Some van fleet operators are discovering that replacement cycles can be stretched to up to eight years without encountering major problems, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. Paul Hollick, chair at the industry professional body, said that a range of new skills had been developed by fleet managers that were making these longer cycles operationally viable and economically … [Read more...]
Features
Car makers urge UK Government to boost EV support
The drive is on to transform motor manufacturing in Britain. The UK automotive sector has urged all political parties to adopt five pledges and supercharge its competitiveness as part of a dedicated industrial strategy – with a £106 billion prize up for grabs from now until the end of the next parliament. A commitment to transforming automotive production, giving confidence for all drivers to go … [Read more...]
£1.54 Billion bill for stolen vehicles but recoveries fall
Britain's oldest specialist motor insurance loss adjuster estimates that vehicle thefts are now costing UK insurers £1.54billion a year, with a further decline reported in the stolen car recovery rate. Claims Management & Adjusting Ltd. Managing Director, Philip Swift, a former police detective, said, “Vehicle theft costs to UK insurers increased again last year, up by £100m to £1.54bn. With … [Read more...]
Sustainable Cities Challenge funds announced
The Toyota Mobility Foundation, in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute, has launched a £7 million, three-year global challenge to help cities adapt to the future, with the potential to transform the lives of millions of people around the world. As cities grow and evolve, the challenges of moving people and goods in reliable, efficient, and inclusive ways have never been … [Read more...]
Europe in the slow lane of ‘green revolution’
Europe will dramatically drop behind America and China in the “green revolution”, said environmental group Transport & Environment. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said last year that she would create a new European Sovereignty Fund to help EU companies compete with president Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). But whereas the US is pumping $369bn (€340 bn) into key … [Read more...]
Citroen, Land Rover and Tesla “least reliable” – survey
Land Rover Discovery is the most unreliable used car, motorists have told What Car? Magazine. The 2004-2017 model scored just 47.8 per cent in the 2023 What Car? Used Car Reliability Survey, of 25,000 vehicle owners. Worst brand was Citroen and its Stellantis Group stablemates Peugeot and Fiat did little better. The most reliable used car in the survey was the Honda Jazz (2015-2020) which … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 June
All the EU’s four largest car markets grew, with the strongest gains in Italy (+23.1%), Germany (+19.2%), and France (+14.8%). From January to May 2023, the EU car market grew by 18%, to 4.4 million registered cars and BEVs jumped to 13.8% to 129,847 models. About 210,000 people will attend Glastonbury Festival this week, with nearly all arriving by road. Motoring organisations are advising … [Read more...]
Classics searches throw up surprises
You simply can’t beat a classic car, can you? Today’s models might be jam-packed with some of the most exciting new tech around, but the charm of a classic motor will really set you apart. From retro design influences to vintage engines and interiors, a retro car simply oozes class. But which is the nation’s favourite? Is it the Aston Martin DB5, James Bond’s wheels of choice? Is it the … [Read more...]
Tiredness tests backed by majority of drivers
Around 84% of UK motorists would back the introduction of new “tiredness tests”, similar to existing roadside drink and drug checks. June’s Startline Used Car Tracker research shows 35% agree that fatigue is an important road safety issue with 10% admitting to having almost fallen asleep at the wheel and 63% saying that they have driven following little sleep. A team of researchers led by Clare … [Read more...]
Engineers support Green Prosperity Plan
Leading electrotechnical and engineering services trade body ECA has welcomed the Green Prosperity Plan set out by Labour Party leader Keir Starmer in Scotland this week. ECA, which represents over 60,000 electrotechnical professionals in the UK, has long called for viable solutions to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable sources of energy, with its members at the vanguard of … [Read more...]