All the EU’s four largest car markets grew, with the strongest gains in Italy (+23.1%), Germany (+19.2%), and France (+14.8%). From January to May 2023, the EU car market grew by 18%, to 4.4 million registered cars and BEVs jumped to 13.8% to 129,847 models. About 210,000 people will attend Glastonbury Festival this week, with nearly all arriving by road. Motoring organisations are advising … [Read more...]
Fleets facing quagmire of charging costs
Electric vehicle charging is replacing maintenance as the most onerous day-to-day managerial task facing many fleet managers, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Chair Paul Hollick explained that in terms of working to maximise operational efficiency and minimise costs, feedback from members showed that charging was taking up huge amounts of time. “In the last few years, maintenance has … [Read more...]
EU tariffs will slow EV adoption, say carmakers
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association is calling for a three-year postponement to restrictive rules on EU-UK electric vehicle trade beginning in six months. Otherwise, tariffs could total €4.3 billion, potentially reducing electric vehicle production by some 480,000 units. Goods exported under EU free-trade agreements must comply with ‘rules of origin’ to obtain tariff … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan Ariya Evolve Sportpack
The Nissan Ariya not only turns heads but has the ability to change minds about electric vehicles. Striking styling both outside and in comes with deep carpets, arm-chair comfort, double-glazed windows and cabin-filling air conditioning, so it's better equipped than many homes costing four or five times the Ariya’s list price. It also has a genuine range of about 300 miles. What you get for … [Read more...]
Rental-car hire costs up this summer
If planning a holiday this summer, beware of rising car hire costs. A 12-country study of car hire costs worldwide reveals that the average weekly price to hire a compact family car (e.g., a VW Golf) this summer has rocketed to £520 a week, compared to just £310 in 2019, an increase of £210 – a 68% rise. However, this is around £100 cheaper than last year’s highs when the average weekly hire … [Read more...]
Weighty problem for electric vans & drivers
Operational restrictions and uncertainties are creating issues for fleets adopting new 4.25 tonne electric vans, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. A special concession was created by the Department of Transport for electric light commercial vehicles in 2019. Normally, the holder of a standard B licence would only be able to drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes but recognising the extra weight … [Read more...]
Fleets will drive European sales this decade
Europe’s vehicle components industry says fleet purchases will dominate future sales. Boston Consulting Group and parts makers CLEPA looked at the anticipated after market business by the end of the decade. Results show that fleet vehicles are capturing a significant and rising share of the European aftermarket. Five countries alone (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Poland) will … [Read more...]
Legend car makers facing end of the road
Around 51% of car dealers think that the arrival of new Chinese electric vehicle companies in the UK market will force some established manufacturers out of business. Startline’s June Used Car Tracker also shows that 31% believe some existing brands are already falling behind and 36% say that the next few years will see them fold thanks to tougher competition. In terms of who will be affected, … [Read more...]
VW ID.Buzz launched as an electric camper-van
An Volkswagen ID Buzz has been converted into a fully functioning electric campervan for the first time - and it even has a pop up roof to create extra space. TC Conversions have adapted the vehicle to create the first fully developed camper on this platform. The company believes the camper will be a ‘gateway vehicle’ as people switch to electric camper-vanning. The conversion company based in … [Read more...]
EV chargers’ boost by Welsh Government
Welsh Government is topping up the vehicle charging network in Wales. The £15M funding confirmed by Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters will be used to help local authorities increase the number of charging facilities ahead of fossil fuel vehicles being phased out in 2030. But it has already drawn criticism from opposition party who described it as inadequate to meet the real needs of ev … [Read more...]