The latest data from Auto Trader points to a promising month ahead for the new car market with the automotive platform reporting a significant rise in interest from consumers for brand new cars. Visits to its new car platform increased 15% month-on-month (MoM) in February, whilst year-on-year (YoY) it jumped by a massive 23%. It marks a record start to the year, with January and February receiving the largest volume of new car visits for the period, as motorists across the country prepare their new car buying purchases ahead of the introduction of the highly anticipated 25 number plates next…

Kia Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to introduce next-generation ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) solutions for its Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) offerings. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding during Kia’s 2025 EV Day in Spain, marking a significant step toward redefining both the ‘In-Vehicle’ and ‘Out-of-Vehicle’ experience for PBV customers. The signing ceremony was attended by Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division, and Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics. The collaboration aligns with Kia’s wider Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy, which seeks to expand the…

Sandwell Council has been shortlisted in the ‘Most Improved Council’ category at this year’s Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards. Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “We’re really proud of the improvements we’ve made in recent years, and it’s fantastic to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. “Sandwell Council is completely focused on getting things right for our residents – delivering high-quality services that are easy to use and working for the people who need them. “We want our borough to be a great place for children to grow up. We want to make Sandwell a cleaner, greener and…

Two men talking in Walsall town centre The partners behind We Are Walsall 2040 have launched a new website and LinkedIn account to support the borough’s ambitious collective long-term vision for the borough.  Partners include Walsall Council, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, the NHS, Federation of Small Businesses, Walsall College, Walsall Community Network, Walsall Football Club, West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police, whg, and the University of Wolverhampton. “ This new website and LinkedIn account will help showcase our collective vision and provide residents and businesses with the information they need to participate actively in shaping Walsall’s future.…

Hagerty’s newly launched Hagerty Drivers Club UK partners with Mike Brewer and Petrolheadonism to present Wheeler Dealer Live at Bicester Motion Sunday 1st June. Mike Brewer has been buying, selling and talking cars on our TV screens since the late 90s, but it was Wheeler Dealers that made him a household name. Launched in 2003, Wheeler Dealers is now aired around the world, and has since seen a number of spin-off series, all with Mike as the frontman. Wheeler Dealer Live is the first show presented and hosted by Mike, along with leading automotive event presenters Petrolheadonism, creating an exciting…

A study has found that used combustion engine models are on average £2,560 more expensive than equivalent electric models from the same manufacturer, a difference of 10%. CarGurus – a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles – analysed the average prices of electric vehicles (EVs) that offer equivalent fuel-powered models from the last four model years to determine which option provides the best value. The study examined second-hand vehicle listings from the U.K.’s top 30 manufacturersi, comparing those that offer standalone electric and comparable fuel-powered models. The brands with the greatest selection of…

Over the last 18 months, the council has been a key part of the Department for Education’s Families First for Children Pathfinder (FFCP) programme, designed to test ways to reform the children’s social care system, help children to stay with their families in safe and loving homes while protecting vulnerable children where needed and ensuring that families will receive the right support at the right time and be supported by the right professional. Wolverhampton, one of 3 local authorities chosen to take part in the first phase of the Pathfinder, has worked to deliver support to families based on 3…

The Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) has announced funding plans which sees 29 museums across the country receiving a share of almost £25 million to upgrade their buildings. The Fund is part of the UK Government’s long term plan to support local economies, allowing them to grow. It will support capital projects at museums, fund important repairs and improve the visitor experience, with funding awarded ranging from £50,000 to £5 million, to ensure local history has a home for years to come. In the Midlands, more than £5 million has been awarded across 4 museums. Wolverhampton Art Gallery has…

The Big Community Switch is a community group buying scheme run by iChoosr in collaboration with councils across the UK. Solihull residents can now register to take part in the latest round of a scheme which has already helped thousands of residents go green and save money on their energy bills. Known as the Big Community Switch, the collective energy switching scheme is designed to secure better energy deals for households, helping them switch energy suppliers, move to a 100% renewable electricity tariff, and potentially save money on their energy bills.  It uses the bargaining power of a large group…

Renault Group and Geely Holding Group today jointly announced a framework agreement expanding their strategic cooperation in the production and sales of zero and low emission vehicles through Renault do Brasil, further strengthening their strategic partnership. Geely Holding would invest in Renault do Brasil to become a minority shareholder, enabling Geely Holding to gain access to localized production, sales and services resources. The venture remains subject to the entering of definitive agreements and prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities. Through this cooperation, the two advanced production facilities of Renault Group’s Ayrton Senna Complex in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná,…