Diesel vehicle drivers are facing a possible £1,000 bill when they start up after prolonged lockdown, unless they take precautions, warns warranty company Motor Easy. Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO at MotorEasy said, “Throughout the three lockdowns, we’ve seen a spike in battery and alternator claims as a result of cars not being used as much. Batteries are not getting the chance to charge up like … [Read more...]
Most would steer clear of a “driverless” car
Driverless cars could be on the road as early as this year, according to a consultation launched by the British Government in 2020, and Apple have revealed they are planning to release a driverless car in 2024. The question is, is the public ready to trust driverless cars? Vanarama surveyed 1,000 members of the British public to find out. Despite the promise of the technology to be able to think … [Read more...]
Motor industry at cross-roads, suggests global survey
Car buyers around the world have different opinions on their next vehicle choice, according to an international survey by Arthur D Little researchers. The report entitled ‘The Future Of Automotive Mobility’ based on a survey of over 8,500 end customers in 13 countries shows that global automotive markets are currently at crossroads. While the study identifies that the internal combustion engine … [Read more...]
Radical shake up of MoTs suggested
The MoT test may need a radical shakeup to reflect the arrival of electric power and very sophisticated technology fitted to the latest vehicles. That’s the view of KwikFit, which test about a million vehicles annually and head of their service Eric Smith. He points out that currently hybrid models and battery electric vehicles are not tested for emissions and these and other cars have features … [Read more...]
Welsh hydrogen car gets Siemens UK support
One of the world’s leading technology companies has stepped in to boost plans and build hydrogen vehicles in Wales for global sale. Siemens UK has signed a memorandum of understanding with Riversimple, of Llandrindod Wells to make their Rasa car and a local delivery van. The car is already being prepared for trials with 12 drivers living in Abergavenny and the Welsh company installed a … [Read more...]
Kerbside charging essential to power up green drive
The Government has just announced a £20M boost for more EV charging, but incentives and technology to create kerbside charging should be laid out in next month's Budget, said the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that around 40% of potential electric vehicle users lived in properties without drives and providing them with some form of domestic charging was essential if the … [Read more...]
UK car making lowest in generation
UK car making slumped last year to the lowest since 1984, hit by Covid-19 interruptions and a collapse in demand for most of the year. The car makers' body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief Mike Hawes said it was a "dreadful year" but added that a comprehensive vaccination programme might restore buying and production. Output was 920,928 vehicles, a 29.3% fall on … [Read more...]
Brakes go on Bloodhound LSR attempt
Covid-19 has puts the brakes on the Bloodhound Land Speed Record project it was announced today. The multi-million-pound plan to smash 800mph on land to is looking for a new owner to take the team through to setting a new World Land Speed Record in 2022. In 2019, the Bloodhound team deployed out to South Africa to conduct high speed testing of the most advanced straight-line racing car in … [Read more...]
£100M new model and plan for Lotus
Road and racing marque Lotus is investing £100M in a new model and production facility. A new series of sports cars is confirmed with prototype production of the Lotus Type 131 to commence this year in Hethel, Norfolk. It is likely to be the last powered by a conventional petrol engine before an ev-powertrain is developed. The new manufacturing investment is part of … [Read more...]
Suppliers optimism and caution for 2021
Parts suppliers have started 2021 with mixed feelings of optimism and caution. Optimism, because demand for vehicles and components is picking up more rapidly than expected and the appetite for new, innovative technologies is accelerating. Caution, because the scars from 2020 are deep and the level of uncertainty remains high. Thorsten Muschal (above), member of the management of … [Read more...]