Barbie-mania is officially sweeping the world as the long-anticipated movie finally hits cinema screens today. The marketing machine for the film has been in motion for some time, and the first full trailer in May also gave us our first glimpse of Barbie’s car. In the movie, Barbie will be behind the wheel of a vintage convertible C1 Chevrolet Corvette but she’s been known to drive various … [Read more...]
Features
Smaller vehicles key to cheaper technology?
New analysis from the green group Transport & Environment has shown that Europe and the UK have a number of options that could curb the expected consumption of key metals from electrifying passenger transport by up to 49% between now and 2050. Demand for raw battery materials will rapidly increase as many countries race to switch to zero-emissions road transport, essential for climate goals, … [Read more...]
Bridgestone’s enlightening ev rally
Bridgestone is recharging its batteries after an enlightening insight into electric vehicle mobility and infrastructure, after successfully covering 1,200 miles across the UK and Ireland at the EV Rally. Encompassing all five capital cities across the UK and Ireland with 25 stop-off points between 3 and 7 July, Bridgestone was able to navigate the route seamlessly with more than 50 other … [Read more...]
Massive car battery plant going to Bridgewater
Jaguar Land Rover parent Tata today confirmed it will build a £4 Billion battery plant outside Bridgewater, Somerset to open by 2026. On the eve of a by-election in the county tomorrow, the Government said it would be supporting the Indian company’s investment with grants, training and energy costs but has not confirmed a specific figure thought to be about £500 Million. The development was … [Read more...]
Buyers better protected from 31 July
The new FCA Consumer Duty will come into force on 31 July. The Financial Conduct Authority intends for the new Duty to increase levels of consumer protection in retail financial services markets, whilst aiming to promote a healthy environment for firms to thrive. The new Duty will not be a tick-box exercise or be about introducing new processes and paperwork but about a cultural change within … [Read more...]
New apprenticeship standard for fleet specialists
Experienced fleet managers are being sought by the Association of Fleet Professionals to help deliver a new apprenticeship standard for fleet specialists. Up to 20 individuals are required to form a “trailblazing” group to create an apprenticeship standard, working alongside the Institute for Apprenticeships. When the content is approved, they will be expected to recruit apprentices into their … [Read more...]
EVs becoming more acceptable at resale
A tipping point is close to being reached where there will be widespread dealer and buyer acceptance of electric vehicles, members of the Vehicle Remarketing Association were told at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting last week. Dale Wyatt, director of automobile at Suzuki GB, who presented on issues currently facing motor manufacturers, said that getting to that place would require a … [Read more...]
RAC urges Government to force fuel changes
The RAC is concerned that Government plans to monitor pump prices are little more than window dressing. Grant Shapps is meeting supermarket bosses today after a report found the big retailers were profiteering from higher prices and not timely cutting them when wholesale costs fell. The Government has suggested a price monitor but this already exists with many smart phone apps and the RAC wants … [Read more...]
Businesses steep challenge on charging network
The government must provide the infrastructure that the logistics sector needs to deliver for the future, according to the Shadow Minister for Business and Industrial Strategy. Speaking earlier at Logistics UK’s Next Generation Van conference, Bill Esterson MP shared his views on industry’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the challenges business are currently facing with costs and … [Read more...]
“Pothole nation” and how to claim for damage
Research from Go.Compare car insurance has revealed UK areas where drivers are likely to face the most potholes and shows how you can claim for damage to your vehicle. Go.Compare submitted more than 300 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to councils across England and Wales, to determine which of the UK’s roads needed the most pothole repair work. It found that Derbyshire County Council tops … [Read more...]