Big Automotive news today, the possibility of a massive merger combing the forces Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or FCA and PSA Groupe. That's right, talks are being are held again with the possibility of merger talks with PSA who own Citroen, Peugeot, DS and recently acquired Vauxhall - Opel know, these car companies have been in talks over the last few months previously.
FCA has been trying to grow the empire and have held talks with Renault Groupe, talks broke down when neither of the firms could reach an agreement.
This merger possibility would build a car giant with a worth of around £40 billiion, a combo of many of world’s biggest car brands. Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Maserati, Lancia, Ram, Chrysler - while Groupe PSA who have recently upped their game with vehicles like the The French company owns Citroën, DS, Peugeot and Vauxhall-Opel.
PSA have also expressed interest in JLR, Jaguar Land Rover and also previously held talks with FCA. Carlos Tavares PSA Boss lead the buy of Vauxhall Opel, and is looking to expand the company.
PSA issued a statement this morning saying: “Following recent reports on a possible business combination between Groupe PSA and FCA Group, Groupe PSA confirms there are ongoing discussions aimed at creating one of the world’s leading automotive groups.
The merger has been approved and FCA and PSA are going in on a 50/50. It'll be interesting to see how this evolves the automotive giant.
This year the UK and the rest of the world world are going to need a good day out, as sadly, there have been many cancellations and postponements of amazing automotive events.
As of today the New British Motor Show is going ahead in August, this is straight from Andy Entwistle the CEO, therefore very good news.
So what better event than the British Motor Show? That's right - the classic automotive adventure is back and takes place over four days, thats's August 20th to 23rd at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre and it's going to be rather a big deal.
The first thing you want to know is the price: a family of four can attend for under £40, yes that's right, a family ticket for the event is £37 for you and your children (family tickets are for two adults and two children) and an adult ticket is £18.50, Trade tickets cost £10 and VIP tickets £100 - however, these will be limited to 500 and will include alot of things and that money cannot buy.
There are also concessions for students, military, emergency services and disabilities, also health care workers are being given complimentary entry.
Will we be there?, Yes of course Planet Auto will be there. We will be filming content as well as live broadcasts. We will also be giving away some tickets for our 5000 subscriber celebration on the Planet Auto YouTube Channel. We will hold off on this because of the way the world stands at the moment, as we want as many of you to get the chance to actually win these British Motor Show 2020 VIP tickets.
What's happening at British Motor Show 2020?
There will be lots of places to explore: Indoor and Outdoor Arenas, Car Owners Clubs, New Cars, EV's, you name it...and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Live celebrity stages will be a main part, and you can even test drive cars and buy new cars, there's also lots of live content and interactive displays.
The British motor show is changing, bringing it into this century with lots of interactivity, hands on experience, and a new era automotive event.
There wil be packed halls including new cars, you'll be able to see the latest models from lots of manufacturers and dealers, as well as new launches and new releases. You will be able to see some the latest vehicles that you've not even seen on the road.
Tech halls will showcase the latest autonomy, modifications, styling you name it, and the show is also going to push alternative fuels in a big way as well - yes petrol and diesel - which play a big part of mobility in the UK, however moving forward we are going to be seeing more EV's, hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, you name it.
A fan of Motorsport? well there will be lots to see, combined with the live-action arena, and there will be a range of cars representing motorsport over the years. Don't worry if you're a classic car fan, as there are lots of owners clubs to explore, everything from Mustangs to Fiat 500s, this means you will see the cream of the crop when it comes to classic gems.
Now to the zones: a clever idea for example is the EV zone. This will show you the latest electric vehicles even concepts, historic cars and technology as well, so you can see how electric vehicles and their technology has progressed.
Everybody loves a supercar, whether it's the Countach from the Cannonball or the latest Ferrari, with the paddock holding some of the finest and rarest vehicles in the world. They will all be on display for you to see.
We've been watching Retro EV's for many years - an LA company released a VW Betle with an electric powertrain some years ago, so expect to see this type of electrified classic car, and the retrofitting of EV power to classics. There maybe even be a certain electric JDM car there...
Now with any of these events, you want a nice place where the children can play safely, so there's a kids zone that's dedicated to the younger car enthusiast. Lego building slot car racing and much more.
Now everybody loves a modified car, and of course film cars and that's what the crazy car corner is all about.
No show would be complete without a place to buy things, and this is where the Marketplace comes in. Suppliers and product retailers - with styling, tuning parts, memorabilia, you name it. You can even get a poster of that car you once coveted...
Something that we've been seeing more of lately is automotive arts and crafts: they are even going to bring in a mystery car to be painted live - all this is and more under the Piazza!
The live stages are going to play a major part (and 500 VIP's can really get involved) there will be celebrities on stage, answering questions, taking part in guest panels, interactive sessions and lots more...
If you like the latest tech, the tech theatre is probably up your alley. This runs throughout the show, and delivers sessions dedicated to teaching you interesting aspects about the automotive world, with everything from myth busting to sorting out the jargon in your head. "What's an autonomous vehicle?" "How does an EV work?" "What's an MHEV?" And things like this.
You can look at beautiful cars, talk to people, listen to tech guys, and even see your favourite drivers demo in the live arena. You will also see stunt shows performed by Paul Swift and his team.
Thinking of getting a new car? Mike Rutherford will be heading up a celebrity group test panel, and he also offers some buying advice for people interested in purchasing one.
You can even test drive one that takes your fancy, using the internal 2 kilometre track. If you really like the car, you may even be able to drive a little further than that...
You can test hybrid, petrol, diesel and EV's - in fact, any car that's for sale, you can drive it!
Now, we did touch on the live content before, however it really is going to be something, and includes:
Paul Swift Stunt Show
Motorsport
Demos
Supercar and classic car parades
Mountainbike displays
Celebrity Q&A
Interviews
Live product demonstrations
Tech sessions the
Sporting bears with dream rides
A wall of death
Go-karting
Under 17 year old driving lessons - yes even if you're not driving age you can drive cars at this event
Drift rides
Simulators
And the list goes on...
Now automotive careers of late have been suffering somewhat. At the British Motor Show, why don't you see if you can find the perfect automotive career for you? This is a call to arms for all!
The show takes place from the 20th-23rd of August, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Today we witnessed some of the finest automobiles from across the globe all united on one stage, that being The City Concours, London. This is the first year that the automotive garden party as its dubbed has been held in the heart of London, however from the experience we had this certainly won’t be the last.
Our latest Subaru e-boxer videos for the Forester and XV from Latvia
What a great day namely for one of our cars, we'll get to that though - It's time for an update first things first our 1999 Honda Civic ek4 or Santa pod challenge car as its been dubbed has passed its MOT, it received one advisory for a tire that could do replacing sooner rather than later, not dnagerous though.
Mind you that doesn't matter because we are fitting some BBSs from the Mk2 Golf to it next week, they'll look cool combined with the livery, and apart from that it's all go at planet auto HQ.
We've lots of things coming up including:-
Subaru Levorg early next week and a roadtrip to Farnbrough.
Forester and XV e-Boxer models Latvia special Michaels last content for the channel
Youtube car Reviews being released ASAP are the MG ZS EV, Swift Attitude and New Subaru Forester
There's also lots of other cars coming up before Christmas including Mitsubishi, Honda, Vauxhall and Subaru as well as some heritage Honda cars to look forward to.
Yesterday afternoon the famous Goodwood hill climb was tackled by the likes of the Buggati Chiron and Rolls Royce Sweptail! Yes you heard that right the 10 million pound one of a kind bespoke coachbuilt marque, allthought it wasnt the fastest car of the day it certainly did turn plenty of heads. The 2018 Ford GT also made its debut with its 647bhp under the hood, defining the GT brand for the 21st century.
The London Motor Show has come to a close and its been bigger and better than ever before, crowds in their thousands turned out to see what the automotive world had to offer to the city of London. We saw everything from the new 2017 Nissan Micra to the Clive Sutton 800bhp Mustang upgrade.
There truly was something for everyone, a great selection of cars, food and entertainment. As car lovers we really did feel at home everyone was friendly, talkative and obviously had a real passion for cars,
NGMW