MINI is going to the dogs, for the best reason. It's joined forces the Dogs Trust to ensure animals are cared for, carried safely and enjoy their time with owners, particularly as ownership numbers have dramatically increased during lockdown. Business group Logistics UK has called for government to review its decision not to grant temporary work visas to EU HGV drivers, in the wake of mounting … [Read more...]
Industry
London congestion charge hits weekend deliveries and drivers
Transport for London has opened a consultation on the future of the Congestion Charge after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. It is based on proposals to reduce the hours of operation to 0700-1800 during the week, 1200-1800 at the weekend and the charge remaining at the higher £15 rate. Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s Head of Policy - South, said,“Logistics UK welcomes the proposals … [Read more...]
UK site considered for new Rivian ev-models’ assembly
The Amazon and Ford backed Rivian pure electric pickup may be built in Britain at a new energy park planned in the West Country. The proposed Gravity Park a few miles north east of Bridgewater and adjacent to the M5 has been earmarked for the potential £1 Billion investment, reported Sky News. The project is being courted by German and Netherlands Governments as well so there is no guarantee it … [Read more...]
New Honda HR-V begins under £27K
Honda has confirmed prices for its all-new HR-V compact SUV. Starting from £26,960, all variants of this latest generation HR-V are equipped as standard with Honda’s advanced two-motor e:HEV - hybrid electric vehicle - powertrain technology, representing the latest step in the brand’s commitment to electrify all of its mainstream models in Europe by 2022. The range consists of the … [Read more...]
EVs too expensive for most buyers this decade
Mass adoption of battery electric vehicles is unlikely to happen by 2030, according to insurance comparison site GoCompare. Based on the current rate, EV uptake will increase over the decade, but the battery technology needed for mass adoption will not be available at an affordable price point. Lower-cost electric vehicles are set to reach a real-world range of 300 miles per charge within the … [Read more...]
Zombies are rising
You’re searching for a new model to buy — you narrow your search down to a select few motors that have caught your eye, they meet the specifications you’re looking for, they have powerful engines and fantastic handling — the reviews are superb. And then you find that they’ve been discontinued by their manufacturer, dubbing it a ‘zombie car’. Buying a discontinued model can plant seeds of doubt … [Read more...]
Riversimple hydrogen car gets investment boost
A ground-breaking hydrogen car being built in Wales has been given a £1.5 Million investment boost. The Riversimple Rasa two-seater project has secured funding from the Development Bank of Wales having previously confirmed its support for the Llandrindod Wells car maker. That follows help from international electronics business Siemens and a £580,000 investment from Angels Invest Wales with a … [Read more...]
Honda Swindon sayonara
Honda Swindon will shutdown today. The car plant opened 36 years ago and helped Swindon build up its town and workers lives so the permanent closure announced in 2019 will be a blow to all concerned and their UK supply chain. About 3,400 worked in Honda but it supported 10,000 components makers in the UK after it began making engines in 1989 and the Accord (right) went into production three … [Read more...]
Pingdemic is punishing motor trade
Recruitment issues and the need for self-isolation are causing staffing issues across the remarketing sector, reports the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Chair Philip Nothard said that VRA members were experiencing issues finding staff to fill all kinds of long-term positions, and that the problem was being exacerbated by the ongoing short-term demands of self-isolation. “Obviously, we … [Read more...]
Fuelling pressure on the Government isolation plan
The government announcement to exclude essential workers from self-isolation requirements if they have been double vaccinated should be extended to forecourt workers, says the Petrol Retailers Association. Gordon Balmer, the Executive Director of the PRA has said, "We are well aware of supply issues in shops, primarily as a result of workers who are part of the supply chain including terminal … [Read more...]