One of the world’s leading technology companies has stepped in to boost plans and build hydrogen vehicles in Wales for global sale. Siemens UK has signed a memorandum of understanding with Riversimple, of Llandrindod Wells to make their Rasa car and a local delivery van. The car is already being prepared for trials with 12 drivers living in Abergavenny and the Welsh company installed a … [Read more...]
Tradelines 10 February
The Hyundai Upgrade Event, running throughout February, offers buyers some of the most significant savings ever seen across the Hyundai line-up. Running in tandem with existing deposit contribution offers across the range, the Hyundai Upgrade event allows buyers additional savings of up to £3,000 on top of deposit contributions of up to £3,000 for selected models. Bentley Motors has announced … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 February
Ford has pulled the plug on a planned joint venture to build electric vehicles with China’s Zotye Automobile, the U.S. car maker said yesterday. Explaining the U-turn after four years of talks, Ford said China’s electric vehicle industry and policies had undergone major changes since the agreements were signed prompting Ford’s decision. The UK new light commercial vehicle market enjoyed growth … [Read more...]
Kerbside charging essential to power up green drive
The Government has just announced a £20M boost for more EV charging, but incentives and technology to create kerbside charging should be laid out in next month's Budget, said the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that around 40% of potential electric vehicle users lived in properties without drives and providing them with some form of domestic charging was essential if the … [Read more...]
Concern mounts over drivers’ mental health
Fleets need to be aware of the growing impact of the pandemic on mental health and any subsequent safety risks to drivers, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, pointed to a new poll that showed 40% of people believed their mental health had become worse during the crisis. He said: “This is just the latest in a series of polls and … [Read more...]
Warranties surge as sales stagger
Warrantywise is one of Britain's largest car warranty companies and had a record year in sales growth. They are celebrating an outstanding 55% growth in sales year on year. Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise, attributes this to a number of reasons, "We've had a fantastic year for sales, and worked really hard on setting goals to achieve this. “We hired a new Chief … [Read more...]
Lorry driver fines unfair, say operators
Government plans to fine lorry drivers who do not have negative COVID-19 tests before travelling to Kent have been criticised by the haulage industry. Elizabeth de Jong, Policy Director at Logistics UK said the Government had to make more testing centres available to meet UK demand from drivers and treat them as a priority. “Logistics UK remains extremely concerned that today’s decision to … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 January
Our buying habits are changing with hybrids now up over 304% in ten years through insurance searches says comparethemarket, followed by city cars and then electric models, which are just ahead of seven-seaters and SUVs. Steepest decline in buyers have been sports cars, mpvs, coupes, convertibles and pure 4WD models. Burgeoning demand for the fully electric e-tron SUV has been instrumental in … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 January
DVLA Swansea office staff are too scared to work in the Government buildings, the PCS Union has said. Now Welsh Government has told officials in the Morriston and Llansamlet centres that staff must work from home unless essential for office duties after 500 people were found to have contracted Covid-19 and motorists are facing delays to documents’ processing. Ford is facing a $610 Million bill … [Read more...]
Suppliers optimism and caution for 2021
Parts suppliers have started 2021 with mixed feelings of optimism and caution. Optimism, because demand for vehicles and components is picking up more rapidly than expected and the appetite for new, innovative technologies is accelerating. Caution, because the scars from 2020 are deep and the level of uncertainty remains high. Thorsten Muschal (above), member of the management of … [Read more...]