The eagerly anticipated 2026 FIA European Rally Championship will begin with the 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site from 17 - 19 April and comes to Wales in September. Using all-asphalt stages, the spectacular event in southern Spain, an ERC newcomer in 2025, replaces Rally Hungary as the first of what will now be a … [Read more...]
EV claims doubled under RAC Warranties last year
A £22,954 claim approved by RAC Warranty for a replacement engine and gearbox on a 2020 Audi was the largest claim paid out by the organisation last year. Claims paid out on electrical vehicles doubled in the same time. Lee Coomber, RAC client director at Assurant, which partners with the RAC in the aftersales sector, said that higher value claims of this … [Read more...]
Businesses leasing more EVs
Almost half (49.16%) of new cars, vans and trucks added to epyx’s 1link Service Network in December were battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – the highest percentage yet recorded. The company says the figure is a useful representation of current fleet acquisition, with the platform supporting service, maintenance and repair (SMR) management for 4.9 million UK … [Read more...]
MB EQC most likely to fail MoT
New car first-time MoT test failures have thrown up a few surprises. Top of the list was the Mercedes-Benz EQC, an electric SUV, with a first-time MOT fail rate of 17.2%. Just over 4,000 checked in for an MoT last year, and of those 717 failed. Both electric and internal combustion engine cars feature in the top 20, with the Ford Tourneo Custom just … [Read more...]
Law firms are facing possible action from the FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned law firms representing clients involved in motor finance commission claims they must act in the claimants' best interest and not charge exorbitant exit fees. The watchdog has teamed up with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to make sure that all rules are being followed, as claims continue to build up and say … [Read more...]
Tesla changing plans and model drive
Tesla is turning away from cars to concentrate its autonomous Cybercab and robotics business. It has confirmed no current plans to expand its vehicle range, other than build a niche roadster, reports Fleet News. The financial results for Q4 saw a 3% drop in revenues to $24.9 billion (£18.2bn), while the business also saw a 61% year-over-year decline in net … [Read more...]
Amazon Autos poised for UK 2026 launch
Buyers and sellers will be able to use a new outlet stream this year, Amazon Autos. The on-line mega company is aiming to shake up the established British market place and lining up potential partners. The prospect of a new place to buy and sell cars in Britain was revealed by the Car Dealer on-line car site. Amazon Autos – a rival to Autotrader – is set … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skywell BE11 LR
Competition in the UK car market is tough, very tough, and Chinese brand Skywell is ramping up the challenge. Introduced early 2025, it quickly realised it had to raise its game and this year intensified its sales drive with better driver technology, improved comfort and lower prices helped by ev-grants and importer discounts. There are under 20 UK … [Read more...]
Toyota top again for customer service
Toyota’s commitment to putting the customer at the heart of its business is reflected in the company retaining its position as the highest ranked automotive manufacturer in the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index – a twice-yearly independent report published by The Institute of Customer Service. It is the third time consecutively that Toyota has … [Read more...]
Drivers admit they don’t have foggiest idea about lights
UK weather is famously unpredictable, with conditions able to change from clear blue skies to heavy rain or patchy fog within just a few hours. When driving through these weather changes, knowing how to maintain visibility is essential for keeping yourself and other road users safe. A new survey of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by temporary car insurance … [Read more...]
