Peter Cooper Motor Group, the Southampton-based dealer, will take on Omoda at its Shirley Road site which hosts VW. The dealer previously held an exclusive Ride & Drive event from 29 May to 3 June, ahead of the official launch of the site. The 5 SUV, which is available with petrol or electric powertrains, is […]

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From 1 July, Ford will allow its entire US retailer network to sell electric vehicles. The costly plan divided the firm’s retailer network, with nearly half being prohibited from selling or servicing electric Fords. This will reverse the controversial Model e program that rolled out less than two years ago. “They ought to be embarrassed […]

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Volvo shifts EV production to Europe Volvo is diverting production of Chinese-built EVs to Belgium in expectation of an EU crackdown on “subsidised imports”. A decision from the European Commission on imposing tariffs on Chinese EV imports is anticipated this week.

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Many fleets running EVs and hybrids are experiencing issues with 12v batteries, causing disruptive breakdowns for drivers who might assume such issues should not happen with an electrified car. The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is calling for OEMs to improve the operational efficiency of their cars and address such common fleet problems. This is […]

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This week the NFDA will launch its election manifesto for the next government. The objective is to secure support and see the next government work with the sector and offer stronger support on key issues. The NFDA wants mandated annual public chargepoint targets, and for the next government to bring down business rates. The NFDA […]

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Ford has reportedly backed down on plans for agency. It is instead planning a hybrid approach that utilises the strengths of its franchise network while capitalising on opportunities of data sharing. “We’ve evolved our thinking to become what we call an ‘advanced franchise’ model,” Ford EV sales and brand management boss Anna Lena Strigel told Autocar […]

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Ford has partnered with EV charging network Allego to roll out ultra-fast chargers for customers and public at its European retailers, including the UK. The first chargers will be installed starting Q1 2025 and be in place over the next three to four years. Allego is investing in the charging stations, so will receive the […]

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Lookers has opened its £6 million new and used vehicle multi-franchise hub in Middlesbrough. As well as multi-franchise vehicle sales, the centre will focus on all-electric driving including specialist servicing, maintenance and body repair. The site also houses Ford and BYD dealerships. Lookers’ investment in the site will contribute towards Middlesbrough Council’s ambition of becoming […]

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Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a new “refined” franchised model with “key adaptions”. The decision is a departure from JLR’s former stated intention to move to pure play agency this year. Following the reveal, dealers embraced the fact that their views had been acknowledged and said the franchised model was “robust” and provided “stability” for […]

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Octopus Energy is to double its EV leasing fleet to 30,000 vehicles after securing a £550m debt deal. Around 4,000 workplaces, including Dyson, McLaren and Innocent Drinks, offer Octopus EV schemes. Octopus EV chief executive Fiona Howarth said the division has more than tripled its fleet in the past year, with revenues growing from £5m […]

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