A unique, record-breaking Triumph TR2 prototype sports car has been acquired by the British Motor Museum with £250,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. One of just three prototypes of the extremely successful 1953 Triumph TR2 model produced by the Standard Motor Company, it is the only one known to survive. In May 1953, during speed trials at Jabbeke in Belgium, this car reached a speed … [Read more...]
Industry
Auto Vivendi add more Aston Martins to stable
Auto Vivendi, one of the UK’s leading providers of supercar-related lifestyle experiences, has taken delivery of six Aston Martins at the company’s sports car home and global headquarters, Gaydon. The six Aston Martins comprise Vantage, DB11 Volante, DBS Superleggera and three DBS Superleggera Volantes, and account for 25 per cent of Auto Vivendi’s collection of cars amassed by … [Read more...]
Putting the L into Llandrindod is almost failsafe
As the driving test approaches its 85thbirthday on 16 March, a new look at pass rates has thrown up some wide differences. Taking your driving test is a huge milestone in any motorist’s life, and while some are able to pass their tests the first time, most need a couple of attempts. Just Tyres has analysed data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to reveal which towns in the UK are the … [Read more...]
Budget of hope to smooth rough ride ahead
The Budget provides something for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers, said RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes. “Today the Chancellor has given a boost to drivers of today’s vehicles with a fuel duty freeze while also investing in tomorrow with funding for rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles, an extension to the plug-in car grant, funding to repair Britain’s roads and a commitment to spend on … [Read more...]
Traders attack new consumer advice
Car dealers and auction houses have fallen out with trading standards officers. “It is disappointing that following a number of responses, including our detailed comments on the draft guidance consultation, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has ignored the majority of the issues NFDA had outlined alongside other industry trade bodies”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National … [Read more...]
Call for Budget rethink on VED rebates
Today's Budget should be used as an opportunity to re-examine the impact of Vehicle Excise Duty on rental companies and other businesses that keep new vehicles for less than a year, says Meridian Vehicle Solutions. Phil Jerome, managing director at the medium-term rental specialist, said that the current inability to obtain a full refund on any outstanding balance from the first VED payment at … [Read more...]
TVR apply to convert Rassau building into car plant
TVR has moved closer to building its new Griffith supercar after a planning application to refurbish the existing factory site has been submitted. According to Business News Wales, an application was submitted to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council for a former board factory on the Rassau Industrial Estate, Ebbw Vale. A Welsh building firm has been appointed to carry out the work, but it’s not … [Read more...]
Warning over collapsing dealer networks
Localised franchise dealer networks are “likely to remain important to fleets” says fleet software specialist FleetCheck following news that more are to close. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said that a long-term situation was being created where many businesses were having to travel further for routine servicing, maintenance and repair. “We’re not picking out any particular … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 March
Six-in-10 UK drivers (59%) want the new Chancellor to bolster spending on the country’s crumbling local road infrastructure in the Budget by ringfencing 2p from every litre of petrol and diesel sold without increasing duty rates, according to an RAC survey of 3,200 drivers. In fact drivers feel so strongly about the need to increase spending on maintaining local roads that they would much prefer … [Read more...]
Fuel prices fall may be hit by Budget bash, warn RAC
Don’t hold your breath for fuel cuts, warn the RAC. The plunging price of oil over the weekend should bring down pump prices within days, but RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said, “This is looking like the biggest single daily drop in the oil price in 20 years. “It should translate to some serious cuts at the pumps, particularly as the price of both petrol and diesel is still overpriced … [Read more...]