Author: Ted Welford

A rare Land Rover Defender currently owned by actor Rowan Atkinson is heading to auction next month.

Atkinson, who had star roles in Blackadder, Mr. Bean and Johnny English, is known for his love of cars and even owned a highly valuable McLaren F1 that the actor famously crashed twice, before selling it for an estimated £8m in 2015.

Now Atkinson is selling his prized Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition, which was one of the final models to mark the end of the production of the original Defender in 2016.

Paying homage to the original Series I Land Rover, each Heritage Edition is painted in Grasmere Green with a white roof, along with other classic touches and ‘HUE 166’ graphics, which was the number plate assigned to the first production Land Rover back in 1947.

Rowan Atkinson acquired this Defender in 2017, which is one of just 400 Heritage Edition models made, and it’s even rarer still being a long-wheelbase ‘110’ version as most were the shorter ‘90’ versions. It’s covered just 3,800 miles, with Atkinson paying to have an aftermarket tow bar, air conditioning and car alarm fitted.

Nick Whale, chairman of Iconic Auctioneers, says: “Rowan Atkinson is a well-known petrolhead and Land Rover enthusiast, so this vehicle has been cherished and lightly used as part of his personal collection. Always correctly serviced, maintained and professionally stored, it has now covered just 3,800 miles from new.”

The auctioneers have sold several of Atkinson’s cars over the years, with a 1993 Lancia Delta Integrale being sold by the company in February 2023 for £87,750.

The actor’s Land Rover Defender will go under the hammer at the historic motorsport show Race Retro, held at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry on February 25 and has a guide price of £65,000 to £85,000.

It’s not the only famous Land Rover going under the hammer at the sale, however, as a Defender 110 5.0 V8 Bond Edition, one of just 10 sold in the UK to coincide with the release of the 2021 ‘007’ film No Time To Die, is being sold with an estimate of up to £175,000.

The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has confirmed the introduction of a new luxury MPV in the UK in 2026.

LEVC is the firm behind the popular electrified London taxis that are seen across the capital and also makes an electric van called the VN5. The firm, headquartered in Ansty, near Coventry, recently revealed the L380 as a large luxury MPV.

Originally thought to be designed for overseas markets, predominantly China and eastern Asia where vehicles of this type are most popular, LEVC has now announced that a ‘UK market version’ will arrive ‘within the next two years’.

Unlike the firm’s London taxi and electric van, however, it won’t be made in the UK but rather in the city of Yiwu in East China where production of the first prototype models has recently started.

LEVC, which is owned by Chinese automotive group Geely, says the new L380 will ‘accelerate its transition from a high-end taxi manufacturer to a leading provider of e-mobility solutions’. It will be based on the same underpinnings as other cars from the Geely group, such as the new Volvo EM90.

The L380 is based around a new platform and promises a flexible interior that’s available in three, six or eight-seat layouts.

Alex Nan, chief executive of LEVC, said: “The L380 is the first demonstration of the future vision for LEVC, launching the business into an entirely new sector. As with all our products, L380 takes inspiration from the company’s rich history, combined with the vast resources and technical innovation of the Geely Holding Group.

“The start of production for this new model sets us on an exciting new path, bringing advanced zero-emission transportation to more customers than ever before and we look forward to taking customers on this journey.”

LEVC is still tight-lipped on many details with the L380 but says more will follow in the ‘coming months’.

Smart has announced the introduction of an entry-level ‘Pro’ grade to its electric #1 crossover, which brings a big price cut but with no compromise on standard equipment.

The Smart #1 was introduced last year as the first new model from this revived carmaker, which no longer sells the famous dinky ‘Smart cars’ it was known for.

This new ‘Pro’ trim level is now the entry-level grade, and uses a smaller 49kWh battery that allows for a 193-mile range. This compares to the 66kWh battery fitted to all other versions, which come with a 268-mile range. The power output from the rear-mounted electric motor remains the same on both, producing 268bhp and 343Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds.

In terms of charging, this new Smart #1 model can be charged at up to 130kW DC, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking ‘less than 30 minutes’.

Despite being an entry-level grade, there is still plenty of standard equipment, including a 12.8-inch touchscreen, heated seats and a 360-degree parking camera. You also get adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof and an electric boot.

This new Pro trim costs from £31,950, which is £4,000 cheaper than the longer-range Pro+ version. It’s available to order now, with Smart estimating delivery in just a few weeks.

Smart UK CEO, David Browne, said: “The arrival of the Pro on UK shores completes the #1 line-up, providing an exceptional value proposition for customers who require less range while expecting just as much in the way of style and substance.

“Accompanied by a new series of extremely compelling PCP deals across the #1 range, we’re very excited to see how the public responds to this new offering.”

The British automotive manufacturing sector had a bumper year in 2023, with more than a million made across the UK.

This includes 905,117 cars and 120,357 commercial vehicles, with overall output increasing by 17 per cent compared to 2022, with an especially strong end to the year.

Production of hybrid and electric vehicles also surged by 48 per cent, with almost 350,000 vehicles of this type. But what vehicles are made in the UK, and where? Let’s take a look. .

Aston Martin

Aston Martin is known internationally for being a British sports car maker, and its full line-up of cars are all manufactured in the UK. It operates two plants, one in St Athan, south Wales, where the DBX is built and its main facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, which makes cars like the Vantage and new DB12 sports cars.

Bentley

Bentley produces all its cars from an impressive factory in Crewe, Cheshire, with its line-up including the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga SUV. The latter accounts for 44 per cent of its full production, in fact. Bentley manufactured 12,859 cars here in the UK last year.

Jaguar

While Jaguar’s sales have fallen in recent years, the majority of the cars it makes are still manufactured here in the UK. It produces its popular F-Pace in Solihull alongside Range Rovers, while the XE and XF saloons, along with the F-Type sports car, are manufactured at Castle Bromwich.

Land Rover

Land Rover accounted for the majority of JLR’s total 238,422 production in 2023, and when combined with Jaguar, is the second largest car producer in Britain. Land Rover makes the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar at Solihull while its smaller Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque are made in Halewood, Merseyside. It’s only the Defender and Discovery that are made outside the UK in Slovakia.

LEVC

The London Electric Vehicle Company might not be as well known as others on this list, but you’ll likely recognise the electrified London black cab that this firm produces. It also makes an electric van known as the VN5, both at a site near Coventry.

Lotus

Though Lotus increasingly manufactures most of its cars outside of the UK – its new Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon are both made in China – it still continues to produce its sports cars here in Britain. The Emira is built in Hethel, Norfolk.

McLaren

McLaren has established itself as a serious supercar competitor in recent years, and it shows just how diverse the UK’s automotive companies can be. All McLarens are made at a state-of-the-art facility in Woking, Surrey, including the 750S and Artura.

Mini

Mini’s factory in Cowley, Oxford, continues to churn out a huge volume of its cars, and last year it manufactured 184,996 vehicles, though this does represent a small decrease on the previous year. Mini produced its renowned Hatch there in 2023 and phased out production of the Clubman last year. It will soon be gearing up ready to manufacture its new Cooper three-door hatchback.

Morgan

Morgan is one of the UK’s smallest carmakers, but shows off a level of craftsmanship and individuality that is lost with mass-production sites. It has a site in Malvern, Worcestershire that makes its range of sports cars.

Nissan

Nissan is by far the biggest car producer in the UK, with a huge 324,893 new cars being produced at its plant in Sunderland in 2023 across three cars – its Qashqai and Juke crossovers, as well as the electric Leaf hatchback. It’s the Qashqai that accounts for by far the greatest chunk of its numbers.

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is renowned for its luxury cars, and it continues to lead the way when it comes to personalisation and craftsmanship. It has a site near Chichester, West Sussex, where all its cars is made. Rolls-Royce also started building its first electric car, the Spectre, last year.

Suzuki

Suzuki is one car firm that many will not know produces a car in the UK, though it’s really a rebadged Toyota. Known as the Swace, it’s a hybrid estate car based on the Corolla and is made at a factory in Burnaston, near Derby.

Stellantis

Stellantis includes such a broad range of brands that it’s easier to include in one section. The firm produces vans for Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall at two sites in the UK – one in Luton, and a second in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

Toyota

While we’ve acknowledged Toyota already, it’s the firm’s ‘own’ Corolla that accounts for the majority of production at the Derbyshire factory. The firm made 122,193 models there in 2023, including Corollas in both a hatchback and estate car layout.

The Geneva Motor Show used to be one of Europe’s premier automotive events when it came to new car reveals.

Almost every global car manufacturer would have a stand and new metal to show off, but following a coronavirus-forced hiatus, it’s now returning for the first time in five years on February 26.

This year’s Geneva Motor Show will look considerably different too, as while the event used to take up nearly all of the city’s grand Palexpo exhibition centre, this year it is occupying just two halls.

Just a handful of major firms will be in attendance, and though the organisers claim ‘15 world and European premieres’, this is considerably less than what would have taken place in years gone by.

While organisers behind this year’s event acknowledge that the event is ‘more compact’, it believes it can be ‘as big as we were before covid’.

But which car firms are exhibiting at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and – more tellingly – who isn’t? Let’s take a look.

Who is attending?

BYD

Chinese car firm BYD is already making quite an impression across the globe, and it will be one of few companies from this corner of the world exhibiting at Geneva. The firm has yet to give any clue of what might be on display, though you can expect its current line-up, along with the upcoming plug-in hybrid ‘Seal U’ SUV to be on display. Given BYD’s fast-paced nature, expect a few more surprises too.

Dacia

Dacia will be making quite an impression in Geneva this year with the budget brand displaying two new cars. There will be the public debut for its new Duster SUV, revealed back in November, but the highlight is the reveal of a new version of its Spring EV. It will be Dacia’s first electric car sold in the UK, and promises to be the most affordable EV on sale.

MG

MG hadn’t been at the Geneva Motor Show, even before the pandemic, but is using this year’s event to reveal its new MG3 – an affordable supermini that rivals the Dacia Sandero. The current car has been on sale for more than a decade, and this updated model is certainly needed. Expect MG to also show off another version of its electric Cyberster sports car to drum up demand ahead of arriving in Europe later in the year.

Lucid

Lucid is one of the more surprising attendees at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and will be showing off its luxury American electric cars. The Lucid Air saloon is already on sale in select countries around Europe, but the highlight is expected to be Lucid bringing its Gravity SUV to Europe for the first time.

Renault

The most important debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show will be the Renault 5, which makes its eagerly-awaited world debut. Renault is reviving this classic nameplate for its new small EV that promises to bring some innovative features and should prove popular. It’ll certainly be the star of this year’s event.

Who isn’t attending?

The list of those not attending drastically exceeds the list of those that are. In fact, of the 50 manufacturers we asked if they were attending, only four said they were. Compare that to event in 2019, and 36 of these brands all had show stands, with most revealing new cars.

One of the biggest losses is the Volkswagen Group. From Seat to Lamborghini, it used to take up a huge amount of floor space, and even host its own ‘media night’ the evening before the show opened to show off all the new cars from the various brands.

But no VW Group brand will be in attendance in 2024, and the same applies to the huge Stellantis organisation, including Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall to name just a few. In a statement from the Stellantis group, it said it had chosen to not attend the Geneva show “given the current challenging scenario in the industry worldwide”.

Even smaller firms like Subaru, Suzuki and Honda all used to have huge presence at Geneva, but again have all decided to miss this year’s event.

The organisers of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) have said they could expand to more events in other countries, despite controversy surrounding an exhibition held in Qatar last year.

The Geneva Motor Show, previously one of the largest motor shows of its kind in Europe, was cancelled at the last minute in 2020 because of the coronavirus, with the event only returning to Switzerland this year following its hiatus.

However, organisers signed an agreement with Qatar Tourism to hold an event under its ‘GIMS’ name in 2021, with the event taking place in the country’s capital of Doha in October 2023.

The move proved to be controversial, with Qatar’s reputation for human rights and treatment of migrant workers coming under fire, as was the case when the World Cup was held there in 2022.

However, Sandro Mesquita, chief executive of GIMS, said that while he understood why people were ‘disappointed’, that it was an ‘opportunity to grow’.

Mesquita told the PA news agency: “We know some people were disappointed with this choice [to hold the event in Qatar] and we understood that and accept all the opinions. For us, it was an opportunity to grow and go international and I can say that Qatar is evolving.”

He added that while Qatar was an “important partner” for the future it remained “independent”, quashing rumours that the event was only being held in Qatar because of the country’s known wealth.

Mesquita also hinted that the Geneva Motor Show brand could grow to other countries in the future, adding: “This is a collaboration [with Qatar} and maybe in the future we will have others. We now have a brand with two platforms, and maybe in the future we would have more.”

But the Geneva Motor Show itself returns to the Swiss city in February for the first time in five years. Previously it was attended by almost all major global car manufacturers, but this year only a handful of household names are present, including Renault, Dacia and MG, as many firms have snubbed the event. Organisers admit that it will be “more compact” but that it hopes to come back “bigger and better each year”.

Mesquita added: “We strongly believe that the automotive industry is strong enough to have its own platform in Europe. There is a place for motor shows.

“GIMS will grow and 2024 is a restart after this pause. Since the beginning of the history of the show, we have been a mirror in the market, and we will continue to be. Each year we will have more and more brands that are leading the way for the automotive industry.”

The Geneva Motor Show is held at the Palexpo Exhibition Centre from February 26 to March 3.

With more than 37 million Volkswagen Golfs produced, it’s the third most popular car ever made.

Whether you, a family member or a friend has had one, the Golf is so well-known that there’s a good chance most of us have an attachment to it in one way or another.

This year also marks an impressive 50 years since the Volkswagen Golf was introduced, with a history spanning eight generations. To mark the occasion, Volkswagen is introducing a new facelifted version, bringing a redesigned look, technology improvements and a much-improved plug-in hybrid model to this popular hatchback.

Let’s take a look at 50 years of the Volkswagen Golf.

The first Golf tees off– 1974

It was back in March 1974 that the first Volkswagen Golf was produced. Penned by legendary car designer Giorgetto Giugaro, it was designed as a successor to the original Beetle, though would be sold alongside it for some years.

With its more modern front-wheel-drive and front-engined layout, it was a far more practical car than the Beetle and would become an instant hit. In 1976, Volkswagen would expand the line-up with the famed Golf GTI hot hatch, which has remained an integral part of the line-up ever since.

Second time around – 1983

It was almost a decade before Volkswagen introduced its second-generation Golf, which was launched in 1983. The overall design wasn’t significantly changed, though the second Golf was larger and introduced various more modern technologies.

Features such as power steering, anti-lock brakes and 16-valve engines were all introduced, while the Golf’s overall design had evolved while still retaining the charm of the original. With 6.3 million produced, overall sales were just shy of the first-generation car that amassed just under seven million units.

Bigger engines and an estate for the third outing – 1991

The third-generation Golf has gone down as one of the more unloved models in the Golf history, though sales still amassed 4.8 million overall. Launched in 1991, it was available in the broadest range of versions yet, including a three- and five-door hatchback, convertible and also a spacious estate car for the first time – the latter remaining a feature of the Golf ever since.

Alongside the GTI models, Volkswagen also introduced a flagship VR6 model, using a large 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine that was the largest to be fitted to a Golf yet.

The Golf goes upmarket in its fourth iteration – 1997

Volkswagen had experimented with making the Golf into a higher-quality car in previous editions, but the fourth generation of this family car represented a significant step up. If you’re looking for the cheapest used Golf now, it will be this one with usable examples available for just a few hundred pounds.

Renowned for its bulletproof diesel engines, this generation of Golf is also known for introducing Volkswagen’s first racing-derived ‘R’ model in 2002 with the Golf R32. Packing a 3.2-litre V6 VR6 engine, it was also the first production car to use a dual-clutch automatic gearbox (known as DSG), which is now commonplace across the Volkswagen line-up. Nearly five million were produced over seven years.

A return to brilliance with the Golf 5 – 2004

A particular high point in the Golf’s history is the fifth generation, introduced in 2004. It’s a far more modern-looking car than its predecessor and was much better to drive courtesy of an advanced suspension setup and stiffer construction.

The Mk5 Golf GTI with its 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is a certified future classic, as is the GTI 30th Anniversary Edition, introduced in 2006 to celebrate three decades of the GTI. An additional bodystyle was also introduced in the form of the Golf Plus MPV, with 3.4 million examples of the Golf produced in this time, though its production run was fairly short.

The short-lived Golf 6 – 2008

Come 2008 it was time for the introduction of the sixth-generation Golf, though it was more of a facelift of the previous model. It still came highly applauded, though, and even won 2009 World Car of the Year.

A range of safety and technology advancements made it a superb family car, while the GTI model was present and correct. The Golf R32 would also become the R, and would controversially adopt a smaller-capacity turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine. The Cabriolet also made a brief return with this generation. Just shy of three million were produced, though it was fairly short-lived compared to previous models.

The sensational Golf 7 – 2012

The seventh-generation Golf is still regarded as one of the best all-around cars ever made, and truly was a superb model from top to bottom. New underpinnings made the Golf much lighter than its predecessor, while a range of advancements such as LED lighting and autonomous emergency braking resulted in it being one of the most advanced hatchbacks around at the time.

There were lots of changes under the bonnet too, with the Golf available as a plug-in hybrid for the first time, while an electric e-Golf was also offered. There was plenty for performance car fans too, including the acclaimed 300bhp Golf R and limited-run GTI Clubsport S, which got a stripped-out interior and just two seats. It’s still regarded as one of the best hot hatches ever made. Around six million Golf 7s were produced over the years.

The digital Golf 8 – 2020

The Volkswagen Golf was never known for controversy, but the Golf 8 wasn’t as well-received as it should have been in 2020. It was quite the departure from its predecessor, especially when it came to the interior which got a large touchscreen that replaced nearly all traditional buttons. Some owners suffered usability issues, which prompted Volkswagen to fastrack this latest mid-life update – known as the Golf 8.5.

Ushering in a more user-friendly touchscreen, fewer digital buttons and an impressive new plug-in hybrid model capable of more than 60 miles on a charge, it should get Volkswagen back on the right path once again.

Volkswagen has revealed an updated version of its Golf, which brings improved quality and technology to address weaknesses of the previous car.

This update for the eighth-generation Golf, introduced in 2020, has been fast-tracked to address problems that have caused Volkswagen to lose loyal Golf buyers since its launch.

With 37 million Golfs produced since its original launch, it’s not only Volkswagen’s best-selling model ever but one of the most successful vehicles of all time across all brands.

Speaking at a preview event for the new Golf, a product expert at Volkswagen said the latest model has proven “too much” for a typical Golf customer, with features such as a fiddly infotainment system and touchpads for steering wheel buttons being poorly received.

A more conventional multifunction steering wheel is now fitted to this car, along with a new infotainment system, which is available on either a 10.4- or 12.9-inch display. Now easier to use with greater customisation and simplified menus, other changes include illuminated touch sliders for the climate control settings. It uses the same MIB4 software as already introduced on the latest Passat and Tiguan too, with ChatGPT AI integration included.

The overall design of the Golf hasn’t changed dramatically, but differences include slimmer LED headlights, along with reprofiled bumpers that aim to give the model a cleaner finish. Various new wheel designs are available, along with four new colours, while the front Volkswagen emblem can be illuminated for the first time.

Key changes under the surface include a new plug-in hybrid powertrain available with 201bhp (eHybrid) or 268bhp on the Golf GTE. These use a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, with a substantially larger 19.2kWh battery allowing for ‘electric ranges of around 100km (63 miles)’ when fully charged. There will also be the option to DC rapid charge the Golf plug-in hybrids for the first time too.

A choice of regular petrol and diesel engines will also remain available, with manual gearbox options still available on select models.

The well-loved GTI model, using a 2.0-litre petrol engine, has also had a 20bhp power boost, with the hot hatch now generating 262bhp, though will no longer be offered with a manual gearbox. The sporty GTD diesel model has also been discontinued because of falling demand.

The updated Volkswagen Golf will be available as both a hatchback and a more practical estate, though isn’t expected to arrive until the middle of the year. Prices are likely to start from around £27,000 when orders open.

While the car industry has always faced challenges, 2024 could be the hardest yet for many manufacturers. That’s because legislation has been introduced that will require each firm to sell a certain percentage of electric cars each year.

Known as the ZEV (zero-emissions vehicle) mandate, it starts in 2024 and applies to both new vans and cars. For the latter, firms are required to have a 22 per cent share of EV registrations this year, increasing each year to 80 per cent of sales by 2030.

Firms could be stung with a fine of £15,000 per vehicle over the ZEV limit, resulting in some hefty penalties for manufacturers which fail to meet targets. However, brands can ‘bank’ credits for future use where they may not be able to meet targets, trade with other manufacturers that have ‘excess’ EV sales and leverage previous years where they’ve been consistently selling low-emissions vehicles to match these new targets and avoid fines.

Manufacturers selling fewer than 2,500 cars each year are also exempt from having to meet the percentages until at least 2029, which includes lower-volume brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

But what about those carmakers that aren’t exempt, will they meet the 22 per cent requirement, and if not how will they escape fines? We’ve asked each firm and used a range of data to work out what might happen.

Alfa Romeo

With total sales of 1,546 sales in the UK in 2023, Alfa Romeo could be exempt in 2024 from the ZEV requirements. It is in quite a precarious position, though, as it doesn’t yet have a single EV, though that will change later in 2024 when Alfa introduces the Milano as a compact crossover, which will primarily be sold as an EV.

Audi

With registrations totalling almost 140,000 cars last year, Audi is now the UK’s third-biggest car firm. With a decent line-up of EVs and an 18 per cent EV share in 2023, it’s already well on its way to meeting the mandate. With the introduction of the electric Q6 e-tron SUV and A6 e-tron models in 2024, it’s likely Audi will easily meet the required percentage.

BMW

BMW is a firm that should be able to rest easy about meeting the ZEV mandate, with electric cars making up 26 per cent of its overall registrations in 2023, meaning it’s already above the required percentage. A spokesperson for BMW said its “sales trajectory was on track to meet and exceed our obligations where the ZEV mandate is concerned”. This year will also see the introduction of the i5 Touring as its first electric estate, along with the iX2 crossover.

BYD

While BYD might have sold well under 2,500 cars in the UK last year, it’s worth noting this Chinese brand didn’t launch its first car until the spring. It’s a firm that is ‘one to watch’ based on its global dominance, and given it primarily sells EVs, BYD won’t need to worry about the ZEV mandate but could use it to its advantage with trading credits.

Citroen

While Citroen already offers a range of electric models, combined, these only made up 10 per cent of its overall sales in the UK last year. While this will grow, it could mean the French firm has to push its EVs at the expense of petrol models. That said, Citroen will soon launch the new e-C3, which arrives as one of the cheapest electric cars. A spokesperson for Citroen said it would ‘meet the required ZEV commitments’.

Cupra

Cupra is a brand on the rise, with sales surging in 2023 to more than 25,000 units – putting it ahead of Honda. The Spanish firm shouldn’t have to worry about its ZEV commitments, either, with the firm having a 27 per cent EV share last year courtesy of its electric Born hatchback. With Cupra launching a new electric SUV, the Tavascan, in 2024, the firm will likely be used to help ensure that all Volkswagen Group brands can meet the required electric vehicle percentage.

Dacia

Dacia is one of the largest firms that currently does not sell a single EV in the UK, though its value-packed electric Spring is being introduced in Britain later in the year, and should sell well as it will be one of the cheapest electric cars on sale. Even with this, Dacia will still have quite a challenge on its hands to meet the ZEV mandate. In a statement, Dacia said its goal was to “sell as many EVs as possible and meet the targets”.

DS

With sales of just under 2,500, if DS has a similar year to 2023, it might not need to worry about the ZEV mandate for a few more years. That said, the French premium carmaker announced back in 2021 that it would become an ‘electric-only’ brand in 2024, though there’s been little detail about this ever since. It had a 10 per cent EV share last year, coming from just one car.

Fiat

Fiat’s sales have dropped quite considerably in recent years, and though it does already offer an electric version of its well-loved 500, this model accounted for just a 12 per cent EV share in 2023. However, this year Fiat will introduce the 600e in the spring as an EV crossover that should prove popular. A Fiat spokesperson said: “As such it is our full intention to meet the requirements of the ZEV mandate.”

Ford

Ford is perhaps the firm that should be worrying the most about the ZEV mandate, at least in 2024. It’s the second most popular car brand in the UK, yet only currently sells one electric passenger car – the Mustang Mach-E – which accounted for a measly two per cent of its total registrations. This year will see the launch of a Ford Explorer as well as a Puma EV right at the end of 2024, but even still, Ford is unlikely to meet the ZEV mandate on its own. Ford didn’t respond when asked how it intended to meet the targets.

Honda

Honda is another firm that will be challenged by the ZEV mandate. It’s recently discontinued the slow-selling electric ‘e’ city car and its battery-powered e:NY1 crossover has had a lukewarm reception. Last year, it registered just 434 EVs, accounting for only a two per cent share. A spokesperson for Honda said it “welcomed the range of flexibilities, such as banking, borrowing and trading”.

They also urged the government to provide more EV incentives “to assure customers that moving to electric is the right choice”.

Hyundai

Hyundai’s range of electric models accounted for a 15 per cent share of its sales last year, though the firm stressed there are “more [EVs] to come this year” in response. The South Korean firm has had low average fleet CO2 emissions in recent years and said it could use this to “offset” the ZEV threshold. The spokesperson also added: “In any case, we believe that we are in a strong position to take advantage of the market opportunities and to meet the requirements expected.”

Jaguar

Jaguar’s sales have struggled somewhat in recent years, though the good news is that courtesy of just a single EV – the I-Pace – it already met the 22 per cent EV share in 2023. Though the firm wouldn’t comment on the ZEV mandate, it is set to reveal its next generation of EVs later this year as it becomes an electric-only brand from 2025.

Jeep

Jeep introduced its first electric model in 2023 with the Avenger, and despite only launching in the second half of the year, it accounted for a 14 per cent EV share. With a full 12 months of it on sale in 2024, it’s likely to help Jeep meet and exceed the threshold quite comfortably.

Kia

When asked, Kia said it was “confident” that it would meet the ZEV mandate threshold. The South Korean firm has offered a range of electric models for some time, and last year, EVs made up a 16 per cent share of its EV sales. Various new battery-powered models in the pipeline should help it to meet the mandate as well.

Land Rover

The ZEV mandate is also likely to prove a challenge for Land Rover. It’s yet to launch an EV, and though an electric Range Rover will arrive in 2024, this won’t get the British firm anywhere close to the required 22 per cent. While it will be able to combine its sales with Jaguar as they’re part of the same group, Land Rover is by far the more dominant brand, which is part of the problem with ZEV. The firm wouldn’t comment on the matter.

Lexus

Despite Lexus selling two electric models in its fairly small line-up, these made up just five per cent of its total UK sales. With no new electric Lexus models planned for 2024, that percentage is unlikely to increase. Lexus said it wouldn’t comment on the ZEV mandate, but the firm will undoubtedly have to explore other options to avoid fines.

Mazda

Mazda is another firm behind the curve when it comes to EVs, with the firm telling the PA news agency that it would be “using the flexibilities of the scheme… to remain penalty free”. Mazda currently just sells one electric model – the MX-30 – which made up just three per cent of its 2023 sales. The firm added that it would have an “EV registration focus”, meaning it will likely be pushing offers on this EV.

Mercedes

Mercedes offers one of the widest ranges of electric cars, and as a result, its EV sales mix is already above the ZEV mandate, with electric models making up 24 per cent of its registrations in 2023. With further updates due to its current EVs, and more on the way, it’s unlikely to be troubled by the new requirements.

MG

MG’s affordably priced electric cars made up an impressive 38 per cent EV sales mix in 2024. It means it’s already well ahead of the mandate, and could even have the flexibility to trade with other manufacturers, though the firm failed to respond to our request.

Mini

While Mini only had a 14 per cent EV sales mix in 2024, this is only from one car – the Electric – which has a fairly niche appeal because of its small electric range. But in 2024, Mini will introduce a new generation of its electric hatchback with a much-improved range, along with an electric version of the Countryman SUV for the first time. Both of these should help Mini to reach the ZEV target in 2024.

Nissan

While Nissan has been ahead of the curve when it comes to EVs, its electric sales mix isn’t as high as you’d expect, making up just nine per cent of its registrations last year. This is largely due to the large volume of non-electric models such as the Juke and Qashqai. With no new electric Nissans likely to land this year, it could have to adopt some of the flexibilities of the scheme, though a spokesperson said it was “confident” it would meet the ZEV mandate.

Peugeot

Though Peugeot already offers nearly every one of its cars as an EV already, combined, these still made up a relatively small 11 per cent of its overall sales in 2023. That said, a Peugeot spokesperson said the firm would meet the required commitments, pointing out that new electric versions of the 3008 and 5008 are arriving later in 2024 to complete its EV line-up.

Polestar

Polestar is another firm that will be able to relish in the ZEV mandate, as it only sells electric models. With sales of more than 12,500, this Swedish manufacturer will be in a lucrative position to be able to trade credits with other companies.

Porsche

You might know Porsche for its petrol sports cars, but this brand is well ahead of the curve when it comes to EVs. That’s because the electric Taycan is already accounting for almost a third of its sales, and putting it well ahead of the ZEV threshold. The firm will shortly be introducing its Macan EV, which will only help to grow its electric dominance.

Renault

With sales of Renault’s Zoe slowing as the electric hatchback nears the end of its life, and the Megane E-Tech not selling quite as well as the firm might have hoped, EVs made up 11 per cent of its total 2023 share. However, Renault will soon launch the electric Scenic SUV, which should make a sizeable contribution. A Renault spokesperson said it was its “goal to sell as many EVs as possible” and that it would push its electric cars “as hard as we can”.

Seat

Seat is another large car firm that currently doesn’t sell an EV, and that won’t change in 2024. On its own, the Spanish firm would likely be in a precarious position, but it will be able to leapfrog off sibling brand Cupra’s high electric car share to escape fines.

Skoda

Skoda’s electric Enyaq has done fairly well on its own, but as the firm’s only EV, it only made up a 12 per cent share of its sales in 2023. This year is a busy one for Skoda, with a new Kodiaq and Superb on the way, but neither of these are EVs, and it will likely mean the firm has to work with the wider Volkswagen Group to meet the targets.

Subaru

Subaru sold just under the 2,500 threshold for ZEV compliance in 2023, and will likely cap overall sales at that if it doesn’t hit the required EV share with its electric Solterra, which made up a respectable 16 per cent share last year. Subaru UK’s boss Lorraine Bishton said the Solterra would “play a significant role in supporting the achievement of our objectives concerning the ZEV mandate”.

Suzuki

Suzuki is another fairly sizable car firm that doesn’t yet have an electric car and won’t until 2025. To avoid fines, a spokesman for the firm said it “plans to work within the ZEV mandate regulations”. This includes using its historically low CO2 emissions as credits, along with using “future years ZEV registrations and trading”.

Tesla

If struggling car manufacturers need to buy ‘electric’ credits to avoid fines, Tesla will likely be who they turn to. Selling just short of 50,000 cars in 2023, all of which were electric, it’s in a brilliant position to financially gain from others. Tesla was approached for comment but didn’t respond

Toyota

With almost 110,000 cars registered in 2023, Toyota is one of the UK’s largest car companies, but one that’s in a precarious position where the ZEV mandate is concerned. That’s because it sells just one EV at the moment, and this accounted for a fractional one per cent share in 2023. Toyota has primarily sold hybrid cars for several years and as a result has had an exceptionally low fleet CO2 average, which is something it will likely use to avoid fines, though a spokesperson refused to comment.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall said it would “meet its electric commitments” in 2024 when asked, despite only having a 12 per cent EV share last year. It already offers a wide range of EVs, and will likely be strongly pushing electric versions of the Corsa, Mokka and Astra to customers to help it reach the targets.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen is now the largest car company operating in the UK and is well on its way to meeting the ZEV mandate, with a 15 per cent electric share in 2023, courtesy of cars like the ID.3 and ID.4. Several new VW EVs are due this year, though these will be more niche models that won’t sell in significant volumes in the UK. A spokesperson said the firm would “comply with legislation”, but called for “appropriate incentives for retail buyers” from the government to make them make the switch to EVs.

Volvo

With a 21 per cent EV share in 2023, Volvo is close to meeting the ZEV mandate already. The Swedish firm will also soon introduce the EX30 as a new entry-level electric SUV that should make a significant contribution to growing its electric sales mix. Volvo said it would meet the ZEV mandate.

Around half of all new cars are too wide for a typical parking space, according to a new study, as calls are made to reverse the trend of SUVs and larger vehicles.

According to the campaign group Transport & Environment, the average new car gets 1cm wider every two years, with the typical width of a car now 180.3cm according to its research, which is up from 177.8cm in 2018.

The group claims that among the 100 most popular cars in Europe, 52 are too wide for a typical on-street parking space of 180cm in major cities such as London, Paris and Rome. It also claims that the growing number of large SUVs ‘leave too little space for car occupants to get in and out of vehicles’ in off-street parking spaces.

James Nix, vehicles policy manager at Transport & Environment, said: “Cars have been getting wider for decades and that trend will continue until we set a stricter limit. Currently, the law allows new cars to be as wide as trucks.

“The result has been big SUVs and American-style pick-up trucks parking on our footpaths and endangering pedestrians, cyclists and everyone else on the road.”

The research is announced as Paris gets set to vote on increasing parking charges for larger and heavier cars – primarily SUVs. The referendum is taking place on February 4 to triple the price of parking for these larger vehicles, though would not apply to Parisian residents, rather to those visiting the area.

While SUVs continue to grow in popularity, vehicles of this type have also been targeted by climate activists in the UK. Known as the Tyre Extinguishers, the group has deflated large numbers of SUV tyres in London and Edinburgh. It also targeted a Land Rover dealership in Exeter last August following the death of two children in Wimbledon last year after a Land Rover crashed through a fence and into school grounds.