Have you heard of 'wet' timing belts? While many drivers are unfamiliar with this type of engine part, they're a common component in many cars produced between 2012 and 2021, including some of the most popular makes from top manufacturers like Ford, Peugeot, and many more. While they were initially introduced to help cut emissions and ensure a smoother ride, they've led to serious headaches for … [Read more...]
News & Views
Our take on what’s been happening in the world of motoring
We appreciate that these days there are vast quantities of motoring news items freely available to all, from huge numbers of global sources. It would be impossible to bring them all to you through these pages – so we are not even going to try!
Instead, we will include selected motoring-related stories which we feel will be of interest. Depending on the item, we hope that they will also inform, encourage, entertain and provoke further thought!
Each item will be dated, and as new stories arrive, older posts will be archived chronologically.
The Motor Ombudsman adds 12 ‘Big Motoring World’ locations to its Codes of Practice
The Motor Ombudsman tells us... (All words and photographs from The Motor Ombudsman). • The Motor Ombudsman has opened the new year by adding a dozen Big Motoring World locations to its nationwide network of Vehicles Sales and Service and Repair Code-accredited businesses • Big Motoring World is one of the UK’s largest used car supermarket groups, with retail locations spanning Camberley … [Read more...]
New photographic exhibition, ‘Beaulieu River: In Focus’ highlights the beauty of Buckler’s Hard and surrounding areas
Buckler's Hard and the beautiful areas around the village are celebrated in this new exhibition,'Beaulieu River: In Focus'. They tell us: (All words and photographs from Beaulieu). Known for its maritime history and picturesque landscapes, the 18th-century village of Buckler's Hard (just down the road from, and closely linked with, Beaulieu, hence its inclusion on Wheels-Alive) has long … [Read more...]
Data galore – but what is it they are telling you and where does it go?
What do you – and they – really, really, know about your car? – Dave Moss asks the question… and suggests some answers! (All words © Dave Moss; photographs from car warranty specialists Warrantywise). If you own a car built in the last ten to fifteen years, you'll know all about the colourful array of dashboard warning lights that appear when you first switch on... or do you? True, in many … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman highlights the difficult hidden costs of running a car in 2024 and 2025
Tough times for those running a car... The Motor Ombudsman tells us: (All words and photographs from The Motor Ombudsman). London, 08 January 2025 As the cost-of-living crisis deepens in 2025 with a second consecutive energy price cap rise and further utility bill increases on the horizon, hard-working households are also confronting difficult choices when it comes to car … [Read more...]
Isuzu UK excels in 2024
Isuzu's record-breaking pick-up sales performance in UK secures second position in market in 2024... Isuzu tells us: (Photograph and all words from Isuzu). Isuzu UK achieved its best-ever year for D-Max pick-up sales in 2024, with 6,574 vehicles sold – an increase of 4.1% compared to 2023 – despite an 8.3% decline in the overall pick-up market. Isuzu became the second-largest pick-up … [Read more...]
UK market for new vehicles stalls as 2024 ends
Private UK buyers shunned BEV models in 2024 while fleet sales increased in this sector... by Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales). Britain’s petrol, electric car and van markets have stalled with dealers reporting contracting business in the last quarter. The very slight increase in total registrations for the whole of 2024 came about with fleets being given big discounts by manufacturers … [Read more...]
Lovely Lancia wins top award at the Lakeland Motor Museum’s end of year classic car meet
A rare Lancia wins at the Lakeland Motor Museum's 2024 end of year classic meet. They tell us: (All words and photographs from the Lakeland Motor Museum). A rare 1960s Lancia Flaminia GT owned by Cumbrian gent, Chris Raeburn, has scooped the top award at the Lakeland Motor Museum’s popular end of year classic car meet. The vehicle, which came to the UK in 2014 and believed to … [Read more...]
Buckler’s Hard Harbour boatshed takes shape for waterfront offices and workshop rentals in spring 2025
Improvements at Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour... They tell us: (Photograph and all words from Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour/Beaulieu River). As we look forward to the 2025 sailing season, the new-look boatshed at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is taking shape. Steel framework adaptations and the roof have been completed, ready for final external building work in the new year. See … [Read more...]
Good news from the government for motorists? Surely not…
Surprise, Surprise... Government New Year cheer... or if you prefer... Christmas comes but once every (financial) year... By Dave Moss (All words © Dave Moss; Photograph © Kim Henson). Immediately before Christmas the Government announced that almost £1.6 billion is to be made available in the 2025-26 financial year to help local councils get a tighter grip on fixing the ever-burgeoning … [Read more...]
Insurance costs fall for young drivers…
Research from Compare the Market reveals the average cost of car insurance for young drivers has fallen by £160 in the past year. Compare the Market tells us... (All words and images from Compare the Market). Car insurance premiums for motorists aged under 25 dropped to £1,769 compared to £1,929 last year. Young motorists now typically pay £2,829 in annual driving … [Read more...]
INEOS Automotive introduces Custom Grenadier Quartermaster Kaiju
INEOS Automotive unveils first special project build: ‘Kaiju Quartermaster’... INEOS tells us: (Photograph and all words from INEOS Automotive). INEOS Automotive presents first special project build: ‘Kaiju Quartermaster’ Custom build leverages partnerships with class-leading accessory suppliers Demonstrates the infinite customisation possibilities available with the INEOS Grenadier … [Read more...]
Buying number plates this Christmas? Make sure that they comply with UK law…
Tennants UK urges retailers to guide customers regarding buying UK-compliant number plates this Christmas... Tennants UK tells us: (Photograph and all words from Tennants UK). Amidst this festive season, there is an increased interest in number plates as a unique and practical Christmas gift and Tennants UK, a leader in number plate solutions, is … [Read more...]
Nissan future – which way will they go?
Nissan has posted a dismal prediction for its global business into next year, writes Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales). Nissan Motor’s financial performance deteriorated significantly in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, between July and September 2024, with global revenues falling by 5% year-on-year to JPY2,986bn while its operating margin dropped below 0.2%. The company … [Read more...]
First apprentice at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour wins top award
The first apprentice at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has won the ViewHR Award for Apprentice of the Year in the 2024 New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards... Kim adds: I realise that Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour, just down the road from, and linked with, Beaulieu, is not about motoring, but many of our Wheels-Alive readers are interested in boating as well as motor vehicles, and I … [Read more...]
November 2024 UK new car sales – makers pull back sales to avoid EV penalties
Deliveries of new cars fell by -1.9% in the UK during November with 153,610 joining the road, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. By Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales). It is the second consecutive monthly decline, and the third decline in four months, as the market contracts amid the race to meet tough EV market share targets. Demand from private buyers, among … [Read more...]
Buckler’s Hard historical significance to be highlighted on BBC2
Buckler's Hard has played a vital role in the history of naval shipbuilding in Britain, and the village, plus Beaulieu River, was crucial too in wartime activities, including the D-Day landings... Buckler's Hard tells us: (Photograph and all words from Buckler's Hard). Villages by the Sea - Buckler’s Hard takes the spotlight on BBC Two Buckler’s Hard is set to take centre stage … [Read more...]
Motorists continue to be ripped off at fuel pumps and public EV chargers…
Motorists are still being overcharged for fuel and public EV recharging, writes Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales)... Motorists are paying too much to keep driving, say Government watchdogs and the RAC. Petrol and diesel prices are staying high because there are fewer forecourts vying for business, according to the latest report from the Competition and Markets Authority. And EV … [Read more...]
JAECOO 7 premium SUV arrives in the UK – pricing announced and order books open
The JAECOO 7 is a newcomer on the British motoring scene; the firm tells us: (Photograph and all words from OMODA&JAECOO). ● First model from premium off-road brand JAECOO brings affordable luxury to C-SUV segment ● JAECOO 7 is available in 1.6-litre petrol or PHEV with prices starting at £29,435 and £35,065 respectively ● 60-litre fuel tank and 18.3kW battery combine … [Read more...]
Drive safely and legally this winter
Winter pushes our vehicles to the limit, and to help you stay safe and legal when driving at this time of year, here are some handy tips from Marc Russell, CCO at car maintenance marketplace FixMyCar (https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/)... He tells us: (All words from FixMyCar:). “Winter has a reputation for pushing vehicles to their limit and transforming roads into chaos. Many drivers are … [Read more...]
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