The world’s first automated driverless parking function has been officially approved for commercial use, with Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority green-lighting the Mercedes-Benz / Bosch automated parking system in a parking garage at Stuttgart Airport. Thatcham Research chief research strategy officer Matthew Avery said, “Mercedes-Benz continues to break new ground in Germany, with this … [Read more...]
Features
Tradelines 7 Dec
Terry’s Auto Repairs, Wrexham, has been voted by customers as one of the best businesses in the UK Motor Ombundsman’s Star Awards. It was selected for organising same-day off-site vehicle collections and deliveries or customers. Building on its commitment to grow an all-electric vehicle range, Ford has invested a further £125 million in its Halewood Plant, on Merseyside. This will rise output … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta is not a keeper unless you secure it
It may be coming to the end of the road next year, but the Ford Fiesta is the most stolen model, according to research from a car leasing company. Rivervale Leasing submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to find the most stolen car in 2022 in the UK as well as the total number of vehicles stolen. The top 15 cars stolen in … [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...]
Drivers steer clear of smart motorways’ concept
Half of drivers say they frequently or occasionally avoid using lane one on ‘all lane running’ smart motorways. It's a revelation that completely undermines the very reason so many hard shoulders have been permanently turned into running lanes: to increase road capacity. RAC research with 1,904 drivers on ‘all lane running’ smart motorways, found a fifth (21%) claimed to have frequently steered … [Read more...]
Welsh Tories step up attack on Labour roads’ policies
Welsh Conservatives have reiterated their opposition to 20mph becoming the standard speed limit in Wales following news that Labour-run Monmouthshire County Council will scrap the limits on two roads following congestion concerns. Commenting on the news, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS said, “What we are seeing here is the beginning of, what I suspect … [Read more...]
Drowsiness as dangerous as drunk and drugged drivers
It is common knowledge that drunk, drugged, or distracted drivers pose a danger to themselves and others on the road. But tired motorists, who tend to be overlooked when thinking about unsafe driving, are just as perilous. Indeed, collisions caused by drowsy drivers are 50% more likely to result in death or serious injuries. This is because, if dozing, the person at the wheel doesn’t have the … [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...]
Short-circuiting some charging myths on EVs
There are estimated to be over half a million battery-electric cars on the roads in the UK, which isn’t including the 405,000 plug-in hybrids that are also registered. And with plans from the British government to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, it’s likely we’ll see the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road continue to climb. Petrol and diesel cars have been … [Read more...]