The semiconductor shortage that has plagued the automotive industry for much of the last two years may soon be turned on its head, says in-vehicle connectivity pioneer VNC Automotive, as a lack of chips critical for high-tech features suddenly becomes a glut. “It’s ironic that the very situation that triggered the shortage for much of the automotive industry should be driving the recovery, now … [Read more...]
Plan to save UK Auto must be actioned
The UK automotive industry has urged the government to take rapid action to secure the long-term future of one of the country’s most important assets, while accelerating its decarbonisation. The call comes as the sector finally begins to emerge from the pandemic-induced downturn, with new analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders suggesting its return to growth could be worth … [Read more...]
MB world first for automated valet parking
The world’s first automated driverless parking function has been officially approved for commercial use, with Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority green-lighting the Mercedes-Benz / Bosch automated parking system in a parking garage at Stuttgart Airport. Thatcham Research chief research strategy officer Matthew Avery said, “Mercedes-Benz continues to break new ground in Germany, with this … [Read more...]
Tradelines 7 Dec
Terry’s Auto Repairs, Wrexham, has been voted by customers as one of the best businesses in the UK Motor Ombundsman’s Star Awards. It was selected for organising same-day off-site vehicle collections and deliveries or customers. Building on its commitment to grow an all-electric vehicle range, Ford has invested a further £125 million in its Halewood Plant, on Merseyside. This will rise output … [Read more...]
What is autonomous or not
Thatcham Research has revealed further insights from its Trust in Automation study - which polled 2,000 motorists in the US and 2,000 in the UK – and found a significant disconnect between attitudes and behaviours on either side of the Atlantic. American drivers are more likely to a see a benefit to self-driving or autonomous technology than British drivers: 81% versus 73% respectively. However, … [Read more...]
Drivers steer clear of smart motorways’ concept
Half of drivers say they frequently or occasionally avoid using lane one on ‘all lane running’ smart motorways. It's a revelation that completely undermines the very reason so many hard shoulders have been permanently turned into running lanes: to increase road capacity. RAC research with 1,904 drivers on ‘all lane running’ smart motorways, found a fifth (21%) claimed to have frequently steered … [Read more...]
Welsh Tories step up attack on Labour roads’ policies
Welsh Conservatives have reiterated their opposition to 20mph becoming the standard speed limit in Wales following news that Labour-run Monmouthshire County Council will scrap the limits on two roads following congestion concerns. Commenting on the news, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS said, “What we are seeing here is the beginning of, what I suspect … [Read more...]
Become a hybrid hero, says Toyota
As the cost of living continues to increase with persistently high fuel prices, Toyota (GB) has put together some tips to help drivers get the most out of their hybrid electric cars, improving fuel consumption, so they can travel further for less. A new short film features TV presenter Grace Webb (above) explaining the Toyota Hybrid driving tips for best fuel economy. It’s not just hybrids … [Read more...]
Short-circuiting some charging myths on EVs
There are estimated to be over half a million battery-electric cars on the roads in the UK, which isn’t including the 405,000 plug-in hybrids that are also registered. And with plans from the British government to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, it’s likely we’ll see the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road continue to climb. Petrol and diesel cars have been … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 November
Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to automatically drive lorries have been condemned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart. A recent government consultation suggested that drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence, which allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes … [Read more...]