Author: Aimee Turner

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed it’s ditching five models from its lineup next yr on account of their lack of profitability. The five models being axed include the XE and XF sedans, the sporty F-Type, the E-Pace SUV, and the all-electric I-Pace SUV. By 2025, Jaguar’s lineup will consist of only one existing model, the midsize F-Pace SUV. The move which JLR spokesperson confirmed to media outlets is a component of a big transformation for the brand, which goals to go all-electric soon. Jaguar can be positioning itself as a high-luxe brand, targeting higher profitability. Jaguar plans to launch three recent models built…

US software house CDK Global is reported to have paid out a $25 million ransom to hackers following a devastating June 19 cyber attack which likely cost its US dealership clients $600m in direct losses.CDK’s software supports nearly 15,000 dealerships in North America by managing vehicle acquisitions, sales, financing, insurance, repairs, and maintenance.Keyloop, the UK’s dominant DMS provider, will not be a part of CDK Global. CDK sold off its international business, which rebranded as Keyloop in 2021.CDK initially described the incident as a “cyber incident” in media statements although reportedly referred to it as a “cyber ransom event” with…

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the finalists for the IMI Skills Competitions following the national qualifier events in May and June. Students and apprentices, nominated by their tutors or employers, have been chosen under 4 key specialisms: body repair, refinishing, light vehicle technology, and heavy vehicle technology. The 24 finalists will compete within the live national finals from November 18-22. Richard Hutchins, IMI Skills Competitions manager, said: “The finalists include profession changers, industry returners, and, for the primary time, two women within the refinishing stream. Each finalist stood out for his or her focus, overcoming personal…

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is to be at the center of Motability Operations which is committing to maintain pricing low for it 760,000 disabled customers. Motability which operates the UK’s largest automotive fleet insists scheme customers proceed to get the very best value deals – at 48% cheaper than industrial leasing alternatives – at a time when the market is very unpredictable. Its latest price list until the tip of September incorporates a wide selection of recent EV models from various manufacturers several of which require no up front payment, including:   Renault Megane e-Tech, EV60 160kW Evolution Comfort Range 60kWh, with…

As an employer of 78% of the 758,000 people working within the sector and which generates annual turnover of £100 billion, automotive retailers will now concentrate on how Labour plans to addresses the aspects which most impact their business – and just as importantly, the speed at which it’ll deliver.Labour was in actual fact the one party with a dedicated automotive policy which recognised the contribution the motor industry will likely play in achieving net zero goals.Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society for Motor Manufacturers, signalled its support for a bespoke approach to achieving net zero which, with the precise conditions, could…

The European Commission has today officially imposed anti-subsidy duties on electric vehicles (EV) imported from China, forcing manufacturers to place aside funds to pay for the tariff hikes. On June 12, the European Commission announced that it will apply provisional countervailing duties on Chinese-made EVs based on the outcomes of its nine-month investigation into the degrees of state subsidies received by different Chinese or China-based carmakers. This unfair support, it believes, leads to hefty distortions within the European market.The move by the Commission followed a May 14 declaration by the USA which said it is going to increase tariffs on Chinese EVs and certain…

The gap between older and newer cars when it comes to average aftersales invoice value continues to widen, in line with recent evaluation from Marketing Delivery.The marketing agency examined the common invoice value of aftersales work performed by franchised dealers across the UK for cars in several age brackets.In 2023, the common invoice value was £480 for cars aged six to 10 years, in comparison with £327 for cars under three years old – a 47% difference. This gap has been increasing yearly; it was 45% in 2022 and 34% in 2021.Moreover, the common workshop invoice value for vehicles within…

Stellantis’ UK chief has warned that the automobile maker could stop production within the country should the federal government fail to support electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Speaking at a Society of Motor Manufactuers and Traders (SMMT) conference in London, Stellantis UK head Maria Grazia Davino said the business will likely settle on UK production inside the following yr. The UK’s ZEV mandate goals to speed up the transition from petrol and diesel cars to electric models by 2035, with EV sales targets progressively increasing. EV automobile sales targets for this yr have been set at 22% rising to twenty-eight% next yr…

G3 Vehicle Auctions has invested in two experienced auctioneers after snapping up the 14-acre Cazoo wholesale facility in Bedford. Starting this week, sales days will probably be Monday, Wednesday and Friday, mirroring the G3 Castleford centre, with Monday offering the Essential sale, Wednesday offering the LCV and Economy sale and Friday offering the Elite fleet sale. This significantly enhances G3’s operational footprint, enabling the corporate to double its remarketing capability and streamline services for a broader range of clients.   In May, G3 acquired the Bedford Cazoo wholesale site ahead of failed motor retailer Cazoo calling in administrators to try to seek out…

A automotive dealer from Omagh has been found guilty at Newry Crown Court of promoting and selling ‘clocked’ cars including reducing the mileage of a VW Scirocco by 52,000 miles.The Trading Standards Service brought the case against Samuel McConnell, director of SMC Cars & Commercials, and Ryan McKittrick, a sales executive of the identical company.McConnell pleaded guilty to 5 charges under the Fraud Act 2006. He was sentenced to 240 hours of community service to be accomplished inside 12 months and ordered to pay £7,920 in compensation to the 4 victims inside 12 weeks.McKittrick also pleaded guilty to 5 charges under…