Nearly a third (31%) of drivers would challenge a thief trying to steal their car - men 41% and women 22% and rising to 35% of over 55s, compared to 26% of under 54s. More than one in ten (11%) would also like to take drastic action to protect their car, e.g., putting an electric shock device on the car door to stop thieves men 14% and women 8%. The Opinium survey of 2,000 UK drivers by … [Read more...]
Industry
Net Zero Mobility Wales manager appointed
Dana Williams CEng (IMechE), is the Welsh Automotive Forum's new Project and Operations Manager, responsible for Member liaison and also the delivery of our Net Zero Mobility Wales project. With a 22-year career in the automotive and aerospace industry, she started as a graduate at Ford Motor Company (Bridgend), within Manufacturing Engineering, after which she spent 4 years at BAE Systems … [Read more...]
Luke’s on a fast learning drive with Suzuki
Suzuki GB has celebrated the annual graduation of automobile, motorcycle and ATV apprentice technicians as well as customer service advisors and aftersales parts consultants from its Apprenticeship Programme. One of them was Luke Russell from J & J Motors, Bridgend, (above) with Suzuki GB’s Managing Director, Nobuo Suyama, and Director of Aftersales, Denis Houston. In a very welcome return … [Read more...]
Stolen to order for just a few pounds
Reasearch for Direct Line Motor Insurance reveals thieves typically secure at most five per cent of the value of a stolen car, despite the huge distress this crime causes for the vehicle owner, though it is often just 1.25 per cent. Interviews with car thieves reveal £2,000 is a typical value for a popular performance car such as an Audi S3, or a similar Mercedes and BMW model, that is valued at … [Read more...]
Take volts to views
An electric bike firm in South Wales is powering to success in its first year, with support from the Development Bank of Wales. Gower Electric Bikes launched earlier this year, supported with a £17,000 loan from the Wales Micro Loan Fund. Gower became the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, and still regularly wins awards as one of the best places to visit in the … [Read more...]
Young are misguided about autonomous cars
Thatcham Research is launching findings from its Trust in Automation consumer study which has revealed that just over half of UK drivers think that they can buy a fully autonomous car today. This is despite the fact that only Assisted Driving systems, which require driver support, are currently available in the UK. “Realising the government’s stated safety ambition for Automated … [Read more...]
Vehicle leasing costs rising & more to come
Higher Bank of England interest rates mean that company car and van lease costs are beginning to increase, reports the Association of Fleet Professionals. Denise Lane, board director at the industry body, explained that the increases were not uniform across the market but widely reported by AFP members and especially appeared to be affecting vehicles already on order. She said, “Businesses are … [Read more...]
Toyota Aygo X opens for winter sun
Toyota's Aygo X mini-SUV opens up to the great outdoors with a new Air Edition model that comes with a full-length, power-retracting canvas roof as standard. Exclusively available only on-line, this special version delivers all the style and equipment features that have made Aygo X a distinctive and successful addition to the small, city car market since its launch earlier this year. The Air … [Read more...]
New car sales lifting at last
There are signs that the components supply problems may be easing for car makers and getting more models to dealerships after a boost in October registrations. Registrations among Welsh dealers rose 24.25% to hit 4,903. "The increase in new vehicle sales in October demonstrates the resilience of franchised dealers and their ability to find the right deal for their customers and the … [Read more...]
Toll charging favoured to replace fuel duties
Campaign for Better Transport say that 60% of the British public agree that there is a need to reform the current system of vehicle taxation with significantly more people agreeing that a pay-as-you-drive system would be a good way ahead than those who oppose it. The report recognises that the system of taxation relating to motor vehicles will need to change as an increasing number of electric … [Read more...]