New car first-time MoT test failures have thrown up a few surprises. Top of the list was the Mercedes-Benz EQC, an electric SUV, with a first-time MOT fail rate of 17.2%. Just over 4,000 checked in for an MoT last year, and of those 717 failed. Both electric and internal combustion engine cars feature in the top 20, with the Ford Tourneo Custom just … [Read more...]
Industry
Tesla changing plans and model drive
Tesla is turning away from cars to concentrate its autonomous Cybercab and robotics business. It has confirmed no current plans to expand its vehicle range, other than build a niche roadster, reports Fleet News. The financial results for Q4 saw a 3% drop in revenues to $24.9 billion (£18.2bn), while the business also saw a 61% year-over-year decline in net … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skywell BE11 LR
Competition in the UK car market is tough, very tough, and Chinese brand Skywell is ramping up the challenge. Introduced early 2025, it quickly realised it had to raise its game and this year intensified its sales drive with better driver technology, improved comfort and lower prices helped by ev-grants and importer discounts. There are under 20 UK … [Read more...]
Toyota top again for customer service
Toyota’s commitment to putting the customer at the heart of its business is reflected in the company retaining its position as the highest ranked automotive manufacturer in the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index – a twice-yearly independent report published by The Institute of Customer Service. It is the third time consecutively that Toyota has … [Read more...]
Car registrations rise but brakes go on EVs
There has been an encouraging start to this year’s new car registrations, but pure battery cars have slowed while Chinese makes have gained ground. Car makers now want a rethink on the support for electric cars and proposed pence-per-mile road tolls for them. It also saw a Chinese brand (above) take second place in the UK top ten and three occupied the top … [Read more...]
Cybercrime increasing threat to dealers
Specific weaknesses place the remarketing sector under increased threat from cybercrime, Vehicle Remarketing Association members heard at their first meeting of 2026. Mark Rodbert, CEO at idax Software, explained that rapid staff turnover in environments such as dealerships made it challenging to create a cybersecurity-aware culture, while the large amount … [Read more...]
Car makers want brakes applied to 2035 CO₂ targets
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, representing Europe’s major OEMs, called on the European Commission to “recalibrate” the 2035 CO₂ targets that effectively ban new petrol and diesel car sales. The association argued that the 100% emissions reduction target is “no longer feasible” citing slow EV uptake in some regions, infrastructure … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Genesis G80 Dynamic
Genesis was slow coming into Britain but it has accelerated its pace and progress to seriously challenge some legendary rivals. After a long spell in the US, Genesis arrived in the UK in summer 2021, initially into the business-backed fleet sector where it promised unrivalled VIP buying and service arrangements through direct sales and ‘studios’ with a … [Read more...]
Pavement parking ban can save drivers hundreds
It is claimed that crackdowns could actually save motorists hundreds of pounds by preventing hidden damage caused by pavement parking. Chris Jevons, at JTAPE said, "The UK Government confirmed that local councils will be given new powers to crack down on pavement parking, making it easier for authorities to restrict and fine drivers for parking on or over … [Read more...]
Call to slash drug-driving reoffending
Drug-drive reoffending have surged by more than 134 percent in the last four years revealing a system that is broken and in need of urgent reform, according to victims and road safety campaigners. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the Ministry of Justice by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart shows that drug-drive re-offending rates are … [Read more...]
