China's biggest electric car maker in the world, BYD, announced the next stage of its European strategy with the construction of a massive manufacturing and production centre in Szeged, Hungary. The state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind built by a Chinese automotive company in Europe and will have a highly advanced car production line as it gradually ramps up manufacturing and … [Read more...]
Avoid a flat start to 2024, say RAC
The RAC is warning drivers to plan ahead to avoid an unwelcome post-holiday tradition: ‘the flat battery blues’. Typically, the first working day after the festive break is one of the busiest of the year for RAC breakdown patrols, due to thousands of cars being left idle over the holidays. Coupled with cold, damp weather, this period of inactivity drains car batteries and leaves thousands at risk … [Read more...]
£11.2 billion tied up in unused cars
UK drivers could be sitting on a staggering £11.2 billion tied up in unused cars, a new study estimates. That’s the equivalent of a festive turkey feast for almost 439 million households or 17 million fully funded Christmases. There are now over three million cars with a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) declaration in the UK with a potential average value of around £3,264 – enough to fund … [Read more...]
Soaring premiums for young drivers – Compare the Market
The cost of car insurance for young drivers aged 17-24 has typically risen by £658 year-on-year, according to new research from Compare the Market. Annual car insurance cover for young drivers now costs £1,929 on average compared to £1,271 in 2022. Most young drivers are concerned that driving is becoming unaffordable. More than seven in ten drivers aged under 25 (73%) are worried about how they … [Read more...]
Charging into the great getaway this week
With the annual Chrismas getaway approaching, many drivers and families may be doing their first long run in a new electric car. Just as with a traditional petrol or diesel car you have to prepare your vehicle and yourself for the journey. The electric era is well and truly with us and we are likely to be getting close to a million evs on UK roads by the end of this year and users are doubtless … [Read more...]
Sarn Services slated for ev-charging cost
Sarn Park Services on the M4 north of Bridgend is the most expensive place to charge your electrci car or van, according to the latest national survey by DriveElectric, which has named the best and worst service stations to visit. The study, conducted by electric vehicle experts at DriveElectric, reviewed UK service stations to reveal the best, and worst for EV drivers. The top 10 service … [Read more...]
Road-charging concerns in North Wales
Cocern is mounting over future road charging in Wales and how it will affect ports which users might by-pass and instead use English or even foreign docks. Commenting on the North Wales Transport Commission’s final report and the report into Menai Strait transport links, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for North Wales, Darren Millar MS said, “While I welcome the Transport Commission’s … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 December
Quakers Yard railway station will reopen to passengers today following infrastructure upgrade works. As part of the South Wales Metro project, the station has been upgraded from a single platform to double, installed a new step and ramped footbridge and installed additional railway track which will double the services in and ot of the Capital, said Transport for Wales. There is just a month … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 December
Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift for a car enthusiast and Auto Vivendi is selling places in its 200mph Challenge next year. Recipients get to drive a supercar in a high speed sprint for £2,950+VAT. The Lexus RX large luxury SUV has collected another honour, being named the Best Large SUV in The Car Expert Awards 2024. Its success comes hard on the heels of having won the best premium … [Read more...]
Yule be sorry if you risk it!
More than half of drivers failed to recognise an ‘extremely serious’ risk associated with illegal tyre usage when they took part in a survey by Bridgestone. Fifty-four-per-cent of motorists don’t regard driving on illegal tyres as being potentially life threatening, with only 14% describing them as the most important safety feature on their cars, according to latest Bridgestone research. A … [Read more...]