Industry

Bid to ease driver shortage for HGVs

23 June 2021

With more than 45,000 HGV driver tests outstanding at DVSA as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Logistics UK is pressing government to introduce a seasonal visa for European HGV drivers to protect the nation’s supply chain while the organisation catches up with this backlog. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, understandably, all driving tests were suspended,” … [Read more...]

Trucker Jenko reveals life on the road

23 June 2021

A Welsh lorry driver has a big cargo - over 1.8 million YouTube followers. Now his Ferryman’s awesome Mercedes-Benz Actros Edition 1 flagship is guaranteed the exposure it deserves – as ‘Trucker Jenko’ driver Martyn Jenkins can’t stop talking about his exclusive new tractor unit. Family-owned and run, Ferryman is based in Pontllanfaith, … [Read more...]

Lawmakers fail to understand technology, say suppliers

22 June 2021

The planned European wide ban on petrol and diesel cars is not supported by technical data, said Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General of CLEPA, the association of automotive suppliers. “The steeper the target, without recognition of sustainable renewable fuels, the closer one gets to a de facto ban on the internal combustion engine. Without renewable fuels … [Read more...]

Newslines 22 June

22 June 2021

Audi will stop introducing new models using petrol and diesel engines from 2026, reports German paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung. The Bavarian daily newspaper has quoted Audi CEO Markus Duesmann comments to labour representatives and top managers last week. Hybrid and PHEV versions will be offered in the Hyundai Tucson N Line range this summer. They offer up to … [Read more...]

EC steel tariffs hitting car industry recovery & jobs, say suppliers

18 June 2021

The European Association for Automotive Suppliers is concerned that the European Commission’s proposal to extend the safeguard measure which is restricting steel imports into the EU will hurt the competitiveness of automotive suppliers and put thousands of jobs at risk. Continuing the safeguard measures in a time where steel mills are struggling to meet … [Read more...]

Fleet price rises “almost inevitable” warns supplier

16 June 2021

Price rises for a range of popular fleet cars and vans is “almost inevitable” over the next few months, FleetCheck is advising. Andy Kirby, customer success director at FleetCheck, said that a range of factors from rising raw material costs to much slowed production would all create upwards pressure. He said: “Through our sister company, Fleetfind, we help … [Read more...]

HMRC is out of step with modern cars, say fleets

16 June 2021

The Association of Fleet Professionals and the BVRLA have jointly called upon Government to ensure that the Advisory Electricity Rate for electric vehicles is fit-for-purpose. The industry bodies share concerns that the current 4 pence per mile rate, which remains unchanged since 2018, is no longer reflective of real-world conditions, and have written to … [Read more...]

Volkswagen Multivan revealed with PHEV version

14 June 2021

Volkswagen’s all-new Multivan has a fresh design, more flexible interior, improved connectivity and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid option. The Multivan is the replacement for the current Volkswagen Caravelle, providing customers with up to seven seats and the perfect combination of practicality, comfort, and safety for whatever their needs: from … [Read more...]

Secrets of the US President’s car

11 June 2021

US President Joe Biden has arrived in the UK for the G7 summit chauffeured in his £1.2m Cadillac ‘The Beast’. Joe Biden’s ‘Beast’ has an armoured exterior, layered armoured windows, a top-spec communications system and Kevlar-reinforced tyres and it’s believed also has some secret offensive features to thwart or disable attackers, but how much does all … [Read more...]

Newslines 11 June