Thousands of drivers could see their car insurance rocket if new uncapped data is used by insurers. Since 2009, Thatcham's Group Insurance Rating has placed vehicles into a 1-50 system by using a capped algorithm to help insurers determine the cost of cover. While there are no plans to replace the current process, raw data shared as a result of taking the cap off has seen around 500 cars surge … [Read more...]
Industry
£100,000 Ford Escorts reborn in Wales
The Welsh car industry has been boosted with the creation of a new manufacturer, MST Cars of North Wales. The motor-sport orientated bespoke builders of Ford Escort Mk1 and Mk2 road, race and rally cars in various specifications from £69,000 to over £100,000 has evolved from its competition parts' business. That was itself a development of its hardware, engineering and automotive … [Read more...]
E-vans benefits not explained say fleets
The new zero per cent benefit-in-kind rate for electric vans that takes effect on 6 April has been “underpublicised” when it should be helping lead to faster, wider adoption, says the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that a key element of success in boosting demand for electric cars over the last year has been the low level of taxation, and that something similar needs to … [Read more...]
Tradelines 20 January
Ineos Cars' boss Tom Crotty has denied it was forced to change its mind over building an assembly plant in Bridgend because of Brexit costs, despite being in favour of the split from the EU. He has said there was a ready made assembly plant offered by Mercedes as the German company had revised its plans for using its assembly plant on the French/ German border. The Massive growth in driver-owned … [Read more...]
Sparks to fly over ev decision making?
An emerging combination of shortages in both new vehicle supply and fleet management skills could lead to “poor decisions” being made as businesses move towards electrification, FleetCheck is warning. Very long lead times – caused by factors including Brexit, the pandemic and slow production ramp-ups in the switch to EVs – were being magnified as a problem thanks to a decrease in available … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 January
Cardiff Council raked in nearly £1.49M in parking fines last year, despite the lockdown. Almost 50,000 fines were issued and the most were around Windsor Place, Cardiff, but the London Borough of Newham realised over £10.62M from 239,000 drivers, said comparethemarket.com . British digger maker JCB has unveiled a new machine to tackle a national scourge - potholes. The company has launched the … [Read more...]
EV performance analysed with some surprising results
Leasing Options looked at the UKs top EVs can drive the length of the nation in the shortest time and for the least money, if they were allowed to travel. The route starts at the tip of the UK at John o’ Groats, all the way down to the most southern point, Land’s End. Which is 837 miles, meaning that there will be stops along the way at charging stations. Key findings of the exercise: … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 January
Bus and train services through Wales have been reduced. The effects of Covid-19 on staffing and a decline in passenger numbers have combined to hit them while more users have also resorted to private transport to make journeys, and people have been urged to check service details before travelling. Ford UK prices have risen and now reflect increases following the exit from the EU and the end of … [Read more...]
TVR begin Welsh factory preparations
TVR is pushing ahead with plans for its proposed car production plant near Ebbw Vale. Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd has been awarded the principal contract for a significant programme of works including replacement of the main building’s roof, the recladding of the building, extensive groundworks and also preparation of a prototype build area at the side of the intended main production area and … [Read more...]
Tradelines 13 January
From March 2021 production, all Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer PureTech 3-cylinder petrol automatic variants have CO2 emissions reduced by 3g/km. Efficiency gains lead to reduced road tax (VED) charges resulting in an overall on the road price reduction of £285, qualifying models will benefit from a new high-efficiency alternator and an enhanced battery and Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation bands see … [Read more...]