China fights tariffs on electric vehicles; Tuition fees will rise; Tory’s new top team; Suzuki’s First Electric Car – Car Dealer Magazine

Beijing files a complaint with the WTO over EU tariffs on Chinese electric cars

China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization alleging that the European Union improperly imposed anti-subsidy tariffs on new Chinese-made electric vehicles.

China’s diplomatic mission to the WTO said on Monday it “firmly opposes” the measures and insisted its move was aimed at protecting the electric vehicle industry and supporting a global transition to greener technologies.

The European bloc announced last month it was imposing import tariffs of up to 35% on electric vehicles from China, arguing Chinese exports were unfairly driving down EU industry prices.

Suzuki unveils its first electric car, the e Vitara SUV

Suzuki has taken the wraps off its first electric car with the launch of the new e Vitara SUV.

This new model is 100mm longer and has a 200mm longer wheelbase than the previous combustion engine Vitara, providing more space for passengers inside.

e Vitara will be manufactured at Suzuki’s plant in Gujarat, India and sold in various global markets.

Sir James Dyson says Labor is ‘killing family businesses’ with inheritance tax

Billionaire inventor Sir James Dyson has criticized the Government for “gutting” UK family businesses with inheritance tax measures announced in last week’s Budget.

The businessman warned that small firms and start-ups would “suffer” and that private equity and public companies would avoid taxation.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves used her first Budget to make changes to inheritance tax, including cuts to relief for agricultural and commercial properties from April 2026, in a bid to raise more funds for the public sector.

Tuition fees at universities in England will rise to £9,535 next year

Tuition fees in England will rise to more than £9,500 next year to “secure the future of higher education”, the Education Secretary has said.

Bridget Phillipson said increasing the maximum tuition fee for domestic students from £9,250 to £9,535 next year “was not an easy decision”.

University tuition fees will rise for the first time in eight years to help universities facing “severe financial challenges”, the education secretary has said.

Jaguar has stopped selling its current-generation models in the UK as it prepares for a luxury car relaunch in 2026 with new electric vehicles based on the JEA EV platform. Production of models such as the XE, XF, F-Type, E-Pace and I-Pace has ended or will end by December 2024. Jaguar is looking to reposition itself by opening exclusive boutiques in major cities and new premium models, while existing customers can continue to have their cars serviced at JLR dealerships.

Polestar UK managing director Matt Galvin has criticized the UK government for insufficient incentives for electric vehicles, calling it the “worst supported electric vehicle market” in Europe. He calls for measures such as VAT cuts on new electric cars and public charging, highlighting the need to overcome “charging anxiety” rather than range anxiety. Galvin also spoke about Polestar’s expansion plans to double its retail footprint in the UK to improve the customer experience. In response, the Department of Transport reaffirmed its commitment to helping the transition to electric vehicles by 2030.

Stratstone has permanently closed its Mercedes-Benz dealership in Bradford, West Yorkshire, ending more than 70 years of business as the company restructures under new owner Lithia Motors. Acquired through the £397 million purchase of Pendragon’s UK retail assets, Lithia has made various changes including cutting 250 jobs by closing the CarShop brand in April. The Bradford dealership, which opened in 1953, notified customers by email of its closure, providing information on financing and vehicle servicing options.

Pat Kirk Nissan dealership in County Tyrone has teamed up with Strabane and District Caring Services (SDCS) to support sustainable food supplies with an electric Townstar van. The all-electric van, created through a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, will serve SDCS’s new Meals on Wheels program for vulnerable local people. Chris McDade of SDCS expressed enthusiasm for the vehicle’s range and low running costs, noting the excellent service provided by Pat Kirk Nissan, especially Sales Manager James McDermott, who helped tailor vehicle selection to their operating needs.

Cap HPI is restructuring by consolidating its vehicle data and assessment teams under the leadership of Senior Director of Data Stacey Ward to improve operational agility and responsiveness to customer demands. Ward, who has held various positions at parent company Solera, will lead the new combined teams. Chris Plumb will lead the vehicle valuation team following the departure of Derren Martin, while Dylan Setterfield will remain head of predictive strategy and Dionne Hanlon will take over commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

Lloyd Motor Group has acquired the Stratstone Tyneside BMW and Mini dealership, expanding its presence in the north of England. The site, now called Lloyd North Tyneside BMW and Mini, is located near the Silverlink retail park in Newcastle. The family-owned company, which already operates BMW, Mini and bodyshops in Newcastle, plans to hire 18 new staff in a variety of roles. The purchase caps a year of growth for Lloyd, which recently launched Lloyd Select Newcastle for used car sales.

Jenrick accepts role as shadow justice secretary in rival Badenoch’s top team

Robert Jenrick has accepted the role of shadow justice secretary in the senior team of his former leadership rival Kemi Badenoch, the PA news agency reports.

The new Tory leader has also chosen Dame Priti Patel as his shadow foreign secretary and Mel Stride as his shadow chancellor. All three stood as candidates against Ms Badenoch in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.

It is understood that the opposition leadership appointments are an attempt to unite the various factions of the Conservative Party after a long internal election battle.

HSBC UK warns nearly two million customers about gold scam

A major bank is warning people to beware of a scam involving buying gold and handing it over to criminals for “safekeeping”.

HSBC UK said it would contact some customers to highlight the “worrying trend” of scammers targeting older customers.

Fraudsters are asking people to help with fake police investigations, which involve the buyer withdrawing cash, buying gold and handing it over to the criminals under the pretense that it is in storage and will be returned.

Markets

The FTSE 100 ended higher after a generally cautious session, with uncertainty surrounding the US election clouding global trading.

The UK index ended the day up 7.09 points, or 0.09%, to end the day at 8,184.24.

Elsewhere in Europe, performance in other major markets was slightly weaker as large multinationals were hit by stronger currencies against a weak dollar. The Cac 40 ended the day down 0.5% and the Dax index was down 0.47%.

Weather forecast…

Today is expected to be cool and generally stable, with widespread clouds and moderate winds across much of the country.

Temperatures will be seasonally cool, ranging from 10°C to 12°C, with a low chance of precipitation.

Winds will vary but are expected to be relatively light in most areas.