Measuring stick - 23 July 2024

Motoring Podcast - News Show

NEW CTO FOR RENAULT GROUP

Philippe Krief will become the chief technical officer for the Renault Group on 1 September 2024, taking over the role from Gilles Le Borgne. Krief will continue his role at Alpine. To learn more, click this YahooFinance link here.

NEW EU TYRE RULES COME INTO FORCE

New rules for tyres, from the EU, mean that they will need to have the same wet braking standards new as when they have 1.6mm tread left. This will increase safety and also it is hoped will mean drivers do not swap to newer tyres before they need to. The idea might mean that production CO2 emissions will be cut by up to 35 million tons. There is no confirmation the rules will be adopted in the UK. Click this EVO article link to read more.

LIDL TO ENABLE EV CHARGING PAYMENTS VIA LOYALTY APP

Lidl is the first UK supermarket to allow for EV charging payments to be made via their loyalty app. They have approximately 370 charging points across the country. If you want to learn more, click this link from EV Powered.

ARRIVAL BUYS 51 VOLVO ELECTRIC BUSES FOR LONDON

Servicing just two routes Arrival will add 51 new electric Volvo double decker buses for Transport for London. To be fitted with the biggest battery capacity these will help improve air quality along the routes. You can read more by clicking this electrive article link here.

TVR FACTORY NO SHOW TO COST WELSH TAXPAYERS MILLIONS

Due to TVR Automotive not using a site earmarked for their factory, in South Wales, the Government of the principality could be out of pocket to the tune of nearly five million pounds. TVR are now looking to located somewhere in Hampshire. Click this AMOnline article link to read about this story.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

Audi A5

Audi have revealed their new replacement for the A4 saloon and Avants. Now named the A5, due to a change in their policy, this will be longer and wider than the previous model. Additionally the interior is heavily revamped with liberal use of screens. Powertrains will be petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and a PHEV. A S5 is also coming. Click this EVO link to read more.

Renault Traffic E-Tech

Renault has revealed details of their mid sized van, the Traffic, in EV guise. A maximum range of 186 miles, with an ability to fully charge in about an hour on a 50kW DC charger. The vehicle can carry a maximum of 1222kgs. Prices star at £34,500 plus VAT. You can read more by clicking this EV Powered link here.

VW postponed ID.Golf launch

Only a week or so after the announcement of the new platform (SSP) and the ID.Golf, Volkswagen have had to confirm that the car will now be delayed until 2029. Software is believed to be one major issue and it is unclear if the partnership with Rivian muddies the development waters even more. If you wish to read more, click this electrive article link here.

Ford’s EV only European plans ‘to ambitious’

Ford have stated that their push to be all-electric, in Europe, by 2030 was too ambitious. They cite customer’s behaviour are an indication that the market is not ready for such a rapid shift. Other OEMs have also expressed concerns over timetables previously announced. Click this Autocar link to read more.

LUNCHTIME READ: THE BATTLE FOR CONTROL OF THE DASHBOARD

We recommend this slightly older article, from Car & Driver, that goes into the background of who is trying to get their technology and software in infotainments and binnacles. Whilst there are some updates needed to the story, if does an excellent job of outlining the issues and players involved. To read, click this link here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: CRAZIEST CONCEPT CARS EVER MADE

Autocar bring us another slideshow, where we have 55 options for a concept car that grabs your attention more than the others. Let the chaps know your choice and if you agree with Andrew’s. Click here to see the options.

AND FINALLY: SNAPSHOTS IN TIME

The Guardian brings us snippets from the new book A Time a Place, which shows us the European Car of the Year from each of the last 60 years combined with a building of the same age. A fabulous project that shows a wonderful level of creativity. Click here to read more.