Unoffensive - 26 August 2025
About this episode
Exciting updates in the automotive world include the DVLA's new regulations easing the restoration process for classic cars, eliminating the dreaded cu-plate for minor modifications. Arial Motor Company plans to build a new factory in Somerset to boost production of their exoskeletal vehicles. The UK government has also revised EV mileage reimbursement rates, and the plug-in van and truck grant has been extended until 2027. The episode wraps up with discussions on the BYD Atto 2 and Citroen's new DS No 4 EV, alongside a fascinating look at a unique 1969 Volkswagen Beetle limousine auctioned for $300,000.
Following a long campaign from the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance and other similar associations, the Government has simplified the red tape around modifying and restoring vehicles. Notifications can be sent to DVLA for ‘significant structural modifications’ and the vehicle can retain the original license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a big step forward. Click this Hagerty article link here to find out more.
ARIEL DOUBLING PRODUCTION CAPACITY WITH NEW FACTORYAriel, the Somerset based specialist performance vehicle manufacturer, have agreed a deal to buy more land that will allow them to double their production capability. If you want to read more, click this Autocar article link here.
HMRC RAISES EV MILEAGE CLAIM RATEAfter lots of complaints were raised over the last announcement of the rate business mileage for electric cars could be claimed back at, HMRC has revised them. Now there are two tiers, home charging and public charging. However, the rates still aren’t great and frankly totally inadequate if you charge via the public network. To find out more, click this Autocar article link here.
PLUG-IN VAN AND LORRY GRANT EXTENDEDThe UK Government has extended the plug-in grant for van and lorries, until “at least 2027”. However, the money is coming out of the £650 million we were told was for the Electric Car Grant (ECG), which turns out to also be improving the charging infrastructure across the country. Click this Autocar article link here, to read more.
DO NOT HOON YOUR EV FOR MORE BATTERY LIFEA recent study has been misreported, according to Aviloo, battery experts. Many read the results to mean one must be very heavy with the right foot to extend the battery lift of one’s EV. That is not the case. You can find out more by clicking this Carscoops article link here.
TESLA DOES HAVE TO FACE CLASS-ACTION OVER SELF-DRIVING CLAIMSA recent hearing, in front of a judge, between those trying to pursue Tesla in a class-action over mis-selling their self-driving system that has yet to make it to market even though they have taken money from people for it, has resulted in permission being granted to pursue the company. If you want to read more, click this Reuters article link here.
To read Ed Niedermeyer’s coverage of the hearing, click this link to his Bluesky post.
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 PODCAST NEW NEW CAR NEWS - BYD Atto 2BYD has revealed details of their Atto 2, a C segment electric SUV. Priced aggressively, at £30,850, it will
Hyundai Kona
"...s is about the same size as Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Kona, electric. So that's the sort of size we're talki..."
Dodge Avenger
"...er than this. This is about the same size as Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Kona, electric. So that's the sort of si..."
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...ate, which shares all the same sheet metal with a Land Cruiser. I am not in a position to be fussy about that at..."
Opel Astra
"It's a wee bit suburban, but not quite. It's like Astra size, isn't it? Yeah, I'm just..."
Volkswagen Id3
"...ted brand. Yeah, they're going to be updating the ID3 again. My word, that's going to have a second zim..."
Volkswagen Id4
"... going to have a second zimmer frame now. And the ID4, which is the... It does get better each time."
Volkswagen Passat
"It's not... I mean, are they Passat back lights? I think they are."
Ford Taurus
"... It's a little bit Roboculp and a little bit Ford Taurus, the original one. But yeah, you can see lots of ..."
Volkswagen Beetle
"... one of the significant vehicles was a Volkswagen Beetle limousine. And you might think, yeah, we've seen ..."
Lamborghini Mura
"...n context, at the time, when he gave him $35,000, Lamborghini Mura would have set you back $20,000."
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