A poll conducted by NFU Mutual has found that 57% of Brits are not aware of Highway Code changes coming into force tomorrow with particular importance in rural areas. The poll, conducted on Twitter by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, calls into question whether the majority of road users will be familiar with the Highway Code when it changes on 29th January. The updated Highway Code brings in a … [Read more...]
Features
EV charging costs are postcode lottery
Figures from British Gas show there are currently 21 local authorities in England and Wales that allow drivers to charge their batteries free of charge but in some areas motorists are forced to pay as much as £4 per kilowatt hour. Analysis found that at that price it would cost around £240 to charge a typical EV from full to flat while it would cost around £3.90 to fully charge the same car at … [Read more...]
Smartwatches are new hands on danger for drivers
Nearly half of UK drivers who wear smartwatches admit to regularly using them while driving their vehicles. The research by Choose My Car, showed that shockingly, 43 per cent of drivers openly admit to using their smartwatches behind the wheel. Men were more likely to check them than women, with a whopping 49 per cent admitting to using the devices while driving. And younger drivers were the … [Read more...]
Car sales shifting towards cross-overs
Despite ongoing availability issues at dealerships, European consumers last year continued to shift from traditional vehicles such as hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs, to SUVs. These vehicles have continued to perform well thanks to the arrival of new electrified models. Last year, registrations of SUVs totaled 5.34 million units, up by 11% when compared to 2020, and down by 12% compared to … [Read more...]
Bentley will go all electric beginning in three years time
Bentley is going electric. A new family of luxury bespoke cars will be assembled in its Crewe factory from 2025 as part of a £2.5 Billion investment in sustainability over the next decade. The first BEV is scheduled to roll off the production line in 2025 and will mark a significant moment in Bentley’s long and illustrious history. It is also a critical step in the company’s Beyond100 … [Read more...]
The changing face of car sales and part exchanges
More manufacturers selling direct to the public is going to change the dealership model in future. The effects of the growth of franchise dealer agency models on the remarketing sector are not yet understood but could be far-reaching, according to the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Last year, Genesis launched as a manufacturer only on-line sales platform supported by its own experience centres … [Read more...]
Welsh electric vehicle registrations accelerate 76% in a year
Wales is switching on to electric cars in a big way. Ultra low emission vehicles registrations across Wales shot up nearly 76% between July-September compared to the same time a year before. The Department for Transport’s figures show that at the end of September, 12,900 vehicles belonged to Welsh residents, up from 7,330 on July-September 2020. The data shows the pace of moving to electric … [Read more...]
Fleets fear petrol & diesel value collapse
Fears over the future residual values of internal combustion engine cars and vans are increasingly helping to drive fleet adoption of electric vehicles, FleetCheck is reporting. Andy Kirby, customer success director, said that worries were being expressed across its outright purchase user base that demand for used petrol and diesel vehicles might start to substantially fall in the second half of … [Read more...]
Mini has more amore than Maxi
Despite the fully fold down rear seats and ample boot space, the Austin Maxi has been placed bottom in a poll of British classic cars favoured by drivers for a first date between 1960 - 1990. On St Dwynwen's Day, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, the poll proved that passion is stronger than practicality. The survey by Great British Car Journey, found the original Mini has been declared the … [Read more...]
Councils threats to low income families’ cars
The poorest will be hit hardest by future car bans in cities, say filling station owners. While there is a need to reduce tailpipe emissions, especially in cities, local mayors should be mindful that any extra charges will significantly impact low income households who are already struggling with high energy costs, said Gordon Balmer Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, … [Read more...]