No miracle - 3 December 2024

Motoring Podcast - News Show

FOLLOW UP: PRICES FOR LONDON TUNNEL TOLLS REVEALED

Transport for London (TfL) has announced the prices, including how there will be peak and non peak prices, for using the new Silvertown tunnel and the Blackwall tunnel. £4.00 for peak use of either, dropping to £1.50 in off-peak, which requires signing up to the auto-pay TfL system. if you wish to find out more, click this link here to an article from The Standard.

CARLOS TAVARES RESIGNS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

Carlos Tavares surprised all by resigning as CEO of Stellantis, with immediate effect over the weekend. Reports indicate there was a growing rift between the board, shareholders and the vision Tavares had, following the reduction in expected dividend. The company will appoint a successor in early 2025. Click this Autocar article to read more.

STELLANTIS TO CLOSE LUTON VAN FACTORY

Stellantis announced, that they would be closing the Luton van factory, whilst blaming the UK Government and the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, for this only weeks after saying they were not going to be hurt by the ZEV to investors. 1,100 people will be losing their jobs.

We have a link to an Autocar article explaining the situation, click here to read that.

For some context, including how the company has operated, click this post from Nick Gibbs.

More context is provided by The Guardian, which you can read by clicking this link here.

TRANSPORT SECRETARY RESIGNS

The Transport Secretary, Louise Haig, has resigned over an incident with police in 2013. This has caused concern in the industry as she had just been talking to leaders about the ZEV mandate and possible changes to it. Click this Autocar article link here for more.

UK GOVERNMENT TO REVISE ZEV MANDATE

Following extensive lobbying by the car industry, the UK Government is looking at how it can revise the zero emission vehicle mandate, in the light of the current market reality. The language, from the Government, has switched to putting the blame on the previous incumbents, whilst hoping we all forget they pledged to ‘bring back the 2030 ban’ that was never a thing in the first place. If you want to read more, click this Autocar article link here.

ASTON MARTIN ISSUES ANOTHER PROFITS WARNING

For the second time in quick succession, Aston Martin has issued a warning on its profits. China and supply chain issues are being blamed. On top of which, the company is seeking to raise more money. To learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

VW LEAVES CONTROVERSIAL CHINESE PLANT

Volkswagen has confirmed it has sold it’s factory in Xijiang, which is an area linked to forced labour practices. VW, following several investigations, never found evidence of such in their plant. However, they have been lobbied for some time over this issue. You can read more, by clicking this Yahoo article link here.

VOLKSWAGEN REVIEWS UK AGENCY SALES PLAN

VW is undertaking a "review of its sales model", in the UK. They intend to complete this by March 2025. The German company are the latest to consider pausing their plans as the current market conditions remain tough. Click this AMOnline article link for more.

SCOTLAND CONSIDERS REDUCING SOME RURAL SPEED LIMITS

Transport Scotland is proposing a cut to certain road’s speed limits. However, it also recommends increasing the speed of HGVs. Deaths on Scottish roads fell last year, with speed being linked to roughly one in five road incidents. A reminder, that compliance is not the same as safety. Click this BBC News article link here, for more information.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

Follow Up: DS 8 will be called No8

DS, even before fully revealing their new flagship model, that we discussed last week, has changed the name and confirmed a rethink of their interiors. Now the DS 8 is to be known as the No8. Click this Autocar article for more.

Jaguar Type 00 Concept

We finally get to look at a car, from Jaguar, but don’t get too excited as its only a concept. But at least there’s something to show for the years they’ve been working on this. How much will make the road cars? Maybe the overall shape and dimensions, but not much else in all likelihood. Some have pointed out the similarities to other concept cars, such as the recent Lancia Aurelia GT. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here. Also, here is a link to a Top Gear video. Now we wait once more, this time for something real.

Jaecoo 7

The latest Chinese brand to come to the UK is bringing, what is claimed to be a premium quality vehicle for around £30,000. They are aiming at a broad range of competitors, such as the Kia Sportage and Range Rover Evoque. It will come in petrol and petrol plug-in hybrid forms and a variety of off-road technology. Click this Autocar article to find out more, including the pronunciation guide.

Toyota GR Supra

Toyota is sending the GR Supra into retirement, with one last ultra rare track focused version. More power, more wings, more roll cage, just a lot more of more. Only 300 examples will be made. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: FRENCH DESIGN DESERVES BETTER THAN THE CITROËN SM TRIBUTE

Matteo Licata has written for Hagerty, a piece on the SM Tribute we were not very kind about, a few weeks ago. However, he brings a design perspective to his argument. To read this recommendation, click the link here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 37 GLORIOUS PICTURES OF 37 GLORIOUS JAGUARS

As Jaguar has done such a great job of being in the limelight over the last couple of weeks, Autocar has brought us a slideshow of some of their past glories. Click this link here to check out if you agree with Alan’s choice.

AND FINALLY: HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR 2024 OVERALL WINNER

The overall Hot Wheels Legends Tour 2024 winner has been announced. Check out this link, from Design News, to see a video on the event and find out who and what won, overall.