Trod a tightrope - 9 December 2025
About this episode
A deep dive into the latest automotive news reveals significant shifts in the UK car market, including a decline in new car registrations and the impact of upcoming financial regulations. The hosts discuss the latest figures showing a drop in petrol and diesel vehicles while electric models gain traction. They also touch on the potential closure of Zipcar's UK operations due to financial losses and highlight the introduction of electric HGVs by Royal Mail. Additionally, the episode features insights on new car launches, including the Mercedes GLB and Toyota GR GT, alongside discussions on industry leadership changes and initiatives to promote women in automotive careers.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is restarting finance mis-selling claims on 31 May 2026, which is earlier than previously announced. The FCA states this should be enough time for companies to ready their compensation schemes. You can find out more, by clicking this Motor Trade article link here.
NOVEMBER 2025 NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURESThe SMMT has released the new car registration figures for November 2025. The overall market dropped 1.6%, year on year. Battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid numbers all rose, with petrol and diesel dropping. Fleet once again is the major market, at 61% of all registrations, whilst Private and Business make up the rest. Click this link to see more, from SMMT.
VAUXHALL LOSE THEIR MDSteve Catlin has left his role as managing director of Vauxhall, after only eight months in charge. Citing “personal reasons”, his seat will be taken over by Stellantis UK managing director Eurig Druce. If you wish to find out more, click this Motor Trader article link here.
ZIPCAR PAUSES UK OPERATIONS DUE TO LOSSESZipcar, a car sharing company operating in the UK but is US based, is pausing all operations in this country due to £11.7 million loss in 2024. Blaming charging costs, insurance and larger than expected depreciation the company has opened a consultation with employees. Additionally, from 2 January 2026 EVs will be liable for the Congestion Charge in central London. To read more, click this Autocar article here.
BEE NETWORK SPEEDS UP EV FLEET SIZETransport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is investing £65 million to enable more of the bus fleet to be electric as well as move the train-tram development for one particular corridor. If you would like to find out more, click this Sustainable Bus article link here.
ROYAL MAIL GAINS ELECTRIC HGVS FOR MIDLANDS AND NORTH WESTRoyal Mail is going to use electric HGVs at their North West and Midlands hubs, delivering between the hubs and mail centres. They will be utilising eight vehicles which will replace diesel versions. You can read more, by clicking this edie article link here.
NEW ‘WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE’ JOURNAL LAUNCHEDRygor Group, a car retail company, has launched a ‘Women in Automotive’ journal, to help inspire, inform and empower women and girls where they hopefully pursue a career in the automotive world. Women from across the company, as well as partners such as Ben, The Automotive Charity and Motor Trader, have had their advice published. If you want to find out more, click this Motor Trader 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 thatZipcar
"[1124.4s] a zip car or that once or twice a week to just go do my shopping. [1127.4s] And they don't have to worry about having a parking permit. [1130.4s] I don't have to worry about any of these things. [1132.4s] But when I'm going to IKEA, then I'll just take a zip car [1135.4s] if I'm going to wherever I'll take a zip car. [1137.4s] Yeah."
Zipcar is a company that lets people rent cars for short periods, like a few hours or a day, so you don’t need to own one.
Zipcar is a car‑sharing service that allows users to rent vehicles by the hour or day, typically from a central location.
EV car club pilot
"They launched an EV car club pilot. They launched a pilot car sharing programming partnership with zip car, and this is charging."
An EV car club pilot is a test program where a community can share electric cars, helping people use clean vehicles without owning one.
An EV car club pilot is a trial program where a group of people can access electric vehicles for shared use, often organized by an organization like a council to promote sustainable transportation.
electric HGVs
"[1473.4s] A Royal Mail is introducing a new fleet of electric HGVs."
These are big delivery trucks that run on electricity instead of diesel fuel, helping cut pollution and lower running costs.
Electric HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) are large trucks powered entirely by electric motors and batteries, replacing diesel engines. They’re used for freight transport to reduce emissions and operating costs.
hub and spoke model
"[1489.4s] So yeah, hub and spoke model."
Think of a wheel: the hub is the center and the spokes are the arms that reach out. In delivery, a big warehouse (hub) sends packages to many smaller locations (spokes).
The hub‑and‑spoke model is a logistics strategy where a central hub (or hubs) acts as the main distribution point, and goods are moved from there to various spokes—smaller delivery points or customers. It’s common in parcel and freight operations because it concentrates resources and simplifies routing.
middle-mile deliveries
"[1489.4s] So yeah, hub and spoke model. [1491.4s] I'm certainly perfect for running EVs."
Imagine moving a package from a big city warehouse to a smaller town depot before it goes to the final address. That middle step is called middle‑mile delivery.
Middle‑mile deliveries refer to the transport of goods between regional hubs or sorting centers and local distribution points. It’s the middle segment in a supply chain, after long‑haul (long‑mile) and before last‑mile delivery to the end customer.
rapid charges
"They've been installing rapid charges, ABB T360s for the charges spotters out there."
Rapid charges are fast ways to recharge an electric car, giving you many miles in just a few minutes.
Rapid charges refer to high‑power charging sessions that add a large amount of battery capacity in a short period, typically 15–30 minutes.
ABB T360s
"They've been installing rapid charges, ABB T360s for the charges spotters out there."
ABB T360s is a brand of electric car chargers that can give you more miles quickly, so you don’t have to wait long for a full charge.
ABB T360s is a high‑power electric vehicle charging station that delivers rapid charge rates, allowing drivers to add significant range in a short time.
Mercedes-Benz GLB (second generation)
"[1783.4s] it says unveiled the all-new GLB. [1787.4s] It's a second generation GLB."
The GLB is a small luxury SUV from Mercedes‑Benz that can fit up to seven passengers. The second generation means it’s the newer version of this car.
The Mercedes‑Benz GLB is a compact luxury crossover SUV that seats up to seven people. The "second generation" refers to the newer model introduced after the original 2019‑2020 version.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
"I like the overall shape of it, apart from the G-wagon. I love the G-wagon... You can get a G 400 diesel."
The G-Class is a big, sturdy SUV from Mercedes that can handle rough terrain. It’s famous for its square shape and strong off‑road performance.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often called the G-Wagon, is a luxury off‑road SUV known for its boxy design and robust 4x4 capability.
hybrid version
"[2080.4s] you get the hybrid version [2082.4s] and in the interior,"
A hybrid car uses both a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor to save gas and help the environment.
A hybrid version of a vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
platform
"it's based on the CLA platform, although it is a little bit bigger"
A platform is like a common set of building blocks that car makers use to create several different cars. It helps them save time and money.
In automotive engineering, a platform refers to the shared architecture—chassis, powertrain layout, and key components—that multiple car models use. This allows manufacturers to produce different vehicles more efficiently.
powertrains
"and if you want an idea of powertrains and all the rest of it"
Powertrain is the part of a car that makes it move—like the engine, gearbox, and stuff that sends power to the wheels.
Powertrain refers to the components that generate and deliver power to a vehicle’s wheels, including the engine or motor, transmission, driveshafts, and differential.
Toyota GR GT
"and that is the surprise, reveal of the Toyota GR GT, and this is quite a thing."
The Toyota GR GT is a fast, sporty car made by Toyota. It has a powerful engine and is designed to be fun on the road and at racing events.
The Toyota GR GT is a high-performance, rear‑wheel‑drive sports car built on the GR Supra platform. It features a 3.0L twin‑turbine V6, lightweight construction, and aggressive styling aimed at track enthusiasts.
FIA GT3 spec version
"[2147.4s] an FIA GT3 spec version, [2151.4s] as well,"
FIA GT3 is a racing category where cars are built to specific rules so they can compete fairly against each other. Think of it like a sports league with a rulebook that all teams must follow.
The FIA GT3 specification defines a set of rules and performance limits for sports cars used in the International GT3 racing series, ensuring competitive balance among different manufacturers.
GT4 categories
"the GR Super has done a lot of racing in GT4 categories, and it's not always been as successful as hoped"
GT4 races are for cars that look a lot like the ones you can buy from a dealer, but they’re tuned a bit for racing.
GT4 is a class of sports car racing that uses production‑based cars with limited modifications, making it more affordable than higher classes like GT3.
LC500
"[2231.4s] this is not an LC500. [2234.4s] No. [2236.4s] Although I did see someone say they preferred, [2238.4s] they thought this looked better than the LC500"
The LC500 is a special version of the Lamborghini Countach, a famous Italian sports car known for its sharp angles and powerful V12 engine.
The LC500 is a high-performance variant of the Lamborghini Countach, featuring a 5.2‑liter V12 engine and aggressive styling.
BMW M3
"[2281.4s] if you look at the BMW M3, [2284.4s] when it came out with the challenging grill, [2288.4s] and it looks awful on the road."
The BMW M3 is a special, faster version of the regular 3 Series car. It has a stronger engine and better handling for racing or sporty driving.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series sedan, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It’s a flagship model in BMW’s M performance line, often used for both road and track driving.
hybrid powertrain
"And this does have a hybrid powertrain made it to the brand new V8."
A hybrid engine uses both gasoline and electric power to run the car. It helps save gas and cut pollution.
A hybrid powertrain combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The system can switch between power sources or use them simultaneously.
V8
"And this does have a hybrid powertrain made it to the brand new V8."
A V8 is a type of engine with eight cylinders that gives the car strong power and good performance.
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration, known for its power and smoothness. It’s common in performance cars and large SUVs.
Lexus
"So Alan can't claim lineage from his Lexus. It's a brand new V8."
Lexus makes fancy cars that are usually very comfortable and reliable. They’re the premium brand of Toyota.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota, known for high-quality engineering and refined performance.
Hyundai Crater
"[2415.4s] Concept car coming up next. [2416.4s] The Hyundai Crater."
The Hyundai Crater is a special prototype car made by the Korean company Hyundai. It has a very unique, futuristic look that looks like it was carved out of a crater. It’s not sold to the public, but shows what Hyundai might do in the future.
The Hyundai Crater is a concept vehicle unveiled by Hyundai Motor Group that showcases futuristic design and advanced technology. It features a bold, angular silhouette with a large, sculpted front fascia and a distinctive roofline that gives it a crater‑like appearance.
Santa Cruz pickup truck
"They do a version of the Santa Cruz pickup truck. That's basically a two-story front."
The Santa Cruz is a small car from Chevrolet that looks like a truck but can carry people and cargo. It’s useful for families who want something easy to drive.
The Chevrolet Santa Cruz is a compact crossover SUV that blends the look of a pickup truck with the practicality of an SUV. It’s popular in markets where a small, versatile vehicle is desired.
XRT
"A bit more plated, which is the XRT."
XRT is a special edition of the Chevy Silverado that has sportier looks and better features. It’s like a deluxe version of the truck.
XRT is a trim level for the Chevrolet Silverado pickup, featuring a more aggressive exterior design and higher-end interior options. It’s often marketed as the “Extreme” version.
Hyundai Group Concepts
"[2537.4s] The Hyundai Group Concepts, [2540.4s] whoever's designing"
Hyundai Group Concepts are special prototype cars made by Hyundai to show new ideas for future cars. They help the company decide what features and looks might appear in regular cars later.
Hyundai Group Concepts is a line of concept cars developed by Hyundai Motor Group to showcase future design directions and technology innovations. These vehicles often feature radical styling, advanced materials, and cutting‑edge powertrains that may influence production models.
pillarless suicide doors
"[2543.4s] pillarless [2545.4s] suicide doors,"
Pillarless suicide doors are a type of car door that swings open from the back and doesn't have a pillar between the front and rear doors. They look cool but need extra support to stay strong.
Pillarless suicide doors refer to rear-hinged doors that open from the back and lack a central pillar (the B‑pillar) between the front and rear doors. This design creates an open, airy feel but can compromise structural rigidity and safety unless reinforced with additional engineering.
steel roll cage
"there is a steel roll cage"
A roll cage is a metal frame inside the car that keeps the seats and passengers safe if the car flips over. It’s made of steel tubes welded together.
A steel roll cage is a safety structure built inside a vehicle’s cabin, made of interconnected steel tubes that provide protection by preventing the interior from collapsing during a rollover or collision.
B pillar
"which still gives it a B pillar"
The B pillar is the side part of a car’s frame that sits between the front and back doors. It helps keep the roof from falling in a crash.
The B pillar is the vertical structural member between the front and rear doors of a vehicle, providing side‑impact protection and supporting the roof.
Tesla Cybertruck
"They're from the Tesla cyber truck school of pedestrian, pedestrian impact safety."
Tesla’s Cybertruck is a new electric pickup truck with a very sharp, futuristic look. It can carry heavy loads and travel long distances without gasoline.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck announced by Tesla, known for its futuristic stainless‑steel exoskeleton and aggressive design. It represents a shift toward electric trucks with high payload capacity and long range.
pedestrian impact safety
"They're from the Tesla cyber truck school of pedestrian, pedestrian impact safety."
It’s about how cars are built to protect people who walk or bike when they hit a vehicle. Features like softer bumpers and safety tech help keep pedestrians safer.
Pedestrian impact safety refers to vehicle design features and regulations aimed at reducing injury or death when a car collides with a pedestrian. This includes crumple zones, bumper height, and advanced driver‑assist systems.
Jaguar
"But how critical Jaguar, for example"
Jaguar makes fancy cars that are popular in the UK and around the world. They’re known for good looks and strong engines.
Jaguar is a British luxury car manufacturer known for producing high-performance vehicles with distinctive styling.
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.