The FitCar PPV ‘prototype #2’ is based on a standard Audi A4 Avant 2.0L petrol TFSI auto, with the throttle replaced by a bicycle pedal mechanism and mated to a flywheel, which generates an electronic pulse to engage the accelerator. The car is powered as normal, delivering manufacturer specification performance and economy, governed by an active … [Read more...]
Carmakers clamour for Brexit deal
A ‘no-deal’ Brexit must be ruled out now to avoid damaging one of the EU’s most valuable economic assets, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is warning. Time is running out, and negotiators on both sides of the Channel must prioritise the agreement of terms for a managed withdrawal and ‘status quo’ transition as soon as possible. ‘No-deal’ … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 September
JLR will go down to a three-day week from October. It has been hit by falling demand, particularly of the diesel engines it has heavily invested in and comprise nearly all UK sales, and hopes to avoid job cuts but is concerned about implications of tariffs and stock holding when the UK leaves the EU next spring. Motorists in north Wales face five weeks … [Read more...]
Newslines extra 12 September
Wales Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe has questioned spending £1.4 Billion on the planned M4 relief road around Newport, including a new bridge over the Usk, remodelling the docks and building on grazing land. It will not cut congestion and is a "20th Century solution to a 21st Century problem”, said Ms Howe and suggested money would be better … [Read more...]
Future logistics conference
Self-driving and electric vehicles, drone technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, artificial intelligence and more: the world around us is changing fast, and the logistics sector is one area embracing new technologies and solutions quickly. The Freight Transport Association, which has more than 17,000 members nationwide, will be holding a new one-day event, The … [Read more...]
Kia Motors unsurprising success in showrooms
Kia Motors (UK) Limited has once again topped the summer survey of dealer attitudes conducted by the NFDA – the brand came top in the 2017 survey. Asked how highly dealers rated their relationship with the manufacturer Kia scored 9.1 out of 10 to top this year’s summer survey, where the average score was 5.7 Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive … [Read more...]
Ford and VW look at future alliance
Volkswagen and Ford are pushing ahead with a strategic alliance, beginning with van production, said the German manufacturer. At the weekend, The Sunday Times reported Ford was looking at 24,000 job cuts in Europe and ending S-Max, Galaxy and Mondeo production to stem losses which hit $73 Million in Q2. The US bosses have also said they will concentrate … [Read more...]
Road safety compromised by Gig services, says GMB
Gig economy employers are exposing delivery drivers, riders and the general to unacceptable health and safety risks says GMB GMB, Britain’s general union, has responded to a University College London report suggesting gig economy drivers and riders are at heightened risk of traffic collisions. The report claims the pressures that come with being a … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 August
Swiss authorities have banned some Porsche and Mercedes-Benz models with diesel engines which were found to be giving false emissions readings. The order affects 1.6 diesel MB Vitos, 3.0 diesel Macans and 4.2 diesel Cayennes from today, and those already sold must have retrofitted clean up systems even if they meet the new Euro6 tests. VW owners in … [Read more...]
Welsh new car sales best in Britain
Wales out-performed the rest of Britain and saw a near 10% rise in registrations of new cars in July. Suzuki has pushed two models into the top ten in Wales last month and rising star MG even got into the list with the new ZS compact SUV. Figures from the SMMT show the Ford Fiesta continues to dramatically lead the Welsh sales chart. But Suzuki … [Read more...]
