The UK’s used car market grew 108.6% in the second quarter of 2021 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 2,167,504 vehicles changed hands, up 6.6% on 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the best Q2 performance and almost the best quarter ever for the used car market. The increase tracks the country’s gradual emergence from lockdown, as businesses reopened, demand for personal … [Read more...]
Semi-conductor loss more serious than pandemic
The global semiconductor shortage will have far-reaching and long-lasting effects that are likely to have a greater impact on the automotive industry than the COVID pandemic, according to pioneering software provider VNC Automotive. Perfectly placed to see the issue first hand, VNC Automotive has established itself as a leader in the vehicle connectivity space, working with clients on unique … [Read more...]
Expensive EVs deter Brits buying them
Britons are being put off choosing electric cars because they a simply too expensive, a survey shows. Select Car Leasing took the average price of a standard Renault Zoe EV in Europe and how much it was a percentage of the average salary with some surprising results. In Britain it was equivalent to 84% of salary and put the country in 13thplace in the countries’ league. Switzerland was way out … [Read more...]
Brakes go on new car sales
New car sales crashed in Wales last month. Registrations were 42.16% below the same month last year at 4,470 compared to 7,728 as the country was emerging from lockdown and buyers went on a spending spree. It is the steepest fall of the UK nations and contrasted with a 29.5% drop for the country as a whole to the lowest July figure in 23 years and before the two-plate system started in a bid to … [Read more...]
Tradelines 4 August
MINI is going to the dogs, for the best reason. It's joined forces the Dogs Trust to ensure animals are cared for, carried safely and enjoy their time with owners, particularly as ownership numbers have dramatically increased during lockdown. Business group Logistics UK has called for government to review its decision not to grant temporary work visas to EU HGV drivers, in the wake of mounting … [Read more...]
London congestion charge hits weekend deliveries and drivers
Transport for London has opened a consultation on the future of the Congestion Charge after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. It is based on proposals to reduce the hours of operation to 0700-1800 during the week, 1200-1800 at the weekend and the charge remaining at the higher £15 rate. Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s Head of Policy - South, said,“Logistics UK welcomes the proposals … [Read more...]
UK site considered for new Rivian ev-models’ assembly
The Amazon and Ford backed Rivian pure electric pickup may be built in Britain at a new energy park planned in the West Country. The proposed Gravity Park a few miles north east of Bridgewater and adjacent to the M5 has been earmarked for the potential £1 Billion investment, reported Sky News. The project is being courted by German and Netherlands Governments as well so there is no guarantee it … [Read more...]
EVs too expensive for most buyers this decade
Mass adoption of battery electric vehicles is unlikely to happen by 2030, according to insurance comparison site GoCompare. Based on the current rate, EV uptake will increase over the decade, but the battery technology needed for mass adoption will not be available at an affordable price point. Lower-cost electric vehicles are set to reach a real-world range of 300 miles per charge within the … [Read more...]
Zombies are rising
You’re searching for a new model to buy — you narrow your search down to a select few motors that have caught your eye, they meet the specifications you’re looking for, they have powerful engines and fantastic handling — the reviews are superb. And then you find that they’ve been discontinued by their manufacturer, dubbing it a ‘zombie car’. Buying a discontinued model can plant seeds of doubt … [Read more...]
Honda Swindon sayonara
Honda Swindon will shutdown today. The car plant opened 36 years ago and helped Swindon build up its town and workers lives so the permanent closure announced in 2019 will be a blow to all concerned and their UK supply chain. About 3,400 worked in Honda but it supported 10,000 components makers in the UK after it began making engines in 1989 and the Accord (right) went into production three … [Read more...]