Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to automatically drive lorries have been condemned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart. A recent government consultation suggested that drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence, which allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes … [Read more...]
‘Wrong’ lights motorists face £1,000 fine
Since 2011 all new cars in the UK are legally required to have ‘daytime running lights’, or DRLs, that come on automatically when the engine is started. These low-wattage lamps are designed to increase visibility and reduce vehicle accidents during the day but in many cases the DRL system does not automatically illuminate rear lights. If you’re relying on DRLs on winter roads with poor … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 November
The government’s decision to introduce VED on electric cars from April 2025 has ‘polarised’ car buyers considering an EV as their next purchase, reports CarDealer. eBay Motors Group quizzed 2,000 in-market car buyers and found that nearly half (45 per cent) were not put off by the move but 37 per cent said the announcement is either making them reconsider or drop their plans to go … [Read more...]
Tradelines 23 November
Heading towards the first Lamborghini super sports ‘all terrain’ unveiling at Art Basel in Miami Beach, Automobili Lamborghini celebrates the Huracán Sterrato that arrives on the market in 2023. Conceived, designed and engineered to explore any terrain, the Sterrato is the forerunner of Lamborghini’s ‘Driving Humans Beyond’ concept: visionary working towards new horizons and inspiring new … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 November
Chinese car makers have Europe in their sights with highly specified, lower priced cars which come with the highest safety ratings as well such as the NIO ET7. Matthew Avery, director at Thatcham Research, a British car research centre funded by insurers and a Euro NCAP board member said the latest testing regimes had given top awards to a handful of Chinese makers looking to enter Europe … [Read more...]
QR code scam warning to motorists
Drivers are being urged to remain vigilant of car park scams that are on the rise across the UK as criminals target cashless payment systems. Many car parks now operate a totally cashless payment system and instead use a QR code scanning system similar to the ones that became widespread during the Covid pandemic. However, fraudsters have now begun targeting these systems in an attempt to steal … [Read more...]
Genesis X Convertible revealed
Genesis has unveiled its stunning Genesis X Convertible concept at a special event in California. The four-seater convertible joins the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe to complete a trio of bold design studies that showcase the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. Sharing its advanced architecture and state-of-the-art electric powertrain with … [Read more...]
Tradelines 16 November
The Petrol Retailers Association asked Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, to keep the 5ppl fuel duty cut introduced in March. Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA, said, “When every penny counts, it is crucial that the 5ppl fuel duty cut introduced in March of is maintained for families struggling with the cost-of-living-crisis that 5ppl will make a huge difference.” From 15 … [Read more...]
Shocking car thieves considered by drivers
Nearly a third (31%) of drivers would challenge a thief trying to steal their car - men 41% and women 22% and rising to 35% of over 55s, compared to 26% of under 54s. More than one in ten (11%) would also like to take drastic action to protect their car, e.g., putting an electric shock device on the car door to stop thieves men 14% and women 8%. The Opinium survey of 2,000 UK drivers by … [Read more...]
Net Zero Mobility Wales manager appointed
Dana Williams CEng (IMechE), is the Welsh Automotive Forum's new Project and Operations Manager, responsible for Member liaison and also the delivery of our Net Zero Mobility Wales project. With a 22-year career in the automotive and aerospace industry, she started as a graduate at Ford Motor Company (Bridgend), within Manufacturing Engineering, after which she spent 4 years at BAE Systems … [Read more...]