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Nissan is calling on the Government not to abandon its target of having one million electric vehicles (EVs) onto Irish roads by 2030, writes Trish Whelan .  Speaking to motoring journalists at a Nissan Journey to Electric Test-Drive event yesterday, James McCarthy, Group CEO of Nissan Ireland, said the target of one million electric vehicles on Irish roads is expected to be cut to 650,000 when the Government publishes its new Climate Action Plan in the coming weeks as the new plan aims to reduce car travel and car dependency and to promote a radical new shift towards public transport, cycling and walking.  James McCarthy said the country is on track to achieve the target of one million EVs by 2030 and now is not the time to be writing a new Climate Action Plan on EV adoption or to be phasing out the grants that are incentivising thousands of motorists to make the switch to zero emissions driving.  “EVs are becoming more expensive and that is why the €5,000 EV grant is so ...

SEAT’s new Ibiza and Arona have maintained their top five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, writes Trish Whela n .  SEAT took a new approach to the Ibiza and Arona’s passive and active technologies.  Ibiza scored high in each area tested with scores of 83pc for Adult Occupant Protection, a matching score for Child Occupant Protection, 65pc for Vulnerable Road User and 70pc for Safety Assist while Arona (pictured above) achieved almost identical ratings in each category.  Ibiza starts from €21,110 or €209 per month with 2.9pc PCP finance. New Arona is from €25,465 or €219 per month with the same finance offer.  Customers can also add a 3-year Service Plan for €9.99 per month.  

That the Kia Niro was the winner of the recently announced Compact Crossover category in the Irish Car of the Year Awards 2023 in association with Continental Tyres was probably no surprise to most of my juror colleagues, writes Brian Byrne . This second generation of the Niro has moved the nameplate nicely forward in all metrics. The model was already the brand's second-best selling one in Ireland before the new one arrived. For this year it was pushed into Kia's third place, partly because of the success of the EV6 and partly because that will always happen in a changeover year while old stocks run down and new ones are awaited. I'll not be surprised to see Niro slipping back to its slot behind the best-selling Sportage during 2023. Stock availability permitting, which is still an issue for all car distributors. What's also interesting is that more than a third of all cars sold by Kia this year are electrified — 21pc of the total are EVs, with plug-in hybrids running...

This will likely be the look of Toyota's second battery electric production car, shown as the concept bZ Compact SUV that's making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, writes Brian Byrne . The car is expected to be the next in a promise from the hybrid engine pioneer to offer 30 battery EVs by 2030. Beyond the minimalistic design of the exterior, geared to provide extended range through good aerodynamics, the interior features eco-touches such as seating made from plant-based and recycled materials. More information next month.

Citroen in France has set up a subscription service for people who need a car for short periods of time, from a month to 12 months, writes Brian Byrne . The 'Citroen on Demand' scheme offers a choice from three models, the electric quadricycle Ami, the C4 and the electric E-C4. The whole process is carried out online and the vehicle is delivered and collected from the subscriber's home. Flexibility is a key component of the service, including the ability to continue the subscription on a month by month basis at the end of the original commitment period. It is available to any driver 21 years or older and having held a licence for three years. There's no indication if the scheme will be available anywhere outside France. 

While the move to electric cars continues inexorably in Europe, Mazda in Japan is continuing its 'multi-solution' strategy for automotive powertrains, writes Brian Byrne . The Mazda2 Bio shown here is a test vehicle for a next-generation biodiesel created using biomass such as plants and micro-algae. It's called Susteo and is a combination of micro-algae and used cooking oil. The carbon-neutral premise is that plants and microalgae absorb CO2 when they are growing and therefore the total amount of the climate heating gas is zero even after use in the car's engine. In Japan, a commercial plant to mass produce such biodiesel is expected to be open in 2025. Susteo is used by the Mazda Spirit Racing Team. Acknowledging the rapid global shift towards battery EVs, Mazda says many questions still remain remain, such as whether the electricity used to power these vehicles is generated from eco-friendly sources, and are the source materials used in the manufacture of the batteri...

The Cupra performance brand has added four new engine variants to its Leon range, which now starts at €33,615, writes Brian Byrne . The new engines are 1.5 petrol in standard with manual and mild-hybrid with automatic transmissions, both 150hp. There's also a 1.4 petrol plug-in hybrid with 204hp and a 2.0 245hp petrol. The full powertrain lineup is completed with a 1.4 245hp PHEV and a 2.0 300hp petrol. There are two trim lines across the range, the upper one called VZ. Two new upgrade packs are available. 

Bill Collins, CEO of Circol ELT, presents the Pakman Tyre Champion Award to Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland. Continental Tyres won the Tyre Champion award for 2022 at the recent Pakman national environmental and sustainability awards, writes Brian Byrne. The awards, organised by Repak, recognise excellence in recycling and waste management among businesses, organisations, community groups and initiatives in Ireland. Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland expressed his delight at the winning of the award, saying it is a great recognition of the strides that the company has made in integrating sustainability as a key driver across all the levels of their organisation. The citation noted how, in the past year, the company has achieved top performance in the International Sustainability Rating, with Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) honouring their efforts in climate change mitigation for the fourth year in a row. Also instrumental in Continental’s win was the fact that the co...

When Mercedes-Benz produced their first CLS almost two decades ago, they created a new segment — the luxury 4-door coupe, writes Brian Byrne . One which has been followed by other premium and luxury brands since, but somehow it always seems to me when I get into a CLS that Mercedes still ‘owns’ the space. In a recent time with the current generation — it’s the third since they first launched it — the car felt just as it had originally, a perfect fit. The idea at the time was to bridge the gap between the E-Class ‘workhorse’ luxury offering which also had versions for taxis and the then ultra-salubrious S-Class. By basing it on the E-Class platform, the CLS was big enough to offer four-door access and good rear seat space for two, while stylistically providing a more distinctive car. The company had produced coupes before, but not with the comfort of rear seat passengers in mind. That said, the CLS was by its nature less roomy than the E-Class, but the designers produced a comfortable s...

Toyota has revealed the fifth generation of its Prius, the nameplate that started the petrol-hybrid technology, writes Brian Byrne . Prius was first launched in 1997, the latest version will be exclusively a plug-in hybrid, based on a 2.0 148hp petrol engine and a front-axle electric motor, offering a system output of 223hp. The car will come to Europe in the spring of next year. Over the years, Toyota has spread its hybrid EV technology across is range of cars, and currently HEV cars account for 90pc of the brand's sales in Ireland.

Jonathan Diver, Fuels Director with Circle K Ireland. Circle K fuel delivery vehicles are themselves to be fully fuelled by renewable diesel by early 2023, writes Brian Byrne . The fuel, milesBIO HVO100, is a completely fossil-free biofuel made from waste by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption from the food industry and can be used to power diesel vehicles. HVO alternative diesel offers an up to 90pc reduction in carbon emissions over regular diesel. This renewable diesel has been available across Scandinavia at Circle K locations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark in recent years. The fuel will also be available to commercial customers at Circle K’s service station in Dublin Port, with the product to be rolled out at Circle K’s locations in Cork and Galway in the coming months, to support commercial customers in decarbonising the journeys of their own respective fleets. Organisations operating large fleet transport vehicles in sectors such as refuse, retail, an...

Volkswagen has delivered 500,000 ID electric vehicles since the first ID.3 models were handed over to customers in October 2020, writes Brian Byrne . This is a year ahead of the original schedule to reach the mark set by the company. At the moment, around 135,000 ID vehicles are on the order books of the company, which VW says they will do their utmost to get to buyers despite 'a persistently strained' situation over supply of parts. Volkswagen will only produce electric vehicles in Europe from 2033, with at least 70 percent of Volkswagen’s unit sales in Europe being fully electric by 2030. The company  plans to launch ten new electric models by 2026. 

The first version of the new generation Ford Ranger to arrive in Europe is the high performance Raptor, writes Brian Byrne . Ranger is the leading pickup in the European market with 53.5pc share, and the new generation will also feature Wildtrak and Limited series as well as the standard XL and XLT grades. The new Ranger Raptor has a specially tuned 3.0 V6 petrol engine with 292hp. A 2.0 bi-turbo diesel will be available to order for first deliveries in the summer of next year. An anti-lag system similar to that used on the Ford GT supercar and the Focus ST will allow faster resumption of acceleration following a backing off the throttle, such as entering a corner. The new vehicle will also have an electronically controlled active exhaust noise system which can be switched for four different driving conditions.  

Joe Rayfus, Chairman of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI); Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland; Kim Kilduff, Marketing Director Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland; and Alan Bateson, Brand Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland. The winner of the Irish Car of the Year 2023 is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which also won the Irish Van of the Year 2023, writes Brian Byrne . The awards are presented by the Motoring Media Association of Ireland in association with Continental Tyres Ireland and were presented at a lunch function in the Westin Hotel in Dublin. The votes for the awards, as well as category wins, were carried out by some 32 of Ireland’s most experienced motoring journalists and the awards event attended by representatives of Ireland’s leading car brands, importers and distributors. The double win by the all electric ID. Buzz model and its van version, the ID. Buzz Cargo represents a first in the history of the awards. It is the third time that a...

Mazda is to double the warranty to six years on all models registered from January 2023, writes Brian Byrne . The move is designed to 'enhance the peace of mind' of Mazda customers, according to John Perry, MD of Mazda Ireland. The company is also continuing its Fair Service programme for cars older than the three years which was the previous warranty coverage. This provides discounts on service and maintenance parts when services are performed by an authorised Mazda dealer. Also, Mazda Assistance, the Europe-wide service assistance programme, is prolonged for another year after each service visit, up to a vehicle aged 10 years.

Volvo has revealed its new flagship car, the EX90 fully electric SUV, writes Brian Byrne . The 7-seat vehicle was premiered in Stockholm as a reflection of the company's Swedish roots and it will be built both in the US and China. The EX90 is the first of a series of fully electric cars, with a new one slated for announcement each year until by 2030 the company will be selling only electric cars. More details on powertrains and market launches will be revealed in due course.  

It's getting harder to suggest a real difference between car brands and models from the same automotive group when they all come underpinned by the same platform and electric powertrains, writes Brian Byrne . In the internal combustion era, substantial upshifts in power could be offered for performance variants, but with electric drivetrains offering high acceleration in even most basic configurations, is there a real difference any more between standard and sporty? That's my dilemma with the Cupra Born and its Volkswagen brand kissing cousin ID 3. Cupra, spun out of SEAT, is now the VW Group's performance flag-carrier, and the Born its first electric car. Compared to the ID 3, the Born is a tad longer and a wee bit lower. All dimensions inside are the same. For the Cupra style you get a sharper look to both front and rear, and also the brand's bronze metallic detail cues scattered around the sheetmetal, wheel designs and interior. And, of course, the Cupra logo which I...

The EasyGo EV charging network is to install fast chargers in 70 locations around the country where telephone boxes are being removed, writes Brian Byrne. The initiative is in association with Eir and will involve the installation of 200 fast charge units. The locations are in Offaly, Mayo, Cavan, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Monaghan, and will be rolled out over the next six months. With one in seven cars sold this year being fully electric, the move will help deal with both range anxiety and the queuing that is becoming apparent at many charging sites. Pictured are EasyGo's Oliver Loomes and Eir's Chris Kelly. 

Building an adequate charging infrastructure in the European Union by 2030 could require upwards of €240 billion being spent among the 27 member countries, writes Brian Byrne . At least 3.4 million operational public charging points will need to be available across the EU in seven years' time if number of electric vehicles proposed by 2030 is to be achieved. As of last year, the number of such charging stations stood at around 375,000. In a report Europe’s EV opportunity—and the charging infrastructure needed to meet it consultants McKinsey & Company note that the EU is the 'global frontrunner' in the adoption of EVs and its members are responsible for more than a quarter of the world's EV production. And while the adoption of EVs continues to increase — roughly a fifth of new car sales in 2021 were electric — too few charging stations are being installed. Currently around 1,600 charging stations are being installed per week across the region. The report says this ...

Citroën is adding a new, smaller, plug-in hybrid option to its C5 Aircross, writes Brian Byrne . It's based on a 150hp petrol engine with an electric engine that brings the total output to 180hp. The new unit, which complements the existing 225hp PHEV powertrain, offers electric-only motoring up to 64km. The company has also uprated the 225hp PHEV unit in the new C5 X to provide up to 64km driving in electric mode. The range improvements are due to improved battery management software. 

Toyota are expanding their Yaris Cross compact SUV range with a new GR Sport grade arriving here in the first quarter of 2023, writes Trish Whelan .   Inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing, it comes with exclusive exterior and interior features and retuned suspension for sharper and more engaging handling.  Features include new 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, a new rear diffuser and front grille with an exclusive ‘hot stamp’ piano black mesh pattern and GR badging. The signature colour is a new Dynamic Grey finish with bi-tone contrast black roof and pillars. Front sports seats have new grey upholstery with red stitching. Power is from a three-cylinder, 1.5 Hybrid Dynamic Force engine. Toyota say this version will extend the model’s appeal to a wider range of customers.  Pre-sales will begin in the third quarter of this year. Indicative pricing starts from €36,830 which excludes delivery and related fees.  

Only 6pc of Irish motorists in a recent survey reported the environmental impact of car emissions as a significant concern, writes Brian Byrne . The survey by mobility solutions and payment specialist Easytrip included responses from 6,000 motorists, and the biggest concern expressed was high fuel prices (42pc), cost of insurance (17pc), poor road conditions (13pc), policing of traffic and traffic incidents (9pc), and that previously mentioned environmental impact of car emissions (6pc). The investigation also highlighted tyre damage or tyre punctures as the main breakdown incident for 28pc of motorists this year. This was followed by exterior damage to vehicle (15pc) and mechanical failure (11pc). Other issues included electric vehicle battery failure, lost/broken keys, empty fuel tank or mis-fuelling. Easytrip also asked drivers their opinion on the standard of driving in Ireland which disclosed the following — 77pc believed it to be average, one in five stating it was terrible while...

With October registrations down by 2.1pc on last year, the overall new car market is only 0.6pc ahead of 2021 year to date, writes Brian Byrne . According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, that leaves the sales YTD down 10.4pc compared to pre-Covid. Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 14.0pc (1,448) compared to October last year (1,270) and year to date are down 18.8pc (22,452). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are down 11.4pc (187) in comparison to October 2021 (211). Year to date HGV's are down 6.9pc (2,303). Used car imports for October (3,336) have seen a decrease of 24.2pc on October 2021 (4,401). Year to date imports are down 26.6pc (40,753) on 2021 (55,539). For the month of October 741 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 519 in October 2021. So far this year 15,241 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 8,338 on the same period 2021, an increase of 82.8pc.  Electric Vehicle, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase ...