September and an odd numbered year. That means only one thing (and not just an autumn that’s full of mists and mellow fruitfulness, although I suspect we’ll get that too). No, I’m talking about the Frankfurt Motor Show. This pantheon to the German motoring industry is just enormous. Massive. Gargantuan. If you ever consider going, take blister plasters, a compass, and let your family know where you’re off to – you might end up missing in action somewhere between Halls 4 and 5. Oh, and get your shoes re-heeled when you’re back home. Despite all that, Frankfurt is hugely important. Because this is where we see the new cars that will be featuring on your next company car choice lists. Frankfurt is hugely important. Because this is where we see the new cars that will be featuring on your next company car choice lists. I’ve had a quick look under the covers to give you an idea of what we might be seeing. And so far, the overwhelming theme seems to be estate cars. As it’s the German industry spotlight event, we’ll start with British built first. The Swindon-built Honda Civic Tourer makes its debut. The guys as Honda tell me it’s really sleek in the metal. It features rear adaptive damping, a first in this class, plus there’s Honda’s brilliant 1.6 diesel that has a distinct distaste for filling stations. Then there’s the Ford S-MAX Concept. Although, judging by the pictures I’ve seen, this ‘Concept’ is pretty much the real deal. As before, it features seven seats (the last two occasional) but there’s more practicality and greater usability. Bound to be a hit. While on the subject of MPVs, also revealed will be the big version of Citroen’s stylish new C4 Picasso – the Grand version, a full-size MPV. Back to more traditional estates, and Volvo is updating its V60 estate car (along with the S60 saloon and XC60 SUV) with its new Drive-E range of four-cylinder engines which includes the option of an eight-speed auto. Expect the V60 to emit just 102g/km CO2 – and Swedish design detail interior updates, too. Finally, there’s a completely bonkers estate car – but one we’d all like to drive. 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds, the revised four-wheel drive Insignia VXR SuperSport will make its debut at Frankfurt. If you’re fast enough to catch one. I’ll let you know my pick of the show next time – when the covers have finally come off. |
September and an odd numbered year. That means only one thing (and not just an autumn that’s full of mists and mellow fruitfulness, although I suspect we’ll get that too). No, I’m talking about the Frankfurt Motor Show. This pantheon to the German motoring industry is just enormous. Massive. Gargantuan. If you ever consider going, … Continued
Surveys: it must be that time of year again. And it’s always easy to take a pop at the company car driver or the paid-for fleet car. One survey I read suggested that drivers of BMWs and Audis are ‘arrogant’ and ‘rude’, and their drivers are considered the most unloved on the road. While top … Continued
Would you drive your car without a tax disc? Probably not. And quite rightly so. You’d fret. And worry. And probably think we hadn’t done our job correctly. But this could happen. And it worries me. And do you know what’s daft? It’s a result of a commendably good idea to modernise and streamline the … Continued
I was chatting to a friend of mine the other day in a bar (not an unusual occurrence for me, I must admit) and the question of jobs came up. “So what do you actually do?” my friend quizzed. “Well, I run a leasing and fleet management company,” I replied. “Yeah, I sort of know … Continued
‘Hey you! Get over!’ How many times have you curdled with frustration at other drivers’ ill-mannered and plain incorrect driving? (I know we’re supposed to stay calm while driving, but sometimes, honestly….) You know what I’m talking about. The middle lane road hog. The smug-in-the-seat-I-feel-safe-in-this-lane-driver. But, c’mon on guys, look at those other motorists around … Continued
If I mention hydrogen to you, what image do you first think of? The Hindenburg airship going up in flames in 1937 – or a Hyundai SUV? For me it’s the former, certainly. Yet last week Hyundai announced that they would be launching a production version of its ix35 SUV powered by a fuel cell … Continued
We’re on something of a roll here. Deservedly so, I would say! But following our success as the Best Company to Work at in Scotland and our rating as one of the Best Companies to Work at in the UK by Great Place to Work Institute – rubbing shoulders with high street names such Coca … Continued
I’m sorry to tell you this. But someone must. To all company car drivers – you’re now redundant. Yes, that’s right, P45’d. No – and before you ask – this isn’t some UK-wide cost cutting, axe-wielding exercise by the UK’s new CEO of fleet. None of that. It’s the introduction of the autonomous car. Now … Continued
So, the outrageous state of our roads is going to be tackled. About time! The equivalent of 19m potholes are going to be filled thanks to £28bn earmarked for road improvements. This includes £10bn for critical maintenance projects under the government’s recently announced spending review. It’s needed. Repairing our roads (some 2.2m potholes were filled … Continued
Shhh! I’m having a conversation… With my car. This might seem an odd concept – rather like those slightly bizarre people who walk down the road seemingly talking to themselves. Except they’re not, of course. They’re talking into an earpiece connected to their mobile phone. Still, I always think it needs a degree of bravery … Continued