Lower prices, reassurances over battery life and more accessible charge points are among the things drivers claim would persuade them to switch to an electric car, it has emerged. But despite electric vehicles estimated to emit 50 per cent less greenhouse gas than diesel, just seven per cent of motorists have already made the switch and the study of 2,000 car owners found less than two fifths … [Read more...]
News
Jobless hit hardest by insurers
Insurance companies are penalising policy holders who are unemployed, said Dan Hutson, Head of Motor Insurance. “Young people could pay nearly £900 more on average than over 65s for their motor insurance, and the unemployed could pay £440 more than the employed. Looing at comparethemarket.com’s latest motor snapshot highlights the differences in costs between demographics, which are due to … [Read more...]
Drive continues to cut road deaths
As the decline in road deaths tapered off last year, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association is making a push to raise drivers’ awareness of existing and future vehicle safety technologies. Data issued by the European Commission earlier this month shows that there were 25,100 fatalities on European roads in 2018, a figure which has fallen by one fifth since 2010. Although EU roads are … [Read more...]
Plug-in hybrids powering up sales
The number of plug-in electric cars on British roads grew by three quarters last year, according to new Motorparc by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The UK’s largest automotive analysis shows there is now a record 195,410 plug-in vehicles on our roads, reflecting the growing choice of models now on offer. Overall ownership of alternatively fuelled vehicles increased by … [Read more...]
Plan and take your time for the Easter getaway
If you’re planning a bank holiday getaway then be sure to make your journey a safe and stress-free one, says advanced driving body RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman. A little preparation goes a long way. Take some time to check your vehicle inside and out before you set off. Check the tyre pressure and fluid levels are right and make sure your car … [Read more...]
£90,000 electric superbike destined for St Athan “power park”
A £90,000 high-performance electric motorcycle is being planned for St Athan "power-park". The Arc Vector two-wheeler will be built in a converted hangar close to the Aston Martin Lagonda factory and will be the result of an investment initiative on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube. The crowdfunding campaign goes live to the public on 6 May and will enable manufacturer Arc to finalise … [Read more...]
Anger over plans to ban petrol and diesel trucks in UK
British industry has criticised a report by the National Infrastructure Commission suggesting new petrol and diesel lorries should be banned by 2040. Tom Thackray, CBI Energy and Infrastructure Director, said, “Business has long acknowledged that decarbonisation is a vital ingredient for making the UK economy as competitive and fit for the 21st century as possible. “However, banning … [Read more...]
Brexit boost to UK supply chain, academic claims
Traditional supply chains will be destroyed because of stricter border controls and as a result of a no-deal Brexit, businesses in the UK will be forced to buy more local products, according to an expert from the University of Cologne. Professor Andreas Fügener, expert in Supply Chain Management, warns that consumers are largely unaware of the impact that leaving the European Single Market … [Read more...]
Welsh components company axes quarter of staff
Llanelli-based Calsonic Kansei is axing nearly a quarter of its 400 staff, citing a slowdown in orders for its radiators and intercoolers from car makers. The company has been in Llanelli since 1943 and currently employs about 400 people and was given a £4.4M grant by Welsh Government in December to create 88 new jobs. It is unclear if this money will now be given as it was intended to boost … [Read more...]
Renault honours Welsh dealers
The outstanding performances of two Welsh Renault dealers have been recognised in the company’s annual European celebration of excellence. The UK’s highest performing dealers were awarded commendations and attended the Paris event with Groupe Renault’s UK Managing Director, Vincent Tourette, and Louise O'Sullivan, UK Network Development Director. They visited the Technocentre, Renault’s … [Read more...]