The UK’s used car market grew by 5.5% to 7,643,180 transactions in 2024, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Marking eight quarters of continuous growth, the year saw 400,488 more vehicles change hands than in 2023, with growth in the new car market fuelling availability and wider choice within the used sector.1 Transactions rose in every month in 2024, as they did in 2023, with Q4 up 4.0% to 1,746,051 units. The top three popular body types remained the same for another year, with superminis taking the top spot,…

New 2024 eBay data reveals residents of Romford, East London, continue to be the UK’s most security- conscious car owners, purchasing the highest number of vehicle security accessories per capita. Following Romford, Llandudno, Conwy, and Redhill in Surrey rank second and third, while Dorchester, Dorset, and Truro, Cornwall, round out the top five. eBay’s analysis, based on vehicle security product purchases throughout 2024, highlights a growing shift towards traditional, non-electronic car security solutions. Security Trends: A Return to Traditional Protection In 2024, searches for traditional security accessories—such as Faraday pouches and steering wheel locks—increased by 2.75% compared to 2023. Most…

Balsall Common – Young Driver, the UK’s foremost under-17s driver-training company, has just taken delivery of its first Suzuki Swifts as part of a 170-car deal with Suzuki UK that will see children given more than 150,000 lessons a year in the new model. After 15 years and nearly 1.5 million lessons, Young Driver has been responsible for dramatically reducing accident rates among its alumni, with only 3.3% of former students being involved in accidents in the first six months after passing their driving test*, versus the national average of 20%**. The company, led by motor industry stalwart Ian Mulingani,…

The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Linda Leach will be hosting a fashion show in aid of her 3 chosen charities later this month – featuring preloved outfits from the Beacon Centre’s network of shops. Charity Fashion and Fizz takes place at the Beacon Centre, Wolverhampton Road, on Tuesday 25 February. Doors open at 6pm and the fashion show, featuring over a dozen models, starts at 6.30pm. Tickets, which must be booked in advance, are available at Beacon Centre for the Blind and cost £15, including a glass of prosecco or alcohol free alternative on arrival. Clothing will be on sale on the…

A boost of almost £10 million has been earmarked for city highways improvements – with continued road surfacing projects to tackle potholes. Investment from the highways capital programme for 2025/26 will be bolstered by an extra £500,000 City of Wolverhampton Council commitment, bringing the total to £9.7 million. Potholes are a priority for the council and over the past year more than 7,900 have been repaired. But with more than 740 kilometres of carriageway to manage, prevention work is key. That is why the council uses a data driven, informed strategy to identify where targeted surfacing works can extend the…

MILLIONS of vehicles could soon fail their MOT due to unresolved safety recalls – overwhelming workshops and leaving frustrated customers scrambling for repairs. That’s the warning from data experts ADS, who say that cars may soon be failed if a recall has been missed. ADS points out that the most recent figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency suggest that abrupt implementation of a new MOT failure or advisory rule relating to outstanding recalls would see dealers overwhelmed with workshop demand – and countless customers off the road. More than five million cars are potentially affected because franchise dealers…

(L-R): Breaking ground at the Canalside South site are West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, Pat McFadden MP (Wolverhampton South East), Canal & River Trust Regional Director – West Midlands, Henriette Breukelaar, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Simkins, and Wavensmere Managing Director, James Dickens Wavensmere Homes has commenced work on site to redevelop 17.5 acres of former industrial land in Wolverhampton city centre into the £150m Canalside South scheme. Having lain derelict for 15 years, the brownfield site will be transformed into over 530 energy efficient homes, complemented by a range of new commercial and community amenities. Established…

Volkswagen Group UK Managing Director, Damien O’Sullivan, has become a Patron of the Automotive 30% Club, demonstrating the Group’s ongoing commitment to gender balance and its holistic DE&I agenda. O’Sullivan took over in December from Alex Smith, who was the first Patron and Gold member of the Club. The UK’s Automotive 30% Club is a network of over 70 automotive MDs and CEOs who have made a commitment to be inclusive leaders and build diverse gender-balanced businesses. Volkswagen Group UK has long been a part of the network, and is proud of its current achievements in the field of DE&I.…

Following the successful launch of the new MINI family, a range of additions and optional extras are set to further enhance the MINI offering from Spring 2025. Increasing personalisation across the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Countryman, customers now have a wider choice of exterior colours and trim combinations, alongside new digital features and improved practicality. Improved exterior colour range Giving customers increased options to personalise their new MINI, an improved selection of optional exterior paint colours are now available on petrol powered MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Countryman models, regardless of customer choice between Classic,…

Kia is marking National Apprenticeship Week’s ‘Celebration Friday’ with inspiring apprentice stories and showcasing the talent, success, and accomplishments possible with a Kia Apprenticeship. The Kia Academy Kia opened the doors of its brand-new training centre, the Kia Academy, just over one year ago to usher in a new generation of apprenticeships through its partnership with Skillnet, the UK’s largest provider of apprenticeships to the automotive industry. Kia has developed a bespoke apprenticeship programme with a focus on education in electrification, including apprenticeships for Light Vehicle Technician, Service Advisor and Combined Service and Parts Advisor. Kia Apprenticeships Kia Apprenticeships begin…