Bemoan and complain - 17 March 2026
About this episode
The discussion covers the automotive industry's struggles with the zero emission vehicle mandate, highlighting calls for its review amid economic and geopolitical challenges. Renault's ambitious 2030 strategy and VW Group's financial woes are examined, alongside Honda's cancellation of new EV models. Positive news includes Stellantis investing in an electric van line in Ellesmere Port. New vehicle launches such as the Jaku 8 plug-in hybrid and the retro-inspired Katerin 7 HWM edition are featured. The episode also explores inspiring expedition stories and showcases innovative tiny concept cars and automotive art.
During the SMMT Electrified event, held last week, the call went out for an urgent review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, as the reality is far below the assumptions that went into the amount of registrations demanded each year. Government representative immediately poured cold water on that hope, though. A review will not begin until 2027. For more on this story, click this EV Powered article link here.
NEW RENAULT STRATEGY ANNOUNCEDRenault Group’s new strategy will be called Futuready. Using the previous as the basis they will now launch 36 new models by 2030. These will be split across European and global markets. The three brands will continue to exploit what they do well and what customers expect from them. Additionally, a lot of talk is about technology and their partnership with Google. Click this Autocar article here, for more.
SEAT AND CUPRA 2025 SALES ARE IMPRESSIVESeat and Cupra had very impressive sales figures for 2025, but that did not translate to much of a profit thanks to tariffs and capex investment costs. Tariffs were imposed by the EU on Chinese made EVs, this hit the Tavascan as the company chose to not pass the costs onto customers. They are also investing in a new battery factory, developing new models and updating existing. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.
VW GROUP ANNOUNCE MORE HUGE COST CUTSAfter a very rough 2025, the Volkswagen Group has posted an operating profit of 2.8%, which equates to €8.9 billion in revenue. The company announced there would be a new (or is it?) cost cutting drive, which will include up to 50,000 job loses. The aim is for cost savings around €6 billion per year by 2030. If you wish to find out more, click this Autocar article link here.
HONDA SCRAPS NEW EV MODELSHonda has cancelled the launch of the 0 Series Saloon and SUV. They make it explicitly clear they are blaming the United States change in policy when it comes to EVs. They expect the write-down will cost them between £1.6 and £2.7 billion, this year, with more to come in 2026-27. Additionally, their products in other markets are not meeting customer requirements. You can find out further information by clicking this Autocar article link here.
STELLANTIS TO ADD MORE ELECTRIC VANS TO ELLESMERE PORTStellantis are to add more electric van production to their Ellesmere Port. The company is investing £50 million to add a new assembly line to the factory. The electric variant of the Vauxhall/Opel Vivaro will take up the newly created capacity. For more, click this electrive article link here.
If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCASTNEW NEW CAR NEWS -Jaecoo 8In May Jaecoo will be selling the 8, their range topping SUV, in the UK. Prices will start at £45,500 for the PHEV. That is a £10,000 jump over the 7 PHEV, but it does not offer a third row of seats. Click this Autocar article to find out all the details.
Caterham Seven HWM EditionHWM is the dealership that Caterham is tied closely to but also was a racing team with their own car that Sir Sterling Moss won his first F1 race in. The latest Seven plays homage to them for this, with cars painted in the HWM Green, also the grille in the nose cone harks back to team. Click this EVO article link to learn all the details.
Mercedes-Benz VLEMercedes has revealed the VLE, an electric V-Class sized vehicle that is hoped will bring it new customers. Externally it has the very prominent grille and the rear looks like its been taken from a Hyundai Inonq 9. Inside the press pics show an interior that is festooned with more light strips than a Twitch streamers setup. Click this Autocar article link to find out all the details, including an impressive claimed range.
LUNCHTIME READ: TOWER OF POWERTop Gear are where we are pointing your attention this week. Ollie Marriage brings to life his adventure with Mark Riccioni as they drove in Georgia. The writing is wonderful and the pictures are stunning, hopefully this encourages you to plan a trip, but maybe one less “tricky”. Click the link here to read more.
LIST OF THE WEEK: SEVEN BRILLIANT AND PERFECTLY FORMED TINY CONCEPT CARSWe stick with Top Gear as the outlet to visit, this time for seven tiny but wonderful concept cars. Do you agree with Andrew’s choice? Click this link here to see what your options are.
AND FINALLY: CARS AND FILMSJesús Predencio is a graphic designer who has created some wonderful, striking art involving cars, with his most famous project probably being Cars and Films. Click this Classic & Sports Car article to find out more. Additionally, at the bottom of the piece are several links to Jesús’s work which you must check out.
internal combustion engine
"That will also be split between hybrid, internal combustion engine and electric depending on the market."
This is the usual type of engine in most cars that burns gas or diesel to make the car go.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a traditional engine type that burns fuel inside cylinders to create power to move the vehicle.
hybrid
"That will also be split between hybrid, internal combustion engine and electric depending on the market."
A hybrid car has both a gas engine and an electric motor, which work together to save fuel and pollute less.
A hybrid vehicle uses two or more types of power, typically combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
electric vehicle
"That will also be split between hybrid, internal combustion engine and electric depending on the market."
Electric cars run on batteries and motors instead of gas engines, so they don’t produce pollution from the tailpipe.
Electric vehicles (EVs) use electric motors powered by batteries instead of traditional fuel engines, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
Android Automotive platform
"They are doubling down with Google to use the Android automotive platform with that which makes me worried and depending on how much you look into software and technology that may be a no-no for you"
This is a special version of Google’s Android software built into a car’s screen to help run apps like maps and music.
Android Automotive is a Google-developed operating system embedded into a car’s infotainment system, allowing integration with apps and services directly without needing a smartphone.
software defined vehicle
"But they're also talking about using or helping evolve their software defined vehicle platform into an artificial intelligence defined vehicle"
This means the car’s features and how it works can be changed or improved by updating its computer software, like getting new apps on your phone.
A software defined vehicle is one where much of the car’s functionality and features are controlled and updated via software, allowing for new capabilities and improvements over time without hardware changes.
infotainment
"which Renault claims paves the way for truly intelligent cars and can control infotainment, ADAS and the chassis."
This is the car’s screen and system that lets you listen to music, use maps, and connect your phone.
Infotainment refers to the car’s integrated system that provides entertainment and information to the driver and passengers, including navigation, audio, and connectivity features.
ADAS
"which Renault claims paves the way for truly intelligent cars and can control infotainment, ADAS and the chassis."
These are smart safety features in cars that help you drive better and avoid accidents.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are safety features like lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking that help the driver operate the vehicle more safely.
Renault
"into an artificial intelligence defined vehicle which Renault claims paves the way for truly intelligent cars and can control infotainment, ADAS and the chassis."
Renault is a big car company from France that makes many types of cars, including electric ones, and works on new car technology.
Renault is a major French automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles including electric and hybrid models, and for its focus on innovative automotive technology.
artificial intelligence defined vehicle
"into an artificial intelligence defined vehicle which Renault claims paves the way for truly intelligent cars and can control infotainment, ADAS and the chassis."
This is a car that uses smart computer programs to help control things like music, safety features, and how the car drives.
An artificial intelligence defined vehicle uses AI technology to manage various car systems such as infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and chassis control to enhance driving experience and safety.
chassis
"which Renault claims paves the way for truly intelligent cars and can control infotainment, ADAS and the chassis."
This is the main frame of the car that holds all the parts together and helps it drive properly.
The chassis is the structural framework of a vehicle that supports the body and components like the suspension and drivetrain.
trade tariffs
"That is because they got hammered by the tariffs involving bringing Chinese built EVs into Europe and also they have put a huge amount of capex into future projects..."
Trade tariffs are extra taxes that countries charge when they bring in products from other countries. This makes those products more expensive to buy.
Trade tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods, which can increase costs for companies importing products, such as Chinese-built electric vehicles (EVs) into Europe.
capex
"That is because they got hammered by the tariffs involving bringing Chinese built EVs into Europe and also they have put a huge amount of capex into future projects such as a new EV battery plant..."
Capex means the money a company uses to buy or fix things it needs to run its business, like factories or machines.
Capex, or capital expenditure, refers to the money a company spends to buy, maintain, or improve its fixed assets such as buildings, vehicles, or equipment.
EV battery plant
"and also they have put a huge amount of capex into future projects such as a new EV battery plant as well as developing new models that are yet to come..."
An EV battery plant is a factory where batteries for electric cars are made. These batteries help the cars run without using gas.
An EV battery plant is a manufacturing facility dedicated to producing batteries for electric vehicles, which are critical components for EV performance and range.
Volkswagen Group
"because moving on to the next article, that's the only good bit of news that the Volkswagen Group has. They had an awful 2025."
Volkswagen Group is a big car company from Germany that owns many different car brands like Volkswagen and Porsche.
Volkswagen Group is a major German automotive manufacturer that owns multiple car brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and others.
operating margin
"They had an operating margin of just 2.8% which is according to this article linked is the equivalent of 8.9 billion euros of total revenues."
Operating margin tells us how much money a company keeps from its sales after paying for the costs to make its products.
Operating margin is a financial metric that shows the percentage of revenue left after paying for variable costs of production, indicating how efficiently a company is running.
Porsche
"Again, they're making it clear that trade tariffs, particularly with the US, as well as exchange rate fluctuations and a cost associated with Porsches right down on top of that China will have been even worse for them than the previous year."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany that makes fast and fancy sports cars.
Porsche is a German luxury sports car manufacturer known for high-performance vehicles and part of the Volkswagen Group.
exchange rate fluctuations
"Again, they're making it clear that trade tariffs, particularly with the US, as well as exchange rate fluctuations and a cost associated with Porsches right down on top of that China will have been even worse for them than the previous year."
Exchange rate fluctuations happen when the value of money from one country changes compared to another, which can make things more or less expensive.
Exchange rate fluctuations refer to changes in the value of one currency relative to another, which can impact the cost and profitability of international business operations.
Dieselgate
"You have to add on top of everything as well for Volkswagen Group. The costs associated with Dieselgate, no one makes that just disappear easily."
Dieselgate was a big cheating scandal where Volkswagen made their diesel cars seem cleaner than they really were, which caused a lot of problems for the company.
Dieselgate refers to the Volkswagen emissions scandal where the company was found to have installed software to cheat emissions tests in diesel vehicles, leading to significant financial and reputational damage.
range and performance
"I was very much less than complimentary about the range and performance they've talked about. Just none of it was good enough in my opinion."
Range means how far an electric car can go before needing to recharge, and performance means how well it drives and accelerates.
Range refers to how far an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge, and performance refers to its acceleration, handling, and overall driving dynamics. Both are critical factors for EV acceptance by consumers.
big shiny screens
"They say that they are behind the curve on that sort of thing. I thought that the new EVs were going to help fix that for them in some cases because of the way that they were going about it, but clearly not."
Many new cars have big touchscreens that show maps, music, and car settings. Honda said they are behind other companies in adding these screens to their cars.
Modern vehicles increasingly feature large touchscreen displays for infotainment and vehicle controls. These are often seen as important to consumers, especially in electric vehicles, but Honda admitted to lagging behind in this area.
HWM green
"This pays tribute to the fact that Sir Sterling Moss won his first F1 race in an HWM car, and it's going to have the HWM green, which looks lovely. It's a light pale green,"
HWM green is a special light green color that HWM race cars were painted. This color is used to honor those old cars.
HWM green is a distinctive light pale green color historically associated with HWM racing cars. It is used here as a tribute to the original HWM vehicles.
HWM nose cone grille
"and it's also got the distinctive HWM nose cone grille, which, again, just fits it so well, and they've also gone for the mudguards that fit over each of the wheels individually,"
The HWM nose cone grille is the special front grille on HWM race cars. It sits on the front tip of the car and has a unique look.
The HWM nose cone grille refers to the distinctive front grille design used on HWM racing cars, characterized by its shape and placement on the nose cone of the vehicle.
mudguards
"and they've also gone for the mudguards that fit over each of the wheels individually, rather than the long, swooping ones that come down the side."
Mudguards are covers over the wheels that stop mud and dirt from splashing onto the car. This design covers each wheel separately.
Mudguards are protective covers over the wheels of a vehicle designed to prevent mud and debris from being thrown up by the tires. The design mentioned fits over each wheel individually rather than using a long continuous guard.
0-62 time
"five-speed manual gearbox, 0-62 in a brisk 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of 136 miles per hour."
0-62 time means how fast a car can speed up from stopped to 62 miles per hour. It's a way to measure how quick the car is.
0-62 time refers to the time it takes a vehicle to accelerate from a standstill to 62 miles per hour (100 km/h), a common performance metric especially in Europe.
supersprint dashboard
"The interior looks fabulous as well. The supersprint dashboard with hand-turned aluminium Smith's chrome dials,"
A supersprint dashboard is a type of car dashboard that looks like the ones in old race cars, with shiny metal dials and a simple design.
A supersprint dashboard refers to a style of car dashboard inspired by classic racing instruments, often featuring polished metal dials and a minimalist, sporty look.
Smith's chrome dials
"The supersprint dashboard with hand-turned aluminium Smith's chrome dials, retro Moto-litre polished wood wheel."
Smith's chrome dials are shiny, round gauges made by a British company called Smith's. They show things like speed and engine info in a classic style.
Smith's is a historic British manufacturer of automotive instruments. Chrome dials from Smith's are classic, polished gauges often used in vintage or retro-styled cars.
Moto-litre polished wood wheel
"hand-turned aluminium Smith's chrome dials, retro Moto-litre polished wood wheel. It looks wonderful."
A Moto-litre polished wood wheel is a steering wheel made of shiny wood, made by a company called Moto-litre. It looks old-fashioned and stylish.
Moto-litre is a brand known for producing classic-style polished wooden steering wheels, often used in vintage or retro-inspired cars to enhance aesthetics and driving feel.
Mercedes E-Class
"and that is the Mercedes VLA. That is a van which they claim is equivalent to the E-class,"
The Mercedes E-Class is a fancy car made by Mercedes-Benz. It's known for being very comfortable and well-made.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive cars known for luxury, comfort, and performance. It serves as a benchmark for the VLA van's claimed equivalence in quality and features.
Mercedes EQE SUV
"and has the same drag coefficients as the EQE SUV. This is a lot. There's a lot to this."
The Mercedes EQE SUV is a fully electric SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. It's a fancy and high-tech electric car.
The Mercedes EQE SUV is an all-electric luxury SUV from Mercedes-Benz, part of their EQ electric vehicle lineup, known for advanced technology and aerodynamic design.
drag coefficient
"but in van form, and has the same drag coefficients as the EQE SUV. This is a lot. There's a lot to this."
Drag coefficient shows how easily a car moves through the air. A lower number means the car is more slippery and uses less fuel.
Drag coefficient is a measure of how aerodynamic a vehicle is, with lower numbers indicating less air resistance and better efficiency or performance.
Mercedes front grille
"although the front grille is the ridiculous Mercedes front grille. Also, please stop with the three pointed stars on absolutely everything for every light and all the rest of it."
The Mercedes front grille is the big front part of the car with the Mercedes star on it. Some people think it's too big or flashy.
The Mercedes front grille is a distinctive design element featuring the large three-pointed star emblem, often criticized for being overly prominent on modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Hyundai
"Round the back, I think Hyundai want to have a word about the Ioniq 9 rear that you've nicked there,"
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea. They make many cars, including electric ones like the Ioniq.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the Ioniq series of electric and hybrid cars.
800 volts
"It's going to run off 800 volts, so they haven't made the mistake that some other manufacturers have made by coming out 400 and then saying a week later, actually, we're going to be 800."
This means the electric car uses a higher power system that can charge the battery faster and help the car perform better.
An 800-volt electrical system in an electric vehicle allows for faster charging and improved power delivery compared to the more common 400-volt systems. It supports higher voltage charging stations and can reduce charging times significantly.
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