Author: Robin Roberts

Workers are wasting over five days of their time a year due to commuting problems, according to a poll by the CBI and Porter Novelli/Opinium. A survey of 2,000 employees across the UK found that they lost, on average, 2.7 hours a week due to travel disruption or delays. This equates to 125 hours, or over 5 whole days, in the course of a working year. As part of a new 18-month campaign called The Future of Commuting, the UK’s largest business group is working with KPMG to highlight the need to improve transport infrastructure across the UK, and make commuting…

Some 3 million public charging points will be needed for 44 million electric vehicles in 2030 if the EU is to become climate neutral by 2050, new research by green campaign and research group Transport & Environment (T&E) shows.  That’s over 15 times the 185,000 public chargers currently available in the EU – which are enough for the current electric fleet but not to keep pace with the growing market beyond 2020.  To finance the necessary chargers, the analysis estimates Europe needs €20 billion over the next 11 years, or €1.8 billion a year on average, in private and targeted public investment.…

The SMMT said today that overall sales in 2019 were 2.4% below the previous year at 2.31M new models. Sales in Wales were down under 1% by comparison.  Consumer confidence, confusion over clean air legislation which is tightening each year and challenging car makers, and the Brexit debate with a general election, combined to suppress demand. A drop in buyers choosing diesel hit planning and sales while the electric models are in short supply and high prices put off some. December marked the 33rdmonth of sales decline for diesels and tax changes have impacted on Benefit in Kind payments and…

If proof was needed that sleeping giants are a threat, then the Vauxhall Astra proves it with the facelifted models now reaching showrooms. The model has been a staple of the Vauxhall brand for 40 years as the eighth-generation arrives and it’s arguably the best, and has benefitted from input by new owners Peugeot Citroen. A new or revised range of engines cascade into the enormous spread of models and with about 80% going to businesses and fleets the emphasis is squarely on lowering tax penalties for them while delivering a better driving experience for every user. They have succeeded…

Enthusiasts of the winged-wonder-cars thought Bentley was mad to add an SUV to its luxury saloon, convertible and coupe line up but, of course, this is no ordinary SUV. Top end rivals have gone down the performance route but Bentley has brought sophistication with speed, comfort with capability and created what can truly be described as a Grand Tourer. If you have the wherewithal, the Bentley Bentayga Speed could be filled with bags and fuel, pointed towards the Mediterranean sun and the miles would roll by without stress or strain. Following the 18th Century Grand Tour of Europe so beloved…

The Honda Civic made in Britain has been a cornerstone of the Japanese company, but times are changing. They will be exiting their Swindon factory in 2021 after 36-years as the company realigns its manufacturing and concentrates on fuller utilization of its home plants. But that decision does not dent the appeal of the latest Civic hatchback, arguably the best so far. Engineers have retuned the suspension to make it more agile and the designers have given it a facelift both inside and out while the technical team has now fitted it with their latest and improved Honda Sensing combined…

INEOS Automotive has announced an expansion of its partnership with global mobility technology company, Magna.  Its subsidiary, Magna Powertrain, has been responsible for chassis and suspension development since the inception of the project. It will now be joined by Magna Steyr, which will undertake the series development phase of the forthcoming Grenadier. Dirk Heilmann, Chief Executive Officer of INEOS Automotive, confirmed, “The transition from concept to series development is a major landmark in the evolution of the Grenadier. “We are pleased to have Magna, with their long heritage and experience in 4×4 development, with us for the next stage of…

This refreshed and revised mid-sized model has an appeal with its restrained but attractive styling, purposeful fittings and ultra-efficient powertrains. Oh and a growing list of awards, particularly with a “family” cachet to them. Perhaps, not surprisingly, its economy has won praise from those canny Scottish motoring journalists north of the border and at the other extreme in mega-rich Dubai in November it was voted “Supreme Winner” at the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year awards. Could any awards offer a wider contrast? Certainly, no other car this year has achieved this unusual duo celebration. Which just goes to…

Aston Martin Lagonda this morning opened its new £250M manufacturing facility at St Athan. The new Aston Martin DBX SUV will be a pivotal model for the company and firmly put Wales on the map for motor manufacturing, some 260 guests were told today at the official opening of the luxury brand’s new factory at St Athan, near Cardiff. First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford AM joined Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer at a ceremony after three-years of intense development and conversion from RAF Superhangers into one of the world’s most modern luxury…

The plan to meet the future challenges is being developed by the Welsh Government and Economy Minister Ken Skates will host an Automotive Summit at Hensol Castle, Miskin later today. It will be a partnership between industry, academia and government and will focus efforts on future-proofing Wales’ manufacturing capability. The plan will identify the steps needed to develop a resilient, advanced manufacturing sector and a workforce with strong, up to date skills to deliver the products and technologies for a connected and sustainable economy. The detailed plan is expected to be published in April 2020. The summit at Hensol Castle…