#BrownCarGuy – News, Views & Reviews!
In 35 years of covering the car industry, I’ve never seen such confusion and uncertainty as we’re experiencing now. Traditionally, when sitting down with car company executives, they’d be confident, thinking years ahead with clear plans. That’s no longer the case. Ask them about the future these days and you can see them struggling to resist an urge to shrug and fling their hands in the air in confusion. So what gives?
Breaking news! The EU is set to impose hefty tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), with rates potentially reaching up to 48%. This dramatic move combines new tariffs with existing ones and is set to take effect from the 4th of July. This decision stems from the EU’s ongoing concerns over heavy subsidies provided by the Chinese government to its EV manufacturers, which is seen as giving them an unfair advantage in the global market.
While on a Nissan media trip to Portugal to drive the new 2024 Qashqai (review coming very soon) we were also given a presentation on Nissan’s future plans up to 2026 and beyond, particularly in regards to drivetrains. And it’s not entirely EV as you might think. Watch the video below, or read on.
In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, new business models are emerging that could significantly impact our driving experience. One such development is the rise of in-car subscription services, where manufacturers like BMW are considering charging extra for features that were once standard. But how do these subscriptions compare to pay-per-mile road user charges in terms of restricting our driving freedom? During a recent press drive of the new Nissan Qashqai in Portugal, my friend and fellow motoring journalist Massimo Pini and I got deep into this controversial topic. Our conversation highlighted the growing concerns among car owners regarding these new charges. You can watch the video, or read the full article below.
Are car makers really giving up on EVs and redirecting their efforts back to ICE (internal combustion engines)? There’s a lot of buzz and confusion over a recent announcement by Japanese automotive giants Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda confirming their joint commitment to continue developing ICE technology. But what does this mean for the future of mobility, and why are these manufacturers investing in internal combustion engines now?
Meet Kish Nelson, the visionary founder of Collecting Motors. Kish shares his remarkable journey from a career in IT to becoming a prominent figure in the classic car scene. Discover how he transformed his passion for vintage vehicles into a thriving business that connects classic car enthusiasts and investors in the UK and UAE.
Fuel Price Rip-Off in action! It’s a fact, UK drivers are really overpaying. Tell us how much per litre you pay for fuel in the comments. Do you flinch every time you pull into a petrol station? Is filling up agony as you see the cost racing up on the dial? You’re thinking it is ridiculously expensive. And you’re not wrong! In this video I reveal the shocking reality of fuel prices in the UK and the huge profit margins oil companies are taking while leaving us out of pocket during a cost-of-living crisis! Despite a drop in oil prices, fuel retailers continue to inflate their profit margins. Are you paying more than you should for fuel? Watch now to find out!
The costs of learning to drive, buying, owning and driving a car in the UK, puts it at one of the most expensive countries in Europe. We explore why young people are increasingly ditching driving, breaking down the high expenses from obtaining a driving license to maintaining a vehicle. Plus we compare the UK’s costs to other European countries – find out which is the best, and worst, country for car costs. From fuel prices to insurance and vehicle taxes, we uncover the factors making car ownership nearly impossible for many. Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know your experiences!
Check out my brief chat with Dale Wyatt, Director of Suzuki GB Cars, as he prepares to drive off in his personal vehicle—a classic Suzuki Cappuccino Kei Car Roadster! I asked him about his own connection with the Suzuki brand, and how Suzuki’s heritage influences its unique characteristics: driveability, reliability, fun driveability even as the company shifts towards electric vehicles. Dale discusses the critical importance of maintaining ‘Suzukiness’ amidst industry evolution and how past lessons can guide future strategies. Don’t miss his insights on what makes Suzuki resonate so strongly with its loyal customers and how they plan to navigate the challenging transition to an EV era.
In an era where cars are more connected than ever, cybersecurity becomes a pivotal concern. The introduction of UNECE Regulation 155 by the United Nations marks a significant shift in automotive industry standards, necessitating stringent cybersecurity measures to protect against remote hacking and unauthorized access.
