More and more new names are appearing in the UK car market as it evolves into the electric age, but at the recent Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders annual southern test day for writers near Basingstoke it was two familiar names which caught my attention. The Nissan X-Trail has been a success in Britain for over 23 years while smart has been hanging around for even longer with a … [Read more...]
Finance News
Cost of living risks to road safety
With the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of lifting any time soon, TyreSafe is urging drivers and riders not to compromise on their safety. Tyres are a vital, safety critical component, arguably the most important for staying safe on the roads. Replacing tyres is costly but trying to save a few pennies can be a false economy. Ultimately, how well a vehicle accelerates, brakes and … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 October
Kia is bringing seamless Plug&Charge to its electric vehicles in Europe. Plug&Charge will be available with the EV9 upon launch and will gradually be rolled out to future Kia electrified models. This charging technology allows Kia customers to connect their EV with any Plug&Charge capable public charging station without additional identification or intermediate step needed to start … [Read more...]
Appointments
The National Motor Museum has appointed a new chair of its board of trustees to help drive ambitious plans for the future after celebrating its landmark half century. International lawyer Robert MacGregor, Senior Partner EMEA at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP), will begin his new voluntary role at Beaulieu on October 15. His passion for cars was fuelled by his father Ian MacGregor, a … [Read more...]
UK Automotive faces serious risk from foreign evs
The transition to electric vehicles is posing a serious risk to the UK automotive sector as global competition intensifies, says the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. For the industry to survive, the Government needs to provide more incentives to consumers to buy electric cars as well as greater support to vehicle manufacturers. In its report “UK Automotive Sector: Surviving the Net Zero … [Read more...]
EV vans confusion needs clarification
Ongoing confusion over regulations surrounding 4.25 tonne electric vans mean that the Association of Fleet Professionals is urging fleets to “step up” lobbying of the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles and the Driver Vehicle Standards Authority. In 2019, a special concession was created by the Department of Transport (DFT) for electric vans. Normally, an individual with a standard B licence would … [Read more...]
Skoda update Scala and Kamiq
Škoda has announced UK specifications and pricing for the newly updated Scala and Kamiq, now on sale. Both have uprated equipment and refreshed exterior and interior design, including increased use of sustainable materials. There are new interior design selections: Loft, Lodge and Monte Carlo with the Scala priced from £22,095 and new Kamiq from £24,030. … [Read more...]
Car making declines in UK, not good for EVs either
UK car production fell -9.7% in August, following six consecutive months of growth, as 45,052 models rolled off factory lines, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Typically the smallest volume month of the year with often variable summer shutdowns which can lead to large percentage variations, August’s output was in part affected by … [Read more...]
TfL chasing thousands of innocent drivers
Hundreds of drivers are being hit with charges and fines in error while driving in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, car experts have warned. Over the last three months, VRM Swansea’s Plates4Less team have been inundated with questions after many drivers have been issued fines in error and have been working hard to help clients challenge and overturn ULEZ charges that they should never have … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 October
In the week prior to Rishi Sunak’s announcement that the ban would be pushed back from 2030 to 2035, 42% of drivers planning to buy a new car said they expected it to be a low emissions either fully electric or hybrid. Following the announcement, Kwik Fit’s researchers asked the nation’s drivers the same question and found that the proportion planning to opt for a low emissions vehicle has now … [Read more...]