Antique dealers - 29 April 2025 - Motoring Podcast

FOLLOW UP: EU IS NOT BANNING CARBON FIBRE

Thanks to listener, Alexander Aucken, we now know that the EU is not banning carbon fibre. Last week the material was removed from the draft proposal after information supplied by the car industry and conflicting research which, in the end, could not show it was a hazardous material. Click this excellent piece from Michael Taylor, to learn more.

NISSAN GB GETS a new boss

James Taylor has been appointed the managing director of Nissan GB, following his departure from Vauxhall. He replaces Diana Torres, who has been in charge for the last year. You can read more, by clicking this article link from Motor Trader.

PLANS TO INCREASE DRIVING LICENSE TEST AVAILABILITY

In some parts of the UK a learner driver may have to wait up to six months to get a driving test appointments. The Government is hoping to add up to 10,000 slots per month with additional testers and reintroduction of overtime payments. There are administrative changes happening as well. To learn more, click this Autocar article link here.

CHAIRMAN WANTS TOYOTA TO BUY SUPPLIER

Akio Toyoda, the Chairman of Toyota Motor Corp., has proposed buying Toyota Industries Corp., a supplier of the car company. However, the price suggested is much higher than current market value. The deal is at the very early stage and may not come to any fruition. If you wish to learn more, click this Yahoo! Finance article here.

ARNOLD CLARK GETS A NEW BOSS

Russell Borrie is taking over the role as Chief Executive Officer for Arnold Clark Automobiles, following the departure of Eddie Hawthorne who led the company for 27 years. To read more, click this CarDealer article 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 -

Volvo S90

Volvo has updated and refreshed the S90, which will not be coming to the UK. External touches include design cues that we have seen on the XC90 and XC60, internally there is the new touchscreen and more refinement. The EV only range of the PHEV has increased to 50 miles. Click this Autocar article to read more.

Subaru Outback

Subaru revealed the new Outback at the New York Motor Show and it is a full SUV now. With cues to the Forester from the late 90s and early 2000s, the Outback has got bigger, with a more blunt front end. Internally there are upgrades to the displays, infotainment system and a return of physical controls for climate control. Click this Carscoops article link, to read more.

Slate Truck

An EV start up, backed by Jeff Bezos, has revealed their first vehicle an all electric small pick up truck. Based in the US, the vehicle can be bought for around $20,000 with US Government incentives. A stripped back vehicle, with no touchscreen inside (you use your own phone) and wind up windows, for example. Questions remain about the business model and if the car will come to market. You can see more by clicking this EVPowered article link here.

Thanks to listener Jamie Stokes, we discuss how the UK has a need for such a vehicle.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: THE 1976 SAFARI RALLY

Thanks to the YouTube algorithm actually suggesting something worthwhile, we bring you a video that covers the Safari Rally from 1976. Be warned, Mitsubishi commissioned this therefore they do feature quite a bit, but it is a fascinating film showing how it used to be and how much of an adventure it was. Click this link here to watch for yourself.

LIST OF THE WEEK: SECRET TREASURES OF THE OFFICIAL PORSCHE VAULT

Autocar are the supplier of this week’s list, for you to peruse. See the hidden cars no one usually sees, from test mules, to prototypes, to race cars, this place has lots to check out. Click here to see what you can select your favourite from.

AND FINALLY: ROVING REPORTER AT THE NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW

Listener Matthew Tyson kindly went and found the Subaru Outback at the New York Motor Show, following Alan’s request. But he didn’t stop with just photos of that! Below are a bunch of links to some of the weird, the wonderful, the sublime and new vehicles he found whilst mooching around. Do check them out!

4Runner Surf Concept

Selection of Toyotas and predicting the future

Toyota Land Cruiser Rox Concept

Genesis Hypercar / IMSA GTP

Hyundai IONIQ 5N Pikes Peak

Dodge Charger Daytona

Fiat making an appearance

Subaru Outback Wilderness and Trailseeker

Kia WKNDR

Mustangs

Broncos

Overlanding options if your pockets are deep