Volvo will limit the top speed of its models to 112mph (180kph) from 2020. It’s also considering electronically reducing speed around schools and hospitals without the driver intervening. Three consecutive months of price reductions on the UK’s forecourts came to a crashing halt in February as both petrol and diesel went up. Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows the UK average price of a litre … [Read more...]
Black boxes putting the brake on cheaper insurance
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...]
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...]
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...]
Electric Mini is a new classic after 60 years
Sixty years after the iconic Mini first hit the streets, a British technology company has unveiled the first production electric classic Mini at the London Classic Car Show. The Swind E Classic Mini combines a fully-restored body and bespoke powertrain developed in-house by industry leaders Swindon Powertrain, specialists that have been providing engineering expertise to automotive and … [Read more...]
New car sales will stagnate this year, say makers
This year, EU car sales will stagnate at 2018 levels in terms of units sold, staying close to the 15 million new registrations mark recorded last year, according to new forecasts by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Although 2018 was the fifth consecutive year of growth, the pace of growth has slowed down significantly over the last few years, amounting to a slight increase … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 February
The along awaited Audi e-tron electric models will go into showrooms in April. There will be two versions from £71,490 after the ev plug in allowance and it will be a their version of the VW Golf sized I D Neo hatchback. The next generation Vauxhall Corsa range will include a plug-in battery-electric model. It will also have the intelligent LED headlights first seen on Insignia and … [Read more...]
MoT test widens to more vehicles from 20 May
More agricultural, delivery, recovery and construction vehicles are now liable to the annual safety test. The DVSA is introducing annual testing for some when their current tax is renewable but others must have a test done by 20 May 2019. Vehicles now needing a test certificate include: mobile cranes breakdown vehicles (not breakdown vans) tower wagons some mobile engineering … [Read more...]