Booming British car market hits nine-year high in 2014

By James Fallon Motor Industry 04 July 2014 11:44 British new-car sales continue to rise, new figures out today revealed. In the first six months of 2014, a total of 1,287,265 new vehicles were registered – a 10.6% increase on the same six-month period in 2013 and the highest total in almost a decade. And the boom is showing no signs of tailing off; during June 2014, new-car registrations rose 6.2% to 228,291 and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders expects the trend to continue throughout the year as the economy continues to bounce back.

Alfa's North America return pushed to 2013

Alfa Romeo's return to North America has been delayed at least a half year partly because Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is not satisfied with the design of the cars that will lead the brand's comeback in the crucial market, people with direct knowledge of the matter told Automotive News Europe. The delay also is a serious blow to Alfa in Europe because without the Giulia mid-sized sedan and station wagon the automaker will have one of the weakest premium brand lineups in Europe. Alfa parent Fiat S.p.A.

Audi Q3 price and specifications revealed for the UK

Audi Q3 starts bat £24,560 Audi’s baby Q – the Audi Q3 – has been a long time coming, but with UK orders opening up next month (June 2011) Audi has revealed prices and specs for the Q3 in the UK. Starting point will be £24,560 for the 2.0 litre TDI SE (the boring-looking Audis no one buys) with manual ‘box, rising to £31,360 for the 2.0 litre TFSI Quattro S Line with 7-Speed S-Tronic ‘box. Four engines will be available at launch – well, two engines each with two different power outputs.