The InclusivEV Demonstrator project, a €3.8million pan-European project which aims to widen access to electric vehicles through an affordable car sharing scheme, successfully launched its first demonstration site in Solihull, West Midlands in December. InclusivEV addresses the issues facing city neighbourhoods by increasing accessibility to EVs. Through urban car sharing schemes it aims to … [Read more...]
Newcomers
Newslines 22 January
Flintshire council is among the quickest response times in Britain for filling serious potholes, new research has revealed. Figures released by motoring charity the RAC Foundation show the authority aims to make road repairs "immediately" but the longest response time in Wales was in Vale of Glamorgan, which promises to investigate the following working day. World War One hero soldier who … [Read more...]
EVs & hybrids used propositions explained
The increasing numbers of electric and hybrid vehicles making their way onto the used market will be the focus of the first Vehicle Remarketing Association meeting of 2019, taking place on 23 January at Fleet Auction Group, Coalville. Key presentations will include Ian Featherstone of the Energy Saving Trust on background drivers for EV and hybrid adoption, vehicle and charging developments, … [Read more...]
Ford and VW confirm cvs and future technologies
Ford and Volkswagen today confirmed they will begin a joint venture to build and share vans and pickups from 2022. They will join forces in a bid to reduce costs and create new ranges of electric and self-driving cars, they announced at the Detroit Motor Show. Sales will begin in 2022 and will boost profits from 2023 and “Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and … [Read more...]
Petrol hybrids are smart buys, say analysts
Three petrol hybrid 4x4 vehicles top the league for a smart buy. The Lexus NX, Rav4 and Kia Niro all show industry-leading low levels of depreciation. The Lexus NX retains 72% of its value from new after three years and 60,000 miles, losing on average £11,611. The Toyota Rav4 retains 69% of its value and loses an average of £10,341 over three years and 60,000 miles. The Kia Niro retains 67% … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 January
VW is steaming ahead with a plan to make its new generation of electric cars in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It will begin with a compact suv in 2022 but others will follow as it prepares to spend over €700 M inside six years. Renault and Dacia have launched a New Year sales campaign. Special finance deals are available across the ranges until the end of March, and some come with deposit … [Read more...]
Newslines 11 January
Kia is the only brand in Britain’s top ten to improve on market share last year. The ninth placed Korean brand saw a growth of 2.7% with 95,746 registrations while market leader Ford suffered an 11.6% decline, although Nissan sales collapsed 32.1% in seventh place. Honda and Toyota have joined MINI and said they will suspend car production in April for a few days. It follows the car … [Read more...]
Lean and green drive car buyers choices, says report
Environmental factors have become the second most important consideration to prospective car buyers behind only price, according to figures from comparethemarket.com in its latest Premium Drivers report. The new figures show that 25% of people consider environmental impacts, such as fuel, carbon efficiency and alternative fuel, as the most important factor when buying a car. With 24% of people … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 January
A GT Sport Nav+ model has been added to the revised Mazda CX-5 range of 2WD and AWD models with petrol or diesel engines. All models now come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto together with revised suspension but the new trim includes real wood and satin chrome fascia highlights, new interior lights and 19-inch bright alloys. Almost one-in-three new cars sold in Norway last year was pure … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 2.0 TSI
As an example of this fast changing world, Skoda recently introduced Sportline versions of their award winning large SUV – the Kodiaq, writes David Miles. I was due to test the 1.4 TSI 150hp turbo petrol powered model, but that was substituted because under the WLTP changes it is due to be replaced by the Volkswagen Group’s new TSI 1.5-litre 150hp, cylinder on demand petrol unit. So a … [Read more...]