Christmas and wintry weather are on the radar for many people in the month of December. But what does it mean for the automotive industry, vehicle dealers and the car enthusiast?
The automotive manufacturers this time of year will continue to build vehicles for the coming new year market. Some will offer new facelifts of existing models and call their offerings 2026 models.
Mercedes has been busy and has duly announced the launch of the brash G-Class cabriolet. Based on the current hard top model. This will be available in right hand drive form for the UK market. The cabriolet was last seen in the outgoing W463 Generation 1 model in 2018. Seven years on, it’s available again in a 4 door configuration with its electrically powered canvas roof. Engine options are to be confirmed but it is likely a V8 G63 will be made.
Vehicle dealers will have generally have end of year sales targets to meet, so good deals may be available for the potential car buyers. Buyers need enticing as buying a car is not usually the first thing on their mind in December. If you are in the market for a new car and have some time on your hands, it may be worth you taking a trip around some dealers – a great deal may be had. If you order a car, you may be able to negotiate it being delivered in March with the new plate registration.
Manufacturer’s models change over time adapting to trends and consumer demands. Jeep is making changes to its model line-up. The fossil fuelled Jeep Wrangler is being phased out in Europe, and the electric Jeep, the Recon, winched in. With its removable doors and four wheel drive, it has been designed to handle all types of terrain. Not sure when you would want to remove the doors, but it does look cool without them.
For the car enthusiast, if they own a classic or sports car, they normally save it for fair weather driving and the vehicle will probably be laid up in dry storage or outside under a cover. Driving it in wintry conditions will result in salt from the roads hogging the underside of the car which is not good for older cars that are not protected. This is another reason some classics are laid up for the winter months. However, cars older than 10 years have some degree of tech in them and do not take kindly to being laid-up! Wiring and electrics can become damp, the tyres if not rotated can gain flat spots and cloth roof linings can sag. The battery should be either disconnected or hooked up to a charger/conditioner.
Classic & sportscar meets and shows are at a minimum with just a handle of classics and their keen owners braving the winter roads to attend.
Have a Merry Christmas, drive safely this winter and have a prosperous New Year 2026 !
