That was my line - 9 January 2024

Motoring Podcast - News Show

FOLLOW UP: RIFTER NOT BERLINGO, BAD ANDREW

During the Year of unintended consequences - 19 December 2023 episode, Andrew stated that Alex Grant has an e-Berlingo, which is incorrect. Alex has the more stylish e-Rifter, which shares a lot of the platform but is not the same. Apologies Alex, Andrew has been suitably chastised for his error.

FOLLOW UP: WELSH 20MPH LIMIT TO NOW BE ENFORCED

The Welsh Government has stated that the newly introduced default 20mph speed limit, for built up areas, will be enforced from this month onwards. Depressingly, the article we link to, on the BBC News site which you can read by clicking here, has several quotes making it explicit that in Wales at least, compliance equals safety. Speed cameras will be installed in areas where it is deemed that too many are breaking the limit, rather than where there are accident blackspot as has been the norm.

DECEMBER AND FULL YEAR NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS

Once again we note so many have trouble with the difference between new car registrations and sales. They are not the same.

The good news is that registrations rose 17.9% on 2022, but still it is way down on the Before Times, approximately 17.5% down. We always need to put these figures into context. A lot of positive fuss was made about the volume of battery electric cars (BEV) which is impressively up, but the percentage of those registered is down for both December and 2023. Some of this may be due to holding back vehicles with 2024 and the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate about to land.

More of a concern will be Private registrations that fell 14% for December and 0.1% for the year. Fleet is doing all the heavy lifting now. However, the inevitable calls for incentives and/or subsidies for private buyers has started.

Click this link to the SMMT article for more information.

SUPERMARKETS STILL RIPPING US OFF ACCORDING TO RAC

The RAC brings out its monthly report into fuel prices, once again confirming that supermarkets are holding onto the duty relief the Government intended to be passed onto the public. Click this Autocar article link here, to read more.

JLR LAUNCHES BESPOKE INSURANCE FOR RANGE ROVERS

Following the issues JLR have had around their vehicles and how older models have been targets for thieves, which they appear to have solved for some models, with a £10 million effort we discussed a few weeks ago, they now are offering insurance for those struggling to get cover. Click this Motoring Research article link for more information.

AUDI E-TRON RECALLED IN THE US

Audi E-Trons built before March 2022 have been recalled in the United States over a fire risk connected to LG Energy Solutions battery packs. The affects nearly 27,000 cars and there is no remedy yet. You can learn more by clicking this link here to a Consumer Reports article.

TESLA RECALL OVER FAULTY DOOR RISK

Tesla is issuing an over-the-air-update to fix the risk of doors opening during an accident, in the United States. Model S and X from 2021 to 2023 are affected by this. If you wish to learn more, click this CNBC article link here.

HONDA RECALLING 1.13 MILLION CARS WORLDWIDE

Cars fitted with a defective fuel pump, from the supplier Denso, are being recalled by Honda. 25 models built between June 2017 and September 2020 are affected. Again this appears to for the United States but also Japanese cars are involved. Click this article from The Japan Times to read more.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

Xiaomi SU7

The consumer electronic company has revealed their first model, due to be sold initially in China at some point in 2024. The silhouette is astonishingly close to that of the Porsche Taycan. Power claims of 670bhp with a 746 mile range are made by the company. If you wish to learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

NIO ET9

NIO is hoping to take on Mercedes-Maybach with this cross-over coupe, claiming to be the new benchmark for safety, luxury and efficiency. The car is due to come to market, in China, in 2025. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

Toyota GR Supra removed from sale

The full UK allocation of the Toyota Supra has sold out, meaning that the car has been removed from sale here. There is no indication as to when or if it will come back. But an expected uprated model has been seen in development at the Nurburg ring, and is hoped to be coming to these shores. If you wish to learn more, click this Autocar link here.

Apple CarPlay in Porsche and Aston Martin

Apple has revealed the look of their next generation CarPlay, with Aston Martin and Porsche. We talked about this back in 2022 when Apple first revealed it wanted deeper integration between cars and its system. The struggle is to see what makes these particularly Porsche or Aston Martin displays. On top of which is that they do not appear to be very “luxury”. Click this Car article to read more.

Kia and Hyundai introducing connected services with Samsung

Kia and Hyundai is going to integrate the Samsung “SmartThings” connected platform into their cars. This will allow anyone with a suitable device and has access to Samsung’s service to be able to control from their car. If, for some reason, you wish to learn more, click here to read a Top Gear article on the matter.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: RICHARD HAMMOND ON MY WEEK IN CARS

We are recommending watching this 59 minute interview of Richard Hammond by Steve Cropley and Matt Prior. They chat about his past, present and hopes for the future. This is a really sensible and grown up discussion about steps towards sustainability without going off the deep end. Click here to watch.

LIST OF THE WEEK: CLASSIC CAR FONTS

Daniel Goldson makes a great case for the wonderfulness of classic car fonts. He has compiled a slideshow of options for you to pick from, which you can see via this Jalopnik link here. Don’t forget to tell the chaps your favourite.

AND FINALLY: SNIFFING OUT THE PAST

Scientists are creating a ‘smell encyclopaedia’ to help give us an idea of how things smelt in the past. Included, is the Queen’s Rover. You can read more by clicking this Times article link here.