Sports orientated Pontypool-made MS-RT Ford vans have won a national prize. What Van? of the year judges praised the Welsh business adapting Transit and Connect vans for its innovation and manufacturing facilities and culminating in a limited edition 40-strong MS-RT R185 Transit Custom. GMB members working for Carmarthenshire County Council highways have accused the authority of ‘dirty’ tactics … [Read more...]
Newcomers from Kia, Vauxhall and Suzuki
A new high specification ‘4’ grade has been added to the Kia e-Niro line-up, replacing the previous ‘First Edition’ model. Its standard equipment list is lengthy, and highlights include a new updated 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with telematics system featuring UVO Connect Services, LED headlights with bi-function projection, ambient lighting and a battery heating … [Read more...]
Grenadier steps up development of Welsh off-roader
One of the world's leading specialist engineering companies in off-road technology will develop the new Grenadier 4x4 to be built in Wales as part of a £600 Million investment. INEOS Automotive has announced an expansion of its partnership with global mobility technology company, Magna. Its subsidiary, Magna Powertrain, has been responsible for chassis and suspension development since the … [Read more...]
50mph permanent limit proposed for M4 around Newport
A permanent 50mph limit along the M4 around Newport has been proposed as an alternative to building a new motorway bypass south of the city. South East Wales Transport Commission set up to look at an way of improving traffic flow after First Minister Mark Drakeford axed the recommended new road on environmental and cost grounds said the lower permanent limit would be a "fast-track" measures to … [Read more...]
Councils ignoring car damage complaints
One in four people have damaged their car on either a speedhump or pothole, rising to almost one in three (30%) in urban areas. The Opinium research of over 2000 UK drivers, on behalf of InsuretheGap.com, found that over a quarter (26%), who have damaged their car on a speedhump or pothole, paid between £51 and £100 to fix it; a third (35%) paid between £101 and £250; and 8% said it cost more … [Read more...]
Hazards ahead so keep yourself focussed
As the Met Office predicts snow and below average temperatures this December, designated drivers for the party season are being urged to plan ahead and plan how to handle the distraction of noisy passengers. In car distractions led to over 4000 road casualties last year and there were 7 fatalities a month on average over the past 3 years caused by in car distractions, excluding mobile phone … [Read more...]
Repair don’t replace to cut costs
Allianz Insurance has launched a partnership with Plastic Surgeon, a specialist restoration company that focusses on engineered repairs to surface damage, rather than replacement. The partnership with Plastic Surgeon will bring many benefits including significant sustainability improvements, as targeted repairs will waste fewer materials. Since the project began in excess of a quarter of a tonne … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 December
Demand for the new Mercedes-Benz EQC in Europe is said to be behind a decision to delay the electric car’s debut in the USA. Tougher emissions standards for manufacturers by 2030 has led the company to stop developing petrol and diesel engines and ramp up ev production and the capacity will soak up models in Europe. An estimated 31.2m separate leisure journeys will be taken between today and … [Read more...]
‘Shambolic’ TfL train services in S Wales are criticised
South Wales Central AM, Andrew RT Davies, has criticised Transport for Wales after another weekend of chaos for commuters on the South Wales rail network. Local media said TfW was due to roll out 186 extra Sunday services last weekend but the franchise has been plagued by cancellations over the last two days. Around 30 services were cancelled on Saturday and 11 on Sunday which TfW said was due … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 December
Aston Martin wants to build “longer term relationships” with investors which may or may not involve an equity investment, as part of a funding review, Reuters has reported in media. Aston Martin reported a third quarter loss but is pinning hopes of a revival with the launch next year of its DBX SUV being made in St Athan, near Cardiff and unveiled last month (above) as well as a new luxury … [Read more...]