About 17,086 UK motorists are still paying tax on vehicles listed as stolen. The figures were revealed under a A Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency by the UK’s oldest specialist motor insurance loss adjuster, Claims Management & Adjusting. According to DVLA data for September 2023, of 54,804 vehicles recorded as stolen, almost a third (31.18%) are … [Read more...]
Finance News
Families turn backs on electric cars
The UK new car market grew 21.0% in September with 272,610 registrations in the month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The 14th consecutive month of growth was also the second busiest of the year after March, with the new number plate delivering its traditional market surge despite a challenging economic backdrop. Growth continued to be driven by large fleets, which … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 October
The 20mph speed limits introduced on roads in Bath have caused an increase in the number of deaths or serious injures since the change, according to a council report and local media. Bath and North East Somerset Council has reviewed the lower speed limits and found there has been an increase in incidents in most areas where the change was imposed as people are “less diligent” when walking and … [Read more...]
Weekend review: Old dogs & new tricks
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...]
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...]