Car Data Influencers - 11 June 2024 Motoring Podcast

FOLLOW UP: JLR SPEEDS UP SECURITY UPDATE FOR OLDER CARS

JLR is speeding up the software updates to older models of the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. These are cars built after 2018. Owners of such cars are urged to get in touch with JLR so their vehicles can be updated. You can learn more by clicking this AMOnline article link here.

NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES MAY 2024

The UK’s new car registrations rose just 1.7% year on year. That was thanks to another very strong showing from Fleet. Private declined, whilst Business rose 290 registrations. BEVs also increased, now up to 16.1% market share in 2024. The Ford Puma maintains its position as the most registered car in 2024. Click here to read more on this, from SMMT.

SAFETY TEST SCANDAL HITS JAPANESE CAR MAKERS

Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Yamaha Motor have all been implicated in a new scandal, this time covering safety testing accreditation. They have been found to have submitted incorrect or manipulated data. Some shipments have been ordered to be paused. On site inspections have occurred at Toyota, Honda and Mazda. Click this Reuters article link to learn about the story. For more on the extra raids, click this link from The Japan Times.

FORD EUROPE BOSS RETURNS TO VW GROUP

Martin Sander, who was general manager for passenger cars at Ford Europe, has left the company and will join the board of the Volkswagen brand for sales, marketing and after-sales. He was only in position for two years at the American company. If you wish to learn more, click this electrive article link here.

20MPH LIMIT IN WALES CUTS INSURANCE CLAIMS

One insurer, esure, is stating that the drop to a 20mph limit in built-up areas of Wales has caused a 20% reduction in vehicle damage claims. You can read more on this by clicking this link to an article from The Guardian.

INSURANCE COSTS CAUSE YOUNG DRIVERS TO GO WITHOUT

A study by IAM RoadSmart has found the number of uninsured young drivers has rocketed in the last few years, mostly blamed on the huge increase in insurance costs. There are calls for Government intervention to reduce the costs. To see some of the eye-watering premiums, click this Autocar article link here.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

BMW 1-series

BMW has revealed the new 1-series and a new model naming guidelines. Gone is the use of ‘i’ for petrol models, as ‘i’ refers to BMW’s electric models. There will also be a new top of the range M135, that’s got less power, is slower but apparently much better dynamically. If you wish to learn more, click this EVO article link here.

The Joy of Specs explains all about BMW’s badge naming history and why the ‘i’ is going on some models, click this link to read more.

Cadillac Optiq

Cadillac is coming back to the UK, starting with their mid-sized SUV the Optiq. Aimed at the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX3. The company claims it has a sporty nature and is targeting younger buyers. No details when it comes to price yet. Click this link from EV Powered to read more.

Mercedes PureSpeed

At the Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes revealed the concept called PureSpeed. This is a stripped out AMG SL roadster that has been changed in looks. No windscreen, a F1-inspired ‘Halo’ device and the first of the bespoke ‘Mythos’ range from the company. You can read and see more by clicking this link to a Motoring Research article link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: FISKER’S COLLAPSE

As Fisker, the EV maker, continues on its death spiral, TechCrunch spoke to people about how it has got to this point. The story is astonishing. Click this link to read how not to do it.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE CAR DESIGNS OF CHRIS BANGLE

Run through the ‘highlights’ of Chris Bangle’s career and see which one you like the most. Do you agree with Alan’s choice? Do let the chaps know. Click this Autocar slideshow link to see more.

AND FINALLY: C90 ADVENTURES RETURNS WITH MORE MADNESS

Ed March returns with another adventure in his toy motorised jeep. This time he makes modifications and plans something a bit more, well, adventurous. Click this YouTube link to go watch the first video of his latest hijinks.