Saved France - 3 June 2025

FOLLOW UP: GERMAN COURT SENTENCES DIESELGATE EXECS

Over nine and a half years after dieselgate first hit the news, a court in Germany has sentenced four ex Volkswagen Group executives for their part in the scandal. Two were given prison time, with the others being given suspended sentences. Former Group CEO, Martin Winterkorn, is still awaiting trial after several health issues. Click this article link from DW for more.

FOLLOW UP: FRANCE CANS ZFES DUE TO COMPLEXITY

French politicians voted to end low emission zones, as it was part of a wider proposal to make daily life in France more simple. Alan predicted this would be the case, as he had just bought passes for his cars. Statues are being erected in honour of the man bringing a better life to the ordinary people of France. They will know Alan Bradley’s name and they will honour it! To read more, click this Connexion article link here.

FOLLOW UP: STELLANTIS GET A NEW CEO

After months of searching, Stellantis have named the ex-Jeep boss, Antonio Filosa, as the new chief executive officer. Also announced is that the leadership team for the 14 brands of the group will be confirmed next month. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.

APRIL UK CAR PRODUCTION THE WORST FOR 73 YEARS

Apart from 2020, which was hit by Covid lockdowns, April 2025 was the worst for production since 1952. SMMT suggests that the Easter date and reduced export demand is to blame. Obviously, the call went up to demand UK based incentives to encourage more to buy. Click this Autocar article link here, for more.

TOYOTA BRINGING GR COROLLA PRODUCTION TO THE UK

On more positive production news, Toyota is bringing GR Corolla production to the UK. Expected production levels are yet to be announced. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.

VOLVO CULLING MORE JOBS

Volvo has announced big cuts at it’s Swedish bases, with 2200 roles to be made redundant. On top of that, a further 800 jobs will go across the global network. If you wish to find out more, click this Autocar article link here.

VAUXHALL GETS A NEW BOSS

Steve Catlin will be returning to Vauxhall, where he started his journey in the automotive journey, via Audi, Seat, VW Group and latterly Volvo UK where he headed up the Financial Services division. To read more, click this Car Dealer article link here.

UK EV CHARGER PLANNING REQUIREMENTS REMOVED

Lillian Greenwood, the Future Roads Minister, has announced that the requirements of planning permission for private and public chargers is to be removed. The hope is that this will help speed up the installation of chargers across the country. For more on this story, click this link to an EV Powered story.

PORSCHE REMOVE CERTAIN TAYCANS FROM SALE IN THE UK

Late last week Porsche issued a bulletin to UK dealers, to remove certain second hand Taycans from sale. This is believed to be as a result of the DVSA making a request due to an issue with battery monitoring and the risk of a short circuit and ultimately a fire. Click this Car Dealer article link here to find out more.

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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -

Alpine A390

Alpine has revealed their inevitable SUV, the A390, a SUV coupe with lots of talk about being driver focused, as you would expect from the brand. They are using a tri-motor layout to give, what the company explains, is the feeling of lightness as two are at the back and one at the front. Prices are expected to start around £60,000. Click here to read more, including the specs, via an Autocar article link.

Genesis Electrified G80

Genesis will be bringing their updated and electric G80 to the UK this month. Big battery, lots of power, quick, refined and capable of up to 323 miles. On top of which, it is longer, so everyone inside will enjoy even more room. Click this Top Gear article link for more.

Fiat Grande Panda 4x4

Fiat has shown off their concept for a 4x4 Grande Panda. Harking back to the original and adding elements that one regularly sees if searching the internet, such as a roof rack, spot lights and steel wheels. Yet to be officially confirmed for production, it is expected to make showrooms at some time. Click this Autocar link for more.

LUNCHTIME READ: MARCELLO GANDINI HONOURED AT ITALY’S POLITECNICO DI TORINO

This is over a year old, but is the acceptance speech from Marcello Gandini following the award of an honourary degree. You hear about his path to designing some of the most special cars ever, who helped him, his thoughts on how to design and use of technology. A wonderful speech from a very special person. Click this Magneto link here to read.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE SMALLEST CARS EVER MADE BY EVERY MAJOR CAR MAKER

Autocar, once again, is the provider of the List of the Week, with the smallest cars from each car maker. Some you will know, some you might not due to being local market only. Do you agree with the choices made by the chaps? Do let them know. You can check out the options, by clicking this link here.

AND FINALLY: SECRET BMWS

EVO has an article on a book about the BMWs we never have seen, as they were created to help bring the models we did get to see and buy. Fascinating pictures and stories about things that have been secret up to now. Click this link to see more.