The Jaguar I-PACE has demonstrated its real-world usability by driving 229 miles from London to Brussels on a single charge. The all-electric performance SUV began its intercity trip on London’s South Bank, with its 90kWh battery fully charged, before heading to the Channel Tunnel terminal at Folkestone. But unlike the 80 million vehicles that have made the crossing by train since the … [Read more...]
Low carbon shift new opportunities for suppliers
The seismic shift towards low-carbon vehicles will open up supply chain opportunities worth hundreds of billions of pounds, according to industry experts speaking at the Future of Technology Zone at Cenex LCV 2018. In the opening seminar from the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Future of Technology Series, Dave Oude Nijeweme, Head of Technology Trends at APC UK, explained the countless … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 September
JLR will go down to a three-day week from October. It has been hit by falling demand, particularly of the diesel engines it has heavily invested in and comprise nearly all UK sales, and hopes to avoid job cuts but is concerned about implications of tariffs and stock holding when the UK leaves the EU next spring. Motorists in north Wales face five weeks of disruption with the westbound A55 … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 September
Production of the current Beetle will end next year with special final editions being built. Sales have been declining but the company has not ruled out reintroducing the name on a future model, possibly with an electric or hybrid powertrain. Drivers are concerned about possible changes to motoring abroad after Brexit, said RAC Europe spokesperson Rod Dennis. While the majority would … [Read more...]
Electric dream or nightmare?
A major insurer broker has questioned the realities behind the ‘electric dream’. Commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech at the Zero Emission Vehicle Summit, Dan Hutson, Head of Motor Insurance at Compare the Market, said, “The two key issues holding back electric cars from becoming the norm are the cost and the infrastructure. "Electric cars, while often cheaper to run than petrol or … [Read more...]
Newslines extra 12 September
Wales Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe has questioned spending £1.4 Billion on the planned M4 relief road around Newport, including a new bridge over the Usk, remodelling the docks and building on grazing land. It will not cut congestion and is a "20th Century solution to a 21st Century problem”, said Ms Howe and suggested money would be better spent on rail and bus links, cycle … [Read more...]
Tradelines 12 September
Ford will show a new 2-tonne Transit with 48V mild hybrid powertrain at next week’s Hannover CV show. It will also reveal a PHEV Transit Custom due to launch in 2019 and the latest telematics and data services to be fitted in next year's models. Lex Autolease, the UK’s leading vehicle leasing provider, is launching a new fund to offer contributions of £1,000 towards the cost of 1,000 new … [Read more...]
Future logistics conference
Self-driving and electric vehicles, drone technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, artificial intelligence and more: the world around us is changing fast, and the logistics sector is one area embracing new technologies and solutions quickly. The Freight Transport Association, which has more than 17,000 members nationwide, will be holding a new one-day event, The Future Logistics Conference & Expo … [Read more...]
Aston Martin Rapide E uses F1 technology input
With development of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car - the Rapide E - progressing apace, the luxury British marque has today confirmed a raft of technical details for the strictly limited 155-unit special edition. Working closely with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as its development partner, Aston Martin has utilised the hugely successful leader in … [Read more...]
Newslines 11 September
Jaguar Land Rover could be hit by £80 Billion of costs if Britain does not secure a good Brexit deal, said CEO Ralf Speth. Extra costs and parts delays threaten to cut profits by £1.2 Billion annually but slowing sales due to diesel and business fuel taxes are also weighing on the business which reported a £210 Million loss in Q2. Jaguar Land Rover Classic has introduced a new infotainment … [Read more...]