The FitCar PPV ‘prototype #2’ is based on a standard Audi A4 Avant 2.0L petrol TFSI auto, with the throttle replaced by a bicycle pedal mechanism and mated to a flywheel, which generates an electronic pulse to engage the accelerator. The car is powered as normal, delivering manufacturer specification performance and economy, governed by an active pedalling motion instead of the conventional … [Read more...]
News
Welsh motorists tailing UK buying average
Just over a third of Welsh drivers would consider buying a new car, some way behind the national average. They are also less likely to look at a second hand car than the average and more likely to put up with their present model. But the gap is narrowing and with sales incentives in showrooms the car sales market is hotting up between new and used. In Wales, 43% said they would consider … [Read more...]
7.3 M UK cars branded “dirty diesels”
There are now 43 million dirty diesels on Europe’s roads, and their numbers continue to grow three years after the 'Dieselgate scandal' was exposed, a new report concludes. Even a diesel car that passed the EU’s new on-road test emits nine times the legal amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) when driven in a way more representative of typical driving, new testing shows. Non-governmental … [Read more...]
Warranty worries over technology and responsibility
New technology and parts sharing is posing a tough challenge for vehicle makers to decide on warranty cover. Warranty and quality specialists from automotive suppliers met at the 2018 CLEPA Warranty Conference in Frankfurt, to discuss the future challenges in managing warranty in the future and the headline of the conference was “Warranty in a digital world”. Partners from Strategy&, a … [Read more...]
Carmakers clamour for Brexit deal
A ‘no-deal’ Brexit must be ruled out now to avoid damaging one of the EU’s most valuable economic assets, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is warning. Time is running out, and negotiators on both sides of the Channel must prioritise the agreement of terms for a managed withdrawal and ‘status quo’ transition as soon as possible. ‘No-deal’ would undermine the industry’s ability to … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 September
Aston Martin is planning to add a third hypercar to its planned range. It announced the 1,000hp £2.3M Valkyrie and £4.0M Valkyrie AMR Pro models but now wants to add another cheaper coupe (right sketch) into the range, which could be under £1.0M.. JLR is reportedly struggling to find UK parts makers willing to supply components to them. Production requires massive investment and the … [Read more...]
Behind the scenes of Metrolink
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates has been to Manchester to meet the operator delivering the new rail services contract in Wales and the borders from October. Transport Secretary Ken Skates and Kevin Thomas, Chief Executive of Transport for Wales Rail Services met Aline Frantzen, Managing Director of Metrolink to go behind the scenes and experience the day to day running of the … [Read more...]
Key-in your thoughts on air pollution in Wales
The Welsh Government wants to hear public views on their final package of measures to improve air quality on Welsh roads. At the end of July, Welsh Government published an interim supplemental plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations alongside the UK Government’s plan 2017 - Tackling Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations in Wales. This supplemental plan contained … [Read more...]
Ford and Toyota get share of Brexit budget
Ford and Toyota engine plants in Wales will get a share of a £6M Brexit assistance budget from Welsh Government, but there has been criticism from Tories in Wales. Ford will get £1.6M and Toyota an unspecified grant while money will also go to other automotive companies struggling with expected higher costs as a result of leaving the EU. First Minister Carwyn Jones announced further business … [Read more...]
Circuit of Wales plan on track again
A new attempt to create the Circuit of Wales is underway, writes Robin Roberts. The controversial £433M scheme on mountainside overlooking Ebbw Vale was rejected for Welsh Government assistance in June 2017. The original proposers of the 2013 venture failed to secure the confidence of the Welsh Government which had put £9M into studies to turn over 800 acres of mountain moorland into a … [Read more...]