Tough on - 25 March 2025

FOLLOW UP: RECALL FAILURE HIGHLIGHTED

Auto Data Solutions (ADS), data analysts, have reported on their Freedom of Information request regarding how many cars and vans have been repaired following manufacturer recalls. Between 2018 and 2023 announced recalls, 3.2 million vehicles are still to be fixed. ADS suspects the number is actually higher. Click this Motor Trade News article link for more.

COUNCILS TOLD TO REPORT POTHOLE REPAIRS

The UK Government has stated that, from 30 June 2025, local councils must report back to them the number of potholes they have repaired in order to continue to receive highways funding. To read more, click this article from Autocar.

EMPLOYEE CAR OWNERSHIP SCHEME TO END

The UK Government is expected to close what it believes is a loophole, with ending the Employee Car Ownership Scheme (ECOS). This allows the employee of a manufacturer or dealership to buy a brand new car at a large discount, pay very little to no interest and hand it back after six months, whilst getting another. As the employee “buys” the car it isn’t covered by benefit-in-kind requirements. To read more and find out the impact this might have, click this Autocar article link here.

BYD HAS NO UK FACTORY PLANS

BYD has made it clear that it will not open a factory in the UK, due to what it says are the limitations of the manufacturing base, including a lack of workers. They will be building a factory in Hungary though. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

AUDI TO CUT 7,500 JOBS TO SAVE CASH

Audi is the latest OEM to announce a huge cost cutting initiative that will include the loss of jobs. To save $1 billion a year, they will cut 7,500 jobs by 2029. Click this Autocar article link, to read more.

ARNOLD CLARK EXPANDING CHARGING NETWORK

Arnold Clark has announced they are investing a further £30 million to expand their rapid EV charging network by doubling in size. Following their original announcement, nearly two years ago, they have installed 240 charge points to date. To learn more, click this electrive article link here.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Renault has shown off their electric hyper hatch. The 5 Turbo 3E is due to arrive in 2027 and will have 533bhp. Only 1980 examples will be built, which is the year the original 5 Turbo came out. Maximum range is expected to be around 250 miles however, it is not clear how much this is reduced by enthusiastic driving. No price has been announced. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

Renault 5 E-Tech Roland-Garros

Renault also gave us information on a much more attainable model, the Roland-Garros. With a max range up to 252 miles, it comes with a 52kWh battery pack and a 150bhp electric motor. There will be a variety of design touches to highlight the connection with the French Open tennis championship. Prices start at £29, 995. Click this Motoring Research article to read more.

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota has updated the technology and looks of the bZ4X, their first full EV. The looks are now in line with the rest of the range, whilst the tech upgrades should mean for a better ownership experience. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.

LUNCHTIME WATCH: CARS THAT MADE THE 90S

Join us on a trip down memory lane, if you are old enough as we recommend watching a video about what made the cars from the 1990s so special. Click this Influx YouTube link to watch.

LIST OF THE WEEK: TOP 10 ROAD GOING RALLY CARS

Continuing, well -ish, the theme from the previous recommendation, we have a list from Hagerty of their selection of the best road going rally cars. Do you agree with Alan’s choice? If not, what would you have picked, let us know. Click this link here to view your options.

AND FINALLY: DRINKING GAME RETURNS HARD

To those that play along with the Motoring Podcast’s drinking game, this is going to be one item that may well send you blind. In the 1970s and 80s, Toyota brochures in France actually came with a record that could play in the brochure and explain things to prospective owners. Click this link to read more from the Autopian and we can all be happy for Alan.