New Renault Twingo, Mike Brewer closes Sheffield dealership, and Robert Forrester hits out at ZEV mandate (again) – with Craig Ford, episode 230
About this episode
The episode features discussions on the new Renault Twingo, which impressively aims to be an electric vehicle under £20,000, showcasing rapid development in the European automotive market. Mike Brewer announces the closure of his Sheffield dealership, attributing the decision to rising operational costs and government policies affecting the industry. Robert Forrester voices concerns over the unrealistic ZEV mandate targets, highlighting the pressures faced by dealerships. Craig Ford from Motability shares insights on the used car market, particularly the growing interest in electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for education on battery health and EV adoption.
Government’s 33% EV sales target is ‘wholly unrealistic’ and will lead to ‘rationing’ – Vertu boss
'Poll tax on wheels': Experts warn about impact of proposed per mile charges on EVs
Renault officially unveils new Twingo with retro-looking EV set to arrive in the UK in 2027
TV star Mike Brewer blames the government as he SHUTS DOWN Sheffield used car supermarket
SEAT
"...the most interesting one was the SEAT event, which I went on a few weeks ago. Now, I know, I think you probably spoke about this on the podcast last week, so I won't..."
SEAT is a car brand from Spain that makes various types of cars, often with a sporty look. They are part of a larger company called Volkswagen Group.
SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer that is part of the Volkswagen Group. Known for producing a range of vehicles, SEAT focuses on sporty designs and performance-oriented models.
Volkswagen Group
"...the Volkswagen group have got this idea that they're going to relaunch it..."
The Volkswagen Group is a big company that owns many car brands like Volkswagen, Audi, and SEAT. They make a lot of different cars around the world.
The Volkswagen Group is a major automotive manufacturer that owns several brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and SEAT. It plays a significant role in the global automotive market.
full EV
"...there's not going to be a full EV for at least another five years, which you're thinking how on earth is that possible..."
A full EV is a type of car that runs only on electricity, meaning it doesn't use gas or oil. It gets its power from batteries that you can recharge.
A full EV, or fully electric vehicle, is a car that runs entirely on electricity and does not use any gasoline or diesel. These vehicles are powered by electric motors and rechargeable batteries.
Geely Galaxy EX5
"...I've been driving the Geely EX5, which is, yeah, yet another Chinese electric C-segment SUV thing, which they're very excited about..."
The Geely EX5 is a small electric SUV made by a Chinese car company called Geely. It's part of a new wave of electric cars that are becoming popular.
The Geely EX5 is a compact electric SUV produced by the Chinese automaker Geely. It represents the growing trend of electric vehicles in the SUV segment, particularly from Chinese manufacturers.
Land Range Rovers
"...n upper limit, you know, you're not getting your Range Rovers and Bentley's and so on, obviously. But, you know..."
The Range Rover is a fancy, big car that can drive on tough roads and looks really nice inside. People like it because it’s both strong and stylish, perfect for those who want to travel in comfort.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and high-end features. It has a strong reputation for combining ruggedness with elegance, making it a popular choice among affluent buyers who desire both performance and comfort.
Citroen
"...it's everything from Citroen to Ford to BMW to whatever, isn't it really? It's quite a broad spectrum of stuff."
Citroen is a car brand from France that makes various types of vehicles, often focusing on comfort and unique designs.
Citroen is a French automotive manufacturer known for its innovative designs and comfort-oriented vehicles.
BMW
"...it's everything from Citroen to Ford to BMW to whatever, isn't it really? It's quite a broad spectrum of stuff."
BMW is a luxury car brand from Germany that makes high-performance vehicles with many premium features.
BMW is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance-oriented cars and premium features.
EVs
"...the things that are flying up the shelves the quickest is those sub 20K EVs. We're persistently seeing EVs in roughly the three-year range that we sell for under 20K..."
EVs stands for electric vehicles. These are cars that run on electricity instead of gas, making them better for the environment and often cheaper to maintain.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. They have gained popularity due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
OEMs
"...they get a lot of support from the OEMs for training and insight and typically got the technicians..."
OEM means the original company that makes the parts for a car. They help car dealers learn how to sell and fix their cars properly.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which refers to the company that produces the original parts and components used in a vehicle. In the automotive industry, OEMs provide support and training to franchise dealers to ensure they can effectively service and sell their vehicles.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
"...a three year old or a two year old, I don't know, Vauxhall Corsa Electric or something, do you think that looks..."
The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a small car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It's designed to be efficient and is great for city driving.
The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is an electric version of the popular Corsa hatchback. It offers a compact design and is aimed at providing an affordable and efficient option for urban driving.
motability scheme
"...motability scheme users getting on with them presumably quite well if you've got them in the numbers that you have?"
The motability scheme is a program in the UK that helps people with disabilities get a car by using their government benefits. It allows them to lease a vehicle that suits their needs.
The motability scheme is a UK program that allows individuals with disabilities to lease a vehicle using their government-funded mobility allowance. It provides access to a range of vehicles, including electric options, to enhance mobility and independence.
BYD
"But are you kind of getting into the, you know, the BYDs and the charities and et cetera, et cetera, as well? Yeah, absolutely."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming more popular around the world.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles and batteries. The company has gained attention for its innovative technology and expanding presence in the global automotive market.
battery health
"...when buying a used EV, that has been something they are, they've struggled with. But it's just not an issue. And I think what we've got to try and get across to consumers is that battery health on a three-year-old car just isn't an issue..."
Battery health is about how well an electric car's battery works. It shows how much power the battery can store and how long it can last while driving.
Battery health refers to the condition and performance capability of an electric vehicle's battery. It is crucial for determining how much charge the battery can hold and how effectively it can power the vehicle over time.
battery protection
"...we've recently launched our battery protection on MFL. So if a dealer buys a used EV and the vehicle has got a battery health of sub 90, we'll take it back..."
Battery protection is a guarantee that helps make sure an electric car's battery is working well. If it isn't, the car can be returned or replaced without problems.
Battery protection is a service or warranty that ensures the battery of an electric vehicle is functioning properly. If the battery health falls below a certain threshold, the service may allow for the vehicle to be returned or replaced.
EV
"how an EV works, why battery health isn't a problem. And then I guess just, you know,"
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It uses batteries to power an electric motor, making it more environmentally friendly than regular cars.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of automobile that is powered entirely or partially by electricity. Unlike traditional vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines, EVs use electric motors and batteries for propulsion.
charging infrastructure
"It's not just about charging, it's also about technicians and specialists and tooling to be able to maintain these vehicles."
Charging infrastructure is the system of places where electric cars can be charged. Just like gas stations for regular cars, these are spots where you can plug in and recharge your electric vehicle.
Charging infrastructure refers to the network of charging stations and equipment needed to recharge electric vehicles. This includes public charging stations, home chargers, and the necessary electrical grid support.
technicians
"it's also about technicians and specialists and tooling to be able to maintain these vehicles."
Technicians are the people who fix and maintain cars. For electric cars, they need special training because these vehicles work differently than regular ones.
Technicians are skilled workers who specialize in the maintenance and repair of vehicles. In the context of electric vehicles, they require specific training to handle the unique components and systems of EVs.
electric car prices
"he was saying electric car prices actually rose 2.9% in October, which is not something not a move we're particularly familiar with, with EV values."
Electric car prices are how much you have to pay to buy an electric vehicle. These prices can change based on how popular electric cars are and other market factors.
Electric car prices refer to the market value of electric vehicles, which can fluctuate based on demand, technology advancements, and government incentives. Recent trends show that prices can rise or fall based on various economic factors.
EV values
"I mean, does that fit in with what you're seeing across your platform? You know, our price is starting to just edge up a little bit."
EV values are how much electric cars are worth. This can change based on how many people want to buy them and how good the technology is.
EV values refer to the market worth of electric vehicles, which can be influenced by factors such as resale value, demand, and advancements in technology. Understanding EV values is important for buyers and sellers in the automotive market.
Kia Picantos
"...ly, John. But if I do have a sudden influx of Kia Picantos, I know where to send them. Dealers can find out..."
The Kia Picanto is a small and budget-friendly car that’s great for driving around town. It’s easy to park and uses less gas, which makes it a smart choice for city living.
The Kia Picanto is a compact city car that is known for its affordability, efficiency, and practicality. It is particularly popular in urban environments due to its small size, making it easy to maneuver and park.
Ford Puma
"...Don't sell that petrol Ford Puma. You want to just try and hang on because we've not quite hit our target..."
The Ford Puma is a small SUV that is fun to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's a good option for people looking for a mix of style and utility.
The Ford Puma is a subcompact crossover SUV that combines sporty design with practicality. It is known for its agile handling and efficient engine options, making it a popular choice in the compact SUV segment.
Renault Twingo
"...that's why you didn't see my face and this hat that's too small for my head. So I went to the Twingo unveil in Paris...it's actually a very good looking car...less than 20 grand that is electric..."
The Renault Twingo is a small car that's easy to drive around the city. The new version is electric, which means it runs on battery power instead of gasoline, making it more environmentally friendly.
The Renault Twingo is a compact city car known for its practicality and unique design. The latest version is an electric vehicle, aimed at providing an affordable option for urban drivers.
under 20 grand
"...it's under 20 K under 20 grand allegedly..."
'Under 20 grand' means that the car costs less than $20,000. It's a way to say that the car is relatively cheap compared to others.
The phrase 'under 20 grand' refers to a price point below $20,000. This is often used in automotive discussions to indicate affordability in the market for new cars.
Renault 5
"...it's all like Renault five platform..."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault that was popular in Europe. It was known for being easy to drive and practical for everyday use.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 1972 to 1985. It was known for its compact size and practicality, becoming quite popular in Europe during its production run.
battery tech
"...the battery tech comes from China. So that's what they've changed..."
Battery tech means the technology used in batteries, especially for electric cars. Better batteries can help cars go further and charge faster.
Battery technology, especially in the context of electric vehicles, refers to the types of batteries used to store energy for propulsion. Advancements in battery tech can significantly impact a vehicle's range, charging time, and overall performance.
Volkswagen I
"European car manufacturers, I hope. Well, I mean, I mean, my reply to that is if I were if I were somebody working at Volkswagen, I was in my lovely office in Wolfsburg, I would be really incredibly worried at the moment about what Renault is doing. And this"
The ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old Volkswagen buses but runs on electricity instead of gas. It’s designed to be eco-friendly and is part of a new wave of cars that help reduce pollution.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It represents Volkswagen's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.
Renault Clio
"...they've got the new Clio coming along. It is absolutely in top gear."
The Renault Clio is a small car made by Renault that is great for city driving. It's known for being easy to park and fuel-efficient.
The Renault Clio is a popular supermini car produced by Renault, known for its compact size, efficiency, and modern design. It is often praised for its practicality and is a common choice for urban driving.
Fiat 500
"...the sort of person that buys a Fiat 500 probably is a little bit in love with how it looks in a way..."
The Fiat 500 is a small car that many people like because it looks cute and is easy to drive around the city.
The Fiat 500 is a small city car known for its distinctive retro styling and compact size, appealing to urban drivers and those looking for a stylish yet practical vehicle.
Alpine
"...you've also got Alpine and Renault investing, you know, hundreds of millions of euros into Alpine to develop this into a brand..."
Alpine is a brand that makes sporty cars and is part of the Renault company. They focus on creating fun and fast cars.
Alpine is a French manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, originally founded in the 1950s, and is now a subsidiary of Renault, focusing on producing lightweight, agile vehicles.
Dacia Spring
"...they brought out the Dacia Spring, didn't they, which was the first kind of really affordable, brand new EV..."
The Dacia Spring is a low-cost electric car that is designed to be affordable for everyday drivers, making it a popular choice for people looking for a new EV.
The Dacia Spring is an affordable electric vehicle that has gained attention for its low price point and practicality, making it one of the first budget-friendly EVs available.
Polestar 2
"...for 14995, you can get yourself, you know, you can even get yourself a Polestar 2..."
The Polestar 2 is an electric car that looks stylish and is fun to drive. It's made by a company that focuses on making high-quality electric vehicles.
The Polestar 2 is a fully electric performance car that combines luxury with sustainability. It is known for its modern design, advanced technology, and impressive driving dynamics.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.