Tag Archives: Sales

News

Grande Panda Fever: UK Orders Open After Record Interest

Remember the old Fiat Panda? The unapologetically boxy little brick that buzzed around Europe in the 1980s, often carrying more goats than passengers in some parts of Italy? Well, it’s back—sort of. Meet the Grande Panda, FIAT’s brand-new city car, a small car with big ambitions and even bigger expectations.

FIAT has officially opened UK orders, and if early numbers are anything to go by, Britain’s car buyers are already smitten. Thousands of people have signed up for “tell me more” emails before the car has even touched UK soil. Dealers are reporting floods of curious punters wandering into showrooms asking about it. And to fuel the hype even more, FIAT is rolling the car out on a nationwide “preview tour” from 4th September to 11th October, where the Grande Panda will be shown off like a pop star on a comeback tour.

And you know what? The hype might actually be justified.

Retro Roots, Modern Swagger

The Grande Panda was designed in FIAT’s Centro Stile in Turin, which means it’s dripping with Italian flair but hasn’t gone full Gucci handbag. Instead, it riffs on the 1980s original with crisp, blocky lines and a refreshingly uncluttered interior. It’s smart, it’s practical, and it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. Think less “look at me” and more “I’ll quietly look cooler than your crossover.”

Judges seem to agree. It’s already scooped up a trio of gongs: Best Small Car from Autocar, Supermini of the Year from Auto Express, and the rather charming Most Eagerly Awaited Electrified Car from Eco Car. Not bad for something that hasn’t even properly landed yet.

Power to the Panda

Buyers get two flavours: fully electric or hybrid. The EV comes with a 44kWh battery and 83kW motor (that’s 113 horsepower in old money), good for 199 miles of WLTP range—more than enough to handle the Tesco run, the school drop-off, and the occasional road trip to the seaside without breaking a sweat.

If you’re not ready to cut the petrol cord entirely, the hybrid uses a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo with a 48V battery and a slick 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, delivering 110 horsepower. It’s not going to snap your neck in a traffic light drag race, but it’ll sip fuel and smile while doing it.

Value With a Wink

Here’s the kicker: prices start at just £18,035 for the hybrid and £21,035 for the EV. Throw in FIAT’s newly reintroduced £1,500 E-Grant, and the electric Panda suddenly looks like one of the best-value EVs on sale. Trims range from the cheekily named Pop to the fully loaded La Prima, while the EV can even be had in the socially conscious (RED) edition.

The Grande Panda isn’t pretending to be a hot hatch or a premium SUV. It’s a car for the real world: compact enough for city streets, clever enough for family life, and stylish enough to pull off a bit of retro cool.

If FIAT’s early success is any indicator, the Grande Panda might just become the new darling of Britain’s roads—just like its 1980s ancestor once was. Except this time, you won’t have to push it up the hill when it rains.

Source: Fiat

News

The Audi RS6 Avant: The Wagon That Refuses to Die (and Is Selling Like Hot Pretzels)

You’d think that after six years on the road, the Audi RS6 Avant would be quietly shuffling towards retirement, maybe working on its memoirs, or taking up gardening. After all, Audi has already rolled out a shiny new generation of A6 — the C9 — in a wagon flavour, no less. The smart money said RS6 sales would taper off, replaced by the lure of newer toys.

Well, the smart money was wrong. Spectacularly wrong.

In the first half of this year, RS6 Avant demand hasn’t just gone up — it’s exploded, with a 41% jump compared to the same time last year. That’s the biggest surge since the car first landed, and the sort of number usually reserved for things like Taylor Swift ticket sales or limited-edition Lego sets.

Why? The answer probably lies under the bonnet. The current RS6 is the last one you’ll be able to buy with a pure, glorious 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (630 horsepower), backed only by a mild-hybrid system. No plug-in battery packs. No silent creeping through the suburbs like a guilty burglar. Just the full-fat, petrol-drinking thump we all know and love.

Its rivals? Mercedes-AMG’s E63 T and BMW’s incoming M5 Touring have gone plug-in hybrid, which means — yes — more power, but also the kind of kerb weight that makes a sumo wrestler look malnourished. The RS6, by contrast, still feels like it’s playing for the old team: fewer cables, more noise.

Audi Sport has already confirmed that future RS cars won’t be dabbling with puny four-cylinders, and a new RS6 Avant is brewing in Ingolstadt with a hybridised V8 at its core. The mules are out testing, and a smaller RS4 Avant (with a V6) is in the works too.

But before that, in September, Audi Sport will pull the covers off a concept car inspired by the original TT — a little reminder of when Audi design decided to go full Bauhaus on the automotive world.

Until then, the current RS6 Avant remains the people’s champion: fast, loud, slightly ridiculous, and somehow more desirable at the end of its life than at the beginning. A bit like Sean Connery.

Source: Audi

News

EV sales in China in 2024

As the world’s largest automotive market, China has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. By 2024, the country’s EV industry has reached new heights, driven by government policies, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences.

In 2024, China’s EV market continues to dominate globally, accounting for over 60% of worldwide EV sales. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), EV sales in the country surpassed 10 million units in 2024, marking a 25% year-on-year increase. This growth is fueled by the rapid adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which now represent nearly 40% of all new car sales in China.

The surge in EV adoption is largely attributed to the Chinese government’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals. By 2024, China has implemented stricter emissions regulations and extended subsidies for EV purchases, particularly in rural areas where EV penetration was previously low. Additionally, the expansion of charging infrastructure has alleviated range anxiety, making EVs a more practical choice for consumers.

Key Players in the Market

China’s EV market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international automakers vying for market share. Domestic brands like BYD, NIO, Xpeng, and Li Auto continue to lead the charge, collectively holding over 70% of the market. BYD, in particular, has solidified its position as the top-selling EV manufacturer in China, thanks to its affordable pricing and innovative battery technology.

International automakers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, and BMW, have also made significant strides in the Chinese market. Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai remains a critical production hub, enabling the company to offer competitive pricing and meet the growing demand for its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Meanwhile, traditional automakers like Volkswagen have accelerated their electrification efforts, launching new EV models tailored to Chinese consumers.

Technological Advancements Driving Growth

Technological innovation has been a cornerstone of China’s EV success in 2024. Breakthroughs in battery technology, particularly in solid-state batteries, have extended vehicle ranges and reduced charging times. Chinese companies like CATL and BYD are leading the charge in battery production, supplying not only domestic automakers but also global manufacturers.

Moreover, advancements in autonomous driving technology have made EVs more appealing. Companies like Baidu and Huawei have partnered with automakers to integrate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and smart connectivity features into their vehicles. These innovations have positioned Chinese EVs as some of the most technologically advanced in the world.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite the impressive growth, China’s EV market faces several challenges in 2024. One major concern is the oversupply of EVs, which has led to intense price competition and shrinking profit margins for automakers. Additionally, the reliance on rare earth materials for battery production has raised concerns about supply chain sustainability and environmental impact.

Another challenge is the uneven distribution of charging infrastructure. While major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen boast extensive charging networks, rural areas still lag behind. Addressing this disparity will be crucial for sustaining long-term growth.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, China’s EV market shows no signs of slowing down. The government’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, coupled with ongoing investments in renewable energy and smart transportation, will continue to drive EV adoption. Analysts predict that by 2025, EVs could account for over 50% of all new car sales in China.

Furthermore, the global expansion of Chinese EV brands is expected to intensify. Companies like BYD and NIO are increasingly targeting international markets, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia, where demand for affordable and high-quality EVs is growing.

As the world transitions to a greener economy, China’s EV market will undoubtedly remain a key driver of change.