Pronounce that very carefully - 12 February 2024

Motoring Podcast - News Show

FOLLOW UP: ARRIVAL GOES INTO ADMINISTRATION

The inevitable has happened at Arrival and the company has brought in receivers to try and sell on the company assets. Last year they announced they were focusing only on their large van, but this has not been produced. Claims of macroeconomic conditions have been laughed at, following the revelations of management and how the business was run. If you wish to learn more, click this article here, from The Guardian.

ASA BANS ADS OVER ZERO EMISSION AND ULEZ CLAIMS

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has rapped BMW, MG and Transport for London (TfL) over advertising claims. BMW have been censured due to claiming its electric vehicles are zero emission, which the ASA said they were not due to electricity production and manufacturing not being such. MG were censured over including their hybrid models in an advert for zero emission vehicles. TfL fell foul over claims made about misleading adverts regarding the ULEZ and modelled data rather than actual data. To learn more about the manufacturer’s issues, click this AMOnline article. For the detail of the TfL ruling, click this BBC News article link.

ASTON MARTIN IS SEARCHING FOR NEXT CEO

Aston Martin has begun the process of finding a replacement for Amedeo Felisa, the current CEO. Felisa is coming up to his 78th birthday, and has helped shaped the future of the company since taking over from Tobias Moers in 2022. If you would like to learn more, click this Autocar article link, here.

HYUNDAI EUROPE HIT BY RANSOMWARE ATTACK

Hyundai Europe has admitted they have suffered a cyberattack. Through investigations by BleepingComputer, it is believed to be a ransomware attack and the up to 3TB of data has been accessed or taken. According to the outlet, this covers many different departments and companies in the group. Whilst Hyundai has not confirmed what type of attack, it is believed to be a ransomware one. Click this link to learn more, from a BleepingComputer article.

ROLLS ROYCE SPECTRE RECALLED IN THE US

A faulty ground connection cable has caused Spectres in the US to be recalled. There is a potential for an injury risk to technicians working on the car and in extreme cases for a “thermal event” or fire as we generally know it. Affected cars were built between October and December 2023. You can learn more, by clicking this article link from The Register.

EUROPE’S MOST RECALLED CAR BRANDS IN 2023

Autocar has listed the car brands that had the most recalls in 2023, for Europe. It must be remembered, the potential for recalls increases the more niches you wish to cover, not that its an excuse. Click here to run through an extra List of the Week.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

Porsche Taycan

Porsche have unveiled their new Taycan, electric saloon and sort of estate. They have made it quicker, lighter, more efficient and able to go further. Inside the tech has been improved too. On top of all this, they have impressively, managed to make the charging times (if environmental conditions allow) between 20-80% quicker too. For more details, click this Autocar article link here.

Ford Puma

Ford has updated the Puma. There is a change to the powertrain, with the only option being the 1.0 petrol engine mated to a hybrid system. Even the ST has this, also, only with an automatic gearbox. Inside the tech has been upgraded, bringing it in line with the newer elements of Ford’s range. New touch screen, no physical buttons and the Syn4 infotainment system. We also question how reliable some of the new driver assistance technology will be. Do click this Autocar link to learn more.

BMW 5-Series Touring PHEV and EV

The 5-Series will only come as a petrol PHEV or electric version, in the UK. Gone also, is the rear window access hatch as a redesign in the name of aerodynamics has made retaining it too tricky to engineer. You can find out more by clicking this link to an Autocar article.

Audi RS6 Avant GT

Inspired by the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO, they have brought the RS6 Avant GT. Suitably decorated, including the white wheels, with a quicker 0-62mph time and a higher top speed. This exclusive car will only have 60 examples allocated to the UK. Price is a bit spicy, as you would expect too. Click this CAR article link to read more.

Abarth 600e

The Abarth 600e has been revealed. The hot version of the new 600e, all electric SUV from the 500 brand. Whilst clearly recognisable as a sister car to the 500 it is much better resolved than previous attempts to expand the brand range. Do click this Autocar article link, for the daft photoshopped image and more details on Fait’s future direction.

Silence SO4

The Spanish micromobility company, Silence, is brining their two-seater quadrocycle to the UK. Seen as a competator to the Citroën Ami it is more expensive, but has a higher top speed and longer range, thus making it more usable in the UK. Another feature is the ability to remove the battery and charge it in your house from a 240v outlet. If you wish to find out more, click this Autocar link here.

DESIGNERS MOOD BOARD: T. JON MAYER LEAVES VOLVO

A surprise announcement that T. Jon Mayer is leaving Volvo, was released last week. We have no details on where he is going or why he left. Click this Auto&Design link to find out nothing extra except what he has been up to.

LUNCHTIME READ: WILL VI CANVAS TOP AND WILL PRODUCTS

Michael Banovsky’s latest newsletter iteration has brought us a fantastic piece on the WiLL Vi Canvas Top and what else the company got involved in. We love reading about such things connected with the car industry. Click this link to read more and then go sign up to his newsletter so you don’t miss any further nuggets.

LIST OF THE WEEK: TOP 9 WEIRDEST CARS AT RETROMOBILE 2024

The French classic car show always turns up some fantastic and unusual cars, this year is no exception. Goodwood Road&Racing list their Top 9 weird cars, for you to see. Do you agree with Alan’s choice? Let us know after you click this link to see what your options are.

AND FINALLY: THE WORST SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS THAT COULD BE DREAMT UP

Jason Torchinsky, on The Autopian, has created a list of the worst subscription ideas he could come up with, for our cars. Hopefully the car brands don’t see this and think “that’s neat, let’s do it”. If you’d like to see our dystopian future, click this article link here.