The European automotive supply industry, a vital pillar of the EU economy, is confronted with volatility and uncertainty from both their customers and upstream suppliers. Despite facing substantial headwinds, industry players maintain a cautious optimism, navigating through challenges and strategising for transformation. High levels of uncertainty surrounding new projects and EV demand in … [Read more...]
Government and National Grid are failing truck industry
Government should reform its dated Plug-in Truck Grant introduced eight years ago to reflect the progress made by the sector in developing new zero emission truck technology and help cut CO2 by 18.8 million tonnes a year, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Following billions in investment from manufacturers, there are now 27 models of zero emission trucks available to UK … [Read more...]
Kia is king among dealers, trade survey shows
Kia dealers are the happiest in UK, but Jaguar franchise holders are most pessimistic. Dealer satisfaction regarding current profit returns have experienced a slight decrease, with an average score of 6.1, down by – 0.1 from the Summer 2023 edition (-1.6% change) of surveys by the National Franchised Dealers Association. Assessing the trends, from previous DAS surveys, current profit return … [Read more...]
RAC report over 50% jump in potholes damage
The RAC attended 7,904 breakdowns in the first quarter of 2024 due to bad road surfaces, up 53% on the last three months of 2023, a clear sign that the UK is suffering a pothole epidemic as roads continue to crumble. Analysis from the driving services company shows it’s been far from a smooth start to the year for the nation’s drivers, with pothole-related breakdown numbers up by 10% in the last … [Read more...]
Audi A3 and S3 get extensive make-overs
Audi has further enhanced the design, technological capability, and material quality of its compact A3 and S3 model ranges through a comprehensive update programme that aligns their attributes even more closely with models from the classes above. Distinguished by a fresh new look, upgraded lighting, and an improved cabin featuring new infotainment and driver assistance advances, the latest A3 … [Read more...]
Hacks to save on EV charging
EVs are growing in numbers but money is tight so looking for ways to save when possible and charging and maintaining their EV is one of them. With this in mind, EV charging expert Chris Moniz at Volta EV has given his advice on 5 money-saving hacks when charging. “Charging an electric vehicle (EV) can be a significant expense, especially in the UK where electricity prices can be high. To help … [Read more...]
Used cars with hidden hit histories
UK drivers are at risk of making a huge mistake when buying used cars, as seven in 10 admit to not knowing what it means when a car has a category S or N insurance classification against it. This means the vehicle was ‘written off’ after being involved in an incident that resulted in an insurance claim. Being unable to identify these categories could mean many used car buyers are purchasing … [Read more...]
Weeked roadtest: Honda Civic Type R MY24
As we look down the road towards an all-electric future, enthusiastic drivers might want to refocus on the Honda Civic Type R. It’s been with us in a few shapes for a quarter of a century and its enduring appeal is undoubtedly its very driver-focused design and engineering which has steadily matured, not really grown up, just got better with age. We tested one version exactly 12 months ago … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 April
The RAC predicts petrol could hit 150pp litre and diesel 160pp litre as tensions rise in the Middle East over coming weeks. The motoring body said retailers had pushed up profits since January and this added £5.00 to fill up a typical car. Labour and Plaid Cymru have voted against a Welsh Conservatives' motion in the Senedd to roll back the controversial 20mph default speed limit and end the ban … [Read more...]
Wales must “future-proof” transport, says independent report
Wales needs a future-proof transport system to face up to the realities of climate change, but ambitious policies have yet to be matched in the scale and pace of delivery, reports the Institute of Welsh Affairs. A new report from the IWA says that Welsh Government is faced with a complex set of challenges, including encouraging take-up of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, … [Read more...]