UK CAR PRODUCTION DROPS AGAIN
UK car production dropped the lowest since 1949, bar the lockdown year of 2020. That is the second record breaking (and not the good type) month on the trot. The US tariff jump is being largely blamed for this. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.
NISSAN CONFIRMS UK JOB CUTS
Nissan has announced that around 250 employees are taking voluntary redundancy in Sunderland, as the car company looks to cut costs. This is all part of the dramatic steps the Japanese company is actioning due to their financial woes. If you wish to read more, click this Top Gear article link here.
Adding to the bleak picture Nissan is painting, leaked documents show the company approaching suppliers to request a delay in paying them. The reasoning is claimed to be a freeing up of cash. The request is voluntary, but would be two to three months delay for invoices being paid. You can read more, by clicking this Reuters article link here.
LOTUS MAY OR MAY NOT CLOSE UK PRODUCTION
Late last week Autocar was told that Lotus was planning to move production, from the UK, as it explored the possibility of building cars in the US thanks to the tariffs. However, on Monday, the company issued a statement refuting the possibility of shutting down the Hethel factory. The UK Government has pledged to discuss the matter with Lotus to safeguard British jobs. Click this Autocar link here to read more.
CAR MAKERS GO COLD ON APPLE CARPLAY ULTRA
Some of the companies that had agreed to work with Apple and integrate Apple CarPlay Ultra into their vehicles, are now stepping back from those commitments. Regular CarPlay will still be available but allowing access to data that enables the display on the driver's binnacle was too much for them. To learn more, click this MacRumours article link here.
GM CLASS ACTION TO BE SPLIT UP
General Motors won a ruling that will cause the class action against them, regarding defective transmissions, is to be split up into smaller cases due to the wide variety of vehicles involved. The case is not going away and it is only a reprieve as this will be sent back to the regional judge to decide which owners will be clumped together. If you want to read more, click this Reuters article link here.
INTEL RETREATS FROM THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
Intel is closing down its automotive business and laying off the majority of people who worked on it. Intel is having to restructure due to business competition and struggles. Click this article link here, from The Register to read more.
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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -
Mercedes-AMG Concept GT XX
Mercedes-AMG has revealed an electric performance car they are promising will stir our emotions. There will be a simulated sound of a V8 as well as pretend gear changes. To read more about this, click the link here to an Autocar article.
Porsche 911 Carrera Reimagined by Singer
Much to Alan’s “joy”, Singer has shown off their latest restomod of a Porsche 964. Prices are on the “oh, how much?” end of the scale and have utilised help from Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Cosworth. For more on this, click this EVO article link here.
Cadillac CELESTIQ
Cadillac has delivered its first CELESTIQ. This is a hand made electric luxury car, aiming at the Bentley and Rolls Royce markets. Prices start at just over $300,000 and can be personalised in a myriad of ways.Click this GM News article link for more.
LUNCHTIME READ: THREE IS A MAGIC NUMBER
Driven to Write provides our recommendation, for your reading pleasure this week. Eóin Doyle tells us all about BMW and their first 3-Series. As ever, a wonderful history lesson into a car that has been so important to the company. Click this link here to read all about it.
LIST OF THE WEEK: 25 OF RENAULT’S GREATEST PERFORMANCE HITS
We turn, once again, to Autocar as they provide a slideshow of performance Renaults. Don’t forget to tell us if you agree with Alan and Andrew’s choice. Click this link here to check out the options.
AND FINALLY: TAKE YOUR HOTEL WITH YOU
Fancy going off on a big adventure, into areas of the world that are a touch more inaccessible than you usually visit, but also want to take around 20 of your closest mates? No problem, Rotel Tours can help you! We link you to an article from The Autopian, that explains the history of Rotel Tours and the various vehicles they have used, including their latest which is are six wheeled Mercedes Actross based expedition vehicles. Click here to read more.
