Traditional mechanical parking brakes are slackening their appeal and dying out as car manufacturers ditch them in favour of electronic parking brakes, according to CarGurus. It found that just 24% of new cars on sale in the UK today come with a manually operated handbrake, falling even further from 30% recorded last year. Some popular models, including the BMW 1 series and 3 … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend plant closure and its Welsh legacy
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant closes down today after 40 years but its legacy is being set out for the future. Ford has been part of Bridgend and a major contributor to the Welsh economy and automotive industry for over 40 years so the full impact of the company’s decision to leave the town will be felt throughout the local economy and community for a long time to come, said Ken Skates MS, Minister … [Read more...]
EU risks undermining national low carbon drive
The -55% climate target announced last week makes the EU Green Deal the most ambitious climate initiative in the world, said green group Transport & Environment. But European Commission president Ursual von der Leyen risks undermining her own efforts with a plan that would undercut national action to cut pollution from cars and trucks added the pressure group. Emissions trading would be … [Read more...]
Diesel engines get another knock
The European Parliament voted to end to the “licence to pollute” carmakers managed to obtain in the midst of the Dieselgate scandal. European sustainable mobility body Transport & Environment welcomed this outcome and called on EU governments to support this decision in the negotiations to come with MEPs. In 2016, carmakers managed to convince the EU Commission and Member States they were … [Read more...]
EU must support motor industry green drive
The auto industry supports the European Union’s long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and wants to play its part in making Europe the first climate-neutral continent. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association takes note of the ‘2030 Climate Target Plan’ unveiled today by the European Commission. “It is clear that the EU strategy needs to be reviewed and adapted periodically to … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 September
Daimler will pay a $875 million or £681.30 million civil penalty for violating US clean air laws as part of a $1.5 billion settlement with US and California regulators over excess diesel emissions in passenger vehicles and vans, two people briefed on the matter said. It relates to claims over 250,000 US diesel cars and vans after the automaker used software to evade emissions rules. Former … [Read more...]
Transport to escape carbon tax in Europe
Road transport should be excluded when the European Union expands its carbon market into new sectors, the bloc's climate policy chief has said. The European Commission will reform its carbon market next year and has raised the idea of extending the scheme which forces some companies to buy permits to cover their pollution, into areas such as shipping, buildings and road transport. "We're … [Read more...]
Petrol still dominates buyers’ preferences
Pre-lockdown, some 32% of UK drivers were planning to buy an alternative fuelled vehicle as their next car purchase, according to a report from Close Brothers Motor Finance. Drivers are continuing to shy away from traditional fuel types, with 21% planning on buying a hybrid car, and 11% opting for electric. Despite electric surging in popularity, petrol remains the most popular choice of fuel … [Read more...]
Tradelines 9 September
Seventy years after the original, a new Land Rover Defender Hardtop has been added to the latest model range with diesel engines and automatic transmission only. Seating three people up-front, the rear seats have been replaced by a lengthened loadbed with side access and a side-hinged rear door providing 1,355 and 2,059 litres of cargo space in short or long wheelbases from £35,820 OTR (ex. VAT) … [Read more...]
Mitsubishi Outlander is pointer to future evs
A new survey conducted by Kadence International global market research company on behalf of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has revealed the meaningful role that plug-in hybrids play in the transition to a future of fully electric mobility. The survey of more than 1,000 Mitsubishi drivers, split almost equally amongst plug-in hybrid drivers and those with conventional internal combustion engines … [Read more...]