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...]
Education
Use it or lose it aptitude test confirms confidence
When it comes to driving, motorists must ‘use it or lose it’, research has revealed. A recent opinion poll of more than 1,000 UK drivers found that more than half (53%) know someone who they think needs to retake their driving test, with a quarter (26%) thinking that we should all have to retake our tests every decade. More men (58%) than women (50%) know someone who they think would be a … [Read more...]
Haulage companies back roads investment call
The Road Haulage Association fully supports the RAC report that links vehicle breakdowns to potholes. Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said, “Pothole-related breakdowns are bad news for all road users. However, the cost to road hauliers in particular is considerable. “Every day many thousands of deliveries are made to, and collected from distribution centres and manufacturers … [Read more...]
Suppliers call for reasoned debate on future laws
Car components' makers have called for a reasoned debate over future technology, legislation and implementation. The car supplier industry say technology neutrality has been the guiding principle for emission legislation in the transport sector. The EU has continually led the world with respect to automotive CO2 reductions, enabled by European suppliers and manufacturers constantly … [Read more...]
Monkeys used in diesel engine emissions tests
Monkeys were used in test labs to measure tolerance to diesel emissions, says the New York Times. It reported a Mexican laboratory had been using the animals to support research by a European body looking at health in the transport sector on behalf of some German car makers, but the companies have distanced themselves from the lab tests using monkeys and said they would not condone such tests … [Read more...]
Aston Martin seeking graduates for St Athan centre
The drive is on for the next generation of engineers to work at Aston Martin St Athan. If you are about to graduate with an Engineering degree and aspire to a career at Aston Martin, Cardiff and Vale College is hosting the iconic luxury British sport car manufacturer for a special recruitment evening on tuesday, 30 January. Aston Martin will be at Cardiff and Vale College’s City Centre … [Read more...]
Pothole damage to cars is rising, says RAC
RAC patrols attended 11% more breakdowns that could be attributed to potholes in the last quarter of 2017 than in 2016, according to the RAC’s Pothole Index. A total of 2,830 RAC individual member breakdowns were logged between October and December 2017 where vehicles had broken down due to damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels, likely due to poor quality road … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 January
Ford, BMW, Daimler and VW are working together on future recharging systems for cars. They want to streamline possible connections and offer standards which they hope other ev makers will adhere to by 2020. The eagerly awaited Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV will be shown to dealers and selected high profile customers this summer just before its public unveiling. Sales start end of 2018 and … [Read more...]
Row over “safer cars” claim by SMMT
New driver assistance technology is making British roads safer, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders - if you're lucky enough to have it fitted. The vehicle makers’ body in the UK says systems to reduce errors and accident severity are “available” on 70% of new cars, but the claim has been attacked by the insurers’ test centre at Thatcham which says 70% still don’t have standard … [Read more...]
Road kill figures released for Wales
Welsh Department for Economy and Transport said 444 animals were found dead on Wales’ roads in 2016 and 2017. But further research by Confused.com suggests these figures could be even higher, as 40% of Welsh motorists admit they have hit an animal while driving. Some animals are more likely to fall victim to roads than others. In fact, badgers were the most killed animal over the last two … [Read more...]