The Petrol Retailers Association has warned that electricity rises will affect their costs and possibly lead to further increases in pump prices. It is extremely concerned about rising energy costs and their implication as costs associated with operating a forecourt will triple, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, who has urged Government action to stem the … [Read more...]
Industry
Weekend roadtest: Lexus UX 300e Premium Plus
Lexus has always been the quiet executive car brand and reaches a new level of refinement with its UX 300e pure battery version of the existing hybrid SUV. Some 15 years experience building hybrid cars were brought to bear when it created the UX 300e and it lacks nothing its stablemates have but adds 2020s propulsion, safety and communications technology. There are four versions with the … [Read more...]
Car production improves but issues remain
Though the outlook is beginning to look more positive as production levels rise for the third month in a row and the industry shows signs of recovery, persistent issues will continue to cause turbulence in the coming months, said Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine means the well-documented semiconductor shortage is continuing to cause … [Read more...]
Easing off & driving abroad
As the school holidays end and Brits head home, it's the perfect time for taking an autumn break and driving abroad before winter sets in. Picture yourself driving under the wild Spanish sun, through the Black Forest of Germany, or along the coastline of the French Riviera. Windows down, you can feel sunshine on your face and a warm breeze, with your favourite playlist on full blast. Europe is … [Read more...]
Toyota reveal hydrogen powered GR Yaris at WRC
Toyota President Akio Toyoda, aka “Morizo” drove the GR Yaris H2―a special hydrogen-engine version of the Toyota GR Yaris―in a demonstration run during Rally Belgium, the ninth round of the World Rally Championship last weekend. It was the first time Toyota had shown an under-development hydrogen-engine vehicle on public roads outside Japan. … [Read more...]
Damning skills shortage must be addressed, says IMI
The IMI predicts a 160,000 shortfall of workers in the UK automotive sector by 2031 based on figures from its Automotive Sector Employment report. "We’re trying to turn the tide. We’re lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector to invest in addressing the shortage of qualified EV technicians, and the majority have stepped up to the challenge. But our latest report … [Read more...]
As the 72-plate looms, take advice on getting a good deal
The 1 September sees the second vehicle plate change of 2022 in England, Wales and Scotland, with the arrival of the new “72” vehicle registration. A car is often the second most significant purchase after buying a property and The Motor Ombudsman dedicated to the automotive sector is highlighting ten handy tips for motorists when looking to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle. Shop around … [Read more...]
Fleets see savings in EVs
Cost advantages and lower environmental impact head the list of reasons why UK businesses are electrifying their company cars, suggests research from the latest Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer. The factors mentioned by fleet and mobility decision makers in the research were topped by reduced fuel expenses (66% of those questioned – up from 54% in 2021) and, in second place, tax incentives … [Read more...]
Mixed signals in bus and cv sales, say manufacturers
SMMT released its second quarter registration figures for the HGV, Bus and Coach sectors, and mixed signals could be found. The UK new bus and coach market grew slightly by 0.6% to 1,066 units, with the good news that single-deck buses were up 65.3%, while double deckers – which represent a greater share of the market – fell by -24.9%. While ridership levels have gradually been improving since … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 August
The Swedish electric performance car company Polestar confirmed plans to put their electric roadster concept into production. The production car is expected to launch in 2026 as the Polestar 6 electric performance roadster and interested customers can now reserve a car online. Latest research shows that an increasing number of young Brits are bracing themselves for the huge … [Read more...]