The DVLA contact centre will be closed from 24 December to 27 December inclusive and on 1 and 2 January 2023. On-line services will continue over the holiday period. A buzzing live auction of 100 much-loved automotive icons from yesteryear will add yet another exciting new dimension to next year’s eagerly-anticipated The London Classic Car Show 24-26 February. After a two-year enforced break, … [Read more...]
Stellantis stuck in shipments row
Stellantis appears to be manipulating the new car market and making buyers pay for it. The trade press has reported the massive PSA/ Fiat/ Vauxhall conglomerate has been making dealers register cars still on their way or in logistics hubs but not on the road in the hands of their buyers. Motorists have also been made to pay for the cars in advance or lose the order and racked up finance … [Read more...]
Fleets must deliver greater value than before
Electrification and the impact of the recession look set to be the key fleet issues of 2023, the Association of Fleet Professionals is predicting. Chair Paul Hollick said that that businesses would be looking to fleet managers to deliver more value than ever, especially when it came to cost control and carbon savings. “Next year is going to be a tough one, no question, and there will be … [Read more...]
Tradelines 14 December
BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway is showing his true grit this winter after Cardiff Council named a new snow clearing vehicle after him. The Derek Brr-ockway gritter has gone into service with encouragement from the Barry-born broadcaster, who said, "I've always wanted to be a weatherman but I never thought I'd have a gritter named after me, this is really special. I'm very honoured." A … [Read more...]
Worst ever winter breakdowns, said RAC
The RAC yesterday coped with over 12,000 breakdown calls in what it said was the ‘worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail’. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said, “Yesterday was officially our busiest day for breakdowns on record, with around 12,000 drivers needing help, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day. Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t … [Read more...]
Ten most common driving test failures
It’s rare to pass the driving test without picking up a few faults. And it’s not just the serious or dangerous mistakes you need to worry about, Go.Compare said after looking at the results. If you add up 15 minor faults, or make the same one three times, you’ll fail your test. But which mistakes do learners make the most? Scotland wins hands down for the highest pass rates in … [Read more...]
Porsche and JLR knocked for reliability
Porsche has been named the most unreliable marque according to Warrantywise. Joining it is a range of premium luxury passenger car makers; proving that despite a high price tag, even for a used car, luxury cars could also cost owners more in the long run. Analysing over 131,000 extended car warranty plans, the Reliability Index places Porsche as least reliable used car marque - scoring a mere … [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...]
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...]
Drivers in Wales face tougher breath testing regime
Drivers in Wales are being warned they are around two and a half times more likely to be breath tested this December than any other month. Analysis of Home Office data by personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense shows that in December last year, Welsh Police stopped 3,344 motorists suspected of drink driving. That compared with 1,375 in an average month. South Wales led the way with 1,165 tests, … [Read more...]