Set him off - 21 October 2025
About this episode
The latest episode dives into significant automotive news, including the ongoing Dieselgate trial involving major manufacturers like Mercedes and Ford. JLR has resumed production after a cyberattack, while Michael Lighters is set to take over as Porsche's CEO amidst challenges. Cardiff Council's controversial parking changes, misreported as anti-SUV measures, are also discussed. The episode highlights positive developments in the UK EV sector, including new charging networks and battery resource initiatives. A heartwarming story about a man selling cars to help those in need wraps up the episode.
A trial has begun in the UK High Court to decide if some manufacturers used software to pass emission tests but then acted differently outside of test conditions. The brands all deny the charge. To read more, click this Motor Trader article link here.
FOLLOW UP: JLR RESTARTS ALL PRODUCTION LINESJLR has now started the last of their production lines following the chaos from the cyber attack at the start of September. Halewood was the last facility to get back up. If you wish to find out more, click this Autocar article link here.
PORSCHE FINDS A NEW BOSSFollowing the announcement that Oliver Blume would relinquish his role as CEO of Porsche the company has been searching for a replacement. Ex-McLaren CEO Michael Leiters returns to the brand to lead it, allowing Blume to focus on his Volkswagen Group role. You can learn more, by clicking this Autocar article link here.
TOYOTA GB FINDS A NEW BOSSToyota GB has announced that Luigi Ksawery Lucá will be the new prsident and managing director of the company, as Scott Thompson will be returning to Toyota Australia. Lucá starts in the role from 1 January 2026. For more, click this Motor Trader article link here.
CARDIFF PARKING PLANCardiff Council has announced how they will be revamping parking within the city. Unfortunately, nearly all of the reporting on the matter has been shockingly bad thanks to equating weight with size. There are no restrictions to the size of a car, being introduced only the weight. Cars over 2400kg revenue weight (gross weight) will face a surcharge for a parking permit. This includes EVs. However, they plan to phase in a reduced weight for the surcharge, of 2000kg revenue weight that will exempt EVs. Do residents actually know what cars will be charged extra? In all likelihood they are going to be surprised, especially when the reduced limit comes into force. To read one of the better articles out there on this story, click this Motoring Research link here.
To read the Cardiff City Council parking plan, click this link here.
QUICK FIRE CATCH UP ON EV RELATED NEWSTo read about the new funds for Cornish Lithium, click this electrive article link here.
To read about Duracell entering the ultra-rapid charging network space, click this electrive article link here.
To read about Blink Charging being engaged in a West Yorkshire charging infrastructure project, click...
Dieselgate
"Dieselgate. And the UK high court is holding a trial to consider the allegations that some OEMs have used illegal software to allow their cars to reduce emissions of harmful gases under test conditions."
Dieselgate is a major scandal where car companies were caught cheating on tests that measure how much pollution their diesel cars produce. This caused a lot of trouble for those companies.
Dieselgate refers to the scandal involving several automotive manufacturers who were found to have used illegal software to cheat on emissions tests for diesel vehicles. This led to significant legal and financial repercussions for the companies involved.
Nissan
"The car makers and brands who are in the firing line for this are Mercedes Ford, Persia, Citroen, Renault and Nissan."
Nissan is a Japanese car company that makes many different types of vehicles, including electric cars.
Nissan is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including electric cars like the Nissan Leaf.
Ford
"The car makers and brands who are in the firing line for this are Mercedes Ford, Persia, Citroen, Renault and Nissan."
Ford is a well-known American car company that makes a variety of vehicles, including cars and trucks.
Ford is an American multinational automaker known for its cars, trucks, and SUVs. It has a long history and is one of the largest and oldest automobile manufacturers in the world.
Mercedes
"The car makers and brands who are in the firing line for this are Mercedes Ford, Persia, Citroen, Renault and Nissan."
Mercedes is a famous car brand that makes luxury cars and trucks. They are known for high-quality vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. It is one of the most recognized and prestigious car brands in the world.
JLR
"Next bit of follow-up is that all the production lines at JLR plants are now back up and running following this cyber attack."
JLR is a company that makes luxury cars, including brands like Jaguar and Land Rover.
JLR stands for Jaguar Land Rover, a British multinational automotive company that designs, manufactures, and sells luxury vehicles under the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.
Range Rover Evoque
"The Range Rover Evoke and Land Rover Discovery sports lines at Hellwood were the last to start up, but at least they're all up and running now."
The Range Rover Evoque is a smaller luxury SUV made by Land Rover. It's known for looking good and being able to drive off-road.
The Range Rover Evoque is a compact luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, known for its stylish design and off-road capabilities.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...k up and running following this cyber attack. The Range Rover Evoke and Land Rover Discovery sports lines at He..."
Land Discovery Sports
"The Range Rover Evoke and Land Rover Discovery sports lines at Hellwood were the last to start up, but at least they're all up and running now."
The Land Rover Discovery is a larger luxury SUV that can handle rough terrain and is great for families.
The Land Rover Discovery is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and spacious interior, making it popular among families and adventure seekers.
Volkswagen Group
"Bloom has agreed to step down as heading up Porsche and will now just concentrate on being the Volkswagen Group Boss."
Volkswagen Group is a big car company in Germany that owns many brands, like Volkswagen and Porsche.
Volkswagen Group is a German automotive company that owns several well-known brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini.
McLaren
"Michael Lighters, who used to be the CEO at McLaren, is going to take over from Oliver Bloom at Porsche."
McLaren is a British company that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They also race cars in Formula 1.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and supercars, as well as its involvement in Formula 1 racing.
Porsche
"Michael Lighters, who used to be the CEO at McLaren, is going to take over from Oliver Bloom at Porsche."
Porsche is a famous German car company that makes fast sports cars, like the Porsche 911.
Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, particularly the iconic Porsche 911.
SUV
"...dangerous SUVs all over the European roads and they also said that there was an influx and a flood of American style SUVs which is not true..."
An SUV is a type of car that's bigger and can handle rougher roads. It's designed to carry more people and stuff, making it a popular choice for families.
An SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle, is a versatile vehicle designed for both on-road and off-road driving. They typically have higher ground clearance, a larger body, and can accommodate more passengers compared to standard cars.
Audi A5
"... vehicles over 2,400 grows. You're looking at the Audi A5 which is the old A4 estate that's 2,635 grows awa..."
Audi Etron
"...the Audi A6 e-tron 2,675 kilos they'll have to pay more because with this surcharge..."
The Audi A6 e-tron is an electric car from Audi that combines luxury with eco-friendliness. It's part of their A6 lineup but runs on electricity instead of gasoline.
The Audi A6 e-tron is an electric version of Audi's A6 sedan, featuring advanced electric powertrain technology and luxurious features typical of the brand.
powertrain
"...any vehicle any car that is over 2,400 will have to pay irrespective of the powertrain..."
The powertrain is the part of a car that makes it move. It includes the engine and other parts that help get the power to the wheels.
A powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the vehicle's wheels. This includes the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Audi A6
"...he old A4 estate that's 2,635 grows away okay the Audi A6 e-tron 2,675 kilos they'll have to pay more becau..."
Honda Crv
"...the Honda CRV which is a fev or a hybrid that is 2,350 or if you're range topping it's 2,430 already they're paying extra..."
The Honda CR-V is a popular SUV made by Honda. It's known for being reliable and having a lot of space inside for people and cargo.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It is popular among families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle.
Opel Astra
"...king about because also on that 2,000 kilogram an astra estate will be then having to pay extra which jus..."
The Opel Astra is a small car that is easy to drive and great for getting around town. It's known for being affordable and reliable, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
The Opel Astra is a compact car known for its practicality, efficiency, and comfortable ride. It has been a popular choice in Europe for many years, offering a range of engines and features that cater to various needs. Discussions about the Astra often focus on its value for money and its role in the competitive compact car segment.
EV charging network
"Next up Duracell launches UK based charging network. This is obviously the battery manufactured Duracell and they have a new company or offshoot called Duracell E charge and it's going to be an ultra fast EV charging network..."
An EV charging network is a group of places where you can charge electric cars. These charging stations help people keep their electric vehicles powered up while they're out and about.
An EV charging network refers to a system of charging stations that provide electric vehicle owners with the ability to recharge their cars. These networks can vary in speed and accessibility, and are crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Duracell
"Next up Duracell launches UK based charging network. This is obviously the battery manufactured Duracell and they have a new company or offshoot called Duracell E charge..."
Duracell is a company that makes batteries. They are starting a new project to create charging stations for electric cars, which is a new direction for them.
Duracell is a well-known battery manufacturer, famous for its alkaline batteries and rechargeable power solutions. The company is expanding into the electric vehicle market by launching a charging network.
Blink Charging
"Blink charging is going to deliver 1.4 million EV charging project in West Yorkshire they have been selected to deliver the first phase of this infrastructure project..."
Blink Charging is a company that focuses on making charging stations for electric cars. They help set up places where people can charge their electric vehicles.
Blink Charging is a company that specializes in providing electric vehicle charging solutions. They are involved in deploying charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
kilowatt chargers
"They are going to be 3 to 8 kilowatt chargers as well as 8 to 49 kilowatt and then a few rapid which is 50 to 149 kilowatt chargers."
Kilowatt chargers are types of charging stations for electric cars that show how much power they can provide. Higher numbers mean the charger can fill up the car's battery faster.
Kilowatt (kW) chargers refer to the power output of electric vehicle charging stations. The higher the kilowatt rating, the faster the charger can replenish an electric vehicle's battery.
BMW M5
"...g to do this they're going to be on the M25 M1 M4 M5 M6 M20 and it says others. On top of that, Eon is..."
BMW M4
"...king to do this they're going to be on the M25 M1 M4 M5 M6 M20 and it says others. On top of that, Eon..."
BMW M6
"...o do this they're going to be on the M25 M1 M4 M5 M6 M20 and it says others. On top of that, Eon is st..."
The BMW M6 is a fast and fancy car made by BMW that is designed for people who love to drive. It has a strong engine and looks really nice, making it great for both everyday use and special occasions.
The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the BMW 6 Series, known for its powerful engine, sporty handling, and luxury features. It combines everyday usability with track-ready performance, making it a significant model in BMW's M lineup. Discussions about the M6 often revolve around its impressive performance capabilities and its status as a grand tourer.
turbocharged engine
"That's the same 2.5 turbo charge engine that the Audi RS 3 uses which produces 385 brake horsepower and 345 pound foot of torque which goes to all four wheels."
A turbocharged engine has a special part called a turbo that helps it get more air, which makes it more powerful and efficient.
A turbocharged engine uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
Audi Rs
"... That's the same 2.5 turbo charge engine that the Audi RS 3 uses which produces 385 brake horsepower and 34..."
The Audi RS e-tron GT is a super-fast electric car that looks really stylish and is packed with high-tech features. It's designed for people who want a thrilling driving experience while being eco-friendly.
The Audi RS e-tron GT is a high-performance electric sports car that combines Audi's luxury with cutting-edge electric technology. It features impressive acceleration, advanced aerodynamics, and a sleek design, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market. The RS e-tron GT is significant as it represents the future of performance cars in an era increasingly focused on sustainability.
Audi RS 3
"That's the same 2.5 turbo charge engine that the Audi RS 3 uses which produces 385 brake horsepower and 345 pound foot of torque which goes to all four wheels."
The Audi RS 3 is a sporty version of the Audi A3 that has a very powerful engine and can drive all four wheels, which helps it handle well.
The Audi RS 3 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A3, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
brake horsepower
"That's the same 2.5 turbo charge engine that the Audi RS 3 uses which produces 385 brake horsepower and 345 pound foot of torque which goes to all four wheels."
Brake horsepower is how much power an engine produces before any energy is lost to things like heat and friction. It's a way to measure how strong the engine is.
Brake horsepower (BHP) is a measure of an engine's power output before losses like friction and heat. It is a key performance metric for understanding how powerful an engine is.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
"Okay what else is being updated oh it is the Alfa Romeo Tanale that hasn't been out that long but they are widening the track they're sticking a new grill..."
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a small SUV that looks stylish and has some modern technology, including options that use both gasoline and electricity.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a compact SUV that combines Italian styling with advanced technology, including hybrid options, making it a versatile choice in the market.
mild hybrid system
"they're going to connect that to a 48 volt mild hybrid system and there is a plug-in hybrid..."
A mild hybrid system helps a car's regular engine with a small electric motor, making it use less fuel and produce fewer emissions, but it can't run only on electricity.
A mild hybrid system uses a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions without the ability to drive solely on electric power.
plug-in hybrid
"there is a plug-in hybrid which we use a 1.3 liter four cylinder petrol engine."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can be charged by plugging it in, and it has both a regular engine and an electric motor, so it can drive on electricity for a little while.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle can be charged from an external power source and combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing for electric-only driving for short distances.
Alfa
"However Alfa says because of their new hybrid control processor it will be better..."
Alfa is short for Alfa Romeo, a car brand from Italy that makes stylish and sporty cars.
Alfa refers to Alfa Romeo, an Italian automotive manufacturer known for its sporty vehicles and innovative designs.
Volkswagen Id5
"...s are now eligible for it that is the ID4 and the ID5 are able to get the 1500 pound level 2 discount. ..."
The Volkswagen ID.5 is a new electric car that doesn't use gas, which means it's better for the environment. It's designed to be spacious and comfortable, making it a good choice for families or anyone who wants to drive an eco-friendly vehicle.
The Volkswagen ID.5 is an electric SUV that represents Volkswagen's push towards sustainable mobility with its ID family of electric vehicles. It offers a blend of practicality, modern technology, and a zero-emissions driving experience. The ID.5 is significant as it showcases the brand's commitment to electric vehicles and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
level 2 discount
"Right electric car grant and two Volkswagen models are now eligible for it that is the ID4 and the ID5 are able to get the 1500 pound level 2 discount..."
A level 2 discount is a type of money-off deal for buying electric cars, helping people choose more environmentally friendly options.
A level 2 discount typically refers to a financial incentive or rebate offered for purchasing electric vehicles, aimed at encouraging the adoption of greener technologies.
Volkswagen Id4
"...swagen models are now eligible for it that is the ID4 and the ID5 are able to get the 1500 pound level ..."
PS
"This is the ID4 pure essential 52 kilowatt hour 170 PS 1 speed automatic 5 door..."
PS is a measurement of power for engines, similar to horsepower, and is often used in Europe.
PS stands for Pferdestärke, which translates to 'horsepower' in English. It is a metric unit of power commonly used in Europe to describe engine output.
kilowatt hour
"This is the ID4 pure essential 52 kilowatt hour 170 PS 1 speed automatic 5 door..."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much electricity is used. It's often used to talk about how much energy electric car batteries can hold.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time, commonly used to describe the capacity of electric vehicle batteries.
Audi Tt
"...I am going to pick the Audi TT mark one interior much as I said that I was a bit flat line to the exterior looks at the TT the mark one. Sorry to everybody who I fended with that I do think the interior is really really well done..."
The Audi TT (Mk1) is a small sports car that started production in 1998. It's recognized for its unique look and is loved by many car fans for how it drives and its stylish design.
The Audi TT (Mk1) is a compact sports car that was first introduced in 1998. It is known for its distinctive design and has become a popular choice among enthusiasts for its performance and styling.
no reserve auction
"...he's going to sell them at auction it's no reserve. And what a wonderful wonderful man and what a wonderful idea..."
In a no reserve auction, the item will be sold to whoever bids the highest, no matter how low that bid might be. This can make auctions more exciting, but sellers might not always get a good price.
A no reserve auction means that the item being sold will go to the highest bidder regardless of the final bid amount. This can lead to exciting bidding wars, but it also means sellers may not get the price they hoped for.
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