Not discussing that - 5 December 2023

Follow Up - Volta Trucks Saved by Venture Existing BackersUK-based Volta Trucks has been saved by a venture capital fund that had previously invested them. There’s more about this in the Autocar story linked here.Follow-Up - Welsh Speed Limit Changes Cause ConsternationSome roads in Wales are now subject to many more changes of speed limit than before. This BBC story highlights one extreme example.VW to Cut Jobs In Bid To Increase CompetitivenessThe Volkswagen CEO has claimed that it is “no longer competitive” and will be taking advantage of the “demographic curve” to reduce staff numbers ahead of the previously-announced 2029 date for dismissals. More from Autocar here.£20bm Investment Boost for UK Auto Manufacturing in 2023The SMMT has announced the latest figures for investment in UK manufacturing as well as the government’s Advanced Manufacturing Strategy. There’s more about this on the SMMT website, linked here.Call for “Euro-Kai Car” for small, urban EVsIn an effort to save the small car, European lobby group ACEA is pitching for legislation to encourage small, urban EVs. You can find out more in the Autocar story linked here.Tuner Fined for Fitting Illegal Exhaust ModsThe DVLA has fined West Yorkshire tuner AET Motorsport for fitting a ”pop-bang” map and removing the catalytic converter from a Fiesta ST. Find out more in this Car article.Geely & NIO sign Strategic Partnership on Battery-Swap TechnologyGeely and NIO have signed a strategic partnership to develop battery standards, swapping technology, network expansion and development, swappable model development, and battery asset management. Big news, and you can read more in Geely’s press release here.Induction Charging Road Installed in DetroitAn induction charging test road has been installed in Detroit to test the system's robustness in real-world conditions. Find out more in this article from Jalopnik.If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Dacia BigsterDacia has revealed their first model bigger than the Duster, a chunkily-styled 5-seat SUV available as a petrol mild and full hybrid. A competitor for the Ford Kuga and other, the Bigster is slightly larger, but expected to cost under £40,000 when it’s introduced tot he UK in 2025. Find out more in this article from Autocar.Dacia DusterAt the same time as announcing the Bigster, Dacia has revealed the new 2024 Duster. More sophisticated than the current model, it offers more of the same value and practicality. There’s more detail and a video walk-around in this article from Car.LUNCHTIME READ: Why GM’s GMT400 Truck Design Remains Legendary After 30 YearsIn the week the Tesla Cybertruck was “delivered” to its adoring fans you can learn about the story behind one of the best-loking and enduring American pick-up trucks of the 20th and 21st Centuries in this article by Adrian Clarke for The Autopian.LIST OF THE WEEK: The Car World’s Most Famous Design FlawsIn an ironic twist where the list itself is flawed, this week’s LOTW comes from Autocar and outlines some of the most well-known issues with cars. You can check it out and choose your favourite here.AND FINALLY: Ad Break: The Rover 100 was a Limo in Miniature Antony Ingram looks at print advertising for the Rover 100, inferring its limousine status in New York. You can read the article by clicking on this link to Hagerty UK.