by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Volvo Car UK achieved growth in both its new car sales volume and market share in 2021
- Total sales increased by 4% year-on-year to 48,260 cars, raising Volvo’s market share from 2.85 to 2.93%
- Results outperform the overall UK market growth of 1% and contribute to Volvo’s increased global sales total
- Surge in sales of Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid petrol-electric and pure electric models to 15,376 units and more than one third (37%) of current customer orders
- XC40 remains Volvo’s most popular model and the UK’s best-selling premium SUV
- Mid-size XC60 and large luxury XC90 SUVs complete Volvo’s top three sellers
- Further sales growth for the Volvo Selekt Approved Used Car programme, despite industry-wide supply issues
Volvo Car UK has again demonstrated the quality and appeal of its cars and the strength of its business, recording growth in both its new car sales volume and its market share in 2021.
The achievement is set against the challenging trading conditions for the global automotive industry, caused by the continuing pandemic and associated vehicle supply issues.
In total, 48,260 new Volvo cars were registered in the UK, an increase of 4% on 2020’s figure, outperforming the market as a whole, where volume grew by 1%. As a result, the company’s market share rose from 2.85 to 2.93%.
Central to this performance was the success of Volvo’s fast-expanding Recharge range of electrified – plug-in hybrid petrol-electric and pure electric – models: with sales more than doubling to 15,376 units year-on-year, these accounted for 32% of all Volvo’s UK sales in 2021. Order books show that proportion rising to more than one third (37%) of the total, reflecting the momentum of growth in customer demand for low- and zero-emission cars.
This strong UK performance has contributed to Volvo Cars’ global growth. Worldwide, the business saw its sales rise by nearly 6% to 698,693 units; international Recharge model sales increased by 64% compared with 2020.
The XC40 compact SUV was again Volvo’s UK best-seller – its total sales of 25,242 units reaffirming it as the country’s most popular premium SUV for a second consecutive year. The XC40 was also the third-best-selling plug-in hybrid car of all in the UK in 2021. The mid-size XC60 and large luxury XC90 SUVs held second and third places in Volvo’s rankings, with 10,131 and 7,221 sales respectively.
The high demand for Volvo products extended to the pre-owned market, with the Volvo Selekt Approved Used Car operation recording 32,401 sales – up 12% on 2020’s business, despite reduced supply.
Matt Galvin, Volvo Car UK Commercial Operations Director, said: “This continues to be a challenging time for the automotive industry, but these excellent results demonstrate how the strength of our products and the way we are adapting our business are inspiring customer confidence. Having seized the initiative with our Recharge electrified model range, and by progressing towards all-digital car sales, we are reaping the rewards of innovation while preserving the qualities and values that are central to our brand.”
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “It is hugely rewarding for everyone at Volvo to see their hard work and dedication delivering this strong sales performance. My thanks go to them, and to the growing number of consumers who are making Volvo their preferred choice. I am confident that the coming year has the potential to deliver greater rewards as we expand our Recharge portfolio and continue to evolve business models that address new consumer preferences for accessing mobility.”
For more information on the Volvo range, and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvocars.co.uk
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Corsa-e and Mokka-e ranges in WLTP cycle increase to 222* and 209 miles respectively
- Range-extension through optimisation of heat pump, transmission reducer and tyres
- Vauxhall to have a fully electric vehicle range by 2028
Thanks to the continuous development of its electric vehicles, Vauxhall’s Corsa-e and All-new Mokka-e ranges have increased in the official WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) cycle.
On a single charge of its battery, the Corsa-e, can now cover up to 222 miles* according to the WLTP, up from 209 miles previously, an increase of around six per cent. The range of the Mokka-e has increased to 209 miles (WLTP), up from 201 miles previously, an increase of around four per cent.
The range increases have been achieved through the optimisation of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) and propulsion systems of the Corsa-e and Mokka-e.
The range increases have been achieved through the following measures:
- The efficiency of the heat pump, which warms and cools the interior and is standard equipment on both models, is now even higher than before. Heat pumps are more efficient than conventional HVAC systems, as they require less energy from the battery, to the benefit of driving range. Customers will notice the improvements particularly when driving in the winter months.
- A new transmission reducer that converts the motor revs into wheel speed helps optimise the range.
- A+ rated 16-inch (Corsa-e) and 17-inch (Mokka-e) low rolling resistance tyres for even greater efficiency.
Available to buyers across its electric car and van range, including Corsa-e and Mokka-e, Vauxhall’s new Plug & Go offer includes a free home charging unit, eight years’ roadside assistance and battery warranty, a free six-month BP Pulse subscription and three years’ free servicing. The Plug & Go offer helps remove the barriers to making the switch to electric and simplifies the EV ownership experience – find out more here.
Corsa-e and Mokka-e form part of the British brand’s comprehensive electrification offensive. Vauxhall will offer an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2024 and will have a fully electric vehicle range by 2028 – years ahead of the UK Government deadline.
Across cars and LCVs, Vauxhall already offers five fully-electric models and, following the launch of All-new Astra, two plug-in hybrid models. One of those fully-electric models, All-new Combo-e, lands on UK shores this month, completing Vauxhall’s fully-electrified LCV line-up.
*WLTP Preliminary Figure
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- The first of nine Plus 8 GTR special editions has completed build at Morgan’s Malvern factory
- The model is based on the Morgan Plus 8 and takes cues from Morgan’s racing history
- Every Plus 8 GTR is a bespoke commission, with owners working alongside Morgan’s design team
- Exclusive images show the first Plus 8 GTR, finished in Yas Marina Blue
- Performance enhancements have increased the Plus 8’s power output to 375bhp, making it the most powerful Morgan ever
The first Morgan Plus 8 GTR, the most powerful car in the company’s history, has completed build at the company’s factory in Malvern Link, Worcestershire.
Finished in striking Yas Marina Blue, the first example is evocative of the original design sketches — which pay homage to prominent nineties Plus 8 race car ‘Big Blue’ — that were released to announce the model in February 2021. Limited to just nine examples, the Plus 8 GTR project has only been possible due to the recent availability of a number of Plus 8 rolling chassis.
The remaining eight cars are all in production, with several finishing build before the end of the year and the remainder being completed in the first quarter of 2022. Each customer has worked closely with Morgan’s design team to commission their own bespoke example, further demonstrating the company’s personalisation capabilities. The nine cars are built in varying configurations of transmission and drive side according to customer requirements, with five of the eight vehicles being exported globally.
Performance upgrades include a new engine tune and cannon-style twin-exit sports exhausts. These enhancements improve throttle response and increase the power output over the previous production Plus 8.
Steve Morris, Chairman & CEO, Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are excited to release the first images of the Plus 8 GTR following the design sketches published earlier this year. The Plus 8 GTR represents an opportunity for Morgan to celebrate the V8 engine once again, something we did not expect to do since finishing the Plus 8 and Aero 8 models in 2018. Striking design, the finest craftsmanship, and an exhilarating sports car to drive, the Plus 8 GTR is the perfect swansong to the Morgan V8. We have been delighted to work alongside customers from around the world during the design and build process, and we look forward to sharing the final examples over the coming months.”
The Plus 8 GTR explores design themes such as the high shoulder line, not seen on a traditional Morgan body for decades. Its five-spoke centre-lock wheels are reminiscent of Morgan’s 1990s Plus 8 race cars, framed perfectly by subtly re-sculpted wheel arches. Further design elements include a revised rear end, front wings, and front splitter, all of which are hand crafted using aluminium. Fitment of a hard top with cockpit vent completes the race-inspired aesthetic. The interior features new door cards to fit with the high door tops, bespoke GTR dials and the option of carbon fibre racing seats and harnesses. Unique graphics feature throughout and each GTR is fitted with a plaque denoting its number in the build sequence.
One design inspiration was the Plus 8 race car that competed in the GT series throughout the late nineties, more commonly known as ‘Big Blue’. This car served as the testbed for Morgan’s first bonded-aluminium chassis, which would go on to underpin the Aero 8 and ‘Aero-chassis’ Plus 8 models. It seemed fitting, following the more recent launch of Morgan’s CX-Generation bonded-aluminium platform, to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the car that pioneered Morgan’s use of aluminium structures. As with every Morgan, each Plus 8 GTR is hand crafted using traditional coachbuilding techniques.
The Plus 8 GTR is the second Morgan special project of the year, following the Plus Four CX-T. Whilst different in their function and appearance, both models demonstrate the flexibility of the Morgan brand, celebrating craft, design and driving experience.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting some of the intelligent innovations which have been designed into the Fering Pioneer to ensure it treads lightly on the planet while remaining uniquely capable in extreme conditions.
This week we take a look at the its striking wheel and tyre combination and discover they are more about function than fashion.
One of the most striking elements of the Fering Pioneer’s appearance are the huge wheels. At 22.5-inches, the rims are bigger than those fitted to the kind of ‘bling’ SUVs you will see cruising the boulevards of Los Angeles.
Add in the chunky tyres and the overall diameter of the wheels is a massive 40-inches.
There’s no doubt that they look purposeful, especially as the Pioneer is actually comparatively compact, taking up no more room on the road than a medium-size van. But unlike fashion-first 4x4s, the Fering’s rims are fitted with pure functionality in mind.
Besides offering exceptional grip and helping the Pioneer achieve its astonishing off-road performance, the wheels are designed to accept standard sized truck tyres. These are extremely tough and universally available, which could be a literal lifesaver in remote locations.
Firstly, these thick-walled tyres are far more resistant to damage in the first instance. The sidewalls are tough and shrug off impacts which would shred a conventional car tyre. As the sidewalls only have to support the comparatively light weight of a Fering Pioneer rather than a heavy truck, they are also capable of keeping the vehicle mobile while deflated.
If the tyre does need replacement, the universally available sizing means drivers will be able to find supply in the most far-flung corners of the globe. Fering drivers won’t have to wait days for an expensive replacement tyre, or carry numerous bulky spares.
Truck tyres can be easily and safely ‘retreaded’ too, which saves 80% of the materials required for a new tyre and reduces the waste going to landfill or incineration. Although retreads (or remoulds) have a poor reputation among car drivers, they are considered normal for commercial vehicles and prevent 182kg of CO2 being released into the atmosphere – per tyre. They are subject to the same safety standards as all-new tyres.
Besides the benefit of being universally available, greener and tough, the huge tyres have other advantages on a vehicle which is designed to explore some of the harshest – and yet delicate – environments in the world.
Ben Scott-Geddes, Fering’s founder, explains: “To get a big patch of rubber in contact with the ground, you can either have wide tyres, or have them tall, but narrower. The latter option gives big benefits in off-road situations and makes the contact patch longitudinal.
“It gives extra grip on and off the road, but a bigger contact patch also means there is less pressure on the surface we’re driving on,” he says. “Think of it like the soles of shoes: a heavy 4×4 on small wheels is like a large man wearing stilettos. You’re going to sink into soft ground and make a mess of the turf. Our tyres and the overall light weight of the car mean it is like a toddler wearing skis in comparison.”
This is crucial in environmentally sensitive areas such as Arctic tundra where there are legal restrictions on the amount of ground pressure which can be applied by vehicles – hence the toy-like balloon tyres which are fitted to 4x4s in Arctic regions. The Pioneer will not require them in most areas, or can be fitted with commonly-available larger agricultural tyres in extremely delicate environments.
There are downsides to Fering’s ‘big is best’ strategy of course. The sheer size of the wheels requires a sophisticated suspension system and an incredibly stiff bodyshell – both of which are provided by the Pioneer.
The tyres themselves are heavy too, which is at odds with the light weight strategy which has been applied to every aspect of the Pioneer, and has resulted in it weighing less overall than a family hatchback.
Ben explained: “We have taken mass out of every area on the Pioneer, using the same ruthless scrutiny that we’d use for racing and engineering the most exotic hypercars. But we knew the tyres were a weight worth having, so we set about offsetting it with custom-made wheel rims. Making them to our own design means we can ensure they are lighter, easy to clean, strong, and resistant to damage. Owners will also be able to change the tyres without needing anything more than a tyre iron and a wheelbrace.”
These unusual wheels and tyres are just one of the ground-breaking and intelligent solutions which have been incorporated into the ‘clean sheet’ Fering Pioneer to make it truly fit for purpose.
For more information, visit www.fering.co.uk | info@fering.co.uk
About Fering
Fering Technologies was born out of a mission to develop a vehicle that could traverse the globe with a lighter impact. A requirement to create an expedition vehicle for the polar regions, that could also cruise efficiently across open desert.
The vehicle has been designed, developed and tested from the ground up to ‘go anywhere, anytime’. It allows you to explore the deserts of Africa one week and the snow drifts of the Arctic circle the next.
The modularity of the Fering Pioneer allows for mission specific configuration and for personal luxuries to be added or removed with ease.
A working prototype is currently undergoing extreme testing; the first customer cars will be delivered in late 2022.
The team behind the Fering Pioneer
Ben Scott-Geddes: Previously Director of Innovation, Body In White at Ferrari, Fering’s founder Ben has a history of creating and developing pioneering new automotive technologies and vehicles. He was formerly Head of Advanced Concepts at McLaren and Technical Director of Caparo Advanced Composites, where he was responsible for the record-breaking T1. He worked under Gordon Murray building the McLaren F1, the F1 Le Mans winners in 1995 and subsequently the winning BMW V12 LMR in 1999.
Kieran Singleton has extensive experience of programme management of new vehicle concepts for automotive OEMs, including management of R&D activity, design & engineering, prototype build and whole vehicle testing. Kieran served as an officer in the British Army and his portfolio includes military vehicles, electric city car concepts and the TVR Griffith.
David Seesing is an experienced design manager with a long history of working in the automotive industry, delivering concept and production vehicle designs. His prior design roles include work for Bentley, Bugatti, Daimler and TVR, leading the design development of the TVR Griffith. David holds an academic position at the Royal College of Art.
Dan Primrose has worked the design offices of McLaren Automotive, the Red Bull F1 team, Caparo Vehicle Technologies and most recently Gordon Murray Design. His design work includes the McLaren SLR, Advanced Concepts for MP12c onwards, Caparo T1, BMW i5 Concept and the Zoox concept.
Chris Wright is a specialist in advanced composite construction, with experience of working in automotive and marine. He has been involved in building power boats and racing yachts, most recently with Sunseeker International. In automotive he has worked with Aston Martin, Caparo, McLaren and Mercedes-AMG.
Mac MacKenney is one of the world’s most accomplished automotive expedition leaders. Since 1996 he has planned, trained, equipped, supported and led teams on expeditions throughout the world. Mac is also Founder and Director of Driven to Extremes, an organisation that supports military veterans suffering from PTSD by taking them on challenging vehicle adventures and expeditions.
Chris Brady is an engineer, designer and entrepreneur. He founded and built Acro Aircraft Seating to a world-leading position, securing BGF funding and winning the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 Award in 2017.
Will Archer is an entrepreneur, investor and start-up specialist. He has built global businesses in research, consulting, recruitment and benchmarking. Will has extensive advisory experience with government agencies and education providers worldwide.
