Automobili Lamborghini in collaboration with the LEGO Group has built a life-size replica of the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37, using over 400,000 LEGO® Technic™ elements. Following the launch of the 1:8 scale LEGO® Technic™ Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 last year, this life-size model replicates the limited-edition Italian super sportscar on a much grander scale. Using 154 different types of LEGO … [Read more...]
News
Newslines 11 June
Volkswagen will receive €288 million (£248m) in compensation payments after reaching a settlement with four former executives, including ex-CEO Martin Winterkorn and former Audi boss Rupert Stadler, over the diesel emissions scandal, reports Autocar. The settlement is a major step in the German firm’s attempt to move on from the Dieselgate scandal, in which it admitted using illegal software to … [Read more...]
Lack of trust in “driverless” technology
Almost half (48%) of drivers do not trust new driverless technology, with women less likely to trust it than men (men 43% and women 54%). Over 55s (58%) are more than twice as likely to mistrust it compared to under 35s (28%). The Opinium survey of 2000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a provider of Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance, found that only 9% say they would … [Read more...]
Overcrowded Welsh trains cause concern
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS, has demanded answers after images emerged of commuters being cramped, and unable to social distance, on trains across the Welsh rail network last weekend. Commenting, she said, “Ensuring there are top-notch safety measures to prevent COVID-19 is still more important than ever, yet images emerging of passengers being cramped like … [Read more...]
Record entries for Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship
This year’s Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship has received a record-breaking number of pre-season registrations – with 155 competitors already lined up to contest the six gravel round series in 2021. There is a strong entry in all 14 classes, including the Juniors (with a top prize of a test in a PCRS Rallysport-prepared Hyundai i20 R5, courtesy of OnThePaceNote) and … [Read more...]
Green for go with Nicky Grist Stages
Rallying has the green light to return to the Welsh forests, but without spectators. This year’s Nicky Grist Stages has been given the green light to host the first major forest rally in Wales for 17 months on Saturday 10 July – although one of the compromises in these unprecedented times will be that spectators will unfortunately not be permitted to attend, with an online streaming service … [Read more...]
Skilled EV workforce not keeping pace with new vehicle sales
Latest data from Institute of the Motor Industry reveals a chasm in EV skilled workforce compared to growth in BEV, PHEV and HEV sales. As the latest SMMT data shows that EV sales represent 23% of the new vehicle market in May, analysis by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reveals that by the end of 2020 only 6.5% of the automotive sector was EV ready. This is just a 1.5% increase on … [Read more...]
Post Coronavirus symptoms trouble trade
The recovery from Covid-19 continues to be the main concern for car dealers when thinking about the future of their business, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. Over a third (35%) of dealers surveyed in the Dealer Satisfaction Survey said that Covid-19 recovery and the potential for future lockdowns poses the biggest threat to their business in the next 12 months, while … [Read more...]
Tradelines 8 June
Apple is reportedly pushing ahead with its plans to build and launch an electric car in two years. Media report the technology company has been discussing battery manufacture with a number of potential suppliers but wants its power cells assembled in the US to boost jobs and circumvent any tariff restrictions or duties. As part of ‘Our Road to Tomorrow’, SYNETIQ’s new sustainability … [Read more...]
Diesel sales falter as evs power up
Diesel sales are collapsing around the country as registrations of new electric cars are growing. The ev growth is fastest in North East England and Oxfordshire , according to New AutoMotive’s monthly data release, the Electric Car Count, which tracks new car registrations in the UK. Ben Nelmes, Head of Policy and Research at New AutoMotive, said, “Across the UK demand for electric … [Read more...]