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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
Seat Ibiza has something to celebrate
The SEAT Ibiza sets "a new benchmark in safety for the Supermini price point category", says Thatcham Research, who praised and criticised Ford at the same time. Following an unfavourable safety rating earlier this year, Ford has resubmitted its flagship Mustang sports car for testing, on this occasion earning a Three Star Euro NCAP rating. This … [Read more...]
Industry should “remain calm” over future of diesel values, says VRA
Diesel is likely to remain a crucial part of the motor trade’s fuel mix for the foreseeable future and the motor industry should “remain calm” over its future values, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The trade organisation – which represents companies that are involved in remarketing more than 1.5 million vehicles every year – says that there is … [Read more...]
Computer says…. “no go”
Technology could halve unexpected breakdowns by 2020 according to telematics expert In-car Cleverness, as data increasingly helps drivers identify malfunctions before they occur. Harnessing this data would slash repair bills by £1.3 billion annually, as the one in four vehicles which breakdown annually could be inspected before they fail. Curtailing … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 July
To celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic Fiat 500 a new special series, the Fiat 500 Anniversario, will be available to order from today. Available in two exclusive new colours, Riviera Green and Sicilia Orange with the 1.2-litre 69hp petrol engine, as both a hatchback and a convertible, they cost from £14,265. Ford Bridgend Engine plant helped … [Read more...]
New car data is personal and protected, says FIA
Early results from a new study commissioned by FIA states that most car data can be linked to a user and, therefore, should be treated as personal data. The study examined how existing and upcoming EU legislation on data protection and liability could apply to vehicle data. It clearly dismisses the attempts to categorise data according to its … [Read more...]
