Global agreements on vehicle safety by individual countries could save billions of dollars for businesses and help motorists as well, say ACEA. Divergent auto safety regulations in the United States and the European Union drive up costs by as much as $2.3 billion annually on a bilateral basis, according to a new Center for Automotive Research (CAR) study, entitled ‘Potential Cost Savings and … [Read more...]
Industry
Trade lines 20 July
BCA has reported an upturn in auction sales values for soft tops for June 2016 compared to the previous month. According to the latest BCA Pulse report, average convertible values at BCA rose by over £1,000 on the back of increased demand, reaching £10,314 in June, compared to £9,288 in May – an increase month-on-month of 11.05% and average prices also improved year-on-year, rising by 4.95% … [Read more...]
VW dealers to get compensation for fraud, but only in US
Volkswagen AG executives in the United States have promised restitution within a month for American franchise dealers damaged by the carmaker's diesel emissions violations, The Wall Street Journal reports. A senior American executive from Volkswagen made the pledge at a meeting with over 150 dealers from the northeast at a hotel in New Jersey, the paper said citing dealers. The meeting was … [Read more...]
RAC & MPs voice motoring concerns
A new Prime Minister and changes to the Cabinet could mean a change of motoring priorities. Motorists have in recent years benefitted from a prolonged fuel duty freeze and a focus on upgrading the strategic road network. But what motorists need in this era of uncertainty is clarity that the Government will continue to be on their side. This means helping motorists, businesses and the economy … [Read more...]
Volkswagen ‘fix’ rejected and more action could follow
Volkswagen’s recall plan for its illegal vehicles has been rejected in California. California's chief air regulator turned down the proposed recall plan from Volkswagen to fix 3.0-liter diesel VW, Audi and Porsche models in the state equipped with devices designed to cheat emissions tests. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said the plan to fix the vehicles, which range from model … [Read more...]
Welsh Government statement on Circuit of Wales
Revised investment plans for the proposed Circuit of Wales were yesterday rejected for a second time by the Welsh Government. Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure said in a statement to the Senedd and media yesterday afternoon, "I would like to update Members on progress with the Circuit of Wales project following a meeting I had earlier today with Michael Carrick, … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: Circuit of Wales development stalls again
Revised investment plans for the proposed Circuit of Wales have been rejected today by the Welsh Government. Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure said in a statement that there was still too much risk put on the public purse by the £370 Million scheme outside Ebbw Vale, particularly in the light of the expected Brexit budget bashing, and private funding must be half … [Read more...]
Welsh car shortlisted for super-green award
Mid Wales based Riversimple has been shortlisted for consideration in this year’s Low Carbon Innovation award for an SMEs. The hydrogen fuel-cell Rasa, has been developed by a team at Llandrindod Wells and the Welsh Government is considering supporting a manufacturing base in Wales. The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership has been running its Champions Award for six years and the final judging … [Read more...]
Business drivers give blessing to autonomous cars
Research suggests that 43% of UK businesses believe their drivers will accept using autonomous cars. Also, findings by vehicle leasing and fleet management company Arval shows that 38% believe that autonomous cars will have a positive impact on existing road safety issues. Shaun Sadlier, Head of Consultancy at Arval, said, “Clearly, autonomous cars will represent a huge change in … [Read more...]
Trade lines 13 July
The UK Government has started talks to resolve legal issues surrounding autonomous cars. Changes to the law and advice on driving as well as insurance requirements will be discussed so the system can be introduced by 2020. Romania says it’s talking to two un-named car makers to establish assembly plants in the country. Ford and Dacia are already building there with a network of component … [Read more...]