EVs take more than a fifth of new car registrations as overall market contracts by -2.5% to 139,345 units. Slowdowns recorded by both fleet and private buyers against backdrop of weak economic confidence. Industry calls for halt to EV tax hikes as latest outlook anticipates 23.7% market share for 2025 below government targets. The UK new car market fell by -2.5% to 139,345 units in January, according to data released today by the Society of Motor manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), as weak consumer confidence and tough economic conditions combined to deliver the fourth consecutive month of decline. Registrations by both…

According to the latest data from Auto Trader, the used car market has begun the new year on firm footing despite concerns around the economy, with cars selling at a record pace, engagement on Auto Trader accelerating to seasonal highs, and retail prices continuing to stabilise. Based on over 800,000 daily observations across the whole retail market, Auto Trader’s Retail Price Index reveals the average retail price of a used car (£16,774) was flat in January on a month-on-month (MoM) and like-for-like basis; a contrast to the -1.9% recorded in January 2024. And with trade values recently trending above retail,…

H&H Classics holds its first auction of 2025 on Wednesday 12th February in Buxton, Derbyshire Over 90 lots will go under the hammer, including classic, collectable and performance cars, plus cherished number plates The most valuable lot is a 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante, estimated at £110,000-£130,00, while the oldest car dates back to 1916 Eighty-five classic, collectible and performance cars, with the oldest being over 100 years old, will go under the hammer at the H&H Classics ‘Season Opener’ sale. The auction takes place at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton on Wednesday 12th February, with the combined estimated value…

Applications are now invited for the 2025 Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Programme. The application window will remain open until 2 March 2025 for Level 6 roles and 30 March 2025 for Level 2 & 3 roles; applications can be made online, with open roles available to view on the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars careers portal. A key facet of the Rolls-Royce Future Talent programme, which also includes Internships and Graduate Placements, the Apprenticeship scheme has run every year since 2006 and is one of the most respected and prestigious in the UK. It offers successful candidates outstanding training and development opportunities, designed to…

Electric drivetrain upgrades, new engine variants, as well as additional standard and optional equipment features will make the current BMW model range even more attractive and versatile in spring 2025. The use of new components for the power electronics and other measures designed to optimise efficiency have resulted in a considerably increased range for the all-electric BMW i5. Standard equipment on all BMW 5 Series models will soon include ambient lighting complete with a BMW Interaction Bar featuring a crystalline surface, lumbar support for both front seats as well as the Harman Kardon HiFi loudspeaker system. Two new variants of the…

The UK government is launching a GOV.UK Wallet and App to simplify access to services and documents like digital driver’s licences, alongside reforms to public sector technology to save £45 billion and drive efficiency and growth. Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person – as well as proving their right to drive. A mobile driver’s licence will be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK Wallet launched later this year and will ultimately…

Toyota Young Journalist of the Year Award Open to both Guild members and non-members under the age of 30  The judges of this award will be looking for work that exhibits a combination of thorough research and well-crafted journalism. In addition to above, criteria and entries will be announced later this month for the GOMW & MICA Young PR Professional of the Year Award and the GOMW & WOMAC Award for Fundraising sponsored by Sims Images. Presentations will also be made at the Awards ceremony for the Driver of the Year, Rider of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Motorsport, The Guild of Motoring Writers’ Special Commendation sponsored by Kia, the Pemberton Trophy and the President’s Trophy.

Hyundai Motor Company and Škoda Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commence collaboration on establishing a hydrogen mobility ecosystem. The signing ceremony, which took place at the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague, was attended by Ken Ramírez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Company, and Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group The MOU covers study on adoption of hydrogen fuel cell systems and technologies, study on adoption of energy efficient solutions for mobility projects and products, and exploring hydrogen ecosystem and value chain opportunities beyond…

CarGurus reveals top three factors that push drivers to the “breaking point” with their existing cars 10-day wait for repairs and fewer than three faults are enough to make drivers reach “breaking point” to find a new car Drivers are willing to spend an average of £14,320 on a new car: 1,752% more than the £772 breaking point to maintain a current vehicle 50% of motorists have made unexpected trips to the garage in the past year; 40% are putting off repairs because of cost Nearly three-quarters of motorists are stressed by the prospect of unexpected repairs CarGurus has listed…

Bentley Motors is proud to announce that the first fourth-generation Continental GT has completed production, in time for the 136th birthday of Walter Owen Bentley. With the same specification as the car that featured in the unofficial ‘Underwater Speed Record’ and launch film, the first new Continental GT is finished in Tourmaline Green, with a Gravity Grey and Mandarin interior. The car will begin its life as a UK Press Fleet car, before joining Bentley’s Heritage Collection where it will be retained forever. The car will be followed off the production line by the first customer cars, each one…