Complaints about garages, vehicles and service have soared by more than a third in recent months. The independent Motor Ombudsman said more than 1,600 cases were logged in three months, the most ever and a 35% rise over Q1 last year. It also took some 24,000 telephone calls about garages and that was a 56% rise over the same period last year. The analysts say heightened cost of living with … [Read more...]
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Uncoiling the myths about future EVs
Forthcoming advances in electric vehicles (EVs) are the focus of a new white paper by the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Called “The Future of Electric Vehicle Technology”, it has been written by battery electrochemist Euan McTurk, creator and presenter of Plug Life Television, a YouTube channel about EVs. It covers topics including diversification of battery chemistries, longer-range … [Read more...]
How a rogue sponsor took Formula One for a ride
Motor racing creates a glamorous aura and attracts some dubious characters. Some that spring to mind include Sidney Miller – one of several aliases – of Southern Organs fame who sponsored anything that moved in national motor racing during the mid-1970’s including a singleton Surtees F1 entry at Silverstone. Then there was charismatic David Thieme of Essex Petroleum, with trademark goatee beard, … [Read more...]
Evans’ heartache and Toyota triumph in WRC Croatia
Sébastien Ogier jumped from third to first overall on a dramatic Sunday at Croatia Rally, claiming a surprise win as Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans faced heartbreak at the weekend. After three days of neck and neck competition on spectator-packed asphalt roads around capital city Zagreb, victory looked set to be decided between Neuville, driving a Hyundai i20 N, and Welshman Evans in a Toyota … [Read more...]
Government rejection of EV plans disappoints
There’s mounting concern at the Government’s reaction to a House of Lord’s Committee study into electric vehicles. Baroness Parminter, Chair of the inquiry said, “Whilst we welcome the Government’s acceptance of some of the recommendations in our report, it is particularly disappointing that it is not committing to incentivising the purchase of more EVs, equalizing the VAT differential between … [Read more...]
Which EV charger is right for you?
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids now account for more than 23% of UK market share and are used by a huge range of people, organisations and businesses. There are numerous types of EV charger, costing from under £800 to tens of thousands of pounds, including installation. So what are the best options according to your needs and lifestyle? Commuters with long journeys Even if you’re driving … [Read more...]
EV price war on horizon
A price war is looming in the ev sector which will benefit buyers but hit dealers and fleets, an analyst said this week. This week, as Tesla cut prices again and the number of cheaper Chinese-made models are coming into Britain, the European motor industry and trade is seriously worried about how they will make money as spending tightens. Early this year, the UK Government introduced the Zero … [Read more...]
Parts suppliers struggling and issue warnings
The European automotive supply industry, a vital pillar of the EU economy, is confronted with volatility and uncertainty from both their customers and upstream suppliers. Despite facing substantial headwinds, industry players maintain a cautious optimism, navigating through challenges and strategising for transformation. High levels of uncertainty surrounding new projects and EV demand in … [Read more...]
Government and National Grid are failing truck industry
Government should reform its dated Plug-in Truck Grant introduced eight years ago to reflect the progress made by the sector in developing new zero emission truck technology and help cut CO2 by 18.8 million tonnes a year, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Following billions in investment from manufacturers, there are now 27 models of zero emission trucks available to UK … [Read more...]
Kia is king among dealers, trade survey shows
Kia dealers are the happiest in UK, but Jaguar franchise holders are most pessimistic. Dealer satisfaction regarding current profit returns have experienced a slight decrease, with an average score of 6.1, down by – 0.1 from the Summer 2023 edition (-1.6% change) of surveys by the National Franchised Dealers Association. Assessing the trends, from previous DAS surveys, current profit return … [Read more...]