A data-dilema is putting the brakes on sales of motor insurance linked to telematics. One of the main obstacles to telematics uptake is that many drivers (56%) are not comfortable sharing personalised driving data with providers, as they might be nervous of being badged a bad driver. Of those who have not purchased a telematics policy, nearly one in five (19%) didn’t want to run the risk … [Read more...]
Industry
Aston Martin mark St David’s Day and new Welsh plant
The Aston Martin DBX SUV, which will be built in St Athan near Cardiff, made a surprise visit to No.10 Downing Street in an early celebration of St David’s Day. Aston Martin Lagonda’s investment in a second UK manufacturing facility, which was announced in early 2016, will create over 700 new skilled jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan. Over the past two years the former Ministry of … [Read more...]
Dealers worried over deadline for petrol & diesel cars
Close Brothers Motor Finance’s Dealer Satisfaction Survey has found that two-thirds (66%) of car dealers believe the Government’s plans to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2032 will be too early. The qualitative survey of more than 200 dealers nationwide found that the vast majority (86%) believed the ban would cause another layer of confusion to the market, with 59% believing it would make car … [Read more...]
Trucks are next target of EC emissions laws
Europe’s CO2 emission reduction targets have been a long time in negotiation and having regulated cars and vans, the European Commission is turning to trucks. Heavy Goods Vehicle manufacturers will need to cut new vehicle CO2 emissions by 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. In addition, by 2025, 2% of new trucks must be zero or low-emission – however, just now it is not clear how this can be achieved … [Read more...]
Government changes are pushing automotive change
With 2018 consigned to the history books it is important to remember that the industry learnt some interesting lessons during the course of the year. With new car registrations down by 6.8%, almost exactly in line with Cazana’s predictions, and used car sales down by 2.1% it is no surprise that for some the full year results were not as expected and the trading conditions flexed in an … [Read more...]
Commuting is killing couples’ relationships
Commuting pressures are leading to separations and divorces. About 2.5M have daily commutes over two hours and it's getting worse. New research by Revolution.Aero discussion group reveals that 2.5 million Britons claim that their commute to work takes over two hours every day, and over 640,000 say it takes longer than three hours. Its findings reveal that 12% of people claim their … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 February
The latest Mazda3 coming to the UK from May will begin at £20,595. The 18-strong range of petrol and diesel hatchbacks has five trims running up to £27,735. Ford will conduct an investigation after concerns raised by its own employees over the 'analytical modelling' standards that it employs as part of its US fuel economy and emissions compliance process, says Just-Auto.com . In the wake … [Read more...]
Car makers back new safety systems
A new era in car safety is around the corner, writes Robin Roberts Ahead of tomorrow’s key European Parliament vote on the update of the General Safety Regulation, which governs the safety systems to be included in new vehicle types, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association calls for a rapid adoption of this important piece of legislation. “The European auto industry is committed … [Read more...]
Industry criticises Government for ’emissions tax’ rises
The Vehicle Remarketing Association has added its support to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s response to the current Government’s WLTP consultation. Sam Watkins, chair at the VRA, said that her organisation shared the BVRLA’s concern about how the potential, negative impact on the company car sector could have widespread repercussions. She explained, “The Government’s … [Read more...]
Honda fall-out affects Wales
A dozen businesses in Wales make parts for Honda, said the Welsh Automotive Forum. The component suppliers employ thousands of workers and Welsh Government and WAF are taking steps to identify the true impact of the Honda closure and how the employees can be helped. Honda will close its vehicle assembly plant in Turkey along with the Swindon operation by 2021. It is part of a global … [Read more...]