Analysis of the latest Government data has revealed the number of road accidents caused by defective brakes. Kwik Fit, the UK’s largest independent automotive servicing and repair company, analysed the data which has just been published for the most recent full year, and in an indication that roads are getting safer, found that the overall number of road accidents fell by 7.1% between … [Read more...]
Features
Sacrifices for a super-car or shopping car explained
The savings you would make to own a supercar have been probed. Compare the Market reveals that over 40% of car enthusiasts would consider cutting back on monthly spending to afford a luxury or supercar in the UK but how far would we really be willing to go to afford our ideal motor? The study revealed that 23% of female car enthusiasts would move back in with parents for a decade to be able … [Read more...]
“Autonomous” claims are off-track, say testers
Research shows that 71% of drivers around the world mistakenly believe they can purchase a self-driving car right now. The astonishing finding is just one of many worrying perceptions uncovered by the study, which also showed that one in 10 drivers would be tempted to have a nap while using a so-called ‘Highway Assist’ system, such as Adaptive Cruise Control. The #TestingAutomation study, … [Read more...]
Road safety push for cyclists and walkers
Safety group IAM RoadSmart said proposals announced to shake up the Highway Code to make motorists always give way to pedestrians and cyclists do not go far enough. It says there is a need to include longer-term measures to keep drivers and cyclists segregated in a safer cycling environment and for schools to include the subject in curricula. In a move designed to boost the … [Read more...]
Cars that read your mind are just around the corner
Driverless cars will become smoother and more intuitive after scientists developed technology to make them behave like humans. One of the stumbling blocks with autonomous cars has been their inability to interpret visual cues from pedestrians, making them overly cautious. So when a person begins to cross the street but changes their mind a driverless car might just just stop and wait. But … [Read more...]
Changes to EV subsidies will hit consumers, say SMMT
Government’s decision to cut the Plug-in Car Grant will have far-reaching consequences for consumers, the environment and industry, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Reducing the purchase incentives for zero emission cars by a third and completely removing the grant for plug-in hybrids is totally at odds with Government ambition to be the world leader in the take up of ultra … [Read more...]
Welsh & UK automotive supply chain sees Brexit lifeline
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders launched its new Brexit Readiness Programme to help the industry, especially SMEs in the automotive supply chain, prepare for the UK leaving the EU. With less than six months to secure a withdrawal deal and concerns of a cliff-edge on 30 March, the programme is part of ongoing efforts to provide support for small and medium sized member companies … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 October
The Wales and Borders rail service can be the best passenger rail service in the UK within the next 15 years. This is the message from First Minister, Carwyn Jones who will be on Pontypridd station today to mark the first full day of the new Wales and Borders rail services led by Transport for Wales with a £5 Billion budget to improve rolling stock, stations, information and passenger services, … [Read more...]
Snap – it’s time to swop !
A new generation of micro-cars with electric platforms but interchangeable bodies is being developed by Rinspeed of Switzerland. It is also working on a robotic station which joins and separates chassis and bodies while also charging them, to meet the demands of business and private customers. With the “Snap,” presented early this year at the CES in Las Vegas, Rinspeed for the first time … [Read more...]
Outdoor skills test today’s children
Outdoor skills are dying out. That’s the feedback given to pollsters for Vauxhall, which are launching their newest family friendly model, the Combo Life with its 1355 litres of boot-space. In an age where children spend more time roaming their screens than the outside – over 50 per cent of parents say their children have no outdoor skills, according to Vauxhall. When asked what skills … [Read more...]