Motoring Podcast - News Show

Special Edition - Association of Heritage Engineers

Alan was joined by Dominic Taylor-Lane from the Association of Heritage Engineers to find out why the Association exists, what it’s all about and how people can get involved. To find out more about the Association of Heritage Engineers visit their website and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

Channelled Your Inner Me - 2 June 2020

FOLLOW UP: VW NOT SHIELDED FROM MORE US FINES Volkswagen lost a case, where counties from Utah and Florida were seeking damages in relation to #dieselgate. The court found that the legislation did not exclude state and local governments from fining VW, even though they had reached a settlement with the US Government. Volkswagen was seeking a further review of this ruling. The potential liability this could expose VW Group to is huge. To read more, click the Reuters article here. FOLLOW UP:...

Special Edition - Aston Martin Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged

Adam Donfrancesco of R-Reforged joins Alan once again to discuss the latest project by R-Reforged, the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS, a limited edition of 19 pairs of bespoke, V12 Vantage S - based Coupé and Speedster pairings. To find out more about R-Reforged, the Heritage TWINS and other projects, visit their website and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

South African Bodybuilder - 26 May 2020

FOLLOW UP: VW PAYS $10M TO END CEO CASE Volkswagen has paid nearly $10 million to a German court, to end the case against CEO Herbert Diess, who was accused of manipulating market prices by not revealing the scandal that became #dieselgate sooner. VW reiterate that although they have paid they are adamant that the case was baseless. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here. FOLLOW UP: VW LOSE LANDMARK CIVIL CASE In a different court, Volkswagen lost a civil case where t...

Empty Deserts of Tumbleweed - 19 May 2020

FOLLOW UP: E-SCOOTER CONSULTATION The Government has released a consultation about e-scooters, seeking opinion on what one is, where they should be used and the like. We have until 23:45 on 2 June 2020 to respond. To read more and answer, click the .Gov.uk page here. AUTOMOTIVE CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Once again we recommend clicking on the Autocar timeline article, excellently written by James Attwood, which lists what is happening in the automotive world due to the current crisis. To do so, ...

Special Edition - Jeep Wrangler Twin Test

Alan and Andrew both had examples of the Jeep Wrangler range, to try out, for a week. Listen in as they compare how many Jeep decals they found, the level of thoughts that has gone into the actual use of the car and how the performance was a little surprising for them and others. (No groundhogs were harmed in the testing of these JEEP.)

Like A Twazock - 13 May 2020

FOLLOW UP: ARRESTS IN TURKEY FOR ASSISTING GHOSN Seven people, including pilots, flight attendants and airline executives have been arrested in Turkey, for their involvement in the remarkable escape from Japan that Carlos Ghosn perpetrated. The airline, MNG Jet, also filed a criminal complaint in relation to this. To read more, click the BBC News article here. FOLLOW UP: INTERPOL ISSUE RED NOTICE OVER DUNN SUSPECT Interpol has issued a Red Notice globally, for Ann Sooclas, who is wanted i...

Small Round Of Applause - 5 May 2020

FOLLOW UP: FERRARI OPENS AGAIN Thanks to their “Back on Track” initiative, which the chaps discussed on 14 April’s episode, Ferrari opened Maranello once more, to begin a phased ramping up of production. To read more on this and what else is happening around the world, click the Autocar link here. NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR APRIL 2020 Surprising no one, UK New Car Registration figures fell by 97.3%, with 4,321 registrations happening in April 2020. The cars in the Top Ten are a very...

Special Edition - Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by CALLUM

Alan heard from Adam Donfrancesco of R-Reforged about some of the thinking and engineering that goes into limited-production projects such as the Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by CALLUM. In this, we talk mostly about the engineering and thinking that’s gone un under the skin, for more pictures and information about the aesthetic tweaks that Ian Callum and the team at R-Reforged made then I recommend this Motoring Research article from the concept launch. To find out more about R-Reforged and th...

Leave The Silly Voice In - 28 April 2020

UPDATE ON EFFECTS OF GLOBAL LOCKDOWN ON INDUSTRY Autocar has compiled a list of the effects the global pandemic is having on the motoring industry and sport. To get a snapshot of the impact, click through on the link here. AA MAKE SILLY CLAIM ABOUT FUEL PRICES The AA has claimed, just days after the oil price went through the floor, that petrol prices hadn’t fallen to reflect this and drivers were being ‘ripped off’. This was a silly claim, one that Andrew has “views” about. To read more,...

I'm Poo Pooing Lots Tonight - 21 April 2020

FOLLOW UP: VW SETTLE MOST CLASS-ACTION CLAIMS Volkswagen has confirmed that it has settled with 200,000 of the 260,000 that are claiming damages due to the #Dieselgate scandal. They have been granted an extension to reach an agreement with the remaining. VW remains adamant that there is no legal basis for consumer’s claims. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here. CAR BANNING POWERS HANDED TO COUNCILS In a bid to allow key workers to safely travel by foot or on a bicyc...

Bristle My Branflakes - 14 April 2020

SIR STIRLING MOSS PASSES AWAY The sad news that Sir Stirling Moss had peacefully passed away was announced on Sunday. There are few people, let alone racers, who have achieved the level of fondness amongst the nation. Social media was filled with delightful stories that gave us all a glimpse into his life, his character, his personality and his achievements. We have selected the obituary from Autocar to share with you, to read what Steve Cropley wrote, click the link here. We have also incl...

Special Edition - Kia Stinger Audio

Alan had a chat with Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer at Harman, Wolfgang Zieglmeier about car audio systems and his work on the Harman-Kardon audio system in the Kia Stinger.

Rapturous Joy - 7 April 2020

FOLLOW UP: VW TO FACE CLASS-ACTION IN UK Following the ruling, this week, Volkswagen does have a case to answer in the UK class-action case over #Dieselgate. Whilst the judge has ruled, in line with several other countries, that the software and technology in certain engines is a defeat device, there is no confirmation that VW is liable in the compensation claim. To read more, but not the comments, click on the Autocar article here. WEBSITE HELPS KEY WORKERS FIND LOCAL CAR SERVICES A new ...

Special Edition - Hyundai i10 Launch

Back when we could all still travel by aeroplane, Alan spent a couple of days in Portugal driving the third generation Hyundai i10, a mature-feeling small car that’s hoping to appeal to a less mature audience.

Sparkly Clingfilm - 31 March 2020

FOLLOW UP: DUTCH CLASS-ACTION FOR VW A Dutch foundation has been formed to take on Volkswagen in a class-action, which the group hopes will include people from across Europe, in connection with #Dieselgate. Apparently, thanks to a law change in Holland, “justice for millions of EU customers” is the aim, however, the chaps are still unsure what is the loss these people have suffered. To read more, click here for The Irish Times article. FOLLOW UP: EMERGENCY MOT EXTENSION GRANTED Before las...

Special Edition - Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible Review

Andrew had a Toyota Land Cruiser, their luxury 4x4 offering, for over a week to see if they still have something to offer in a world dominated by SUVs. Listen in as we hear about how they improve the behaviour of other road users, fantasises of adding light blue “U” and “N” to the sides and how relaxing they are to drive.

By Pure Fluke - 24 March 2020

FOLLOW UP: LEVANDOWSKI PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT Anthony Levandowski has pleaded guilty to charges of trade secrets, in the federal case brought against him. The expectation is that he will be sentenced to between 24 and 30 months, although this is not a certainty. To read more, click the Jalopnik article here. MORRISONS FUEL PRICE DROP If you’re a key worker and need to fuel your vehicle up, then there is some good news from Morrisons as they have cut their prices. Remember, we are only to ...

Get Poorer Quick Scheme - 17 March 2020

FOLLOW UP: SMART MOTORWAYS REVIEW The review, ordered by the Transport Secretary, has been completed. The findings recommend removing hard shoulders being used as live lanes, increasing the number of refuge points, increase the number of Highways England traffic officer patrols, increase the roll-out of stopped vehicle detection cameras. To read more, click the Autocar article here. To read the Government’s action plan click the link here. CORONAVIRUS PRODUCTION UPDATE To see how manufact...

Special Edition - Cité de L'Automobile and the Schlumpf Collection

With this year’s Geneva Motor Show being cancelled, Alan had to find another way to get his annual many-cars-in-a-large-building-near-the-Franco-Swiss-border fix, so he went to Mulhouse in Alsace to visit one of the world’s largest motor museums, the Cité de L’Automobile and Schlumpf Collection, with its amazing collection of Bugatti.

Mental Financial Gymnastics - 10 March 2020

FOLLOW UP: U.S. JURY AWARDS PUNITIVE DAMAGES TO VW CUSTOMERS A test case, of U.S. customers who opted out of Volkswagen’s agreed compensation settlement, has established compensatory and punitive damages. Five claimants will get $5747 for compensatory damages and four will receive $25,000 in punitive damages. This is a much smaller amount than was sought. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here. FOLLOW UP: LEVANDOWSKI SEEKS BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION Anthony Levandowski, wh...

Special Edition - CR-V 2.0i-MMD Hybrid EX AWD Review

Andrew had a Honda CR-V Hybrid on loan, for just over a week, to test out the company’s latest foray into the world of hybrid drivetrains. Listen in to hear his thoughts on CVT gearboxes, the interior quality and what the only competition is for this car.

Fondue Withdrawal - 3 March 2020

FOLLOW UP: MORE PORSCHE RAIDS Stuttgart public prosecutors have raided Porsche once more, connected with diesel emission manipulation, according to reports from Greg Kable. After four more members of staff were accused of being involved, this takes the total up to seven for Porsche. FOLLOW UP: VW AND VZBZ AGREE TO SETTLEMENT After being told to return to the negotiating table, by the courts, Volkswagen and the consumer group VZBZ has agreed on a payout of £698 million to German consumers....

Special Edition - Nissan Juke UK Launch

Alan went to Milton Keynes for the UK launch of the all-new Nissan Juke. After a wet day lapping MK and southern Bedfordshire to find out how much B-SUV pioneer has moved on, what does he think?

I'm Slick Me - 25 February 2020

FOLLOW UP: VW RESUMES COMPENSATION TALKS IN GERMANY Volkswagen and VZBV, the German consumer protection organisation, have both been ordered to resume talks over compensation, by a Brunswick court, following the breakdown in communication last week. To read more, click the Automotive News article here. FOLLOW UP: TESLA ALLOWED TO CLEAR FORREST Court rulings have allowed Tesla to resume clearing the area where their factory is planned. The Court also ruled that this decision cannot be appe...

Special Edition - Hyundai Tucson N-Line Hybrid Review

Andrew had a Hyundai Tucson N-Line diesel hybrid on test for a week. Listen in to see what this mild-hybrid is like, where the hybrid-ness helps the car out and how much of an improvement the latest Tucson is. To play with the configurator that Andrew mentioned in the show, click this link here.

Show of Solidarity - 18 February 2020

FOLLOW UP: VW OFFER GERMANY CUSTOMERS $901M Following the breakdown of talks between Volkswagen and the German Consumer Association, VZBV, they have offered customers compensation of $901 million. VZBV wants to include €50 million in lawyer fees, which VW has turned down. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here. FOLLOW UP: NISSAN CLAIMS FROM GHOSN Following the case for unfair dismissal, last week, Nissan has hit back in Japan, with a claim for £70 million in damages. ...

Special Edition - Volkswagen e-Golf Review

Alan spent a high-mileage week with the Volkswagen e-Golf trying to get an insight into where VW’s electric strategy is heading and looks for clues about the forthcoming, electric-only ID-3.

Swiss Bail Money - 11 February 2020

Bill Murray Cool - 4 February 2020

Special Edition - Jeep Compass Limited Review

Andrew had a Jeep Compass Limited for a week to find out what it brings to an increasingly crowded market. Does the American have what it takes to compete? What will be the trifling niggle with the interior? Are there curry hooks? Press play to find out the answer to these urgent questions and more!

Far Away or Small - 28 January 2020

Special Edition - Nurburgring 24 2019 - Part 2 - The Feeling

In this second Special Edition from Alan’s trip to the Nurburgring 24 Hours with Hyundai, he’s spliced together some of the more coherent parts of the many hours of on-site recordings he made. Huge thanks, of course, to Hyundai UK for their hospitality.

Special Soldier - 21 January 2020

Special Edition - Nurburgring 24 2019 - Part 1 - The Facts

Alan joined Hyundai UK on their pilgrimage to the 2019 Nurburgring 24 hour race. In this first part, Alan talks about the race and the whole weekend including interviews with Thomas Schmeera and Albert Biermann, two of the key figures behind the latest generations of Hyundai road and race cars. Part 2 will follow shortly and have more of the on-site recording and atmosphere. Huge thank, of course, to Hyundai UK, Herr Schmeera and Herr Biermann for all their time and hospitality. REAR VIEW...

No Editorial Oversight - 14 January 2020

Alan’s on his own this week and Andrew’s claiming to be dead. He talks about Carlos Ghon facing the press, diesel particulate filters, PSA delaying the second Astra plan until after Brexit, JLR and the Chinese copy, more ULEX and traffic shake-ups, the DVLA not recognising 2020 on paper, Toyota making new parts for old Supras, FormulaE in Santiago, Hyundai’s 4-car WRC team, a £2k Alfasud restoration, The Toyota Yaris turns 21 and the Laing photo archive. Don't forget we have our Listener Su...

Total Brain Fart - 7 January 2020

The chaps return after the festive break and walk straight into what seems like the script from a Hollywood blockbuster with the news that Carlos Ghosn absconded from Japan, VW are heavily fined by Australia over Dieselgate, December and 2019’s New Car Registration figures are discussed, Nissan loses another executive, there is concern that motorway service station may not be able to install newer more powerful charging points, York and Oxford are looking to bring in ULEZ zones but in differe...

Special Edition - Motoring Pubcast Review of the Year

Did Something Constructive - 17 December 2019

This week Alan and Andrew talk about a toddler damaging many Audis in China whilst the parents were car shopping, the impending traffic jams as everyone travels somewhere else for Christmas, a shocking rise in car thefts partially blamed on keyless entry systems, some statistics on what employers feel is appropriate behaviour regarding taking phone calls whilst driving, Opel has started testing their Corsa-e rally car, there is a lengthy Lunchtime Read from Autocar and a fascinating Lunchtime...

Special Edition - Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q4 Milano Edizione Review

Alan had the wonderfully-named Alfa Romera Stelvio Q4 Milano Edizione on loan for a little over a week. He managed to clock up almost 800 miles, so did his time with the Italian SUV end in amore or odiare?

Stop Being Reasonable - 10 December 2019

This week Alan and Andrew are reunited! Whilst everyone basks in this great news, the chaps discuss how BMW has relented when it comes to charging extra for Apple Car Play for most of their range, November 2019's New Car Registration figures are quickly discussed, there is an interesting interview of Nissan Europe's boss, congratulations to Aston Martin on officially opening the St Athan plant, UK trials have begun for sound monitoring systems, the A14 Huntingdon bypass has opened, Volta is d...

Massive Recall - 3 December 2019

This week Alan is solo whilst Andrew lies, feverishly, in his sickbed. Alan covers the start of the civil class-action against Volkswagen in the UK, ex-Nissan CEO Saikawa's thoughts on the proposed Renault/Nissan Merger, job cuts and recall threats are Daimler, BMW diesel engine recall expansion, the revelation that the UK Transport minister backs road charging, that £280 million pounds of revenue was lost in the botch phase-out of the paper tax disk, Europe's best October for car registratio...

Special Edition - Peugeot RIFTER GT Line BlueHDi 100 S&S Review

Andrew had a Peugeot RIFTER GT Line for a week. You can listen in as he explains to Alan how he and the family got on with another van-derived car. There is a moment when Andrew actually makes the case for the defence, as to why no curry-hook is available. You can also scoff as Andrew fumbles through the pronunciations of the fabulously named accessories available. If you can think of a more space-efficient vehicle for hauling a lot of people and/or stuff then do get in touch with the chaps, ...

A Beige Bottom - 26 November 2019

This week Richard Gooding joins Andrew, as they start the show with an apology over the correct figure for van plug-in grants, follow up from July 2016 as German prosecutors charge BWM, Daimler and VW in regards, to a steel cartel, Carlos and Carole Ghosn are allowed to talk to each other briefly, GM sues FCA for bribing unions, Uber stripped of license in London but appeals, Toyota becomes No.2 in China, a warning not to stay too long at petrol forecourts, the British Motor Show is returning...

More Like The Tone We Expect - 19 November 2019

In this week's show, we shed some insight into the move by the Dutch PM reducing the speed limit, VW promises to splash the cash on EVs, Audi will have a new CEO, 'Self-Charging Hybrid' is acceptable to say in public now, we find out how Musk chose Germany for the new Tesla plant, England councils rake in parking cash, Formula E is back and will be on the BBC again, Santiago e-Prix will be going ahead too, Bloodhound testing ends on a high, there is a wonderful Lunchtime Read thanks to Nick T...

Special Edition - Bangernomics

In this Special Edition Andrew is joined by Mr Bangernoics, James Rüppert. During the conversation, they explore the origins of the term, what it means, how to go about it and buying advice. Added to that we get to hear about Jame’s latest book, which is a wonderful guide to the world of Bangernomics.

Modern Art - 12 November 2019

In this week's show, the chaps discuss the shocking state of Uber's autonomous technology testing software and culture, Alfa's move to more SUVs and fewer coupes, how JLR is looking for a partner, Nissan's profit nose-dive, the tech the EU has mandated for vehicles from 2022, the clever way BP Chargemaster has found a way around the motorway charging monopoly, congestion in the Lake District, Bloodhound is getting quicker and quicker, WRC Australia has rightly been cancelled, a Lunchtime Read...

Wash Their Trousers - 5 November 2019

In this week's show, the chaps discuss Bristol's approval of banning privately owned diesels, VW fight accusations that Winterkorn instructed a supression of the extent of dieselgate, New Car Registration figures are down for October 2019, PSA and FCA agree to a 50/50 merger, a map and chart of public charging points has been released by the Government with the help of the excellent ZapMap, mobile phone loophole to be closed for drivers, Mercedes-Benz recall the new EQC SUV due to a dodgy bol...

Special Edition - Volkswagen Driving Day

Alan spent a sunny day near Bicester trying out some of the current Volkswagen range including the new Passat. He also took some time out from driving to chat about both why the new Passat is still an important model for Volkswagen UK and some of the changes afoot within VW as a whole.

Thanks for that Insight - 29 October 2019

In this week's show, the chaps tell us how Ghosn's defence team has gone really aggressive, smart motorways will now be reevaluated, Sadiq Khan announces a new scrappage scheme aimed atlow-income and disabled people, the Department for Transport has "committed" to asking for long-term funding to be made available to local councils to fix and maintain our roads, Bristol will vote on banning diesel cars, the EU has won a pollution case against France, Lidl will be installing 300 rapid chargers ...