Midsummer murder - 30 June 2026
About this episode
Alan and Andrew dive into the latest automotive industry shakeups, starting with the UK government's quiet abandonment of solar carport mandates for new car parks due to property developer lobbying. The hosts then dissect the massive financial crisis looming at Volkswagen, where rumors suggest up to 100,000 job cuts and multiple factory closures are on the horizon. Finally, they critique Porsche's desperate new "Strategy 2035" aimed at rescuing its dismal 1.1% profit margin by shifting focus away from high-volume SUVs and back toward exclusive sports cars.
After reviewing a consultation on new outdoor large car parks should be required to fit solar panel canopies the Government has decided to shelve the idea. Costs and differing site conditions were used as excuses, in the responses, to the concept. To read more, click this East Anglia Bylines article link here.
VW NOW CONSIDERING 100,000 JOB LOSSESAccording to reports, Volkswagen Group is now considering doubling the job losses to around 100,000 and the shutting down of four German plants. Additionally they are considering spinning off the Volkswagen brand and the components division. If you wish to read more, click this Yahoo!News article link here.
PORSCHE’S NEW STRATEGY EXPLAINEDThe CEO of Porsche, Michael Leiters has outlined the company’s new strategy to investors, whilst asking for patience. Called Strategy 2035 it is hoped it will dramatically improve their fortunes as right now their profit margin is 1.1 percent. The strategy is targeting customers, cars to be offered and costs. For more on this story, click this CarScoops article link here.
POLESTAR BANNED FROM SELLING CARS IN THE USPolestar has been banned from selling cars in the US, despite having a factory in country, due to the Connected Vehicle Rule which restricts Chinese (and Russian) linked hardware and software. It must be remembered that recently Volvo, their sister company, was granted a waiver of this rule. To read more, click this Auotcar article link here.
FERRARI LOSE AND FIND NEW HEAD OF MARKETINGChief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Enrico Galliera, has left Ferrari after 16 years. He is to be replaced by Massimiliano Di Silvestre. This has occurred a few weeks after the launch of the Luce, which cause quite the stir. Click this Yahoo!Finance article link here for more.
FORD REHIRING SOME ENGINEERS FIRED FOR AI THAT HAS FAILEDFord have had to eat some humble pie as it has rehired some 350 engineers it made redundant and replaced with AI. This has not worked out as the company has found the software failed. The company isn’t retreating from its use, but instead is getting the engineers to train it. You can read more, by clicking this Futurism article link here.
BMW OTA UPDATE BATTERY WARNINGBMW has told owners that they do not need to worry about a 12v battery warning, which has occurred to i3 and i4s following an over the air (OTA) update. The company stated that there is nothing wrong with the battery. To find out more, click this CarScoops 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 -Morgan Midsummer CoupeThe collaboration between Morgan and Pininafarina has produced more lovely work, this time in the form of the Midsummer Coupe. There is now a hard top version to compliment the roadster which we covered previously. Only nine will be built. Click this Motoring Research article link here, for more.
Skoda PeaqSkoda has released the specifications for their second largest vehicle, the Peaq. An electric SUV, with the capability of seating seven, there are a couple of battery options and drive configurations, as we have come to expect from the VW Group. Prices start at £51,980 and as you move up through the trim levels, tops out at initially £58,280. Click this Top Gear article link here for the full details.
Shell Triple 10 ChallengeShell has revealed a proof of concept, called the Triple 10 Challenge. They are aiming for 10km/kWh, a total lifecycle CO2 footprint of 10 tonnes and a maximum 10 minute recharge time. Click this CarScoops article link here to learn more.
LUNCHTIME READS: AUDI 80 AT 60We are recommending a Nathan Chadwick article, on Hagerty, for your reading pleasure this week. He dives into the history of the 80 and how important the model was through a variety of iterations. Click this link here to read more.
LIST OF THE WEEK: 116 YEARS OF ALFA ROMEOIt started as an art project, where Juanma Tastzien drew 31 Alfa Romeo models from their 116 year history. You can see five by clicking this link here, but we strongly recommend you sign up to his Creating Lightly newsletter because a) it is very good and enjoyable and b) you see the other 26 cars.
AND FINALLY: LAP OF LE MANS IN 1956For the And Finally, we are pointing you towards a YouTube video that is the film of Mike Hawthorn taking a D-Type Jaguar around Le Mans in 1956, with a camera strapped to the car and he is commentating as he is driving it. Utterly wonderful. Click this link here to see how it was, back then.
Ford Anglia
"... the same with snow. And the headline of the East Anglia bylines is, as Britain bakes ministers quietly pa..."
The Ford Anglia is a small, vintage family car that was made in the United Kingdom decades ago. It is easily recognized by its unique, backward-slanted rear window.
The Ford Anglia is a classic British family car produced by Ford UK between 1939 and 1967 across several generations, most famously the backward-slanted rear window 105E model. It is a significant piece of British motoring history, often remembered for its affordable mobilization of the post-war public. It is discussed as a nostalgic touchstone of mid-century British automotive design.
solar carport
"as Britain bakes ministers quietly park plans for solar carports. We talked about this last year because there was a consultation on plans for new build car parks, large new build car parks, to make it mandatory that they fitted solar canopies along the lines of what fronts do."
A parking space with a roof made of solar panels. It keeps your car cool in the summer and dry in the winter while making clean electricity from the sun.
A parking canopy fitted with solar panels on top, designed to generate electricity while providing shade and weather protection for parked vehicles. They are increasingly used in commercial car parks to offset energy costs and support EV charging infrastructure.
Volkswagen
"Well, for years and years and years, we wondered how Volkswagen could keep spending, keep growing, and whatever else, despite all of those, all of the fines and all of the money that everyone decided that they owed them as a result of dieselgate."
One of the biggest car companies in the world, based in Germany. They make popular cars like the Golf and Beetle, and they also own several other famous car brands.
A major German multinational automotive manufacturing corporation headquartered in Wolfsburg. It is the flagship brand of the Volkswagen Group, which also owns Audi, Porsche, Skoda, and SEAT, and is currently undergoing massive restructuring and cost-cutting measures.
dieselgate
"despite all of those, all of the fines and all of the money that everyone decided that they owed them as a result of dieselgate. I think what we're finding now is that are the results of the lack of liquidity that that has brought around."
A major scandal where Volkswagen got caught cheating on environmental tests for their diesel cars. They used secret software to make the cars look cleaner during tests than they actually were on the road.
The 2015 emissions scandal where the Volkswagen Group was found to have installed "defeat devices" (software designed to cheat emissions tests) in millions of diesel vehicles. The scandal resulted in tens of billions of dollars in fines, lawsuits, and a massive blow to the company's reputation.
Volkswagen I
"all the fines came through and stuff. But I think we're really starting to see the crunch of Volkswagen. I think it's been going on maybe behind semi-closed doors for a little while. We've seen definitely lots of hints of it. Yeah, they've been trying to hide it."
The ID. Buzz is a modern, fully electric van made by Volkswagen. Its design is inspired by the classic, retro VW camper vans from the 1960s.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an all-electric minivan that pays homage to the iconic retro design of the original Type 2 Microbus. Built on VW's dedicated MEB electric platform, it represents the brand's effort to blend nostalgia with modern electric utility. It is discussed in the context of Volkswagen's broader electric vehicle lineup and market challenges.
Porsche
"Yeah, we're just going to move over to Porsche. And they have now come out with their strategy 2035. Now, the naming in this is going to be a bit of a theme in the way that they have picked the language that they have all the way through this."
A famous German brand known for making fast, luxury sports cars like the 911, as well as sporty SUVs.
A German high-performance sports car manufacturer owned by the Volkswagen Group. Known for its iconic rear-engine sports cars and highly profitable performance SUVs, the brand is currently pivoting its strategy to focus on driver engagement and exclusivity over pure sales volume.
Porsche 911
"When it didn't do that, it was flushing money down the toilet quicker than, quicker than the 911 turbo at the time would, or 930 turbo, which's been off a damp corner."
A very famous sports car with its engine in the back instead of the front. It has been made for over 60 years and is loved by car fans for how fun it is to drive.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary rear-engined sports car first introduced in 1963, famous for its distinctive silhouette and flat-six engine layout. The hosts reference the "930 turbo" variant, which was the first turbocharged 911 and gained a reputation for challenging handling characteristics.
Polestar
"However, obviously Polestar is, was part of Volvo. That makes it part of Geely and that means it's Chinese. It shall be banished from the United States of freedom."
A newer car brand that focuses on making stylish, high-performance electric cars. It started as a racing partner for Volvo.
An electric performance car brand headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, originally established as a racing team and later acquired by Volvo. It is now co-owned by Volvo and its Chinese parent company, Geely, which has subjected it to geopolitical trade restrictions.
over-the-air update
"as we're playing ping pong across the Atlantic Ocean, back to Germany and talking of companies that don't really grasp certain aspects of modern car making, it's BMW and an over-the-air update."
A way for your car to get software updates over the internet, just like your smartphone does, without you having to take it to a mechanic.
A wireless delivery method for software updates, configuration settings, or encryption keys to electronic devices, including modern connected vehicles. This allows manufacturers to fix bugs, add features, or update vehicle systems without requiring a visit to a dealership.
BMW i3s
"...lem with the BMW with the over-the-air update for i3s and i4s was that suddenly a battery warning light..."
The i3s is a small, sporty electric car made by BMW with a unique, futuristic design. It was built using lightweight materials like carbon fiber to help it go further on a single charge.
The BMW i3s is a sportier, wider-track version of BMW's pioneering i3 electric hatchback, featuring increased power, unique suspension tuning, and distinct styling. It is discussed in the context of early premium EVs and how software updates affect their battery management systems. The car remains notable for its innovative carbon-fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell.
Midsummer Morgan Midsummer
"and then we shall chill the heck out and talk about cool things like the Morgan Midsummer Coupe by Pininfarina. Morgan is going to make a nine examples of its Midsummer Coupe."
An incredibly rare, hand-made British sports car designed with the help of a famous Italian design studio. It looks like a classic vintage car but has a modern, powerful engine underneath.
The Morgan Midsummer Coupe is an ultra-exclusive, limited-run sports car created in collaboration between the British boutique automaker Morgan Motor Company and the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina. It features a hand-crafted wood and aluminum body paired with a modern BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six engine.
Skoda Peak
"And that is the Skoda Peak. This is their largest ever vehicle. It's a seven seat SUV, 400 mile range that is going to be on the MEB platform. It's 4.87 meters long."
A very large, all-electric family SUV from the Czech brand Skoda that has seven seats and can travel a long distance on a single charge.
The Skoda Peak (likely a transcription error for "Skoda Elroq" or "Skoda Epiq", or referring to a newly announced large 7-seat electric SUV based on the Vision 7S concept) is a large family SUV built on the MEB platform. It represents Skoda's push into larger, premium electric vehicle segments with a focus on spaciousness and long range.
MEB platform
"And that is the Skoda Peak. This is their largest ever vehicle. It's a seven seat SUV, 400 mile range that is going to be on the MEB platform."
A shared "blueprint" or base frame that Volkswagen uses to build many of its different electric cars, helping them save money and design cars faster.
The Modular Electric Drive Matrix (Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten) is a modular car platform developed by the Volkswagen Group specifically for electric vehicles. It underpins a wide range of EVs across the VW, Audi, Skoda, and Cupra brands, allowing for standardized battery and motor integration.
Volvo XC90
"...efore, it is almost as big as a Discovery and the XC90. That's quite large. And even with the rear seats..."
The XC90 is a large, luxury SUV made by the Swedish company Volvo. It is designed to carry up to seven people comfortably and is highly focused on passenger safety.
The Volvo XC90 is a premium mid-size luxury crossover SUV known for pioneering advanced safety features and a minimalist Scandinavian cabin design. It is frequently discussed as a benchmark for family-friendly three-row luxury vehicles. The model represents Volvo's transition into modern luxury and electrification.
Land Rover Discovery
"... meters long. Therefore, it is almost as big as a Discovery and the XC90. That's quite large. And even with t..."
The Discovery is a large, premium SUV made by the British brand Land Rover. It is built to carry families comfortably while also being able to drive through tough off-road terrain like mud, sand, and deep water.
The Land Rover Discovery is a full-size luxury SUV renowned for combining genuine three-row family utility with exceptional off-road capability. It is often cited in discussions about large, highly capable utility vehicles that bridge the gap between ruggedness and premium comfort. The current generation features a distinctive asymmetrical rear design and advanced terrain-response technology.
BMW E30
"...0 range. All right. You see, remember, my dad was E30 BMWs all through this. It was always BMW. Yeah. W..."
This is an older, classic version of a small luxury sedan made by the German company BMW during the 1980s and early 1990s. It is highly prized by car enthusiasts for its simple, boxy design and fun driving feel.
The E30 generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic compact executive cars in automotive history. It established the 3 Series as the benchmark for rear-wheel-drive sports sedans and birthed the very first high-performance M3. It is often discussed as a high-water mark for mechanical driving feel and classic design.
Audi 90
"...you what the difference between an Audi 80 and an Audi 90 was, I would actually genuinely appreciate that b..."
The Audi 90 is an older, premium sedan made by the German company Audi during the 1980s and 1990s. It was a slightly fancier and more powerful version of their standard family car of the time.
The Audi 90 was an upscale, more premium version of the Audi 80 compact executive car, produced during the 1980s and early 1990s. It typically featured five-cylinder engines, more luxurious interior equipment, and Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system to distinguish it from the lesser four-cylinder Audi 80. It is discussed in the context of Audi's historical naming conventions and product differentiation.
Toyota A90
"between an Audi 80 and an Audi 90 was, I would actually genuinely appreciate that because I still don't really understand. I tried to explain that it was one had an 80 on the back and one had a 90 that wasn't sufficient for him. That was the level I'd made it to."
The Supra is a two-door sports car made by the Japanese brand Toyota. It is designed for fast, sporty driving and has a sleek, aggressive look.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports coupe, with its fifth generation (the GR Supra) developed in partnership with BMW and introduced in 2019. It is celebrated for its sharp handling, powerful turbocharged inline-six engine, and heritage dating back to the grand tourers of the 1980s and 90s. It is frequently discussed in the context of modern sports car collaborations and performance tuning.
Alfa Romeo Brera
"I've always had a bit of a soft swap for the Alfa Romeo Brera. It gets quite a lot of bad dress. Look great though. From some corners, but I think they look great."
A beautiful, sporty Italian coupe made in the late 2000s. It is famous for looking like a concept car you can actually buy, though it wasn't as fast or sporty to drive as it looked.
The Alfa Romeo Brera is a striking sports coupe produced from 2005 to 2010, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and famous for its dramatic styling and unique rear-end design. While praised for its gorgeous looks, it was often criticized by enthusiasts for being heavy and front-wheel-drive biased compared to traditional Alfa sports cars.
Jaguar D-Type
"but we are bringing a video of Mike Hawthorne filming and narrating his own lap as he drives around Le Mans in 1956 in a D-type Jaguar."
A highly famous, aerodynamic racing car from the 1950s with a cool fin behind the driver's head. It won the famous Le Mans 24-hour race three years in a row.
The Jaguar D-Type is a legendary sports racing car produced by Jaguar between 1954 and 1957, famous for its aerodynamic monocoque construction and distinctive rear fin. It was powered by the famous XK straight-six engine and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times (1955, 1956, 1957).
Mike Hawthorn
"but we are bringing a video of Mike Hawthorne filming and narrating his own lap as he drives around Le Mans in 1956 in a D-type Jaguar."
A famous British race car driver from the 1950s who was the first British driver to win the Formula One championship.
A legendary British racing driver who became the United Kingdom's first Formula One World Champion in 1958. He is also famous for winning the tragic 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans and for a famous 1956 onboard video of him driving a Jaguar D-Type around the Le Mans circuit.
Le Mans
"but we are bringing a video of Mike Hawthorne filming and narrating his own lap as he drives around Le Mans in 1956 in a D-type Jaguar."
A famous town in France that hosts the most prestigious 24-hour endurance car race in the world every year.
A city in northwestern France famous for hosting the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's oldest active sports car endurance race. The race is held on the Circuit de la Sarthe, which famously consists of a mix of dedicated racetrack and public roads.
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