6:50 am, May 27, 2025
German court convicts ex-Volkswagen managers of fraud in emissions scandal
A German court on Monday convicted four former Volkswagen managers of fraud and gave two of them prison sentences for their part in the manipulation of emissions controls, almost a decade after the scandal erupted over the company’s rigging of diesel-engine vehicles.
The former head of diesel development was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, and the head of drive train electronics to two years and seven months by the court in Braunschweig, German news agency dpa reported.
Two others received suspended sentences of 15 months and 10 months.
Volvo Cars cutting 3,000 jobs to reduce costs
Sweden-based Volvo Cars is eliminating 3,000 positions to cut costs as the automotive industry faces challenges from trade tensions and resulting economic uncertainty.
The company said around 1,200 of the job reductions would come from workers in Sweden, with another 1,000 positions currently filled by consultants, mostly in Sweden, also slated for elimination.
The rest of the job losses would be in other global markets. Most of the jobs being cut are office positions.
BMW gives early look at upcoming M2 CS
BMW has released a series of early images showcasing its new M2 CS ahead of the car’s full later this week.
Photographed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event at Lake Como, Italy, the new M2 CS is expected to feature a range of enhancements that will make it even sharper to drive than the standard M2.
From the exterior shots, a large ‘ducktail’ spoiler can be seen alongside more flared wheel arches and CS-specific gold wheels which will no doubt be lighter than the ones fitted to the regular M2.
The weekend on Car Dealer
Dick Lovett sees profits tumble as car dealer ‘returns to more traditional levels of pre-Covid’
Dick Lovett’s pre-tax profits dropped 56.4% to £10.61m in 2024, down from £24.35m the previous year, as margins tightened and economic uncertainty impacted sales. Despite this, the group continued investing in its dealer network and training programmes.
Brayleys’ Dubai-based owners agree Johnsons Cars takeover after months of rumours
Brayleys owner Athenaeum International Holdings is acquiring Johnsons Cars, bringing 79 dealerships under one roof. The deal, finalising by June’s end, could create a UK ‘super group’, combining 21 brands and nearly 2,000 staff.
Lamborghini appoints new UK boss ahead of opening exclusive Mayfair showroom
Davide Sfrecola has been appointed as Lamborghini’s new UK boss, replacing Andrea Cavedagni. Sfrecola, who previously led operations in Japan, now oversees one of Lamborghini’s top markets and the upcoming Mayfair showroom launch with HR Owen.
Shanika Amarasekara to take top job at Finance & Leasing Association
Shanika Amarasekara MBE has been named the new director general of the Finance & Leasing Association, starting in August. She succeeds Stephen Haddrill and brings extensive experience from the British Business Bank, including pandemic finance scheme leadership.
Weekly Briefing: Why some dealers are worried about the rise of Chinese car makers
Our editor in chief, James Baggott, gives his views on the latest motor trade news all summarised in one place
Richard Pygott: ‘Subprime’ isn’t a dirty word and car dealers could be missing out
In his regular ‘Time is Money’ column for Car Dealer, First Response’s Richard Pygott explains why car dealers should not ignore ‘subprime’ finance customers.
Family duo from Vertu Nissan Widnes to complete charity trek in honour of much-loved relative
Two Vertu Nissan Widnes staff members, Chloe Sweeney and Jen Nicholl, will hike 13 miles in the Lake District on May 31 to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society, inspired by Jen’s mother’s dementia diagnosis. They’ve surpassed their £200 goal.
President Donald Trump says Vladimir Putin ‘has gone absolutely crazy’
President Donald Trump made it clear he is losing patience with Vladimir Putin, levelling some of his sharpest criticism at the Russian leader as Moscow pounded Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles for a third-straight night.
‘I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!’ Mr Trump wrote in a social media post on Sunday night.
Mr Trump said Mr Putin is ‘needlessly killing a lot of people’, pointing out that ‘missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever’.
Four children among injured after car ploughs into Liverpool parade crowd
Four children were among about 50 people injured in a ‘horror’ incident after a car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade, with one youngster seriously hurt.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the ‘horrific incident’ was not being treated as terrorism following the arrest of a 53-year-old man at the scene.
The force said the suspect was the driver of the car, white, British and from the Liverpool area.
Weather outlook…
Today is expected to bring unsettled weather with periods of moderate to heavy rain, particularly in southern and western regions.
Temperatures are expected to range between 12°C and 17°C. Winds will be breezy, especially along coastal areas.
Overall, anticipate a damp and cooler day with limited sunshine.
