Following the positive feedback on the one-off presented in summer 2022, MINI is going ahead with a small series of all-electric MINI Convertible (power consumption combined: 17.2 kWh/62 miles according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, Energy Consumption – 3.6 miles/kWh), representing another big step in the direction of electric mobility. "Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, … [Read more...]
Finance News
Government push back from new extended MoT deadline
The Independent Garage Association and Scottish Motor Trade Association conducted a meeting with the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to discuss the current consultation on MOT frequency and enhancements. During the meeting, the DfT were asked why such a large and complex consultation covering 27 areas within the MOT test was published with only a six-week response … [Read more...]
New tech puts brakes on longer deals
British drivers are pulling back from long leases as technology improves. A third of British motorists (32%) said they are far less likely to replace their existing car by committing to a three-year lease than they were 12 months ago. Mobility provider SOGO researched attitudes towards personal financial commitments and car ownership. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said around … [Read more...]
Row erupts over axed Welsh roads
Axing plans for a third bridge between Anglesey and the mainland is an "insult" to islanders, said an MS. A roads review has recommended the scheme is parked, despite acknowledging congestion and delays made Anglesey less attractive to investors. Ynys Mon MS Rhun Ap Iorwerth said another Menai Strait crossing was "desperately needed" while residents have been left … [Read more...]
Garages move to keep MoT test for safety reasons
The Independent Garage Association has written to Louise Haigh MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, seeking support to oppose any changes to the current MOT structure. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said, “Our current MOT testing system ensures that the UK roads are amongst the safest in the world. The Department for Transport cites taking away a financial burden from motorists, … [Read more...]
EU laws reform must protect logistics and supply chains
Business group Logistics UK is urging the government to prioritise the needs of the logistics industry, as Parliament continues to debate the Retained EU Law bill. As Kate Jennings, the group’s policy director, explains, while regulatory simplification has its benefits, the scale of the task ahead of the government must not be underestimated if the UK’s highly-interconnected supply chain is to … [Read more...]
Mercedes-Benz Agency launches amid court claim
Mercedes-Benz UK has lauched its new Agency scheme for selling cars with a reduced role for traditional dealers. It says the programmes creates a new way to purchase a new car, providing customers with a contemporary and luxury buying experience. In the week before it introduced its Agency scheme, the car maker was in the High Court where preliminary hearings were outlining an estimated 300,000 … [Read more...]
Train strikes deter drivers from making the switch
More than two-thirds (67%) of people say that the recent wave of strikes means they’ll use trains less in the future. February’s Startline Used Car Tracker reports that the vast majority – 78% – plan to travel instead by car with 35% walking more, 19% using other public transport such as bus and tram, 13% using a traditional bike and 11% an electric bicycle. However, a significant minority … [Read more...]
Rethink gas pricing to boost take up of EVs, Government told
EV campaign group FairCharge and the want the Government to underline its support for the switch to electric vehicles by decoupling the wholesale price of electricity from gas, something which would immediately reduce the cost of charging EVs. The current high wholesale electricity price continues to be set by the unprecedented global wholesale price of gas, which has not only financially harmed … [Read more...]
20mph limits accelerate Welsh Government spending
The amount of taxpayer money spent on 20mph roads in Wales has exploded by over 500% in just one year, according to the Welsh Conservatives. In response to a written question by the Party, £9.8m was given this year to councils to implement 20mph zones, more than five times the £1.8m spent in 2021/22. The most money this year was awarded to Neath Port Talbot, which received £1.4m, followed by … [Read more...]