The Independent Garage Association is raising concerns to the government about the huge impact of extending MOTs for six months. Whilst supporting the government’s measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, the IGA does not agree with the six-month MOT extension period. The IGA is proposing to government that they start with an initial six-week MOT extension period, which could then … [Read more...]
News
Newslines 31 March
The Paris Motor this autumn is the latest casualty of the coronavirus outbreak. It has already seen the Geneva show axed just days before the doors opened in early March, June’s Detroit show has been pulled and now French organisers are looking at other ways to stage their event. Toyota makes two out of the three top selling models in the world. The Corolla is top of the World Car Ranking … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 March
Buses have joined trains in Wales giving free transport to NHS staff during the coronavirus outbreak. It's all part of a £69M subsidy to public transport operators faced with decimation in demand by the public banned from travelling unless on essential journeys. The RAC has published a set of answers to questions being asked by drivers following the coronavirus outbreak. You can see the … [Read more...]
Uk car making tumbled even before virus hit
British car manufacturing fell -0.8% in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 122,171 vehicles rolled off production lines in the month, representing a loss of just over 1,000 units compared with February 2019. The decline was driven by slower demand in some key global export markets. In the month before the coronavirus pandemic started to be felt in the … [Read more...]
Volvo’s new horizons
Volvo Cars has its eyes firmly set on the future as it celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding on 28 March. The company has seen a complete transformation of its business under Geely ownership, changing from a purely European firm to a truly global and strong player in the premium car market, racking up record sales, revenues and profits along the way. As … [Read more...]
World car production and sales plunge
IHS Markit forecasts used by automakers and suppliers for strategic decisions has downgraded its assessments across "virtually all regions." It called the coronavirus pandemic "the single biggest risk factor facing the auto industry for many years," reports Automotive News Europe. Global sales will fall by more than 12 percent this year to 78.8 million units, a downgrade of 10 million units from … [Read more...]
Rail danger warning comes early
With the schools closed for the foreseeable future and parents seeking to fill their children’s time at home, British Transport Police and Network Rail are urging parents and carersto speak to their children and loved ones about the dangers posed by the railway and the importance of staying off the track. Every year, there is a rise in the number of trespass incidents ahead of the Easter school … [Read more...]
Fleets urged to take renewable fuels route
A new guide from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership for fleet operators shows how renewable fuels can immediately cut greenhouse gas emissions in road transport, particularly from commercial vehicles for which few low emission solutions are currently available. While the focus has been mainly on vehicle electrification for meeting the UK’s net zero target as it applies to road transport, … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 March
MG is lending 100 ZS ev models to health authorities for six months. The vehicles will be used to perform a variety of roles and support services during the coronavirus epidemic in the UK. FAXI is a community based service to link those with transport and needs. Volunteer action groups globally can create private closed communities to help identify individuals who need help through the … [Read more...]
A chance to play it again Maestro
During the 1970s and 80s, one-make racing series were a popular component of motor manufacturer’s marketing strategy, used to promote chosen models, writes Ken Davies. Among these were Ford Escort Mexico, Renault 5, Honda CRX, Ford Fiesta, VW Polo and even Porsche 924 and BWW M1 supercar championships that became popular among competitors and spectators alike, but perhaps one of the most … [Read more...]