Author: Aimee Turner

Renault has taken the concept a automobile can empower people – giving them greater control, freedom and a real sense of agency – totally to heart. Sat behind the wheel of the Renault Rafale E-Tech Hybrid Iconic Esprit Alpine, I used to be drawn to a curious setting buried within the Multi-Sense menu – Perso. At first, I assumed it was just one other drive mode, sitting alongside the more obvious Eco, Comfort, and Sport. A bit more exploring revealed something rather more intriguing: Perso is actually a blank canvas, a totally customisable driving profile that lets the driving force…

Three youths have been sentenced after causing greater than £63,000 price of harm to vehicles at a Ford dealership in Ulverston.South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard how Regan Satterthwaite, 21, of Barrow, and two teenagers – who can’t be named for legal reasons – gained access to several cars parked at Alan Myerscough Ford site within the early hours of February 25 last 12 months.Prosecutor Peter Kelly told the court the trio attempted to open door handles of multiple vehicles before successfully entering 4 – including two £52,000 Ford Wildtrak pickup trucks, a camper van and one other vehicle price around…

Automobile brands including Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Tesla are showcasing their latest models on the £20m Future Stores venue on Oxford Street. The 2-storey, 435 sq m space is designed as a high-footfall alternative to out-of-town dealerships and online listings, combining ‘retail theatre’ with data-driven customer insight where every visitor journey is tracked, recording age, gender, income, engagement and buy intent. “Conventional automobile showrooms haven’t evolved much for the reason that Fifties,” said Engin Celikbas, managing partner at Future Stores. “Future Stores offers a radically different approach – turning Oxford Street right into a showroom and the showroom right into a…

Industry charity Ben has launched a brand new Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) training course designed for workers at every level of the automotive sector. The four-hour programme, which could be delivered in person or virtually, covers the impact of EDI within the workplace, tips on how to recognise and address bias, and ways to embed inclusive practices that drive collaboration and innovation. Participants are encouraged to participate in open discussions about unconscious bias, explore practical strategies for constructing inclusive cultures, and examine the broader business advantages of EDI. Julie Hayes, specialist services lead at Ben, said: “We’re delighted to…

A snap survey of West Midlands businesses has laid bare the financial and operational strain attributable to Jaguar Land Rover’s prolonged shutdown following a significant cyber attack. The research, carried out jointly by the Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce, surveyed 84 businesses employing greater than 29,700 people across the region. It found that 77% had experienced a negative impact, with 44% describing it as “significant”. Almost half (45%) of firms reported serious financial repercussions, including lost revenue, increased costs and delays in customer payments. The survey revealed that 79% of respondents were directly inside…

As automation and algorithms proceed to influence every corner of the retail motor industry, it’s easy to assume that personalised service is losing relevance. But those working on the coalface of automotive finance know the other is true, and real relationships, tailored support, and a versatile approach remain central to dealer success, suggests Mel White, director of CarMoney North West. In a posh financial landscape, understanding a customer’s unique circumstances and matching them with probably the most suitable lender and finance package is important. It’s not only a matter of compliance but somewhat a industrial imperative. When dealers can access finance…

Government officials confirmed they’ve held talks with suppliers hit by the continued Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) production shutdown, as fears grow over job losses across the automotive supply chain. Representatives from the Department for Business and Trade joined a unprecedented meeting of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) Automotive Components Section today to listen to directly from affected firms. The department said the session was geared toward understanding the challenges and concerns facing suppliers. The talks come as JLR’s production halt enters its third week following a cyber attack at the top of August. The corporate has not…

As artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools reshape industries, dealerships find themselves at a crossroads. On the one hand, the potential advantages of AI are undeniable – streamlining manual tasks, connecting siloed systems, and enhancing customer experiences across the vehicle lifecycle. On the opposite, implementation isn’t straightforward. Dealerships face complex operational environments, heavy sales pressures, and cultural resistance that may turn even essentially the most promising project into an uphill struggle. So how can dealers approach AI implementation strategically, ensuring not only a smooth launch but long-term success? Laying the foundations Paul Humphreys, managing director, retail, at vehicle remarketer Cox…

One other 10,000 Citroën and DS models have been recalled, with owners warned ‘don’t drive’ following safety concerns about their airbag systems. The alert concerns faulty Takata airbags, which might explode and cause fatal injuries. It follows the death of a girl in Reims, France, last 12 months after an airbag in her 2014 Citroën C3 ruptured. No drivers have been hurt within the UK, but the danger has prompted a widening of the recall. Back in June, an urgent stop drive order was issued for certain Citroën and DS models. Now their parent company Stellantis has added further vehicles to the…

The federal government is being urged to supply emergency financial support to guard Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) supply chain because the carmaker’s production stoppage looks set to proceed into next week following a significant cyber attack. The UK’s biggest automobile manufacturer has told staff at its plants in Solihull, Halewood and Wolverhampton they may remain off work until at the least Wednesday, though they have to stay on standby because the situation is kept under review. JLR was forced to shut down its production systems on 31 August after a cyber attack that disrupted its global operations. David Bailey, professor…