Mazda is close to introducing a revolutionary internal combustion engine in 2019 which uses petrol but works in the manner of a diesel. Their homogeneous charge compression ignition engine ignites gasoline through compression, eliminating spark plugs, and its fuel economy potentially matches that of a diesel engine without high emissions of nitrogen … [Read more...]
Bigger tax bills coming with new emissions tests
Motorists are facing a tax shock when new emissions tests kick in from the end of this month. From 1 September this year, a new test for measuring emissions from cars, called WLTP (abbreviated from Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) will apply to all new car models introduced on the European market for the first time. One year later, … [Read more...]
Digital maintenance logbook explained
Renault is developing a prototype for a digital car maintenance book, leveraging the power of Blockchain technology, built in collaboration with Microsoft and VISEO. Blockchain technology ensures that data in the car passport is stored in a secure and transparent manner in the cloud on dedicated encrypted servers. Currently, information about … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 July
More young people are applying for provisional licences but fewer going on to get full licences, says the RAC after looking at DVLA data. There has been a 13% decline in tests taken over the previous 12 months but it’s a massive 29% down since 2007. The Wales economic committee wants priority given to easing congestion to ensure better bus … [Read more...]
Tradelines 26 July
In Germany, owners who refuse to get software updates to their VW Group diesels will not be able to register them again. A tough line is being taken and some models will be deregistered before they are due to be retaxed, making them unsellable. Toyota plans to launch a range of electric cars using a new type of traction battery with longer life and … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 July
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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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’ … [Read more...]
