Motoring Podcast - News Show

FOLLOW UP: UK GOVERNMENT CANS CAR PARK SOLAR CANOPIES
After reviewing a consultation on new outdoor large car parks should be required to fit solar panel canopies the Government has decided to shelve the idea. Costs and differing site conditions were used as excuses, in the responses, to the concept. To read more, click this East Anglia Bylines article link here.
VW NOW CONSIDERING 100,000 JOB LOSSES
According to reports, Volkswagen Group is now considering doubling the job losses to around 100,000 and the shutting down of four German plants. Additionally they are considering spinning off the Volkswagen brand and the components division. If you wish to read more, click this Yahoo!News article link here.
PORSCHE’S NEW STRATEGY EXPLAINED
The CEO of Porsche, Michael Leiters has outlined the company’s new strategy to investors, whilst asking for patience. Called Strategy 2035 it is hoped it will dramatically improve their fortunes as right now their profit margin is 1.1 percent. The strategy is targeting customers, cars to be offered and costs. For more on this story, click this CarScoops article link here.
POLESTAR BANNED FROM SELLING CARS IN THE US
Polestar has been banned from selling cars in the US, despite having a factory in country, due to the Connected Vehicle Rule which restricts Chinese (and Russian) linked hardware and software. It must be remembered that recently Volvo, their sister company, was granted a waiver of this rule. To read more, click this Auotcar article link here.
FERRARI LOSE AND FIND NEW HEAD OF MARKETING
Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Enrico Galliera, has left Ferrari after 16 years. He is to be replaced by Massimiliano Di Silvestre. This has occurred a few weeks after the launch of the Luce, which cause quite the stir. Click this Yahoo!Finance article link here for more.
FORD REHIRING SOME ENGINEERS FIRED FOR AI THAT HAS FAILED
Ford have had to eat some humble pie as it has rehired some 350 engineers it made redundant and replaced with AI. This has not worked out as the company has found the software failed. The company isn’t retreating from its use, but instead is getting the engineers to train it. You can read more, by clicking this Futurism article link here.
BMW OTA UPDATE BATTERY WARNING
BMW has told owners that they do not need to worry about a 12v battery warning, which has occurred to i3 and i4s following an over the air (OTA) update. The company stated that there is nothing wrong with the battery. To find out more, click this CarScoops article link here.
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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -
Morgan Midsummer Coupe
The collaboration between Morgan and Pininafarina has produced more lovely work, this time in the form of the Midsummer Coupe. There is now a hard top version to compliment the roadster which we covered previously. Only nine will be built. Click this Motoring Research article link here, for more.
Skoda Peaq
Skoda has released the specifications for their second largest vehicle, the Peaq. An electric SUV, with the capability of seating seven, there are a couple of battery options and drive configurations, as we have come to expect from the VW Group. Prices start at £51,980 and as you move up through the trim levels, tops out at initially £58,280. Click this Top Gear article link here for the full details.
Shell Triple 10 Challenge
Shell has revealed a proof of concept, called the Triple 10 Challenge. They are aiming for 10km/kWh, a total lifecycle CO2 footprint of 10 tonnes and a maximum 10 minute recharge time. Click this CarScoops article link here to learn more.
LUNCHTIME READS: AUDI 80 AT 60
We are recommending a Nathan Chadwick article, on Hagerty, for your reading pleasure this week. He dives into the history of the 80 and how important the model was through a variety of iterations. Click this link here to read more.
LIST OF THE WEEK: 116 YEARS OF ALFA ROMEO
It started as an art project, where Juanma Tastzien drew 31 Alfa Romeo models from their 116 year history. You can see five by clicking this link here, but we strongly recommend you sign up to his Creating Lightly newsletter because a) it is very good and enjoyable and b) you see the other 26 cars.
AND FINALLY: LAP OF LE MANS IN 1956
For the And Finally, we are pointing you towards a YouTube video that is the film of Mike Hawthorn taking a D-Type Jaguar around Le Mans in 1956, with a camera strapped to the car and he is commentating as he is driving it. Utterly wonderful. Click this link here to see how it was, back then.

UK GOVERNMENT IN TALKS WITH NISSAN OVER SUNDERLAND
Once again the UK Government is in talks with Nissan about helping the company to secure the future of the Sunderland plant. At least they are demanding commitments to future production at the site in return for financial aide. Negotiations are still ongoing. If you wish to read more, click this Yahoo!Finance article link here.
STELLANTIS TO BUILD FOR JLR IN THE US
Stellantis has reached an agreement with JLR to build their vehicles in the US. These will be from the Defender brand. Additionally both companies plan to share technology and car development with each other. To learn more, click this Autocar article link here.
JLR EXPLAINS NEXT ‘REIMAGINE’ PHASE
Combined with the Stellantis announcement, JLR also explained the next stage of their Reimagine strategy. They are aiming for £1.7 billion in savings, which they are calling Enterprise Missions, targeting material costs, warranty expenses and fixed costs. For more on this story, click this Autocar Professional article link here.
EU NOTICES PHEV TARIFFS LOOPHOLE
Whilst the EU has imposed tariffs on Chinese built EVs it seemed to forget they also sell plug-in hybrids. That is set to change as the European Commission intends to slap tariffs on PHEVs akin to the various levels imposed on individual Chinese brands for EVs, albeit at lower levels. Click this electrive article link here, to read more.
UK GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NEW AV CONSULTATION
The Department for Transport has launched a new consultation about safety principles for automated vehicles. The draft principles in themselves are good and should be implemented. This will mean no AV will be on our roads as none can satisfy them all. Additionally, there were three principles that they chose to exclude, be able to drive without human monitoring, cyber resilience and explainability. These have to be included. Click this link to see the statement from the Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood MP announcing this matter.
YET ANOTHER WAYMO RECALL FOR BASIC DRIVING ISSUE
Waymo has recalled nearly 4,000 vehicles as it tries to update their software to stop them driving into freeway construction zones. To prevent any further issues until they can find and deploy a solution, freeway driving is being restricted. To read more, click this link from The Register 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 -
BMW i3
BMW has revealed the details and specifications of the ‘First Edition’ and 50 xDrive i3s and they are impressive. Prices start at £53,005, with the ‘First Edition’ starting at £57,905. The car has a range of 563 miles, thanks to 108.7kW battery, front and rear electric motors which provide 463bhp, 476lb ft of torques enabling a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. The design is based on the Neue Klasse design language. Click this Top Gear article link for more.
Rolls Royce Spectre
Rolls Royce has upgraded the Spectre as it comes out in its ‘Series II’ form, with an extended range and a cut to charging times. There is also more power, especially if you have a Black Badge edition and activate ‘Spirited’ mode. Prices start from £300,000 but in reality, after personalisation, the costs are usually much, much higher. Click this Autocar article link here, for more.
Peugeot E-208 GTI
Peugeot are brining back the GTI, but this time it is electric. Leaning on their history, there will be plenty of visual reminders of their past glories, whilst underneath much engineering is taking place to move this apart from the standard E-208. Prices start at £34,995 and it will have a maximum range of 217 miles but expect closer to 160-170 in the real world. Click this EV Powered article link here, for more.
LUNCHTIME READS: VAMOS A LA PLAYA PARTS 3 & 4
Parts 3 and 4 are now out, from Driven To Write, on the theme of beach cars. You will learn about Italian offerings in the first link, which you can get to by clicking here. Then you will find out what Germany used to get their towels to the beach first, by clicking this link here.
LIST OF THE WEEK: 1996 - A GOLDEN YEAR FOR NEW SPORTS CARS
Antony Ingram once again has produced another cracking list for Hagerty. He selects a few of the more choice sports cars that you could’ve bought new in 1996. Click this link to view your options and see if you agree with Alan’s choice.
AND FINALLY: MOTORING ART BY VAL BIRO
Val Biro was prompted to start writing about his adventures in a 1926 Austin Heavy 12-4 Clifton tourer by those who heard him recount his stories. He did so, as children’s books that many of you listeners have probably read when you were younger. But the art work is what we are focusing on as that helped make the words more vivid. Click this Classic & Sports Car article link here, to learn more.

FOLLOW UP: MOTOR FINANCE PAYOUTS DELAYED UNTIL 2027
As suspected, following appeals against the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) ruling and redress scheme, the FCA has announced that payouts will be delayed until 2027, if it goes ahead at all. The appeals have argued for the scheme to be quashed due to the claim that the rules governing it are illegal. For more in this, click the link here for a MotorTrader article.
FOLLOW UP: INDUSTRY CALLS ON THE EU AND UK TO REACH NEW BREXIT DEAL
Industry bodies for both the UK and European car manufacturers have called on both governments to reach a new ‘Rules of Origin’ deal that will allow for tariff free importing and exporting of cars and parts made in either area. This runs out at the end of this year. If you want to find out more, click this electrive article link here.
REPORTS THAT GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE MANDATE LEVELS
Over the weekend news broke on the rumour that the Government is set to reduce the required zero emission vehicle mandate level to 50% for 2030, instead of the 80% it is currently at. This is just a couple of weeks after the latest Carbon Budget claimed it would be at 95% and recently that they would not begin a review into levels until next year. To learn more, click this Autocar article link here.
GOVERNMENT BEGINS REVIEW OF PUBLIC CHARGING COSTS
After promising to do so, in the 2025 Budget, the Government has finally commenced the review into public EV charging costs. All are aware of the disparity between home and public charging prices and with more buying EVs who have no access to home charging the penalties can make the financial case for sticking with ICE. The review is looking at why the costs are what they are, how they might move between now and 2030 and what can be done to reduce them. The report into all this is expected in the autumn of this year. Click this EV Powered article link here to read more.
AION LATEST CHINESE BRAND TO OPEN SHOWROOMS IN THE UK
Aion has opened a number of UK showrooms, in a first for the Chinese GAC Group. This brand is positioned as ‘upper-mainstream’ by GAC and will be selling the Aion V, an electric SUV, initially. This will be followed by the Aion UT hatchback, later in the year. To see where they are now based, click this EV Powered article link here.
NEW DATA PRIVACY SERVICE LAUNCHED
Engenius has launched their Engineius DataClear service, with the help of Privacy4Cars. This will delete in-car personal data from the vehicle, with a report to providing a paper trail to confirm it has taken place. Not only does this help customers but also complies with GDPR requirements. For more on this, click this MotorTrader 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 -
Audi Q7
Audi has revealed the third generation of their large SUV, the Q7. This will come with either five, six or seven seats and has a fresh new look both outside and in. There will be only one engine available, a new 3.0 litre V6 diesel, but in two flavours. Full details on the performance and power capabilities is yet to be confirmed. The interior is brought in line with other recently released models. Prices and full specifications are expected in the next month. Click this Autocar article link for more.
Boreham Ford Escort RS
Boreham Motorworks has revealed what they are calling a ‘continumod’ in the form of a Ford Escort RS. Costing from £345,000 (in the UK) this is a completely new car that takes inspiration from the Mk1 Escort. Their Ten-K engine is a 2.2 litre petrol, which produces 326bhp and 155lb ft of the torques. There will also be the option to have a re-engineered Twin Cam that the original used in period. Only 150 will be built. Click this Autocar article link for more.
BYD Dolphin G DM-i
BYD has revealed the first plug-in hybrid supermini, with their Dophin G DM-i. With a maximum range of 649 miles and an electric only range of an impressive 65 miles, this car puts to shame many which cost more and are bigger. It will come with a 1.5 litre petrol engine and a 120kW electric motor. Prices are yet to be revealed and deliveries expected to start in the autumn. Click this EV Powered article link for more.
LUNCHTIME READ: BUSSO V6
We are recommending a Hagerty article for your reading pleasure this week. Nathan Chadwick writes all about the fabulous Alfa Romeo Busso V6. You’ll find out about the history of this evocative engine. Click this link to read all about it.
LIST OF THE WEEK: 2001 STARS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOTU
Antony Ingram highlights just some of the 2001 cars that are now eligible to be entered into the Festival of the Unexceptional. Do you agree with Alan’s choice? Click the link here to check out your options.
AND FINALLY: SWEDISH HITMAN KILLED IN LIMERICK ROAD INCIDENT
A Swedish contract killer was killed in a road collision after his driver accomplice was attempting to turn the car around after going the wrong way. This sounds like the plot from a low budget thriller, but is what happened last week. Click this Irish Times article link to read more.

MAY 2026 NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS
May’s registrations were the highest, for the month, since 2019. BEVs also were up, as is to be expected, with a monthly market share of 27.3%. The UK Government released the seventh Carbon Budget with an expectation that zero emission vans and cars will be 95% of all new registrations by 2030 - which bears no reflection with reality. For more, click this link to the SMMT article, here.
FORD OUTLINE EUROPEAN PLAN
Ford Europe has revealed their plan to turn around their fortunes, with five new models in the next four years thanks to collaborations with Renault and Geely. The Bronco name will be used to create a global sub brand for the company, with one SUV being inspired by the US based version. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.
MUNRO LOOKS TO EXPAND PRODUCTION
Munro’s new CEO, Avinash Rugoobur, and CFO, Tim Holbrow, has announced very ambitious targets for the company. Rugoobur previously worked as head of strategy at Cruise and also for Arrival, where Holbrow also worked. The plan is for a new manufacturing facility in the UK enabling them to up the production numbers, whilst providing vehicles their commercial customers specifically need and want. If you want to find out more, click this Autocar article link here.
WESTFIELD SPORTSCARS COMPANY BOUGHT
Westfield entered liquidation back in April, but has now been bought by a Driving-Fun.com, who is a European trackday company and owner of Circuit Meppen, in Germany. A new production facility will be built at Meppen, with plans for a series of new models, for both the road and track. Click this EVO article link here, for more.
CHERY TO BUILD CARS AT NISSan’S SUNDERLAND PLANT
Nissan and Chery have agreed a deal that will mean the Chinese company is building their vehicles at Sunderland from 2027. This is a non-binding agreement but few other details have been revealed. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.
SAIC TO BUILD MGS IN SPAIN
SAIC has decided that their European production facility will be in built in Spain. Costing around €200 million the factory will have a capacity of up to 120,000 vehicles. For more information on this story, click this MotorTrader 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 -
Audi Nuvolari
Audi has revealed the Nuvolari, their fastest ever production car, with a design language that we first saw on the Concept C. This is the Germany company’s version of the Lamborghini Temerario. Powered by a hybrid V8, producing 987bhp, getting from 0-62mph in 2.6 seconds and up to 124mph in 6.8 seconds, finally topping out at 217mph. Click this Autocar article link here, for much more.
Bentley Flying Spur
Bentley has face lifted the Flying Spur. For the first time since 1962 their four door saloon comes with only single main lights either side of the grille and not twin. Production starts in September this year. Click this Top Gear article link to read more.
Fiat Grizzly
Fiat has shown off the design of the Grizzly, which tops out the Panda range, using the same platform as the Citroën C3 Aircross and Vauxhall Frontera. There are two body styles, a boxy SUV and a coupe-style SUV. The idea is to expand the Fiat brand into segments it has not had any vehicles in recently. Click this Autocar article link here, for more.
LUNCHTIME READ: VAMOS A LA PLAYA - PARTS ONE AND TWO
Driven to Write provides our recommendations for more long form pieces, this week. Bruno V dives into the history of the beach car and the various fabulous options and versions from a variety of manufacturers.
To read Part One, click this link here.
Click here to read Part Two.
LIST OF THE WEEK: THE BEST EVER SHOOTING BRAKES
Autocar provide the slideshow we are pointing you towards, this week, all about shooting brakes (and some estates). Lots of very good choices for you to check out, which you can do by clicking this link here.
AND FINALLY: HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR RETURNS FOR 2026
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour returns for 2026 and entries are now open. The UK part of the World Tour will be at CarFest, held at Silverstone on 29 August 2026. Entries must be in by 3 July 2026. Click this Motoring Research article link to see all about it and what’s happened in past tours.

We held our second Live Question and Answer session on YouTube, where you the listener supplied the topics you wanted to hear us discuss. We enjoyed it so much and so it seems did you that we wanted to do it again. Do remember, this is the audio of that conversation, as a result the audio has not been edited for content in order for our real reactions to be heard.

We hope you enjoy it and do let us know your feedback, what can we do to improve it, do you want this to be a regular thing, all respectful comments will be considered.
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