SEAT sees diesel giving way to compressed natural gas as a fuel. The chief executive of the Spanish Volkswagen division, Luca de Meo, believes customers needed “a sensible solution” to overcome any issues and falling diesel sales, he told magazine Automibilwoche. Porsche will decide at the end of the decade whether its latest generation of diesel engines will be its last, Chief Executive … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 July
Audi has launched a recall for up to 850,000 diesel cars to update vehicle software controlling emissions in a bid to avoid potential driving bans, reports Automotive News Europe. The service is also being offered to Porsche and Volkswagen brand cars using the same six- and eight-cylinder engines and follows a similar move last week by Mercedes-Benz for about 750,000 models. Drivers much … [Read more...]
Talks underway to create auto-tech park in Wales
The Welsh Government’s £100m Automotive Technology Park in Blaenau Gwent moved a step closer as key players gathered to discuss plans. Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, chaired a meeting with industry figures from TVR, Ford, General Dynamics and IQE as well as representatives of Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone, Blaenau Gwent Council and Cardiff University, in order to develop more detailed proposals … [Read more...]
The ‘Toxin Tax’ explained
A new infographic from UK car buyer comparison site Motorway explains the forthcoming toxin tax for diesel cars. The UK Government is set to introduce ‘clean air zones' and ‘toxin taxes' for diesel cars in major cities from 2019 onwards. London will increase its charges for diesel cars from 2018. Key Facts The UK government has been ordered by the UK courts (twice) and the European … [Read more...]
HGV operators are cutting emissions
With emissions standards front and centre of the air quality debate, the Freight Transport Association has shared the huge strides of its Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme since 2010. The FTA Logistics Carbon Review 2017, sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres, reveals that operators within the scheme have achieved an impressive 7% reduction in their business’ emissions since 2010, significantly … [Read more...]
VW and Skoda announce new petrol engines
Four efficient petrol engines are now available to order for the first time from Volkswagen Retailers in the popular Passat Saloon and Estate, and Tiguan SUV, model ranges. The comprehensive line-up of new petrol engines now being offered in Passat and Tiguan further broaden the cars’ appeal while also allowing the growing numbers of buyers keen to enjoy the benefits of petrol power to consider … [Read more...]
Fleets adopting more hybrids and EVs
More than half of UK fleets are already operating at least one alternative fuel to traditional petrol and diesel models or are planning to do so in the next three years – an increase of 6% since 2015. The finding comes from the 2017 edition of Arval’s long-established Corporate Vehicle Observatory Barometer, research which covers 3,847 fleets. Their choices include traditional hybrids (22% … [Read more...]
Smart-charging trial to ease power demand
The last week has seen an explosion of news items about increasing numbers of electric vehicles (EVs), including France banning petrol and diesel cars by 2040, Volvo planning to sell only electric and hybrid vehicles by 2019, and Tesla announcing that its Model 3 mass-market electric car has started rolling off production lines. There have been many subsequent articles in the media about … [Read more...]
Italian Masterclasses open for Welsh automotive students
Registration is now open to European students for the international and inter-university Master’s degree courses in Italy and dedicated to six professional subjects. They are Advanced Powertrain, Advanced Motorcycle Engineering, Advanced Sportscar Manufacturing, High Performance Car Design, Racing Car Design e Advanced Automotive Electronic Engineering. Italian students and international … [Read more...]
Bridgestone pick up top awards
Bridgestone’s unwavering commitment to road safety has been honoured with two accolades at the TyreSafe Awards 2017. The company was facing a double to collect the Innovation and use of Technology award for its DriveGuard tyre, along with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the end of the night. DriveGuard was commended for its ability to keep motorists moving after a puncture and removing … [Read more...]