Extending the time before a vehicle faces its first MoT test proposed by the Department of Transport has been criticised as dangerous for high mileage models of cars, vans and commercial vehicles. Following the announcement of a new government consultation on possible changes to the MOT, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said,“While we’re not opposed to delaying a new vehicle’s first MOT, we … [Read more...]
Finance
Little vans in short supply
Throughout 2022 franchised dealers have reported strong demand for light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, but the continued restrictions to component supply have frustrated manufacturers in their ability to produce sufficient new vehicles to match orders, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. In 2022, total LCV registrations fell by … [Read more...]
The shock of ev prices falling after Tesla cut
Over priced electric cars are seeing values collapse. Electric car drivers need to protect themselves from volatility in the used car market, following Tesla’s dramatic decision last week to slash the prices of its two best selling cars, the Model 3 and Model Y, by up to £8,000. Steve Tigar, CEO and Founder of loveelectric, said cuts on this scale could undermine the value of secondhand cars, … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 January: Make or break year for EVs
It could be a make or break year for smaller ev makers, reports Reuters UK. Tesla's 20% price cut worldwide last week has led to surge in demand from its German factory supplying Europe but at the same time put pressure on main rivals to reduce prices while some ev startups may be unable to match them and risk losing investments and sales, or worst still, seeing them go out of business. The … [Read more...]
Buses need more Welsh investment and planning
Wales can only contribute to the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target if there is long-term investment in the funding of services and infrastructure, so that bus and coach travel can become people’s preferred transport of choice, according to Joshua Miles, Director at the Confederation of Passenger Transport in Wales. “These policies are not designed to bash motorists, instead it is about making bus and … [Read more...]
Hang on, here’s power from above
A new era for the trolley bus and truck could be around the corner. Hofer powertrain, a development and technology partner of the global automotive industry, unveiled a new megawatt charging concept unlocking a whole new dimension of efficiency compared to the present megawatt charging infrastructure. The approach makes e-trucks long-haul capable while ensuring 100 % fleet availability, takes … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 January: Aston’s Ultimate
As its name suggests, the DBS 770 Ultimate is an emphatic last word. The most powerful production Aston Martin ever, extensive design and engineering enhancements ensure the 211mph DBS 770 Ultimate is an unforgettable and highly-collectible celebration of Aston Martin’s flagship Super GT and already sold-out in 300 Coupe and 199 Volante styles. The pure-electric Tesla Model Y is the safest … [Read more...]
Trade lines 18 January
Premium automotive brand, Genesis, will open a new Studio in Edinburgh, highlighting the company’s continued expansion since its arrival in 2021 and marking its first retail Studio in the UK outside London. Designed around a Korean white space theme and with Genesis Personal Assistants on hand to welcome visitors, customers will be able to configure their cars and experience materials, colours … [Read more...]
Spiralling costs denting garages, dealerships and filling stations
A Motor Ombudsman poll of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops has revealed that rising operational costs, taxes and energy bills are set to be the biggest operational challenge for 90% of businesses in 2023. This is a marked increase on the 64% of respondents who stated in the same study that paying more for utilities and higher costs had reduced overall business profitability … [Read more...]
Rotary engine returns in Mazda ev
Making its European debut at the Brussels Motor Show, the unique Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV series plug-in hybrid joins the pure electric Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv in Mazda’s electrified line-up. The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is a series plug-in hybrid that offers the same customer values as the pure electric Mazda MX-30, while simultaneously offering new ways of using a car as a battery electric … [Read more...]