Responding to feedback from members, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has added a new EV Practical Fault-Finding course to its suite of high-quality, cost-effective skills training. The one-day course will focus on real-world faults that have been identified by IGA members as frequently affecting their customers’ vehicles and will be delivered at various RMI training locations, with the … [Read more...]
Car makers push fleet & business sales
The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, with an 11.6% increase to reach 132,990 registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The performance marks the best April since 2021’s 141,583 units but remains -17.4% down on 2019 volumes. Large fleet registrations grew by a third (33.1%) to 68,537 units as the … [Read more...]
Fleets warned over accelerated EV tyre wear
Fleet managers should be prepared for altered tyre wear rates on electric company cars and vans. As increasing numbers of fleets move to electric, the balance of SMR spend will alter, argues ATS Euromaster. EVs are expected to cost less to service, thanks in part to fewer moving parts and the absence of requirements such as oil changes, but tyre life expectancy is likely to change compared with … [Read more...]
Ford BlueCruise tech warning from FleetCheck
The arrival of Ford’s new BlueCruise – the first legal hands-free driving product available on UK roads – raises a whole series of questions that fleets need to answer, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, said, “The fleet industry has been discussing the theoretical implications of hands-free driving for some time but the real-world availability of … [Read more...]
EV fleet challenge to smaller businesses
According to recent findings by Alphabet GB, small and medium-sized fleets are facing difficulties in transitioning to electric vehicles. While companies have the desire to initiate the switch to electrified vehicles, 45% of fleet managers claimed that they lack the required knowledge and time to take the crucial initial steps. A majority of businesses that operate with smaller fleets are still … [Read more...]
At-work drivers slammed for drink and drug use
The UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has expressed concerns around the percentage of at-work drivers who believe it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of drink and drugs. Research carried out by IAM RoadSmart, which surveyed the safety attitudes and behaviours of 2,010 UK motorists, found 31 per cent of those driving for work believe driving after using Class A drugs such … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 April
With the brand marking its fifth anniversary this year, it showcased the world premiere of its first all-electric SUV coupé, the CUPRA Tavascan, to be launched in 2024. CUPRA has also revealed the CUPRA DarkRebel, a virtual sports car designed for a future city that is no longer contained by physical limits, which can be configured by the CUPRA Tribe. VEV, the e-fleet company backed by … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: GWM Funky Cat 1st Edition
The UK’s electric car revolution is becoming a bloody affair. From initially resisting the new technology on cost grounds including writing off established investments in petrol and diesel engine technology and having to develop hybrid or pure electric powertrains, along with making tens of thousands of workers redundant, manufacturers have struggled to convince buyers into showrooms or on-line … [Read more...]
One-in-six new cars sold now electric
In March, electric cars accounted for 16.21% of all new car registrations in the UK, as the exponential growth in EV uptake seen in recent years begins to stabilise. While demand for electric vehicles is still high, it is likely that slower rates of growth will continue until the ZEV Mandate is implemented in 2024, and supply is able to consistently match consumer demand. Ben Nelmes, Chief … [Read more...]
Government likely to miss its zero carbon goal
The Government threatens to miss its own zero carbon targets for transport, say car makers. It set out obejectives it wants to attain in a new consultation document last week but critics say it is late, lacks choice, does not address costs and is confusing for vehicle makers. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “Automotive is on track to deliver zero emission motoring, so we welcome this … [Read more...]