The UK’s used car market grew 108.6% in the second quarter of 2021 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 2,167,504 vehicles changed hands, up 6.6% on 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the best Q2 performance and almost the best quarter ever for the used car market. The increase tracks the country’s gradual emergence from lockdown, as businesses reopened, demand for personal … [Read more...]
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The automotive industry braces for long Covid
Long Covid is about to hit the car industry with increased warranty costs expected in months or years to come, says Renee Stephens, Vice-President of We Predict automotive analysts. If current and past trends are any indication, the global pandemic has implications to change what automakers and suppliers see in their warranties as they continue to ramp up operations, with the potential for … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 August
The iconic electric-first brand, Tesla has come out as the Euro NCAP’s safest car brand tied with Polestar, a Swedish EV manufacturer who’s owned by Volvo Cars. Both companies scored an impressive 87% safety rating out of a possible 100%, while Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, came in third with their safety rating of 86%, closely followed by Genesis and Volvo with 85%, reported … [Read more...]
Semi-conductor loss more serious than pandemic
The global semiconductor shortage will have far-reaching and long-lasting effects that are likely to have a greater impact on the automotive industry than the COVID pandemic, according to pioneering software provider VNC Automotive. Perfectly placed to see the issue first hand, VNC Automotive has established itself as a leader in the vehicle connectivity space, working with clients on unique … [Read more...]
Traditional skills threat to historic vehicles
Some of the most iconic vehicles in history could be lost to the future unless new blood is introduced to the restoration industry. That was the main conclusion reached at a FIVA-supported international symposium in Bucharest, titled ‘Restoration – Art or Science?’ The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, or international federation of historic vehicles, warned that specialist … [Read more...]
Expensive EVs deter Brits buying them
Britons are being put off choosing electric cars because they a simply too expensive, a survey shows. Select Car Leasing took the average price of a standard Renault Zoe EV in Europe and how much it was a percentage of the average salary with some surprising results. In Britain it was equivalent to 84% of salary and put the country in 13thplace in the countries’ league. Switzerland was way out … [Read more...]
Electric vehicles power up British Motor Museum event
The British Motor Museum will host the Electric Vehicles Festival on Saturday. The Show, which began in 2019, will give visitors the opportunity to see hundreds of electric vehicles on display. All Fully Pure Electrics (BEV) are welcome to join the show for a celebration and display their vehicles including Electric Cars, E-Commercials, E-Bikes, E-Buses and E-Coaches. Key exhibits will include a … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 August
SEAT has upgraded specifications on its latest Ateca and Tarraco SUVs. Improved pre-crash assist safety comes to the Ateca Xperience Lux while the Tarraco SE now features Connect and Adaptive Cruise Control with prices from £24,560 and £30,080 respectively. Hyundai has launched a new all-in-one monthly subscription service for its line-up of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models. … [Read more...]
Brakes go on new car sales
New car sales crashed in Wales last month. Registrations were 42.16% below the same month last year at 4,470 compared to 7,728 as the country was emerging from lockdown and buyers went on a spending spree. It is the steepest fall of the UK nations and contrasted with a 29.5% drop for the country as a whole to the lowest July figure in 23 years and before the two-plate system started in a bid to … [Read more...]
Successful return of Silverstone Classic
Despite an enforced 2020 lockdown sabbatical, the 2021 Silverstone Classic bounced back with renewed style and vigor, encouraging record crowds, capacity grids and quintessential British weather, which failed to dampen participant’s enthusiasm. Challenging racing conditions, umbrellas and mud underfoot were the order of the weekend on Silverstone’s track and expansive infield zones. Central … [Read more...]