Episode 666 dives into the complexities of automotive software and its implications for safety and reliability. Alan and Andrew discuss new UK road safety strategies aimed at reducing accidents and improving driver training, alongside the latest car registration figures showing a shift towards electric vehicles. They also cover Geely's corporate maneuvers, JLR's cybercrime fallout, and the troubling reliability issues with Volvo's EX30. The episode is packed with insights on industry trends and challenges, making it a rich listen for those keen on automotive news.
FOLLOW UP: UK GOVERNMENT MULLS DRIVING SAFETY CHANGES
The UK Government first mentioned it was looking at some of the rules relating to road safety, back in the summer of 2025, but now has published its Road Safety Strategy which gives more information on proposals aimed at making our roads safer. Aspects being covered at young and elderly drivers, giving councils more powers to change speed limits, technology that is fitted to cars and more. To read this story, click the Autocar article link here. If you wish to visit the Government’s page with a link to the strategy and the five consultations, click this link here.
FOLLOW UP: GEELY TAKES ZEEKR OFF THE STOCK MARKET
As discussed a few months ago, Geely has taken Zeekr back to being a private company and off the stock market. To read more, click this electrive article link here.
FOllow up: jlr cyberattack hit payroll info
During the cyberattack on JLR’s systems, information from payroll was accessed. The company has warned staff to be careful of potential phishing and fraud. Click this article link from The Register, to read more.
DECEMBER AND 2025 NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES
2025 saw registrations creep over 2 million for the first time since 2019. Battery electric vehicles made another solid gain in December, but it was not enough on its own to get to the Government’s mandated level for the year. SMMT made it clear that the discounts the industry is funding cannot continue, especially when the financial pressures are mounting and the introduction of taxes aimed specifically at EV owners could cause some buyers to look elsewhere. If you want to read more, click this SMMT article link here.
GMA LOSES A CEO BUT GAINS £90M INVESTMENT
Gordan Murray Automotive’s (GMA) CEO, Phil Lee, has left the company. However, Halo Cars Group has invested £90 million and had two of their officers added to the board. The company said the money will help them push forward with the model plans they have. Click this EVO article link here, for more.
FORD FORCED TO TAKE A FINANCIAL HIT
Outside of the EU, Ford is changing plans when it comes to EVs. They are taking a £14.5 billion hit, as a result. The company says this is a “customer-driven change” but equally, the changes in policy by the US Government has had a big impact on the adoption of EVs. To read more, click this Autocar article link here.
MERCEDES FINANCE SERVICES MAKES A BIG LOSS
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK made a loss of £365 million, in 2025. The main reason is setting aside £424 million to their finance mis-selling compensation fund. You can find out more, by clicking this Business Matters Magazine article link here.
"Yeah, Chinese automotive group Geely, it floated off parts of itself. A while ago, onto various stock markets around the world."
Geely is a car company from China that makes different types of vehicles, including electric cars. They have been growing by buying other car brands and selling parts of their business.
Geely is a Chinese automotive group known for its various automotive brands and investments in electric vehicles. They have expanded their presence in the global automotive market through acquisitions and partnerships.
"...Eternal combustion engine is still the biggest selling power trade, but growing demand for electrified cars has narrowed the majority to just 51.5%."
An internal combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It works by burning fuel inside the engine to create power, which makes the car move.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel and air within the engine's cylinders. It has been the dominant technology in vehicles for over a century, powering most cars on the road today.
"...Almost half a million new battery electric vehicles join the road, as one in four buyers almost went electric."
Battery electric vehicles are cars that run only on electricity, using batteries instead of gasoline. They don't produce any exhaust fumes, making them better for the environment.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are cars that are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine. They are known for being environmentally friendly and producing zero tailpipe emissions.
"...which points out electrified includes hybrids and plug-in hybrids."
A hybrid car uses both a regular engine and an electric motor to help it save fuel and reduce pollution. It can run on electricity for short trips.
A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing it to use both power sources for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Hybrids can operate on electric power alone for short distances.
"At number 9, the Tesla Model 3 at 2,549. At number 8, the Mini Mini Cooper 2,581."
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car that can drive long distances on a single charge. It's known for being fast and having lots of cool technology inside.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan that has become one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide. It is known for its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features.
"At number 8, the Mini Mini Cooper 2,581. At number 7, the MGM GHS."
The Mini Cooper is a small, stylish car that's fun to drive. It's known for its unique look and great handling on the road.
The Mini Cooper is a small car known for its iconic design and fun driving dynamics. It has a reputation for being sporty and agile, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
The Volvo XC40 is a small SUV made by Volvo. It's known for being safe and having a modern look with lots of tech features.
The Volvo XC40 is a compact luxury SUV known for its stylish design, safety features, and advanced technology. It is part of Volvo's growing lineup of SUVs.
"And number 1, everybody's favourite it seems, the Ford Puma with 4,680 registrations."
The Ford Puma is a small SUV from Ford. It's designed to be sporty and fun to drive, appealing to people looking for a compact vehicle.
The Ford Puma is a compact SUV that has been reintroduced in recent years, offering a sporty design and a range of efficient engines. It is aimed at the growing market for small SUVs.
"Hyundai Tucson comes in at number 10, 28,613. I'm not going to go through all of the numbers."
The Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV that many people like for its good looks and useful features. It's a great choice for families or anyone who needs extra space.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV known for its stylish design and practicality. It offers a range of features and is popular among families and urban drivers.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is another small SUV that is roomy inside and fun to drive. It has a lot of modern technology and is good for families.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that combines practicality with a fun driving experience. It features a spacious interior and advanced technology options.
"Volkswagen Golf, that takes us to 32,478 and number 6. And number 5, the Nissan Juke."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that's popular because it's fun to drive and well-made. Many people like it for its flexibility and quality.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car known for its versatility, quality build, and enjoyable driving experience. It has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for years.
"... to 32,478 and number 6. And number 5, the Nissan Juke. Number 4, the Vauxhall Corsa."
The Nissan Juke is a small crossover car that looks different from most cars because of its unique shape. It's popular among younger drivers because it's fun to drive and stands out on the road.
The Nissan Juke is a subcompact crossover known for its distinctive styling and sporty performance. It has garnered attention for its unique design and fun driving experience, appealing to younger buyers.
Alfa Romeo is a car brand from Italy that makes stylish and sporty cars. They have a long history in racing and are known for their unique designs.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury car manufacturer known for its sporty vehicles and distinctive design. The brand has a rich motorsport heritage and is part of the Stellantis group.
Alpine is a French car brand that makes small, fast sports cars. They are known for being lightweight and fun to drive.
Alpine is a French manufacturer known for its lightweight sports cars, particularly the A110. The brand focuses on performance and driving pleasure, often drawing on its motorsport heritage.
Audi is a German car brand that makes luxury cars with lots of technology and comfort features. They are known for their all-wheel drive system called Quattro.
Audi is a German automobile manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and advanced technology, including Quattro all-wheel drive systems and innovative infotainment features.
BYD is a Chinese car company that focuses on making electric vehicles. They are one of the largest producers of electric cars in the world.
BYD is a Chinese automaker specializing in electric vehicles and batteries. The company has rapidly grown in the EV market, producing a range of electric cars and buses.
GWM is a Chinese car company that makes SUVs and trucks. They are known for offering budget-friendly options.
GWM, or Great Wall Motors, is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its SUVs and pickup trucks. The company focuses on producing affordable vehicles for various markets.
MG is a car brand that originally came from the UK but is now owned by a Chinese company. They make affordable cars with a sporty feel.
MG is a British automotive brand that has been revived under Chinese ownership, producing a range of affordable cars. The brand is known for its sporty heritage and modern designs.
Maserati is a famous Italian car brand that makes luxury sports cars. They are known for their stylish designs and powerful engines.
Maserati is an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars and sedans. The brand has a rich history in motorsport and is recognized for its distinctive design and engineering.
"And the Gordon Murray Automotive or GMA has lost its CEO, Philly, but it has now also gained 90 million pounds worth of investment..."
Gordon Murray Automotive is a car company started by a famous car designer, Gordon Murray. They focus on making high-performance cars with unique designs.
Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) is a British automotive manufacturer founded by renowned designer Gordon Murray, known for creating high-performance vehicles with innovative engineering solutions.
The Puma EV is an electric version of Ford's Puma SUV, designed to be efficient and eco-friendly while still being practical for everyday use.
The Ford Puma EV is an electric version of the Puma, a compact SUV that combines style and practicality with electric efficiency. It reflects Ford's strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup.
The Volkswagen Explorer is a vehicle from Volkswagen that is part of their efforts to bring more electric cars to the market, often through partnerships with other companies.
The Volkswagen Explorer is a model that reflects Volkswagen's collaboration with other manufacturers to expand its electric vehicle offerings. This collaboration aims to enhance the brand's presence in the electric vehicle market.
"...h Volkswagen as well, bringing us things like the Explorer. Soon to have the Renault 5 re-budget."
The Ford Explorer is a popular family SUV that has been around for a long time. It's known for being roomy and good for driving on different types of roads, making it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since its introduction in 1990. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, the Explorer is often discussed for its family-friendly features and off-road capabilities.
The Renault 5 is a popular car from Renault that is being updated to be electric, combining its classic style with new technology for better efficiency.
The Renault 5 is a classic hatchback that is being reimagined as an electric vehicle, showcasing Renault's commitment to sustainability and modern design. The reimagined model aims to capture the essence of the original while integrating modern technology.
"...is a possible reason could be weak demand for the Cybertruck. Cybertruck is the only vehicle that uses this sp..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks because of its sharp, boxy shape. It's designed to be tough and powerful, and people are talking about it because it could change how we think about trucks.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck that features a unique angular design and is built for durability and performance. Its introduction has sparked much discussion due to its unconventional aesthetics and the potential impact it may have on the pickup truck market.
"That's the curb weight of the vehicle, not gross weight. So what they have stated is that if a vehicle is around two tons..."
Curb weight is how much a car weighs when it's ready to drive but without any people or extra stuff inside. It's important for figuring out how much fuel a car will use.
Curb weight refers to the weight of a vehicle when it is not loaded with passengers or cargo but includes all fluids necessary for operation, such as fuel and oil. It is important for understanding vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
"Now, this is going to go on the Chinese CLTC cycle. So that's like our WLTP."
CLTC is a test used in China to check how much fuel cars use and how much pollution they produce. It's similar to tests used in other parts of the world.
CLTC stands for China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. It is a testing procedure used in China to measure the energy consumption and emissions of light-duty vehicles, similar to the WLTP used in Europe.
"... sports wagon, which is their rival for the Skoda Octavia estate. It is in that sort of larger family hatch..."
The Skoda Octavia is a compact car that offers a lot of space inside for passengers and luggage. It's known for being a good deal and is reliable, which makes it a favorite among many drivers.
The Skoda Octavia is a compact car that is well-regarded for its spacious interior and practicality. It is often discussed for its value for money and reliability, making it a popular choice in Europe.
"... Octavia estate starts from 29,470, and a Peugeot 308 SW starts at 28,695. I imagine it's going to unde..."
The Peugeot 308 is a small car that looks nice and drives smoothly. It's popular because it's comfortable and has modern features that make driving easier, perfect for city life.
The Peugeot 308 is a compact hatchback that combines stylish design with efficient performance. It is often highlighted for its comfortable ride and advanced technology features, appealing to both city drivers and families.
"...k to the UK, and they are going to bring back the Outlander, FEV, and the L200. Now Mitsubishi, since they le..."
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a medium-sized SUV that has room for families and is good on gas. It’s talked about because it can be a smart choice for people looking for a practical vehicle.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a mid-size SUV that offers a balance of comfort, space, and efficiency. It is often discussed for its family-friendly features and the availability of hybrid options.
"...inly in the US, I mean, when I was in the US, the Frontier, which previously the Frontier name was used for ..."
The Nissan Frontier is a smaller truck that's tough and can handle rough roads. It's popular because it's useful for work and also good for outdoor activities like camping or off-roading.
The Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck that has gained a reputation for its ruggedness and reliability. It is often highlighted for its off-road capabilities and practicality, appealing to both work and recreational users.
"... be in the concept 40.2, which became Polestar 1, Polestar 2. He's back in the main Geely Group again. How muc..."
The Polestar 2 is an electric car that focuses on being both fast and eco-friendly. It's talked about because it combines luxury with technology, making it a cool choice for people who care about the environment.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric performance car from Volvo's performance brand, Polestar. It is significant for its blend of sustainability and high-tech features, appealing to environmentally conscious drivers looking for luxury.
"...mething. Yes. I mean, there's mutterings of other expeditions with this car of and there's a mix of opinion on ..."
The Ford Expedition is a big SUV that can fit a lot of people and stuff inside, making it great for families. It's known for being strong and having lots of modern features to make driving easier and more enjoyable.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for larger families or those needing extra room. It is often discussed for its powerful performance and advanced technology features.
"...n back in the UK how badly the current generation Toyota CHR is driven. It is you can all I mean, there were a..."
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV that has a unique, eye-catching design. It's popular because it's easy to drive in the city and offers good fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid version.
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover that stands out for its bold design and efficient hybrid options. It is often discussed for its stylish looks and practicality, making it a popular choice among urban drivers.
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Welcome to the Motoring Podcast, a weekly discussion of Motoring News. This is Episode 666. How auspicious
is that? On Tuesday, the thirteenth of, oh god, it gets even worse, January 2026. Hello,
I'm Alan.
Hello, I'm Andrew. And this week, you'll hear us discuss how software is a devil to
get right. In new car news, you will listen to us ask if one car is real or just some
crazy dream. And in points of interest, you will find out how the CC output that's
the same as the number of the beast is but a distant dream for one car. And first, we
are on to follow-up. And I need to warn everybody now, there is a lot of articles and
stories in this week's show. Several of them we are going to briefly touch on and move
on. As ever, links in the show notes, if you want to find the full details, click
those through, read the articles that we are referring to, please. But for our
sanity and yours.
I was going to say, but partly for Andrew's sanity, as well as just the show not taking
three hours and us not being incredibly angry.
Yes. But I will start with some follow-up. And the first bit is something we talked
about way back, I think it was August or July, that government was mulling the
idea of changing some rules to do with the roads and road safety. But now they
have finally brought out the road safety strategy. We finally have a new road
strategy. And there's quite a lot of proposals in here that will hopefully
make a difference to road safety in terms of reducing the overall figures which
haven't reduced in over a decade now, in terms of injury and deaths. Unfortunately,
there are five big areas that they're looking at. There's to do with
motoring offences and how they're going to change things with that. Learner drivers,
elderly drivers. There's also improving motor cycle training and licensing. And
also the mandating of vehicle safety technologies. Think what they're doing in
Europe. We haven't got a formal statement that says we have adopted exactly what
Europe are doing. There will be in the show notes a link to the government's
own web page that has the road safety strategy, which is PDF, as well as links
to those five consultations. If you are interested in any of those, do click those
links and actually make your voice be heard. Because at the end of it,
we can't complain if you haven't said something. The main headline news that's
coming out really from this is drink driving levels will be reduced,
which is a good thing, frankly, considering how high they were.
To Scottish levels?
Yep. There is also for elderly drivers mandatory eyesight tests, as well as
cognitive tests, although I'm not sure what they mean by a cognitive test exactly.
I don't know if the US president can pass his ones and they must be pretty low.
Also, it's for learner drivers to take something like between three and six
months from starting to learn to drive before they're able to take a test
so that they get more experience in different conditions.
I love the line that they should have different conditions like wet or cold
weather and at night and you just think, yeah, try learning in Scotland.
You only have those.
But also, they're talking about, and this one seems a little bit,
we're doing it for the headlines, harsher penalties for those who do break the law.
That's as Alan was saying to me earlier. The majority of these people don't care
about breaking the law anyway. Changing the penalty isn't going to change the
difference, their opinion on it.
If you don't care about not having any insurance, then it's not going to make a
difference if it's a £150 fine or a £300 fine.
If you're one of the people who insists on not wearing a seatbelt in the car,
you're probably not going to be that bothered.
The notable thing about this though is that if you're not wearing a seatbelt
in the car and you're a passenger and you're over the age of 18,
then the driver will get punished as well, whereas that's not currently the case
currently. It's the adult passengers who will get fined and points if that's relevant.
But again, I just don't see that making a difference to anybody who's going to do that anyway.
No. And the final thing is that they're looking at allowing councils to be able to
change speed limits more easily, which I really don't like the idea of that one.
By change, they mean reduce.
Yeah, of course.
By the way, that's reduce.
And to reiterate, if you're not a long-time listener,
of course we want the roads to be safer and we are not advocating people speeding.
However, there is an awful lot of justifications that are not valid or actually truthful.
He did give air quotes around the word justifications there,
for those of you who can't see this.
Anyway, Alan, do you want to take us on to the next bit of quick follow-up?
Yeah, Chinese automotive group Geely, it floated off parts of itself.
A while ago, onto various stock markets around the world.
One part it floated off part of, part of a part was Zika, which is an EV brand.
They sold it off.
They raised quite a lot of money.
Things haven't been quite so great, generally around some of many of the Geely brands.
What they've done is they have now bought it back and made it completely private.
They've then done some financial gubbling and they've moved bits around
and this stake of this has gone from this subsidiary to that subsidiary to the next.
It sounds like the accountants and lawyers have been having a lot of fun.
I imagine that over the next few months, we will start to see what some of the strategic
outcomes of that are, gosh, you can tell I'm a consultant sometimes,
and what's actually going to happen, whether they're going to sell off bits or fault bits
or whatever.
We don't know yet.
Well, Geely has talked heavily about sharing a lot of technologies across all their brands,
haven't they?
Recently.
Yeah, as you say, I think in the coming months, we will get more of an idea of what is happening.
But we included that for completeness, because we like to complete these things,
because we did talk about it a while ago.
We did.
We did, exactly.
Next up, Lo Andrew, JLR, cybercrime, payroll data.
Yes, still knock-ons of this.
It is reported that during the attack, they got the personal payroll data of thousands of
employees as well as whatever else they took.
Again, JLR are silent on this.
I'm not so sure the way they've been so quiet about this is the best policy,
but it is the policy that they are following and they are sticking right to it.
Employees have been warned to look out for potential fraud and for scams.
JLR are saying there is no evidence yet that any naughtiness has been done with this data.
And you say, oh, right, well, that's okay then, isn't it?
It doesn't matter.
It's bank account details, tax codes, and other sensitive data relating to staff,
salaries, benefits, and former employees according to the register.
It's all right.
I've only spent my afternoon studying stuff all about GDPR, so I'm glad.
That doesn't alarm me in any way, shape, or form.
No, not at all.
No, that's not good, folks.
Just be careful.
Yes.
Be very, very careful, please.
That takes us to...
New news.
...brings us to new news and December 2025 SMMT new registration figures.
And in fact, that includes the Hall of 2025 because yay.
Well, overall, it's positive.
Yes, I mean, overall, for the full year, it was up 3.5%.
I've got to be really careful because there's double the amount of confusing infographics this month.
Yes.
Those of you who've never been to the SMMT page,
you probably don't understand what I'm talking about,
but every few months they just make it a little more confusing.
And then, of course, when it comes to December,
you get twice as much of the newly reformatted confusing infographics.
But overall, in 2025, new car registration has reached 2.02 million,
making it up 3.5% year on year.
Eternal combustion engine is still the biggest selling power trade,
but growing demand for electrified cars has narrowed the majority to just 51.5%.
Almost half a million new battery electric vehicles join the road,
as one in four buyers almost went electric.
But the gap between demand and ambition widens,
in other words, they're saying, yeah, we still can't keep up the government target.
And that second point that you talked about there,
I don't understand why they've said this,
where you talked about eternal combustion engine still the biggest selling power train,
but growing demand, it narrows to just 51.5%.
But the problem is most petrol vehicles are of the mild hybrid type anyway,
so they are significantly better than they were.
But it's not a hybrid, it just feels so, so you don't need to say that.
There is a link. It is electrified cars in that bit, not electric.
And then there is a footnote number one, which points out electrified includes
hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
It just feels like a pointless, silly thing to do.
Over the year, the entire year of 2025, there were 937,938 petrol vehicles registered,
that's down 8% on 2024.
There were 103,906 deals of cars registered, that's down 15.6% on last year.
That gives a mere 5.1% market share.
Pure petrol, by the way, before I forget, 46.4% market share.
Hybrid electric vehicles, 280,185, that's up 7.2% year on year,
for a 13.9% market share.
Battery electric vehicles, which is what everybody's talking about.
473,348, that's 23.9% increase over last year,
with a 23.4% market share.
Glad that all these percentages aren't really similar and confusing.
And plug-in hybrids, 225,143, that's up 34.7% to an 11.1% market share.
In terms of market share, definitely just petrol and mild hybrid,
46.4%, followed by battery electric at 23.4%, followed by hybrids at 13.9%,
plug-ins at 11.1% and diesel at 5.1%.
Over the course of the year, private registrations to private buyers,
registries, there was a 38.6%, for fleet was 59.1% and for business was 2.3%.
For December, the percentage of fleet was higher, percentage of private was lower.
That's basically the same shares as it was last year, give or take, a couple of decimals.
I am surprised at how high the private registrations were considering for how long
they were dropping this year.
Filled me actually, I was surprised to see that on the aggregates as well.
It's the best year there has been since 2019 and that's generally increasing from 2020.
Top 10 models for December, he says clicking the correct button.
At number 10 with 2,326 registrations, so the numbers are really very low
all the way through all of these.
December is not traditionally a big registration month
because Christmas and places are shut and all that kind of thing.
So I've been curious to see the little spike in registrations for some brands and some models.
Yes.
Anyway, if you go to AutoTrader by the way, just as a completely unrelated exercise
and you search for vehicles with under 100 miles,
you'd be amazed how many there are out there.
Yes, and you will have your eyes open to which brands have got particularly a lot of those.
Anyway, completely unrelated to that.
At number 10, Nissan Duke 2,326 registrations.
At number 9, the Tesla Model 3 at 2,549.
At number 8, the Mini Mini Cooper 2,581.
At number 7, the MGM GHS.
This is them repeating the names by the way.
2,803.
It's not just me trying to be funny.
At number 6, the Jaikou 7 at 2,863.
Everyone's so close together.
We're not barely over 500 more between 10 and 6.
At number 5, the Nissan Cascao 2,887.
Number 4, the MGM GHS 2,384.
Number 3, the Volvo XC40, 2,319.
Number 2, the Tesla Model YOY, 3,737.
So there's a good 400 and something leap in one fair jump there.
And number 1, everybody's favourite it seems, the Ford Puma with 4,680 registrations.
Yes.
Yes.
You could buy one new or you could look in that search
on Autotrader I maybe mentioned.
Not the only brand in that top 10 list though that you can do that with.
Oh no, not at all.
And surprisingly, not a single Kia or Hyundai in that top 10 list for December.
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