Long Covid is about to hit the car industry with increased warranty costs expected in months or years to come, says Renee Stephens, Vice-President of We Predict automotive analysts. If current and past trends are any indication, the global pandemic has implications to change what automakers and suppliers see in their warranties as they continue to ramp up operations, with the potential for … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 August
The iconic electric-first brand, Tesla has come out as the Euro NCAP’s safest car brand tied with Polestar, a Swedish EV manufacturer who’s owned by Volvo Cars. Both companies scored an impressive 87% safety rating out of a possible 100%, while Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, came in third with their safety rating of 86%, closely followed by Genesis and Volvo with 85%, reported … [Read more...]
Semi-conductor loss more serious than pandemic
The global semiconductor shortage will have far-reaching and long-lasting effects that are likely to have a greater impact on the automotive industry than the COVID pandemic, according to pioneering software provider VNC Automotive. Perfectly placed to see the issue first hand, VNC Automotive has established itself as a leader in the vehicle connectivity space, working with clients on unique … [Read more...]
Traditional skills threat to historic vehicles
Some of the most iconic vehicles in history could be lost to the future unless new blood is introduced to the restoration industry. That was the main conclusion reached at a FIVA-supported international symposium in Bucharest, titled ‘Restoration – Art or Science?’ The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, or international federation of historic vehicles, warned that specialist … [Read more...]
Expensive EVs deter Brits buying them
Britons are being put off choosing electric cars because they a simply too expensive, a survey shows. Select Car Leasing took the average price of a standard Renault Zoe EV in Europe and how much it was a percentage of the average salary with some surprising results. In Britain it was equivalent to 84% of salary and put the country in 13thplace in the countries’ league. Switzerland was way out … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 August
SEAT has upgraded specifications on its latest Ateca and Tarraco SUVs. Improved pre-crash assist safety comes to the Ateca Xperience Lux while the Tarraco SE now features Connect and Adaptive Cruise Control with prices from £24,560 and £30,080 respectively. Hyundai has launched a new all-in-one monthly subscription service for its line-up of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models. … [Read more...]
Data protection is on the move
Today’s cars are full of connected tech and computer systems which control and even record a lot of their functions, but they also collect a lot of private data. Whilst there are lots of advantages to these increasingly advanced onboard systems, the rise in connectivity has raised some concerns about data protection and an individual’s right to privacy. Essentially, cars made today are closer to … [Read more...]
Autofix for everyone launched by Haynes
Haynes is this month launching AutoFix, its most advanced online repair tool yet for motoring DIY tasks. This all-new digital product firmly debunks the myth that you can’t work on modern cars, and contains more features, and is more technically advanced than any other product in the history of Haynes. AutoFix is an advanced online repair tool that everyone can use and provides world-leading … [Read more...]
UK site considered for new Rivian ev-models’ assembly
The Amazon and Ford backed Rivian pure electric pickup may be built in Britain at a new energy park planned in the West Country. The proposed Gravity Park a few miles north east of Bridgewater and adjacent to the M5 has been earmarked for the potential £1 Billion investment, reported Sky News. The project is being courted by German and Netherlands Governments as well so there is no guarantee it … [Read more...]
EVs too expensive for most buyers this decade
Mass adoption of battery electric vehicles is unlikely to happen by 2030, according to insurance comparison site GoCompare. Based on the current rate, EV uptake will increase over the decade, but the battery technology needed for mass adoption will not be available at an affordable price point. Lower-cost electric vehicles are set to reach a real-world range of 300 miles per charge within the … [Read more...]