Electel Blogspot

One label for this post is "First and Last," but the subject actually is "Last and First."  In this case, the final pre- World War 2 Aston Martins and the postwar models when David Brown assumed ownership of the firm.  General Aston Martin background is here , that of the postwar "DB1" (a retroactive designation) is here , and for the 1950-vintage DB2,  here . Aside from modernized styling, postwar Astons featured the "A" form grille design that the marque has continued with detail variation until this day.  But even that feature had prewar origin in the form of a prototype/concept car, the Aston Martin Atom that was first displayed in 1940. Gallery 1938 15/98 Sports Tourer - Bonhams photo An example of the last prewar Aston.  Styling is 1933-ish, but still prevalent in late-1930s England.  The grille design was abandoned following this model's end of production. 1939-1940 Aston Martin Atom prototype/concept - Bonhams photo The idea was to ex

Ford Ireland is requesting the Government to extend the current VAT reduction to the end of March, writes Trish Whelan . Head of Ford Ireland, John Manning, says: “In this very tough environment, we need all the help we can get to boost vehicle sales and the continuation of the VAT reduction would be a great asset in this regard.”  The standard rate of Irish VAT was temporarily reduced from 23pc to 21pc for a six-month period from 1 September 2020 to 28 February 2021. Since 1987 when the year-based car registration system was introduced, January has consistently been the busiest month for new car sales in Ireland. Not so this year, as the latest Government Covid-19 restrictions will curtail the normal business activities of car dealers across the country for at least the first four weeks of January and perhaps for even longer into February. John Manning supports the Government moves to curtain the spread of the virus. “It will be really tough on our business as new car sales will now

Due to numerous Covid-19 lockdowns throughout the past year and uncertainty over Brexit, new car registrations for 2020 finished at just 88,324 units which is a 25pc drop on 2019 (117,109), writes Trish Whelan . Statistics released from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) also show New Light Commercial Vehicle (LDV) registrations in 2020 saw a decrease of 14.2pc (21,732) compared to 2019 (25,336) while New Heavy Commercial Vehicle registrations (HGV) saw a decrease of 22.3pc (2,066) in comparison to 2019 (2,659). Imported Used Cars saw 79,969 registrations in 2020, a decrease of 29.8pc on 2019 (113,926). Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are on the increase with 4,013 new vehicles registered last year in comparison to 3,444 in 2019. Other stats of note show a changing market place in 2020. Diesel accounted for 43.29pc; petrol 36.91pc, hybrid 11.86pc, electric 4.54pc and Plug-In Hybrid 2.78pc. Diesel remains the most popular engine type while hybrid, electric and plug-in hyb

Volkswagen Group Ireland retail dealerships will, for the most part, operate a 'Click & Collect' service for new car buyers during the period of the Level 5 restrictions, writes Brian Byrne . The Group's brands include Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Skoda, SEAT and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. In a statement today, VGI says the retailers can accommodate most customer’s individual wishes, with the safety of both retailer staff and customer alike of paramount importance. "With Ireland at a crucial and significant juncture in the fight against COVID-19, Volkswagen Group and its network of dealers have worked tirelessly to ensure that all services, whether essential maintenance or click and collect vehicle orders are provided in accordance with government guidelines."  

In 2005 I was car-shopping and briefly considered the Pontiac Grand Prix .  Didn't get around to test-driving one, perhaps because I was driving an Oldsmobile Intrigue and wasn't very interested in buying a similar car.  The car I eventually bought was a Chrysler 300. But there was one thing about the Pontiac that caught my eye.  It was the sculpting on the hood and front end.  Attractive and subtle.  Almost too delicate for the Pontiac's 1960-1980 image as a performance car.  Which might have been a factor in the brand's demise -- it wasn't macho enough for macho buyers. The hood and frontal detailing is so subtle that I found it difficult to locate images that do the sculpting justice.  One needs to actually view a car.  But take a look below and you might get a hint of the reality. Gallery Front quarter view of a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix.  Ever since 1961 Pontiacs featured a two-segment grille.  The version here has a shield-like outline.  Character lines extend f