#BrownCarGuy – News, Views & Reviews!
Maybe we should stop targeting the internal combustion engine (ICE) and focus on SUVs instead. SUVs account for 48% of global car sales but emit 20% more CO2 than average cars. The move should be back towards smaller cars with lighter carbon footprints.
Ford, the very company that phased out the likes of the Fiesta and Focus, is now making headlines with a bold announcement – it wants people to fall in love with small cars again. As such, there is a sub-$30,000 electric vehicle in Ford’s pipeline, set to hit the market by 2027.
Are there still any truly bad cars? That’s the question we tackled in a recent podcast with my former motoring Middle East buddy, who was in town. Catching up with him was an absolute joy, and naturally, we ended up doing a little podcast together. One of the topics we discussed was whether there are any car reviews anymore or if it’s all just fluff and advertorials.
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.
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?
With the election just days away, I discuss the potential changes that could affect motorists not just in London, but nationwide. From car taxes to ULEZ expansions, I explain why this election could serve as a critical referendum on the freedom to own and drive cars. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a daily commuter, or simply interested in the intersection of politics and car ownership, this video is a must-watch as we approach election day.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations for cars, set to revolutionize the automotive industry by imposing stricter emission standards from 1st July 2025. In this video, we explore when Euro 7 will be introduced, detail the key requirements, and discuss why these changes might drive up car prices. From exhaust to tyre and brake emissions as well as EV battery longevity, learn what Euro 7 will mean for consumers and manufacturers alike. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, or in the market for a new vehicle, understanding these new regulations is crucial!
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.
While at a Mazda Media Drive event at Bicester Heritage, I couldn’t resist taking the updated 2024 Mazda MX-5 RF for a drive, especially as the sun was shining and, just for a few hours, it had actually stopped raining!