The Confused.com London Motor Show will be hosting the world’s first Tesla-based producton Shooting Brake by QWest of Norfolk. Carbon fibre coachbuilding specialist QWest will touch down at the “automotive event of the year” from 17-20 May armed with its latest creation, which is based on the reputable Model S (90D) and to which it adds over 7cuft of luggage space but also makes it lighter … [Read more...]
Migrants’ action will impact UK supply chain
The UK’s logistics industry is demanding that the Government publishes the results of its Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations on the future role of European workers in the UK immediately, instead of waiting until its proposed publication date next year. According to the Freight Transport Association, waiting until the UK is on the point of leaving the European Union before deciding … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 December
The new MB S-Class Cabriolet will begin at £115,910. Engines include a choice of two V8s and a V12 with orders books opening now and deliveries commencing in spring. Mazda says Brits still enjoy driving. In a MORI poll Mazda was told 71% of drivers still want to have control even after autonomous cars are on sale. Motorists are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their … [Read more...]
Freight body tells MPs of Brexit concerns
The Freight Transport Association has warned the EU not to underestimate the massive challenge member states face when preparing their own borders for Brexit, along with the risk of long delays and disruption at European ferry ports. FTA’s Deputy Chief Executive, James Hookham gave evidence to the European Parliament Committee on Transport and Tourism as part of a public hearing on the impact … [Read more...]
HGV hours clampdown is unjust, says FTA
The DVSA is planning to clamp-down on HGV drivers who sleep in their cabs. But the get-tough policy and its £300 fine for each offence has been criticised by the Freight Transport Association. It says there is a shortage of designated and secure rest areas for HGV drivers and vehicles and some lorry cabs are more comfortable than the overnight accommodation. The FTA is calling for … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 October
Welsh Conservative plans for a ‘Green Card’ entitling all 16-24 year olds to free bus travel could get the go ahead, after the Welsh Government announced a consultation on concessionary bus fares. The announcement follows a Conservative policy launch and Shadow Economy Secretary Russell George wants the Labour administration to demonstrate its commitment to young people by extending … [Read more...]
Just in time for Wales’ Brexit deliveries
With the UK’s exit from the European Union now less than 18 months away, the role of an efficient logistics sector in delivering a healthy Welsh economy has been recognised by the inclusion of the Freight Transport Association at the first meeting of a new Welsh working group. The working group, assembled by the Welsh Economy Secretary Ken Skates, comprises representatives of key business … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 September
A near 50-model range of the new Volvo XC40 will begin arriving in the UK early next year. Their latest SUV will have a wide choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains in two-wheel and 4WD, and pioneer the company’s all-inclusive Care by Volvo rental package within the M25. Chemical company Ineos and its British founder Jim Ratcliffe says he wants to build a modern heavy-duty off-roader … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 September
Suzuki and Mazda are the latest brands to offer scrappage scheme discounts. Suzuki is offering up to £2,000 on selected models against pre-2010 cars before the end of this month and Mazda is giving up to £5,000 on chosen models before the end of this year. The haulage and logistics sector could be very badly hit by any proposed new immigration rules, says the Freight Transport … [Read more...]
Driver shortage in logistics sector
The freight and logistics sector is still suffering a shortage of skilled drivers. That’s according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA)’s July Quarterly Transport Activity Survey (QTAS), sponsored by Santander Corporate Banking. The survey, which asked the opinions of 6,000 freight and logistics businesses in the FTA’s membership, showed that almost a third of respondents were … [Read more...]