Luscombe's Leeds

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

A big week.
This week brings a by election that could have a real impact on all of us. At the same time, there are rumours of policy shifts from current leaders—talk of social media bans and electric vehicle targets being softened.

For some, it’s “about time.” For others, it feels like a late dash to win favour with voters.

Either way, while these stories grab headlines, the reality on the ground may look very different.

Take the idea of a social media ban—how would that even be enforced? We already struggle to police many of the laws we have. And on electric vehicles, even if targets are relaxed, manufacturers have already invested heavily to meet existing commitments. Changing direction won’t happen overnight.

Meanwhile, are these the issues people truly care most about right now?

And then there’s energy. Surely producing gas from the North Sea rather than importing it makes sense for the UK economy. Yet we’re told it wouldn’t make much difference because prices are set globally. If that’s the case, how do countries with large oil and gas reserves still seem to generate such significant wealth?

There are plenty of questions—but as ever, not always enough clear answers.

“In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.” — Yogi Berra

10/06/2026

Is the world really changing?
We constantly hear how the world has changed, and how technology is moving at breakneck speed—from the internet to now AI. But whilst many things have changed, and always will—as they did in the past, with things like outside loos and tin baths—there is, and I think always will be, a constant.

We are still a race that likes interaction with each other. We still like to meet and talk. Yes, it might now be via messages or social media, but we still need each other. Technology might streamline many tasks, and it might remove some of the boring, repetitive jobs, but that has been the case ever since the Industrial Revolution.

However, I think we still prefer—and enjoy—talking to people and meeting people, rather than dealing purely with machines. And maybe, in the future, just like record players have come back into vogue, there will be a bit of a backlash against too much tech. We may already be seeing the start of that, with possible restrictions on social media.

Perhaps even the rise in mental health issues is, in part, linked to how dominated we’ve become by technology. Years ago, the only way to meet someone was to knock on their door, see them at work or school, or—when we were kids—just play outside until it got dark.

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” — Christian Lous Lange

09/06/2026

🚗 We’re at White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds!

Come and see us this week and get up close with some of the latest models from OMODA & JAECOO, including:

✨ OMODA 5
✨ JAECOO 7
✨ The all-new JAECOO 8

Whether you’re actively looking for your next car or just want a closer look, our team will be there to answer questions, talk through the range and show you around.

📍 Find us at White Rose Shopping Centre
👋 Come and say hello!
📅 Mon 8th - Sat 13th June

🚗 Book Your Test Drive - https://www.picktime.com/LuscombesOmodaJaecoo

04/06/2026

Tech and safety.
Modern cars are packed with tech, some of which we’d quite like to turn off. But will we reach the point when tech actually stops us speeding? New cars already have speed limit recognition, and I’m sure the computers built into them could simply ensure the car won’t exceed the limit, which sounds like a straightforward way to make sure we all stick to it.

Sounds simple, but what about older cars that don’t have the tech? They could still speed, while your shiny new car can’t—hardly good for the economy, and it wouldn’t win many votes either. I suspect that even if it did happen, some clever computer wizard would find a way to update the software and circumvent it, and, as often happens, those who choose not to follow the law would override it anyway.

The roads already have a fair number of uninsured, unlicensed drivers, and plenty of illegal e-bikes and moto-x bikes being ridden without helmets. So, for now, our lawmakers are doing what they can to address those issues rather than adding more regulation, which would certainly be challenging. But don’t hold your breath for too long—the tech is already there to make it happen.

“Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.” — Jonathan Swift

03/06/2026

🔥 Last Stock of the Brand‑New MG Cyberster!
£10,000 OFF the retail price!

If you’re interested, drop us an email at [email protected] or call us on 0113 277 6099.

28/05/2026

Going green or saving money?
From sales and new car registration figures, we can see a definite increase in demand for new energy vehicles, whether full EVs, plug-in hybrids or self-charging hybrids. These now outsell traditional petrol cars, while new diesel sales are almost negligible compared with their peak of over 50% of the market before Dieselgate.

So the question is: are buyers wanting to be greener and help drive down emissions, choosing to make the switch before they are forced to, or are they simply trying to avoid the rollercoaster ride of petrol prices, which doesn't look likely to settle down any time soon?

An increasing number of motorists enjoy the benefits of full EV ownership, but there is no doubt that rising fuel prices have pushed running costs much higher up the list of priorities when choosing a car.

The increasing choice and value offered by new energy vehicles, together with a shortage of used cars caused by reduced new car production and sales following the pandemic, have also influenced the figures. Regulations and legislation will continue to encourage—or ultimately force—buyers away from petrol and diesel vehicles.

However, with the planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars still a few years away, the development of plug-in hybrid technology appears to have struck a chord with many buyers, offering the best of both worlds.

Time will tell whether the ban arrives as planned, or indeed when it finally happens. What is certain is that there has never been a greater choice of vehicle powertrains available. Whether petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric, motorists can still choose the option that best suits their circumstances—before that choice becomes more limited.

Environmentally friendly cars will soon cease to be an option… they will become a necessity.” — Fujio Cho