Category: Car stuff
Ford’s hands-free driving tech BlueCruise gets EU approval
Ford BlueCruise approved by the European Commission for use in 15 European countries BlueCruise now available to customers of new Mustang Mach-E vehicles purchased in countries with Blue Zones and three additional European countries This expansion follows earlier introductions of BlueCruise in Germany, Great Britain and Spain There are more than 420,000 BlueCruise-equipped Ford…
Car production falls 7.6% in first half of 2024 as firms invest in electric future
UK car production dips -7.6% in first half of 2024 as manufacturers continue switch to EVs Electrified vehicle production YTD also down -7.6% to 157,224 units Latest independent production outlook anticipates UK producing some 910,000 cars and light vans this year, down -9.3%, as factories repurpose. Sector looks forward to working with new government on…
Nyobolt EV sportscar prototype – 10 to 80% charge in under five minutes
Nyobolt’s ultra-fast charging batteries to eliminate slow and inconvenient recharge stops move from the lab to the track Just 12 months after revealing the concept, a driveable Nyobolt EV prototype, engineered together with CALLUM, will advance testing of the technology in the real world Initial testing of the Nyobolt EV using a 350kW DC charger…
Škoda’s voice assistant Laura now with ChatGPT
Škoda’s voice assistant Laura has been expanded thanks to the integration of Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc. Alongside previously available sources of information, the Chat Pro function is now directly connected to the advanced AI tool ChatGPT to answer questions beyond the scope of Laura’s original knowledge. The feature is now available…
Škoda Kodiaq – the perfect motor for a large family
Chris Price takes the latest Skoda Kodiaq seven-seater for a spin around Ireland's beautiful Ring of Kerry and is impressed with this family car, as well as the views! OK I have a confession to make. Until last week I’d never driven a Skoda. I’ve obviously heard lots about them and even some of…
Which? car hire survey results – Goldcar finishes bottom
Consumer association Which? has revealed the best and worst car hire firms and brokers - as Goldcar once again finishes bottom in its annual survey. Which? is warning travellers to be wary of car hire rip-offs this summer, as Goldcar’s 'pressure-selling tactics and dire customer service' left it languishing at the bottom of the consumer association's rankings. Which?…
VW adds ChatGPT to several models
Interaction with ChatGPT works via the IDA voice assistant. Chat GPT AI tool will complement Volkswagen’s own online voice assistant IDA Customers can communicate with their vehicle using natural language and will receive a range of additional information Volkswagen is one of the first high-volume manufacturers to bring ChatGPT to its vehicles…
New Skoda Kodiaq iV plug in hybrid offers electric range up to 75 miles
Second-generation plug-in hybrid system delivers increased electric range Up to 75 miles of all-electric driving range in E-mode Combined output of 204PS Six-speed DSG gearbox as standard with three hybrid driving modes SE and SE L trim levels available from launch with the five-seat plug-in hybrid Kodiaq Available to order now from £41,935 OTR Škoda…
Demand for new EVs remains buoyant, claims Auto Trader
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Visits to Auto Trader’s new car platform up 22% YoY as brands focus on digital showrooms. BMW is May’s most in-demand marque, but interest in CUPRA rockets. Hattrick for Land Rover Defender 110, as May marks third consecutive month as most in-demand brand-new car on Auto Trader. Despite…
New car sales grow in April but private EV share falls
New car registrations record 21st month of growth, rising 1.0% in April. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) market share rises to 16.9%, sustained by business buyers, as private retail demand continues to drop. New 2024 market outlook revises overall uptake upwards to 1.984m units, but BEV share downgraded to 19.8% as weakened private retail demand moderates expectations.…
