The speed of change for the automotive industry is accelerating and also diversifying, according to the latest analysis by the car maker's component suppliers body. The results of the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey reflect the expectations of automotive suppliers and provides an outlook into an increasingly volatile business environment, with the Russia-Ukraine crisis exacerbating an already … [Read more...]
EVs beyond reach for 1-in-5 motorists
Almost 20% of the UK cannot afford even the cheapest electric vehicle through finance. The study by car insurance experts CarInsurance.ae used ONS survey data to compare the average monthly income in each area with the estimated cost per month of financing a new electric car. The study based the figures on the 20/4/10 rule for financing a car, which recommends a 20% deposit, a four-year loan, … [Read more...]
Government boost for evs, but critics say it’s inadequate
There will be a massive rise in electric vehicle charging points, the Government has announced, but critics say its still insufficient, Concerns have been expressed for rural communities and where motorists do not have direct access to chargers outside their homes The number of electric vehicle charging points will reach 300,000 by 2030 under government plans and when sales of petrol and diesel … [Read more...]
GB experts develop autonomous safety ratings
Accident experts in Britain are working on the world’s first rating system for the safety of autonomous cars. Crash testers at Thatcham Research outside Reading have worked with global systems engineers, car makers and the Law Commission to draw up the safety ratings which could be applied to models in the same way as the familiar Euro NCap stars. The development comes as Mercedes-Benz in … [Read more...]
UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is back
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event presented by Automechanika Birmingham provides the first opportunity for the industry to meet face to face on this scale since 2019 and get hands-on, learn, network and prepare for the fast-evolving landscape of the automotive industry. With just under three months to go until the inaugural event, exhibitors are giving a glimpse of what visitors can expect to see … [Read more...]
Five ways to save fuel and electricity costs
A five point plan to control spending on petrol and diesel has been issued by FleetCheck as prices reach record levels in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software company, said that fleets should adopt some form of strategy because it appeared the conflict was unlikely to resolve quickly. “The terrible situation in Ukraine is something that is … [Read more...]
Government urged to speed up pollution cut
Government’s plans to reduce one of the most harmful types of air pollution do not go far enough or fast enough, according to the chief executive of a green technology company which has developed technology to help tackle the problem. George Eustice, the environment secretary, has proposed that the limit on fine particulate matter in England should be cut by 2040 from an annual average of 20 … [Read more...]
Wales’ secondary roads are crumbling away
The local roads repair backlog tops £600 million in Wales, reports this year's ALARM survey. The backlog of carriageway repairs to local roads in Wales is now £640 million, compounded by increased costs caused by rising inaction, reports this year’s Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance survey. The ALARM survey, published today by the Asphalt Industry Alliance highlights the scale of the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 16 March
Next month sees introduction of the Kia Sportage PHEV model, the latest in the new Sportage line-up. Its pure electric driving range is 43 miles, enough for the average daily commute without using its 265ps 1.6 litre petrol engine, and that gives it a 25gkm emissions figure attracting just 8% BIK while it’s priced from £38,395 for its four trim levels. Petrol and diesel continues its upward … [Read more...]
Motorists reconsidering ev options for new cars
The latest survey of 300 UK motorists by Venson Automotive Solutions revealed that the anticipated 54% rise in electricity and gas bills next month is impacting car buyers’ decisions on switching to electric vehicles. Although electrified vehicles accounted for more than a third of all new cars leaving dealerships in February, Venson’s survey showed that a third of motorists currently exploring … [Read more...]