Chinese emerging car maker BYD grew production by an astonishing 211% last year to overtake Tesla and is well placed to begin European assembly, reports StockApps. com. As the car maker prepares to build over 2M EVs this year, StockApps financial analyst Edith Reads said, “BYD’s success is attributed to several factors, including China’s increasing focus on electric vehicles, the company’s … [Read more...]
Struggle to decarbonise needs Government push
If the logistics sector is to effectively decarbonise in line with the government’s 2050 net zero deadline more support will be needed to enable operators to do so, according to a new report by business group Logistics UK. The organisation’s Electric Vehicle Report 2023 demonstrates that factors including a lack of fiscal support and an inadequate public charging network are having a significant … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 May
Here are the first views of the next generation MINI family, with Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. Each new MINI model gains its own strong individual character that is expressed in distinctive design features, while exuding individuality with a clear brand affiliation and sustainable materials are another essential part of the new design language. Another Chinese manufacturer will be … [Read more...]
Newcomers from AC and Aston Martin
The stunning new AC Cobra GT Roadster has made its global premiere in London, before confirmed buyers and customers as the legendary sports car makes its sensational return. Available in left or right hand drive with up to 663ps, the 5.0V8 two seater soft-top will be limited to 250 models annually after four years of development and it’ll cost about £285,000. Aston Martin will unveil its new … [Read more...]
Rural Wales safest in UK for car theft
Motorists in West and Mid-Wales are the luckiest in Britain. Car theft analysis shows they are the least likely to have a vehicle stolen. DVLA statistics studied by insurer Confused.com reveals those living in Dyfed-Powys are the safest from vehicle theft, where just 22 per 100,000 cars are stolen. North Wales is only slightly worse with 37 per 100,000, possibly due to its proximity to thieves … [Read more...]
Parts, people and processes are slowing repairs
Service, maintenance and repair issues mean that fleets are facing excessive vehicle off-road time, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. Paul Hollick, chair, said AFP members buying SMR were regularly reporting a range of problems. Some of these, such as parts supply, were felt to be outside the control of suppliers - but others, including levels of communication, were more … [Read more...]
Tradelines 10 May
Responding to feedback from members, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has added a new EV Practical Fault-Finding course to its suite of high-quality, cost-effective skills training. The one-day course will focus on real-world faults that have been identified by IGA members as frequently affecting their customers’ vehicles and will be delivered at various RMI training locations, with the … [Read more...]
Self-driving cars steer cautious welcome
More than two-thirds of motorists (67%) are ready to start using self-driving cars, new research shows, in the same month that the UK’s first hands-free driving technology has been launched. Following approval for Ford’s Mustang Mach-E to use BlueCruise driver assistance, May’s Startline Used Car Tracker reports that 43% say autonomous technology would make journeys more relaxing and 36% believe … [Read more...]
Certified Recycled parts see booming demand
Motorists in the UK saved £99 million in 2022 by opting for used parts and accessories instead of brand-new replacements, according to research by eBay. The online marketplace revealed the impact of second-hand parts as it relaunched its Certified Recycled programme, which sells recycled vehicle parts from 81 certified sellers. Certified Recycled parts can be up to 70% cheaper compared to OEM … [Read more...]
Scale up charging or face consequences, Governments told
EV sales are rising across Europe but Governments must do more to provide an extensive public charging network to for travellers, said car makers body, the ACEA. Recent ACEA data confirmed that market share rose to 13.9% for battery electric cars and 24.3% for hybrid models. While China is currently ahead of Europe and the US in the electrification of the car market, the European market will … [Read more...]