Halim blog

The new flagship electric car from Kia, the EV9, will arrive in Ireland in November, writes Brian Byrne . The 6-7 seat SUV returns Kia styling to the bold square look of the Soul, which itself was one of the few successful transitions from internal combustion power to electric. The EV9 will be the first 3-row electric car from the brand, and will feature ultra-fast charging capability at appropriate facilities of up to 239km range in 15 minutes. The car's rated range is expected to be 541km, and there will be rear-drive and AWD options. A capability of using the vehicle battery to power home or tools is also a feature. The sustainability credentials of the EV9 include alternatives to leather made from plant-based polyurethane, and trim and carpets made from recycled plastics. More details of specifications, and pricing, closer to launch. 

Paddy Magee, Country Operations Director of Renault Group Ireland, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM, writes Brian Byrne .  Mr Magee, who has worked for 25 years in the Irish motor industry, 20 of these with Renault, said his focus will be on continuing the work already undertaken in helping to position the Motor Industry as a leader and enabler of the green transition. "The Motor Industry remains fully committed to working with Government to help achieve their Climate Action Targets," he said. "The industry is playing its part in the electrification process, and we need to build on the momentum already in the marketplace, with the right economic and taxation environment to support the uptake of new zero and low emissions vehicles.” He called for no VRT/VAT increases in the upcoming Budget and wants the BIK’s recent reliefs extended for the foreseeable future. "Company vehicles will play a key role in h...

VW ID.4 EV. Volkswagen Group more than doubled their registrations of electric cars against its nearest rival, Tesla, across Europe in April, writes Brian Byrne . The German company registered  almost 31,900 units compared to 14,200 represented by Tesla. The percentage share of the battery electric vehicle market across 28 European countries rose to a record 13ps in April, according to automotive market monitor JATO Dynamics. Overall new car registrations in Europe rose 16pc compared to April of last year. Meanwhile, the top selling models in Europe in April were the Dacia Sandero, the Volkswagen T-Roc and the Opel Corsa. 

A demand that ESB eCars immediately reduce the cost of charging electric cars has been made by the Irish Electric Vehicle Association, writes Brian Byrne . In a letter to John Byrne, head of ESB eCars, the IEVA says the charges are among the highest in Europe, and should be immediately reduced to pre-Ukraine war levels. IEVA CEO Eamon Stack noted that a substantial part of Ireland's electricity is generated by wind, the base cost of which did not increase when Russia invaded Ukraine. He also said the increases adopted quickly by ESB eCars when the wholesale gas market surged, have not been matched by speedy decreases when gas prices dropped. Saying that the high charging prices will slow down the adoption of EVs, the IEVA has also written to Environment Minister Eamon Ryan, asking him to rectify the situation, as the state is a major stakeholder at ESB Group.

The eighth generation of BMW's 5 Series saloon has been revealed and will get to its first Irish customers in October at a starting price of €69,850, writes Brian Byrne . The new car is longer, taller and wider than the outgoing version, and there's also a longer wheelbase which provides for extra room inside. A new Touring estate version will come in 2024. In addition to 208hp and 601hp petrol engine options, the new 5-Series will have an all-electric version, the i5 with 340hp and a rated range from 477km-582km. Plug-in hybrid versions are slated to arrive in early 2024. There will be three trim options for the Irish market. 

A new all-season tyre from Continental will be available here from July, writes Brian Byrne . The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 represents an ideal tyre for Irish conditions, which can range through sun, drizzle, heavy rain and back to sun ... all in one summer's day. And in winter, as Ireland's climate is less severe than in many of our neighbours on the continent, the AllSeasonContact 2 is still amply capable for safe and anxiety-free motoring for all kinds of cars, but especially those in constant use for ferrying families about their various interests and destinations. Mud and snow are well dealt with by what Continental describe as their 'most technologically advanced yet'. New materials in the tyre’s construction and innovations in the tread pattern and compound have resulted in a six per cent reduction in rolling resistance compared to the tyre’s predecessor and have increased mileage by 15 per cent, without compromising on safety. According to Tom Dennigan of ...

Opel has shown first photos of its latest Corsa styling, for a car that will arrive in Ireland towards the end of this year, writes Brian Byrne . The substantially revised front brings the car's styling right into line with more recent models changes and there are also significant changes to the interior trim and design. The car will be offered with two fully electric powertrains of 136hp and 156hp with rated ranges of 357km-402km respectively. There will also be a full hybrid version. More details on price and specification closer to launch here.

The ability to pay by bank card at public electric car charging points, and a clear indication of the cost to charge, are among the proposals in new EU legislation being prepared, writes Brian Byrne . The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation currently being worked out by the European Parliament and Council is geared to increase and improve the public charging infrastructure and also reduce the stress experienced by some users of zero-emission vehicles when driving long distances. AFIR will also mandate that there be charging points of up to 400 kW capacity every 60kms along Europe's main road network by 2026, and on the secondary road network at least every 100km. By 2028, the capacity of these charging stations will have to be increased to 600 kW. The regulation stipulates that payment can be made by bank card at charging points of more than 50 kW, and via mobile applications and QR codes at charging points of up to 50 kW. This will help alleviate the frustration caused by...

Honda has revealed details of two new SUVs, the new compact ZR-V and the next generation CR-V, writes Brian Byrne . The ZR-V sits between the HR-V and CR-V and is powered by a 2.0 petrol hybrid engine with two electric motors. The car is expected to be available from autumn of this year. The new CR-V has a body style evolved from the previous generation five, with a stronger road presence. It is longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase that contributes to more room for passengers and their luggage. It will come with the options of 2.0 petrol hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. Full specifications and pricing for both cars available closer to launch. A second all-electric car was also revealed at the same media event in Germany, the e:Ny1, which will be a small SUV style. It follows the Honda e small city electric car that went on sale two years ago. The company claims a range of up to 412km. 

Mercedes-Benz has launched its Citan Van in Ireland at at starting price of €23,245 plus VAT, writes Brian Byrne . The vehicle’s arrival brings the company’s commercials offering into the 1-tonne segment, alongside their Vito medium van and the Sprinter large van. This is the second generation Citan, the van developed in partnership with Renault and its Kangoo. Mercedes-Benz Ireland didn’t bring in the first generation due to pricing issues, but commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady (below) says 'market conditions' around the segment have changed and there is a space for a premium product such as the Citan. Citan and Kangoo were joint winners of the International Van of the Year 2022 award. In body detail and cabin there’s a strong Mercedes-Benz feel to the Citan, the grille and logo reflecting the familiarity of those on the larger vans. Inside, the dashboard, instrumentation and seating are all designed and made by Mercedes-Benz, and a version of the MBUX infotai...

Irish motorists are driving less, skipping car services, and putting off buying new cars, all because they're being hit by the cost of living crisis, writes Brian Byrne . These are some of the results of a survey conducted by Ford Ireland, whose Market lead has warned that skipping the services could lead to expensive repairs. The survey indicated that more than half of respondents, especially women, were cutting back on mileage driven in order to save money. One in three reported their were either delaying or totally skipping the annual service. And one in five are either delaying the purchase of a new car, or opting to go for a secondhand one. "By skipping or delaying a service, a motorist may well be saving money in the short term," says Ford Ireland's John Manning. "But they could be storing up longer term problems that will cost even more money in the long run”. He noted that during a service a technician will change oil, which prevents sludge building up in...

A convoy of 22 classic cars from Belgium driven exclusively by women will tour in Ireland for a week from this weekend, writes Trish Whelan . They will be led by a beautiful Alvis 12/70 saloon, and will include classic BMWs, Porsches, Mercedes-Benz convertibles, Triumphs, and an ever-gorgeous Ford Mustang. Organised from Bruges by classic cars enthusiast Wim Decraemer and his Classic Tours enterprise, the Tour des Reines will arrive in Ireland in Cork, spend three days based in the Park Hotel in Kenmare to enjoy the beauty spots of Kerry, and then drive to sample the mountains of Wicklow from the Brooke Lodge Hotel Maccredin in Aughrim. The group will finish the week in Dublin at the Guinness Storehouse, one of the city’s prime tourist destinations. My pictures here of the cars on the Tour were taken in the Market Square in Bruges, beside the city’s famous Clock Tower, where I met up with Wim. He is pictured with his team (he’s the one not wearing a green shirt) . Have a lovely drive...

Irish Rugby star Linda Djougang , has been appointed Opel Brand Ambassador and presented with a new Opel Mokka, writes Trish Whelan . Clocking up her 29th cap for Ireland’s XVs at the recent TikTok Women’s Six Nations, prop Linda joins her 7s comrades Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe, and Stacey Flood as Opel Brand Ambassador. Linda moved to Ireland from Cameroon at the age of 9, grew up in Rush, County Dublin, and is a nursing graduate from Trinity College Dublin. A former Trinity Sports Person of the Year winner, she and her XVs comrades can look back on the recent Six Nations 2023 competition as a steep learning curve for the young team, with the first building blocks now laid for future campaigns. James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director said that Opel has consistently been at the forefront of support for both Ireland's Men’s and Women’s teams. "The appointment of a third brand ambassador is a natural step for us to further align ourselves with the rugby arena and demonstrate o...

BMW has revealed design highlights of the next generation Mini model family, which features what the designers say is a 'reduced design language', writes Brian Byrne . Sustainability and connective ability will be key elements of the new generation, while a number of cues from the current and past Minis will be given a future focus. External changes will include redesigns to the wheels that both provide visual impact and improved aerodynamic performance. Inside, the traditional central circular cluster that was originally the speedometer gets a new Oled touchscreen which uses the full circular space. A new steering wheel, seats, and trim materials are among the few elements so far revealed in a heavily-camouflaged prototype. More as things are revealed. 

The Peugeot 2008 in an updated design and with improved power will go on sale in late 2003, writes Brian Byrne . Powertrains at launch will include a new electric motor with 156hp and a rated range of up to 406km. Two 1.2 petrol engines of 100hp and 130hp will have 6-speed manual transmission for the former and and a choice from manual or 8-speed automatic for the more powerful one. A hybrid option will come in 2024. Exterior dimensions and boot volume remain unchanged. 

The newly-revealed next generation E-Class will be available to Irish owners from the autumn, writes Brian Byrne .  An evolution in style and space for the longtime MB breadwinner, it offers interior comfort and technology reflecting the S-Class, and will be available with petrol, diesel and PHEV power. The new generation E-Class offers increased head- and knee-room for rear passengers, is wider, and has an increased luggage capacity of up to 540 litres. Further details including specifications and price will be announced closer to its expected Autumn arrival in Ireland. 

Citroen Ireland has sponsored a 'Power of One' garden from the upcoming Bord Bia Bloom festival event in Dublin, writes Brian Byrne . The alternative urban garden aims to show how individuals can help fight global warming. The sponsorship with garden designer Nicola Haines coincides with the launch here of the new Citroen eC4 X electric car. The garden includes a biodiverse turf roof, and planting to help absorb pollution and clean the air. Water features and appropriate planting will help to absorb traffic noise, while rainfall capture and storage will contribute to adding oxygen to the atmosphere and provide a wild-life friendly pond. The Bord Blia Bloom event in Dublin's Phoenix Park is now in its 17th year. 

As a nameplate Nissan's X-Trail has been around in Europe since 2001, writes Brian Byrne , generally seen as a somewhat bigger brother to the Qashqai, with which it has shared platforms and looks. At various times it has sold respectably here, and because it has been a very global model, significantly more than respectably in other markets used to bigger vehicles. Now in its fourth generation, the latest version of X-Trail is a handsome beast in its own right. The size-based competitors include the slightly smaller Toyota RAV 4 and the slightly larger Skoda Kodiaq. The X-Trail has a tall advantage over both, and with an unusual bonnet design and very modern front styling, it is subjectively more imposing than either. From the rear, clean edges and distinctive lights create a strong signature. Athletic is often a shape epithet earnestly tossed around by car blurbists, in this case probably it is deserved. It looks, to use an Irish-ism, class. That last sense carries over to the inte...

The historic under-representation of women in the Irish motor industry is changing, President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Antonia Hendron told a recent gathering of women in the industry, writes Trish Whelan . The event was the 8th annual Women@SIMI in conjunction with sponsor Bank of Ireland, held in the Conrad Hotel Dublin. Over 170 professional women from a variety of different sectors within the industry heard experiences and advice from Ms Hendron, guest speaker Louise Grubb of Trivium Vet and serial life science entrepreneur, and guest speaker Norah Casey, journalist, entrepreneur, and human rights campaigner. The event was compered by broadcaster Mary Kennedy. Louise Grubb urged her audience to be innovative, encouraging of their team, and not to be afraid to take opportunity. Norah Casey spoke of finding internal resilience to move forward and being prepared to create something new and different. Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance, said...

Specialist electric commercial vehicle maker B-ON is to go on sale in Ireland from later this year, writes Brian Byrne . The company's four-vehicle lineup will be distributed by International Motors Limited, who already market Subaru and Ora brands here. The B-ON Max and Giga models are aimed at emissions-free urban delivery customers. Each model is available with box or chassis frame versions,  The company brings together all the elements of the electrification process including charging, telematics, service and maintenance, financing, and more through one single point of contact for the customer. More details closer to launch.

The iconic Cooper performance version of the BMW-owned Mini model range is going all-electric in the upcoming fifth generation, writes Brian Byrne . The new 3-door Mini Cooper Electric will be available in 182ps and 218hp versions, with a predicted range of between 300-400km depending on choice of battery. No acceleration figures have been provided yet, but the company emphasises the 'go-kart' style of handling. Since the launch of the first electric Mini in 2020, one in five of all Minis now sold are electric. Together with the Mini Countryman to be produced at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig from November 2023, the new Mini Cooper Electric is all set and ready to go for the all-electric future of Mini. The Mini Aceman will complete the new model family from 2024 onwards. 

Car registrations for year to date are 16pc up on the same period last year, writes Brian Byrne . Electric cars sales have increased by 46.1pc in the 4-month period. Light commercial vehicle registrations have increased by 25.3pc. By engine type, petrol accounted for almost 33pc of sales, diesel just over 22pc, hybrid 17.44pc, electric 16.66pc and PHEV 7.9pc. The top selling car in April was the Dacia Sandero, and the top selling electric car the VW ID.4.

Chinese auto maker BYD has been introduced to the Irish market with the arrival of their all-electric Atto 3 C-segment SUV designed, by German auto designer Wolfgang Egger with electric European customers in mind, writes Trish Whelan . The car is aimed at the compact family crossover segment and BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’. It will be followed by two other models in August and September. The Atto 3 is the first car to use the brand's dedicated electric platform bringing what BYD say is the latest in EV innovation in terms of safety, system efficiency, integrated vehicle intelligence and performance. It is powered by a 60.48 kWh battery with a rated 420km range (WLTP combined). The battery, styled 'Blade', passed serious safety impact and piercing tests, and is said to provide an efficient and longer range as well as more power density for optimum performance, including faster charging. The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.  Energy consumption is 16.3k...