A recent report from Go.Compare Car Insurance has found that nearly all dash cam owners believe the device should be installed as standard in new vehicles. Currently, only 18% of motorists have a dash cam fitted in their car. The insurance comparison site’s poll found that the majority (91%) of dash cam owners believe they should be a standard piece of safety equipment, much like seatbelts … [Read more...]
Features
Welsh rail chaos this week after trains catch fire
Wales' train services face days of disruption this week after 100 cancellations on friday. The Class 175 locomotives were pulled out of service after a series of fires caused by mechanical defects and there is insufficient rolling stock to replace them. Transport for Wales said the services were withdrawn for safety reasons to protect users but the extent of the review and maintentance will … [Read more...]
Government changes will affect safety, says transport group
This week's announcement of a consultation on proposed Driver Certificate of Professional Competence reforms from the Department for Transport raises serious safety concerns and devalues the professionalism of the road haulage sector. That's the opinion of business group, Logistics UK. Chris Yarsley, Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation at Logistics UK, who went on to say, “Logistics … [Read more...]
Italian classics remastered for today’s enthusiasts
The Real Italian Car Company is turning back the clock with beautifully-restored bespoke examples of the classic Fiat 500 destined for new homes all around the world. The Fiat 500 is an icon of Italy, as well as being the most affordable and engaging way to enter the world of Italian classic car ownership. With easy maintenance and ultra-low running costs, the ‘Cinquino’ is an appreciating asset … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 March
Owners of the latest Kia models can now benefit from the latest infotainment features more quickly and easily, thanks to new over-the-air functionality. Available for all Kia models equipped with Kia Connect from MY22 onwards, OTA capability ensures the customer’s satellite navigation unit can wirelessly receive map and related software updates. Bus services will see a £150M support scheme from … [Read more...]
Tevva powers up battery backup and servicing
British electric vehicle manufacturer Tevva has entered into a strategic partnership with Ecobat, the global leader in battery recycling, for the repair, repurposing and recycling of its lithium-ion batteries. The partnership kicks off with a 12-month pilot phase for first-life battery management, with the opportunity to expand into additional energy storage and recycling solutions. In the … [Read more...]
Seeing is believing
Global research from behaviour experts SKIM Group has uncovered the scale to which some of the world’s most iconic automotive marques are struggling to keep up with the pace of the Electric Vehicle revolution in the eyes of car buyers. The global poll of in-market new car buyers assessed their perception of car makers' ability to survive the shift to electrified powertrains as the combustion … [Read more...]
Mounting opposition to “green-washing” attack on motoring
Low traffic neighbourhoods, so called “clean air zones” and new, underused cycle lanes are all deeply unpopular. So much so that a new petition has recently appeared on the UK Parliament website (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/633504) demanding a revision to the statutory guidance that brought them in. Within days of posting, it has attracted over 1,200 signatories. Instead of there … [Read more...]
Beware of virtual vehicle scams
Car buying scams are on the rise, driven by criminals hoping to take advantage of drivers searching online for their next set of wheels. The second-hand market is becoming a hot bed for shady and illegal practices and this week six people were arrested after a major virtual vehicle scam was uncovered by police. It is thought hundreds of victims across the UK had been targeted, parting with cash … [Read more...]
UK car production steadies as EVs accelerate
UK car production was stable in the first month of 2023, with output down just -0.3% to 68,575 units, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The loss, equivalent to just 215 fewer cars, was driven chiefly by structural changes, reflecting a move from car to van making at one major plant, but with supply chain shortages still afflicting some … [Read more...]