Recent figures from by the government show that car theft is on the rise again. Its increased by 15 per cent since 2016/17, and 40 per cent over the last five years and the finger is pointed at keyless entry systems. Tracker is warning motorists to increase their level of car security as 80% of all vehicles stolen and recovered by Tracker in 2017 were stolen without using the owner’s … [Read more...]
News
Drivers rough ride over “humps” law
Around 1,000 speed humps are installed on roads across Wales in a bid to improve safety but they are giving motorists a bumpy ride and are causing ‘too much’ damage to cars, according to a new poll. Research for Wales-based Confused.com revealed that almost half (45%) of motorists in Wales think speed humps, bumps or cushions cause too much damage to cars. In fact, more than a quarter (28%) … [Read more...]
Scenic Two Rivers Tour
Models of varying vintage gathered at the Rhymney Brewery in the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon to take part in the second Two Rivers Tour. Organised by Cwmbran-based Forresters Car Club, the 36 cars took participants on a 130 mile route around some of the most picturesque roads in Torfaen, southern Powys and Monmouthshire. Goytre based company Nutts Performance Classics donated awards for … [Read more...]
Big is not always better for batteries
Matching battery size with vehicle use is crucial for the environment, reveals a new report from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. It scotches the idea that a bigger battery is always better for a vehicle and says the important factor is likely use of the vehicle to better match performance and reduce emissions. A new study by Ricardo for the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) aims to … [Read more...]
Low carbon shift new opportunities for suppliers
The seismic shift towards low-carbon vehicles will open up supply chain opportunities worth hundreds of billions of pounds, according to industry experts speaking at the Future of Technology Zone at Cenex LCV 2018. In the opening seminar from the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Future of Technology Series, Dave Oude Nijeweme, Head of Technology Trends at APC UK, explained the countless … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 September
JLR will go down to a three-day week from October. It has been hit by falling demand, particularly of the diesel engines it has heavily invested in and comprise nearly all UK sales, and hopes to avoid job cuts but is concerned about implications of tariffs and stock holding when the UK leaves the EU next spring. Motorists in north Wales face five weeks of disruption with the westbound A55 … [Read more...]
Welsh motor clubs rally to support dog
Motor Clubs from around South Wales have entered teams in an inter-club quiz on Tuesday which will remember one of the great characters of Welsh motorsport. Seasoned competitor, event organiser, motor sport raconteur and quiz master Peter Griffiths lost his long-standing battle with cancer earlier this year. His love of motor sport was matched by that for his Welsh collie dog, Bailey, and money … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 September
VW and printer-maker HP are developing the world’s first printed 3D metal parts. GKN is using the system to produce parts for Volkswagen, with an additive process layer by layer and then sintering the component. The unveiled BMW Vision iNEXT concept suggest future luxury models may not be saloons from the company but crossover or SUVs. The pure electric model will have a 373 miles range … [Read more...]
MEPs underestimate progress cleaning up transport, claim
The environment committee of the European Parliament called for stricter CO2 targets for passenger cars and vans than proposed by the European Commission and a threshold in addition to incentives for sales of low and zero emission vehicles. “Automotive suppliers fully support the objective of reducing emissions and are proud to deliver the technology to achieve it. However, the sector calls for … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 September
Production of the current Beetle will end next year with special final editions being built. Sales have been declining but the company has not ruled out reintroducing the name on a future model, possibly with an electric or hybrid powertrain. Drivers are concerned about possible changes to motoring abroad after Brexit, said RAC Europe spokesperson Rod Dennis. While the majority would … [Read more...]