FOLLOW UP: EX-AUDI BOSS FACES JAIL IN GERMANY
Rupert Stadler, the former CEO of Audi has been told the case of fraud against him and others, has been substantiated and therefore could face jail unless he fully confesses. He and three other defendants were charged in 2020. The judge confirmed that there was no proof that one of the engineers was guilty of criminal activity. Click here to read more, from the Automotive News Europe article.
FOLLOW UP: PARIS RESIDENTS VOTE TO BAN E-SCOOTERS
With a turnout of just 6%, residents of Paris have voted to ban dockless shared e-scooters. This has cause furious anger from the pro-scooter brigade. Whilst the vote is only advisory the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, insisted she would abide by the result. Click this Move Electric article link to learn more.
UK GOVERNMENT ZEV MANDATE CONSULTATION OPENS
The UK Government has opened its zero emission vehicle mandate consultation. They have outlined their proposed implementation of policies that would require zero emission vehicles to be sold. You can read the consultation documentation by clicking this link here.
Amongst the plans is to fine car companies if they do not meet targets for zero emission vehicles sold, the year on year changes to limits and how hybrids do not appear to be allowed post 2030 thanks to the new ICE vehicles ban. Click here to read more, from Move Electric.
POOR ROAD REPAIRS TO INCUR FINES
Utility companies will face fines for poor repairs to works, the Government has announced. Inspection of the work will be £50 and every subsequent inspection being £120. Those who do consistently excellent repairs will then be inspected less. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.
SEAT TO BE THE MOBILITY BRAND OF THE VW GROUP
In the latest efforts of the Volkswagen Group in trying to decide what to do with Seat, they announced they would become the mobility brand for the Group. Seat will offer car-sharing and e-scooters. Final plans are yet to be confirmed. You can learn more by clicking this Automotive News Europe article link here.
GM ANNOUNCES ANDROID ONLY SOFTWARE IN THEIR CARS
General Motors has announced that they will be utilising Android Automotive in their cars, starting with the Blazer EV. As a consequence Apple CarPlay will not be offered to owners. This offers astonishing levels of data to Google, especially if the driver logs into their account on the car. Click here to read an article outlining some of the data Google collects, via this Autoevolution link.
This is a ‘brave’ move by GM to cut off a large section of actual or potential customers by excluding their phone of choice. As can be seen by reading this FT article, link here, Gen Z has gone all in on Apple, in the US.
As we said when Apple showed it wanted deeper integration into car’s systems, this is a dreadful idea from a safety and security situation. These companies have no idea about safety critical software.
Click this Forbes article link to read more about the over all story.
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NEW NEW CAR NEWS:
Follow Up - Kia EV9 -
After we proudly proclaimed there is no way the EV9 will be coming to the UK, Kia announced the EV9 is coming to the UK. Ah, oops, but we always own up to our mistakes. Click this Autocar article link to learn more details on the car, including how stupidly quickly you can get to 62mph in such a large vehicle.
Suzuki Warranty -
Suzuki has announced it now has a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty, if you use their dealer network. This takes it on par with Kia, better than MGs, with only Toyota and Lexus beating everyone. Click here to read more from the Motoring Research article.
Lamborghini Revuelto -
Lamborghini has revealed their Aventador replacement, the Revuelto (however you pronounce that!). This will be a hybrid, producing 1000hp and an EV only range of six, yes SIX, miles. However, it looks absurd and fantastic as a Lambo should. To learn more about this poster worthy car, click on this link for an Autocar article.
Smart #3 -
Smart has revealed their latest car, the #3 (yes, we know, that is a very silly name). Approximately the same size as the VW ID.4 this is not a small car. Looks wise it captures the generic electric SUV perfectly, neither offensive nor enticing. The full reveal will take place at the Shanghai Motor Show. Click this Autocar link here to see more.
LUNCHTIME WATCH: VW EA266 PROJECT
HubNut has an excellent video about the mid engined replacement project for the VW Beetle, bewteen Porsche and Volkswagen. This is a departure from the typical style of videos Ian produces but is very good. Click this YouTube link to watch this fascinating and not well known story.
LIST OF THE WEEK: 7 FAST ESTATE CAR LEGENDS FOR UNDER £20,000
Antony Ingram has compiled this week’s list, on Hagerty, where we all get to enjoy our yesterdays and estate car love. Click this link to see the options and don’t forget to tell us if you agree with Alan’s choice.
Click here to see our video on one of the choices too.
AND FINALLY: EASTER JEEP SAFARI CONCEPTS
As we approach Easter it means Jeep reveals this year’s concepts for their Moab safari trip. Think of this as an extra List of the Week, and also tell us if you approve of Andrew’s choice, after clicking this link to the Top Gear article.
