Ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) registrations shot-up by 125% during 2020 compared to the year before, according to new figures from the Department for Transport. There was more good news for ULEV manufacturers, with registrations speeding-up over the course of year, which helped put 179,000 registered cars on the road by the end of 2020. After ULEVs, alternative fuel cars enjoyed 87% growth, … [Read more...]
Features
Casual clothing can affect driving style and safety
Casual summer clothing can land you with a fine and penalty points if they affect your ability to drive. You could find yourself with a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points for careless driving if you wear inappropriate clothing that restricts you from manoeuvring correctly. If the incident goes to court, the penalty could go up to a £5,000 fine, nine penalty points and even a driving … [Read more...]
Summer safety campaign returns to Welsh roads
In 2019, the the last full year before lockdowns began, there were 595 motorcycle casualties, including 22 fatalities, on Welsh roads - prompting the return of the annual 'Operation Darwen' campaign as restrictions are wound down, writes Dave Moss. Focussed on reducing the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries across the country's road network, it's supported by all four Welsh … [Read more...]
Fleets focus on EVs for future models
Rapid uptake of battery electric vehicles is planned by around four in 10 fleets in the near future, according to research in the Arval Mobility Observatory 2021 Barometer. When asked, “What percentage of your car or van fleet will be 100% BEV in the next three years?”, overall, car operators answered with 42% while their van counterparts said 37%. The level of expected EV uptake within three … [Read more...]
Tradelines 12 May
Car leasing comparison website Moneyshake’s latest research highlights a significant shift in consumer behaviour with 82% of customers stating that they would now be happy for their new car journey to be completely online, reducing the importance of the traditional test drive. The emergence of online car marketplaces, car finance comparison websites and the growing presence of franchised … [Read more...]
Crash for Cash scams escalating, warn Fraud Bureau
The Insurance Fraud Bureau has released new figures confirming the UK’s top 30 worst-affected postal districts for ‘Crash for Cash’ scams. ‘Crash for Cash’ is a common insurance scam which sees fraudsters invent or deliberately cause road traffic collisions, often involving innocent people, to try and get compensation. The hotspots analysis confirms Birmingham remains the most prevalent area in … [Read more...]
Gordon Murray & £300M plan for automotive sector
The entrepreneurial Gordon Murray Group plans to significantly expand operations and a commitment to invest £300M over the next five years in the automotive sector. An exciting roadmap for future expansion of the Gordon Murray Group, has been announced today and masterminded by company Founder and Chairman legendary F1 designer Professor Gordon Murray … [Read more...]
Used car sales dented by disease controls
The UK’s used car market declined -8.9% in the first quarter of 2021 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. With 1,687,755 transactions, the overall decline saw large falls in January and February of -27.1% and -19.4%, as lockdowns depressed demand and again closed showrooms. March saw the market show signs of recovery with a 32.2% year-on-year rise, amounting to … [Read more...]
Drivers support motorway average speed cameras
More than half of drivers (56%) admit to breaking the speed limit on motorways with a third (34%) of those confessing to having travelled at speeds in excess of 80mph, research from an RAC reveals. Three per cent say their fastest speed on a motorway was over 100mph while 4% believe their top speed was 91-100mph. While the vast majority – two-thirds (66%) – state their highest speed on a motorway … [Read more...]
Sparks of realism needed for electric and hybrid vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles must become more affordable for consumers and more profitable for producers, according to GKN. For that to happen, suppliers must find new and better ways to make electric propulsion more economically viable. GKN Automotive’s technology roadmap focuses on reducing the premium for e-mobility, while maximising the benefits. Lower costs, optimum efficiency, NVH … [Read more...]