Tax registration and blergh - 4 June 2024

Motoring Podcast - News Show

FOLLOW UP: FCA PERMITS GAP INSURANCE AGAIN

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has given permission for companies to sell GAP insurance once again, following steps to make it fairer to customers. Those selling the insurance will need to demonstrate they are following the new rules and then they will be allowed to resume their offering. If you wish to learn more, click this AMOnline article link here.

FOLLOW UP: SPOTIFY OFFERS REFUNDS ON CAT THING

After hearing our damning criticism of their actions over the Car Thing, Spotify have offered refunds to owners of the gadget. No, actually, that isn’t what happened. As they face a lawsuit from owners they have heard the general outcry and are trying to repair some of the reputational damage. Click this TechCrunch article for more information.

FOLLOW UP: RENAULT-GEELY HORSE FINDS A HOME IN LONDON

The joint-venture between Renault and Geely, for working on ICE and hybrid powertrains, has opened their HQ in London. The plan is for them to supply their own companies, as well as others, with the developed technology. You can read more, by clicking this Reuters article link here.

BENTLEY ANNOUNCE NEW CEO

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser will be Bentley’s new Chairman and CEO, following the departure of Adrian Hallmark who is moving to Aston Martin. Walliser has been a key part of Porsche’s development of road cars, their racing ambitions and special projects such as the 918 Spyder. He will start his position on 1 July 2024. If you wish to read more, click this EVO article link here.

HMRC ADVISORY FUEL RATES CUTS EV RATE

HMRC has released the new advisory fuel rates, giving ICE a rise but cutting EVs. Even before the cut, the reality of how drivers will be out of pocket if they drive an EV has been repeatedly stated, especially if the driver does not have a home charger. To find out more, click this Business Motoring article link here.

GREAT WALL TO SHUT EUROPEAN HQ

Great Wall, the owners of the Ora EV brand, are closing their headquarters in Munich and will be making 100 employees redundant. This also is a signal that their plans for expansion are on hold. The company claims it will continue to serve markets it has already entered, but now from China. Click this electrive article link to read more.

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW ENDS FOR NOW

Geneva motor show organisers have confirmed that the show will not return anytime soon. Citing car company’s lack of interest and outside influences. Seemingly they have forgotten price gouging hotels and outrageous fees to display. But this will be a loss for the public, despite what motoring journalists and PRs might be cheering. To read more on this, click the Autocar 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 -

Citroën e-C3

Citroën has released details on the new C3, including the electric version. The EV will be initially offered with a maximum 199 mile range, at £21,990. A smaller battery will be offered in due course with less range and thus a cheaper car. With all of the information now available, this car is a compelling proposition, addressing many issues we have highlighted on this show. Click this Autocar article link for more.

Porsche 911

The new Porsche 911 has been revealed, including the GTS, which will get a hybridised flat-six engine delivering more power but costing a good deal more. Talking of costs, colour tax is very much a real and expensive thing with the new 911. To learn more about the 911 and GTS, click this EVO article link here.

To read about the colour tax, click this Jalopnik link here.

BMW 3 Series

BMW have refreshed the 3 Series, both inside and apparently outside. Of note is that the M3 will only be available with X-Drive. Additionally, BMW have removed the option of a diesel engine, but have an improved PHEV offering. To learn more about 3 Series, including the new paint options, click this Motoring Research article link here.

For details on the M3, click this EVO link here.

Jeep Wagoneer

Jeep are going to be bringing the electric Wagoneer to the UK, arriving early in 2025. Seemingly aimed at the Model Y, due to a lack of other competition, it is $70,000 in the US with a 300 mile range and 592bhp. Click this Autocar article link to find out more.

LUNCHTIME READ: CONCEPT CARS MON AMOUR! VELSATIS

Thank you to Driven to Write, for this week’s recommendation, explaining the development of the VelSatis concept car, including a host of incredibly 90s French car PR photos. The quarry one is a particular delight of the genre. Click here to read more, including the design team and extra information about the project.

LIST OF THE WEEK: BIY - 10 GREAT CLASSIC KIT CARS

Andrew takes a trip down memory lane as Alan picks his choice of the kit car he’d like to have from the options available. Do you agree with him? Don’t forget to tell the chaps what you would have. Click here to read what Hagerty has selected.

AND FINALLY: HOT WHEELS LEGENDS UK TOUR 2024

The Hot Wheels Legends UK Tour is about to get into full swing again. If you have an exciting and interesting car that you think would be a perfect fit as a model car, do click this link to the official site to find out more. We cannot wait to see what cars make it to the final!