Europe needs a million public vehicle charging points inside three years and three million by 2029, car makers have told European governments. Latest figures suggest there are under 230,000 at the moment but car makers are pouring huge investments into evs and say the public network needs to grow and give confidence to buyers who have still to make the switch. ACEA, the car makers' body, said in … [Read more...]
Newcomers
Welsh hydrogen car gets Siemens UK support
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...]
Newslines 9 February
A £750M bus and train network in South Wales will be marginally delayed from 2023, due to implications of coping with the Coronavirus crisis. Transport for Wales was nationalised after passenger numbers collapsed last year and operator Keolis-Amey couldn’t make it pay and Welsh Government has pumped in £167M to keep the public transport services running. The reported deal with Korea’s Hyundai … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 February
The new Vauxhall Mokka B-SUV sector family car is now on sale from £20,735 to £34,970 over the 26-model range. It is sold with 100ps or 130ps 1.2 petrol and 110ps 1.5 diesel engines and also as fully electric with a certified 201 miles charged range and is roomier inside than the previous generation Mokka. The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA series is now on sale with the 250 Sport from £40,495 … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Suzuki Across PHEV SUV 2.5
Partnerships between automotive manufacturers are now commonplace as they share costs to bring to market more and more lower exhaust emission models, writes David Miles. They're needed to meet tightening CO2 targets and avoid financial penalties if overall range emissions fail to meet new targets. One of these emerging partnerships is between Japanese brands Toyota and Suzuki. Toyota is … [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...]
UK car sales hit 50 year low
Pressure is mounting for new car prices to be slashed after sales plunged to their lowest for 50 years in January. Buyers who cannot visit showrooms during lockdown and who are concerned about jobs and income have put the brakes on business and now manufactuers face fines if they cannot reduce their fleet average this autumn. More sales have moved on-line and the industry and trade expect this … [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...]
Pump prices climbing higher, says RAC Fuel Watch
The average price of petrol shot up by 3.5p to 120p a litre in January – a price last seen the day before the first Covid-19 lockdown on 22 March 2020 and the third consecutive monthly increase, says RAC Fuel Watch. Diesel also went up by more than 3p a litre from 120.05p to 123.43p (3.38p), making for the second rise in as many months. Both fuels, however, are still around 7p a litre cheaper … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 February
Nissan introduces the LEAF10, a special edition of the popular all-electric car, to celebrate a decade of sales as the first mass-market EV in the world. Available in UK dealerships from February, LEAF10 introduces a new bold body colour to the Nissan palette, complemented by exquisite pattern detailing on the exterior from £28,820 OTR (including the Plug in Car Grant). Kia Motors (UK) is … [Read more...]