-plate finance deals across … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 August
The Lamborghini Centenario will make its UK public debut at the leading luxury automotive event, Salon Privé, 1 to 3 September. The Lamborghini Centenario coupé has yet to be seen on UK soil, but will be on display during this spectacular three-day event at the renowned World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace. Produced in limited numbers, just 20 coupés and 20 roadsters will be … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 July
UK drivers are the most likely in Europe to be distracted by attractive pedestrians, and the majority of road accident fatalities involve young men. The summer period has a significantly increased risk with almost two thirds of young people saying they are more relaxed with their driving during the holiday months, say Ford. As thousands of families pack up the car for every possible … [Read more...]