Full of chickens - 30 September 2025
About this episode
Motoring news takes center stage with updates on JLR's recovery from a cyber attack, including a phased restart of systems and production. The episode also covers Volkswagen and Stellantis pausing EV production due to lower demand, alongside Bentley's strategic shift towards a more conservative EV approach. Notable discussions include Bosch's significant job cuts, the French government's crackdown on late supplier payments, and the unveiling of new car models like the updated Kia Stonic. The episode wraps up with highlights from the Radwood event and a unique photography book on garages.
Whilst JLR is still battling against the hack that caused them to shut all their systems down on the 2 September, there is some positive progress. The company has started a phased process of turning back on some systems and they expect to begin limited car production later this week. On top of that, the Government has guaranteed 80% of a loan the company is seeking to take out to help cover the costs resulting from the shutdown. To find out the latest, click this Autocar article link here.
Link to Professor David Bailey’s piece explaining about the loan JLR has taken out and the UK Government has guaranteed a portion of, can be clicked here.
VW GROUP PAUSING EV PRODUCTIONDue to a lower demand than anticipated, the Volkswagen Group is pausing EV production in several factories. The factories in Zwickau and Emden in Germany, as well as Tennessee in the US, will pause production of various electric models in the coming weeks. Tariffs are also impacting the finances of the company which is already struggling to cut costs. Click this InsideEVs article link here to read more.
STELLANTIS PAUSING PRODUCTION ACROSS EUROPEStellantis is another company that is pausing their car production facilities due to cost savings, lacklustre sales figures and the impact of the tariffs. Pomigliano factory, in Italy, is currently not making the Fiat Panda and Alfar Romeo Tonale. The Poissy site, in France, will pause production for the middle of October. On top of that facilities in Poland, Spain and Germany are also expected to follow suit. If you want to find out more, click this Carscoops article link here.
BENTLEY TO FOLLOW PORSCHE AND KEEP ICE IN LINEUPIn what should be no surprise to anyone, Bentley will be keeping combustion engine powertrain options in their cars contrary to the previous ‘Beyond100’ plan, just as Porsche has announced. You can read more, by clicking this Autocar link here.
BOSCH CUTS JOBSBosch is cutting up to 13,000 jobs on top of the previously announced 9,000. This is a result of trying to save €2.5 billion. Of note, Bosch is the world’s largest automotive supplier. For more on this story, click the link here to an electrive article.
FRANCE REVIEWING NISSAN SUPPLIER PAYMENTSThe French Government has asked to see Nissan’s payments to suppliers. There is no indication as to why this has occurred nor is there a suggestion Nissan has done anything wrong. In France companies have to pay invoices within 60 days. Click this Yahoo!Finance article to read more.
CHANGES IN MERCEDES MANAGEMENTCTO Markus Schäffer is leaving Mercedes-Benz, after 30 years service. Jörg Burzer will move from head of production, quality and supply chain management to replace him. That means Michael Schiebe will move on from being in charge of Mercedes-AMG to take up Burzer’s old role. A new head...
Volkswagen Id4
"...s covers European production of the Q4E Tron, the ID4 Volkswagen ID7. That means the group factory in S..."
Volkswagen Id7
"...an production of the Q4E Tron, the ID4 Volkswagen ID7. That means the group factory in Svikau in German..."
Volkswagen Id5
"...he same factory also builds a Volkswagen 93, ID4, ID5 and a set can perform US market ID4 is built in T..."
Dodge Avenger
"... for an example from one of these reports. A Jeep Avenger EV. They've already been waiting for three months..."
Kia Stonic
"...w car news. And we're going to start with the Kia Stonic. And that's going to be updated for 2026."
Mclaren F1
"...2 special editions that have been inspired by the McLaren F1, that they have shown off to the world,"
Citroen Cx
"Apart from one of the, I think, one or two of the prototypes had the Citroën CX with the wing mirrors. I haven't been out much lately."
Gordon T50S
"...s going to be higher than the 3.1 million for the T50S Niki-Louder track cars. And they've already sold ..."
Opel Astra
"...rs there. Just everything from I can see a fox or astra from the mid 80s to a ghostbusters Cadillac Fleet..."
Cadillac Fleetwood
"...astra from the mid 80s to a ghostbusters Cadillac Fleetwood ambulance. A lot of it's a piece of taking place."
Vauxhall Corsa
"...Radimord of the show was Matthew's Max Powerspect Vauxhall Corsa. Well done."
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