Pretty please with sugar on top - 23 January 2024

Motoring Podcast - News Show

FOLLOW UP: VW AND GERMAN GOV LOSE ENGINE FIX FIGHT

A German environmental group has won its court case against the Volkswagen Group and the German Government for allowing the use of thermal windows in engine emissions, for the last eight years. Whilst the regulator allowed it the court ruled they should not have. You can learn more by clicking this electrive article link here.

FOLLOW UP: CMA WINS APPEAL AGAINST BMW AND VW

The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has won its appeal relating to forcing BMW and the Volkswagen Group hand over information to enable their investigation into possible anti-competative practices for recycling vehicles. The argument from BMW and VW is that they are based outside of the UK therefore the CMA has no authority. The Court of Appeal ruled they do. For more on this story, click this Reuters article link here.

FOLLOW UP: FEEDBACK ON THE CHAT GPT EXPLAINER

Thank you to everyone who got in touch, following the release of last week’s show and the separate video which explained Chat GPT, AI and why it is a bad idea in cars. We are glad it has helped so many of you. If you haven’t seen it yet, click this link to our YouTube video here.

BRITAIN STICKS TO MONOCHROME NEW CARS IN 2023

Topping the chart, once again, we find that grey is the most popular colour for new car registrations. The top three are rounded out with black and white - yawn. Do click this link to SMMT’s article on this, as there is one chart that lists the Top 10 colours and how many have been registered in that colour, it is eye opening.

EU INVESTIGATORS TO VISIT CHINESE CAR COMPANIES

As part of the EU’s investigation into whether China unfairly helps their own manufacturing base, with electric vehicles, they will be visiting several firms at locations in the country to check if information supplied matches. They will not be checking on European set ups. Click this link, from electrive, to read more on this development.

EVS IN THE EU WILL NEED A BATTERY PASSPORT FROM 2027

A system has been developed that aims to track everything about a vehicle battery, from minerals in the ground to what was last done to it in the car. This comes into force in February 2027. Depending on which group is looking to access the data, different levels of information will be available. You can learn more by clicking this Autocar link here.

SUBARU UK GETS A NEW MD

Congratulations to Lorraine Bishton on her appointment as the new managing director at Subaru UK. She has previously worked at Ford, JLR and lately at McLaren Special Operations. If you wish to learn more, click this AMOnline link here.

If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

Ford Kuga

Ford have given the latest generation Kuga a refresh. Tweaks to the exterior looks but most changes are inside where improvements have been made to the technology on offer. On top of which the oily bits have been enhanced, and it has one of the best towing ratings in class. The car will also be slightly cheaper than the current model. Click this Autocar link to find out much more.

Hyundai Bayon

One of the rarer cars in the Hyundai range, the small SUV Bayon has been refreshed. The exterior has been sharpened up and now includes the full width LED to the front end. Inside the interior is now on a par with the rest of the range. If you want to read more on this car, click here and read the article from Autocar.

VW Tiguan

The Tiguan outsells the Golf, therefore this is a very important car for the brand. Once again, the exterior has been evolved but inside is where most changes are obvious. Now in line with the Passat and other new vehicles in the range, there is the revised infotainment screen, that has some buttons positioned at the bottom for quick access. There is a myriad of options for powertrains and trim levels. Click this CAR article link, to read more.

Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru is replacing the XV with the hugely popular, in the US, Crosstrek. Alan cannot move for tripping over them in the state he currently resides. There are improvements to the driver assistance system, more refinement and body control. You can learn more by clicking this link to an Autocar article here.

KGM Torres

KGM, formerly known as Ssangyong, has revealed their mid sized SUV which will go on sale in the UK imminently, the Torres. Initially in petrol form and front wheel drive, it will quickly be followed by a 4x4 version and then an electric powertrain. If this is of interest to you, click this Autocar link to find out more.

Mazda Spirit Racing sub brand

Mazda, at the Tokyo Auto Salon, revealed a performance sub brand called Spirit Racing. Two race inspired cars where shown to the crowds, a Mazda 3 and MX-5. Styling enhancements include a paint colour, stripes, red strip to the front splitters and a more aggressive stance. There is no confirmation Mazda are going to make these or any other cars with the sub brand but we can all hope. Click this Top Gear link to read more.

Stellantis STLA EV platforms

Stellantis has revealed their new electric vehicle platforms, called STLA. This will come in four varieties, the Small, Medium, Large and Frame. To learn what these equate to as well as the impressive sounding potential capabilities, click this CAR article link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: CES SHOWED VW, BMW AND MERCEDES ARE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTIONS CONCERNING USER EXPERIENCE

For the second week on the trot, I am recommending the work of Drew Smith. This time it is his review of automakers offerings at CES, the annual tech fantasy show, sorry, tech show. This year the offerings were quite bleak, misguided with the occasional brighter spot. Click this link to read his thoughts on Car Design News.

LIST OF THE WEEK: GREATEST MACHINES WITH 100HP OR LESS

This week’s fun list does not stick strictly to cars, but all cool vehicles with 100hp or less. Do you agree with Andrew’s choice, even if it was a tad dramatic or are you going to pick one of the more frivolous options? Do let the chaps know. Click here to run through the Autocar article.

AND FINALLY: THIRD TIME’S A CHARM FOR AUDI

On the third attempt and with the help of Carlos Sainz Snr, Audi win the Dakar race with their electrified RS Q e-Tron. Click this Top Gear link to read more about the remarkable feat for both Audi and Sainz.