21 minute read
Motors
| Motors XC40 leads Volvo success in 2021 Fleet World Gr eat British Fleet Awar ds
Volvo models have collected new honours in the 2021 Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards, led by the XC40 which has been crowned Best Medium SUV. The S60 saloon has also taken a share of the limelight, being highly commended in the Best Compact Executive category.
The success demonstrates how Volvo is meeting the requirements and preferences of business customers with cars that combine quality, tax efficiency and desirability with contemporary Scandinavian styling, cutting-edge connectivity and peerless safety. The across-the-board availability of electrified powertrains adds a crucial dimension to Volvo’s appeal to customers – business and retail alike – seeking both lower emissions and strong performance. Announcing the XC40’s success, the Fleet World judges commented: “The XC40 is in its fourth year on sale, but its sharp styling plus attractive and highquality interior keep it at the top. The Swedish manufacturer hasn’t been resting on its laurels, either, with plug-in or full electric versions of the XC40 launched in the past year, adding to the range of efficient engines that have already marked out Volvo’s baby SUV. This all adds up to a strong package, in a hard-fought sector, that is getting more attractive and relevant to fleet buyers.” The judges also praised the S60 for its advanced safety and driver-assistance features, and its “sharp styling and hightech, high-quality interior”, factors that make choosing the model a “head and heart” decision.
Rob Morris, Volvo Car UK’s Head of Fleet and Remarketing, said: “Fleet and business customers have to make hard, rational decisions when it comes to choosing a car, going beyond outstanding design and high-tech solutions. This latest success in the Great British Fleet Awards demonstrates how our models blend a low cost of ownership and, crucially, a wide range of efficient electrified powertrains, including the new pure electric XC40 Recharge. I’m confident that our range of cars provides an intelligent solution for fleet and business customers.”
For more information on the XC40 and S60, and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvocars.co.uk For more information on Volvo business sales, please go to www.volvocars.com/ uk/cars/business-sales
Next Generation F or d Transit Custom All-Electric Coming in 2023; New Vehicle Built in Turkey by F or d Otosan
Ford today confirmed that the next generation Ford Transit Custom range will include an allelectric model in addition to plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid and conventional engine variants.
The new Custom range – which includes the Transit Custom van and Tourneo Custom people mover – goes into production in the first half of 2023, with all-electric versions of both models
part of the most extensive Transit Custom range ever offered to European customers.
All versions of the next generation Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture in Turkey – in Kocaeli, the home of the Ford Transit range.
In addition, the next generation Volkswagen 1tonne commercial vehicle also will be built in Kocaeli, adding valuable scale to vehicle platforms and enhancing the customer experience by bringing more technologies to market, faster.
“The next generation Transit Custom range –including the all-electric versions – will strengthen Ford’s position as Europe’s No.1 commercial vehicle brand,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe. “Transit Custom is the jewel in our commercial vehicle crown and key in our drive to grow our commercial vehicle business as we continue to create a sustainable, profitable Ford business in Europe rooted in an electrified future.”
Ford said in February that its entire commercial vehicle range will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid, by 2024, with twothirds of Ford’s commercial vehicle sales expected to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030. conventional internal combustion engine to allelectric vehicles in a single jump. This is why its range of powertrain technologies from mild hybrids through to plug-in hybrids are essential and will continue to be a significant part of the next generation Transit Custom range.
Continued growth in Ford’s strong commercial vehicle business is key to its European profitability. It is supported by new products and services, working with an extensive network of commercial vehicle converter partners, with Ford’s strategic alliance with Volkswagen and its Ford Otosan joint venture providing cost-effective vehicle development and sourcing.
“Today, we are starting another strategic investment that will help shape the future of the automotive industry. Our Kocaeli plants will be transformed into Turkey’s first and only integrated production center for the assembly of electric vehicles and batteries. We consider this investment, which will span over a decade, as a forward-looking strategic move. I would like to thank Ford Motor Company for their trust in Turkey and Ford Otosan which made this significant investment possible,” said Ali Koç, chairman, Ford Otosan, and vice chairman, Koç Holding Board of Directors.
In 2020, Ford achieved its sixth successive year as the leader in commercial vehicle sales in Europe. The trend has continued into 2021, with Ford maintaining its position as the continent’s best-selling commercial vehicle brand.
Driving further growth in Ford’s commercial vehicle business is an ecosystem built around connected services co-developed with customers and designed to enhance the customer experience and help their businesses to thrive. These include, connected uptime and productivity services such as FordPass Pro for fleets of up to five vehicles, and Ford Fleet Management, created by Ford and ALD Automotive last year to maximize productivity for fleet customers seeking bespoke services to keep their vehicles on the road.
Today’s announcement also is positive news for other Ford manufacturing facilities in Europe and for the European and Turkish supplier industries providing components for the next generation Transit Custom Range. Ford manufacturing facilities will supply advanced technology diesel engines from Dagenham, UK, and transmissions from Cologne, while more than 100 Turkish-based suppliers will provide components.
“Commercial vehicle growth and leveraging partnerships such as our joint venture with Ford Otosan are key enablers to Ford of Europe’s future success. We are committed to reaching our 6 percent EBIT margin goal as part of Ford’s plan to turnaround our global automotive operations,” said Rowley.
Ford Otosan – home of the Ford Transit Custom
The relationship between Koç Holding and Ford dates back to 1928, and today Ford Otosan is the leading company in the Turkish auto industry and one of the longest running and most successful joint ventures in the global auto industry.
Ford Otosan’s Kocaeli facilities opened in 2001, and since 2004 has been Ford’s global lead plant for the production of successive generations of the Ford Transit Custom range and the Transit 2-tonne. The Ford Courier range is manufactured at Ford Otosan’s Yenikoy Assembly Plant also located in Kocaeli. In total, around 85 percent of the sales of the complete Transit family of commercial vehicles are from vehicles manufactured by Ford Otosan in Turkey.
Ford Otosan stated last December that it plans to invest more than €2 billion to increase vehicle and battery pack assembly capacity production at Kocaeli, and that it expects to increase employment by around 3,000 people.
| Motors CARGURUS RESEARCH SUGGESTS EV GRANT CUTS ARE OUT OF STEP WITH UK DRIVERS
New research from CarGurus (www.cargurus.co.uk) suggests that recentlyannounced cuts to electric vehicle (EV) grants are at odds with the steps most likely to persuade drivers considering switching to alternatively-fuelled vehicles.
• More car buyers would make switch to EVs if policy changes created the right conditions • Greater number of charging stations (64%) and tax incentives (60%) most impactful for prospective EV buyers • News comes shortly after UK government announces further cuts to EV grants • Increased fuel prices, tax incentives and expanded charging networks all weighed in the balance for potential shoppers The UK government has announced its intention to reduce grants for EV buyers from £3,000 to £2,500 (a further reduction from the £4,500 offered this time last year) while also decreasing the price cap for eligible vehicles from £50,000 to £35,000.
According to new research commissioned by online automotive marketplace CarGurus, however, these steps are at odds with the actions which UK drivers say would be most likely to push them toward choosing an EV as their next vehicle.
The impact the grant cuts might have on consumer adoption of EVs is clearly a concern for manufacturers, too. Peugeot, Citroen, Kia and Vauxhall are among the brands to have announced price reductions to ensure their models remain eligible for the plug-in car grant. When questioned on which changes would be most effective in coaxing them away from their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)-powered vehicles, tax incentives / rebates (60%) and a greater availability of charging stations in their area (64%) received the highest frequency of strongly favourable responses. Recent freezes in fuel duty for drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles are similarly unlikely to expedite electrification. In fact, the survey results indicated that if fuel prices reached £2 per litre, a third (34%) of drivers would be much more likely to consider an EV. While if they climbed to £3 per litre, over half (55%) of drivers would be more inclined to go electric.
CarGurus, the fastest-growing online automotive marketplace in the UK, also revealed that nearly 41% of buyers planning to buy an EV in the next decade would consider buying it as used. turning to the used car market, where many of the financial incentives linked to running an EV (including their very low running costs) can still be enjoyed. For the scores of drivers interested in purchasing a used electric vehicle, CarGurus’ site features a dedicated Used EV Hub to simplify the buying journey, from the first stage of research through to the vehicle handover. Chris Knapman, Editor at CarGurus UK, said: “There’s no doubt that the rate of adoption of EVs will need to accelerate if the Government is to meet its ambition for the UK to be a world leader in transitioning to zero emissions motoring. As such it is a surprise to see that the grant for purchasing new EVs has been reduced yet again, particularly when our own research shows these grants are so important in the quest to drive EV adoption. “While the reduction in the plug-in grant might impact the sales of new electric cars, those keen to explore EV motoring will find that the used market has more choice than ever. To complement the extensive used EV listings from toprated dealers on CarGurus, we’ve complied everything somebody considering the purchase of a used EV might need. This includes detailed reviews of the most popular models, advice around home charging, information on battery degradation, and lots more.”
| Motors ŠKODA confirms Enyaq iV still eligible for £2,500 Government grant
In light of the Government’s realignment of the Plug-in Car Grant (effective 18 March 2021), ŠKODA is highlighting that its new allelectric Enyaq iV model remains eligible for the scheme. Under the new grant guidelines, buyers of electric vehicles with an On-The-Road (OTR) price of £35,000 and under will qualify for a grant of £2,500.
With the new grant applied, the entrylevel Enyaq iV is available from just £31,585 OTR, making it one of the best value all-electric family cars on the market. ŠKODA officially opened order books for the all-new Enyaq iV, on 10 March 2021. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electrification toolkit (MEB), the highly-awaited all-electric SUV range is offered with two battery size options and capable of returning a WLTP combined range of up to 333 miles on a single charge*.
The Enyaq iV 60 Nav model delivers a WLTP combined range of 256 miles* and can be charged to 80% in just 35 minutes when fitted with the 100kW charging option. The model comes with a generous equipment list that includes 19-inch Proteus alloy wheels, an infotainment system with satellite navigation and 13-inch screen, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and keyless go. All models in the Enyaq iV range also feature ambient interior lighting, multifunction leather steering wheel and Front Assist as standard.
The new Enyaq iV introduces a new way for customers to perfectly tailor the car to their tastes and requirements. Instead of selecting from traditional trim levels, customers choose the battery size they need, select an interior design and then personalise their vehicle from a comprehensive range of equipment packs and individual options.
New Enyaq iV charging options All Enyaq iV models have a minimum DC rapid charging capability of 50kW as standard. Customers can specify higher 100kW (for 62kWh battery) and 125kW (for 82kWh battery only) DC charge rates as options.
The Enyaq iV offers customers three charging options. In addition to using a standard household 230V socket with 2.3 kW alternating current (AC), it can be charged at home overnight using a wallbox of up to 7.2kW. Depending on the battery size, the charging process with a 7.2kW wallbox takes approximately 9 hours 30 minutes for the 62 kWh and approximately 13 hours for the 82 kWh battery (both to 100% charge). As a third charging option, the vehicle can be connected to rapid DC charging points with a charging capacity of up to 125 kW. This allows the Enyaq iV 80 to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 38 minutes and 35 minutes for the Enyaq iV 60 Nav.
Performance and range The entry level 62kWh battery model is equipped with a 179PS (132kW) motor that drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. It has a WLTP combined range of up to 256 miles on a single charge. The larger 82kWh model generates 204PS (150kW) and is capable of returning up to 333 miles on a single charge (WLTP)*.
Design and practicality Measuring 4,649 millimetres long and 1,879 wide, the Enyaq iV delivers the space and practicality customers have come to expect from ŠKODA’s awardwinning SUV models. Thanks to its allelectric platform, ŠKODA’s design team has been able to completely reimagine the Enyaq iV’s interior architecture. With the traction battery housed in the floor and a compact motor mounted beneath the boot floor, the Enyaq iV has a cabin unburdened by the packaging compromises of a traditional internal combustion engine car. As a result, occupants can enjoy a spacious interior with a flat floor and a boot that can hold 585-litres of luggage. This can be extended to 1,710 litres with the rear seats folded.
For more information, images, media and other assets, please visit www.ŠKODAmedia.com.
CLASSIC CAR AUCTIONS FIRST SALE OF 2021 WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL LINE UP OF LAND ROVERS AND RANGE ROVERS
1949 L AND ROVER SERIES I - Sold for : £23,865
1991 RANGE ROVER 'CSK' - Sold for : £31,080
One Land Rover in their catalogue is this 1949 Land Rover Series I. It is presented in this beautiful Bronze Green with a new interior and khaki canvas tilt and ready for its next adventure! This is amongst the earliest Land Rovers built and is bought from leading marque specialists John Brown 4x4 of Yorkshire in 2015. Classic Car Auctions are offering this superb Land Rover in their sale this Friday and it is estimated at £25,000 - £30,000. Another car included within their sale is this fantastic looking 2012 Land Rover Defender 110 TD XS Crew Cab. This highly sought-after XS model is freshly MOT’d, 39,245 miles indicated and is increasingly in demand. The 5-seater is finished in Aintree Green with upgraded Bowler wheels and tyres –with the launch of the new Defender, late examples of its predecessor, particularly in this condition – it is estimated at (£): £30,000 - £35,000.
Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “We are so excited for Friday and the amount of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in this sale is exceptional once again. We can’t wait for a weekend of online celebrations of classic cars with our sister company, Silverstone Auctions, to host our forthcoming sales on consecutive days”. Classic Car Auctions are also offering this 1991 Range Rover 'CSK'. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Range Rover, this is number 39 of 1 of only 200 made in 1991. The CSK was the first sports Range Rover and is finished in Beluga Black and luxuriously equipped with bespoke leather and American Walnut Trim. The car has been with Classic Car Auctions vendor for the past three years and has a fresh MOT and will be going under the hammer Friday 26th March with an estimate of £30,000 - £35,000.
The last of four cars to be previewed from the catalogue is this originally Bronze Green soft top, 1958 Land Rover Series 2 Station Wagon. This example has been retained by Land Rover, and is understood by Classic Car Auctions that the Chassis 002 is the oldest production Series 2 in existence. With unique features, a full restoration in 2011 and accompanied by a large history file, this lovely Station Wagon has been rebuilt on new galvanised chassis with a total work of £12,500. Estimated at £18,000 £22,000.
2012 L AND ROVER DEFENDER 110 TD XS CREW CAB - Sold for : £33,855
| Motors KUMHO LAUNCHES NEW ALL-SEASON TYRE FOR THE VAN AND LCV MARKET
Kumho’s first new European product of 2021 is an allseason tyre for vans and light commercial vehicles. It has been created by combining the strengths of the company’s much-praised all-season SOLUS 4S HA32 passenger car pattern and its existing winter specification van tyre, the WINTER PorTran CW11. The result is the PorTran 4S CX11 that ensures safe, secure driving and excellent braking performance throughout the year.
New cutting-edge compounds and an advanced tread design that optimises the tyre’s contact pressure with the road will lead to reductions in fuel consumption. The tread has also been developed for maximum traction on snowy roads – a capability that’s been recognised by the CX11 being granted 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) European certification. The versatility of the tyre is further emphasised by Kumho’s own all-season icon on the sidewall. Initially the PorTran 4S CX11 will be produced in 15 sizes ranging from 15 to 17 inches, which between them will accommodate the most popular vans and LCVs operating on Europe’s roads, including: the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat Ducato, Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Transporter. The new tyre will be available from the second half of this year, and its arrival will complete Kumho’s portfolio of all season-tyres that now encompasses passenger cars, SUVs, vans, LCVs, trucks and buses.
Summing up, Kim Sang Yub, Head of the Sales & Marketing Division with Kumho Tire, said: “The popularity of the SOLUS 4S HA32 launched last year has enabled us to release this new product for LCVs. We are striving to build on our technological excellence to be recognised as a smart mobility partner not only in Europe but throughout the world.”
For further information about Kumho and its products for road and motorsport use see www.kumhotyre.co.uk.
THREE TIMES AS MANY MOTORISTS MISSING MOT EXPIRY DATE BY MORE THAN THREE WEEKS
Data released today by Kwik Fit, the country’s largest MOT tester, reveals that the number of drivers missing their MOT expiry date by more than three weeks tripled in the last six months, compared to the equivalent period the previous year. One in eleven drivers (9%) booking their MOT test in the last half year only did so three or more weeks after their current MOT had run out. This compares with a figure of just 3% in the whole of 2019. These drivers are in danger of incurring the wrath of their fellow motorists. Research for Kwik Fit has found that 26% of car owners think the authorities should have the powers to impound a car if it is being driven without a valid MOT. This figure rises to more than a third (35%) of people in Yorkshire and the Humber. 14% of UK motorists think that those stopped in a car with an expired MOT should face a driving ban of at least six months, while 12% think that the courts should be able to impose fines of up to £2000. MOT extensions in the early stages of the first lockdown and this shifted the pattern of when many cars’ MOTs become due. However, not only has this changed the time of year when drivers need to get their car MOTed, there has also been a significant change in when drivers book their MOTs in relation to their expiry date.
As well as the number of drivers taking much longer to get their MOT carried out, and driving illegally as a result, there has been a similar increase in the number of drivers planning ahead. Kwik Fit has seen the number of drivers booking their test five or more weeks in advance of their expiry date also triple. Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, says: “It may be a result of the MOT extension or people having greater flexibility of when to book their MOT but the booking pattern has become much more spread out. We are seeing many more drivers plan in advance, and get their MOT sorted well ahead of its expiry, which is great news. “Unfortunately, we are also seeing a big increase in owners not getting their car tested until three or more weeks after it has become illegal to drive. This is especially dangerous at the moment as people will not have been driving their cars as much over the last year. As a result, any safety issues may not be as apparent to them as they would be with more frequent use of their car.”
Kwik Fit reminds those delaying their MOT that they can have their car tested up to one month (minus a day) before their expiry date to maintain the same anniversary and are therefore not losing any time from their previous valid MOT. Drivers should book as far in advance as possible, rather than hoping to get an appointment at the last minute. Kwik Fit is the UK’s biggest MOT tester and has expanded its online booking service to provide even more options to drivers.
6 0 p e r c e n t o f m o t o r i s t s c o n s i d e r s e l f d r i v i n g c a r s a t h r e a t t o r o a d s a f e t y
Astudy from the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that 60 per cent of motorists consider the growing ability of vehicles to drive themselves as a serious threat to road safety. While female drivers (66 per cent) and drivers over the age of 70 (64 per cent) had even higher concerns.
This is despite well-documented evidence that most road incidents are actually caused by human error, suggesting that giving greater control to the vehicles themselves in the future might actually reduce the number of collisions.
However, while automated vehicle technology could have the power to improve road safety, this will only happen if the new systems are used correctly, including through driver training to understand their capabilities and limitations, believes the road safety charity. Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “Autonomous and automated vehicle technology is becoming an integral part of everyday motoring and while it does have the capacity to improve road safety, its capabilities must be fully understood to ensure we don’t over rely on them. “Over reliance on these systems, and a lack of training on how to use them, could have a negative effect, with potentially worrying results for motorists and pedestrians alike. “As an ever-increasing number of vehicle systems take on the tasks that drivers used to perform, IAM RoadSmart is calling for an understanding of automated features to be included in the UK driving test.” According to government projections, 40 per cent of UK new car sales could have self-driving capabilities in less than 15 years. Meanwhile, advocates for a push towards autonomous vehicle technology also highlight the financial benefits to the UK economy, possibly almost worth £42 billion by 2035 together with the creation of nearly 40,000 British jobs. Concerns still remain however around the high cost of research and development, making autonomous vehicles too expensive for some, together with possible malfunctions, data security issues and moral dilemmas as to what the vehicle should be programmed to protect. Neil added: “Our research clearly shows that many motorists remain to be convinced about the safety of self-driving vehicles. While we wait for completely autonomous cars to take over from human drivers driver training will be paramount in ensuring that increasingly automated vehicles are an asset rather than a drawback.”
