Don't Own A Staffie - 22 March 2022

Motoring Podcast - News Show

ELECTRIC VAN AND LORRY GRANT EXTENDED

The Government has extended their grant scheme for electric vans and lorries, for two more years. Those looking to buy a qualifying vehicle can claim between £5000 and £16000. For more on this, click the MoveElectric article here.

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY LISTS OIL REDUCTION STEPS

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined ten steps we could take to reduce the amount of oil we need to use. If the ideas were adopted across the globe, the IEA predicts that an amount of oil equivalent to half of Russia’s exports could be saved. To find out more, click here for The Guardian article.

VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCED PROFITS JUMP

VW’s operating profits rose, over 2020, 451% on 2020, which to a certain degree is understandable. Whilst their sales revenue and returns on sale rose very slightly they actually sold 8% fewer vehicles. This is another example of companies targeting their higher profile specs and vehicles. For more on this story, click the Autocar article link here.

AUDI GROUP POSTS RECORD PROFITS

Audi is the latest company to say “we sold less but made more money”, with profits from Audi, Lamborghini and Ducati at €53.1 billion and record operating profits. We need to remember Bentley are not included yet as they were only assimilated into the group at the start of this year. To read more about this, click here for the Autocar article.

POLICE TARGETING CATALYTIC CONVERTER THIEVES

A national combined operation by police, in England, has targeted thieves of catalytic converters with over 30 arrests made. Added to this several scrap metal sites were served with forced closures. 38,000 catalytic converters were stolen in 2021. You can read more about this, by clicking the Motoring Research article here.

NISSAN AXES THE GT-R IN EUROPE

After 13 years the axe has finally fallen on the GT-R. The specific reason is stricter noise regulations, for this region, whilst changes to emissions and crash integrity being the official reason for other global markets. To learn more click here for the EVO article telling us the sad tale. ——————————————————————————-

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WRC: CHANGES TO TIME PENALTIES FOR HYBRID FAILURES

The FIA has amended their rule and penalty for teams who miss stages due to a hybrid tech failure, for WRC teams. For the first two rounds each stage absence cost the teams 10 minutes, whereas they will now be penalised two. As the hybrid tech is out of the team’s control, to hit them with a 10 minute penalty seemed silly. More on this can be found by clicking this link to the DirtFish article.

NEW NEW CAR NEWS

Mazda CX-60 -

Mazda has unveiled their new range topper, the CX-60 a large SUV. Prices are expected to start a fraction under £44,000, raising up to £48,000 for the top of the range version. There will be a plug-in hybrid version which has their 2.5l petrol engine combined with 100kW electric motor and 17.8kWh battery. This gives a claimed 188mpg, 33g/km CO2 with 322bhp and 500Nm torque. Electric only driving has a claimed range off 39 miles with 42 in city driving. For more, click the YesAuto link here.

Lotus Emira -

Lotus’s new 718 Cayman rival has been revealed. The First Edition model will be priced at £71, 995 and come with the option of a V6 or a turbo 4-cylinder engine from Mercedes-AMG. Following on the Emira will be available at £59,995. The car comes with a more luxurious and high tech cabin which is apparently easier to get in and out of than other recent cars from Hethel. To learn more, click here for the Autocar article.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CARE & RESTORATION SHOW 2022 - Part 1

Ian Seabrook was at the NEC over the weekend, hosting his own stand as well as trying to cover every inch of the vast Practical Classic show. Click here to see Part 1 of his in-depth review.

LIST OF THE WEEK: 30 WEIRD AND WONDERFUL ‘90S CONCEPT CARS

Classic & Sports Car has produced a mammoth list of 1990s concept cars that were a little, well, out there. Listen to the chaps pick their selections then click this link here to find your favourite. Do not forget to tell them if you agree or not.

AND FINALLY: WEIRDEST BUS EVER BUILT

The Citroen U55 Cityrama Currus was a bus that was built for a specific reason, as with things that have a single purpose they can be a bit weird. This is no exception. Look at it and remember there wasn’t aircon available at the time! For more, click the Jalopnik link here.