Individual options are unlikely to increase tax liabilities on new cars under the new WLTP regime, but commonly selected combinations of options will have emissions and tax impacts. This is likely to accelerate manufacturer initiatives to streamline their vehicle ranges and option packages, says Autovista Group, Europe’s leading pan-European automotive pricing experts. “NEDC emissions … [Read more...]
News
Insurance fraud is found every minute in UK
Every minute in Britain an insurance fraud is detected, according to industry figures. Over 562,000 insurance frauds were uncovered last year, said the Association of British Insurers. About 113,000 were dishonest claims, valued at £1.3bn and while the number of dishonest claims fell 8%, the value of those claims rose 1%. Organised frauds such as staged "crash for cash" motor accidents … [Read more...]
Wales’ bridges need money spending on upgrades
About 40 state-managed bridges in Wales need £5m spent on them to meet current standards, said the Welsh Government. While the Government says they are not dangerous or liable to collapse, some 39 out of 1,263 bridges are substandard and the admission came after the Institution for Civil Engineers in Wales said the Genoa, Italy motorway collapse was an alarm call. An RAC Foundation in … [Read more...]
First drive: Audi Q8 sharpens range
Britain’s booming SUV market has a new player, writes Robin Roberts. The Audi Q8 raises the game for the company as the new flagship in its sporting range and it’s also a real challenger to rivals from Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Maserati, as well as Bentley. The new five-seater-only Q8 has a coupe-styled five-door body with quattro drive and 48v mild-hybrid 286ps 3.0TDi … [Read more...]
Speeding Welsh tourist is stopped in his tracks
A Welsh tourist has reportedly been arrested as he tried to leave Dubai in a dispute over £36,000 in speeding fines in a rented Lamborghini. Farah Hashi, 25, from Newport, was caught on cameras in four hours at up to 150mph in the £155,000 supercar. Brother, Adman, 50, told media a deal had been struck to repay about £30,000 raised by family and friends but when Mr Hashi went to fly home, he … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 August
As many as 14.4m cars are expected to take to the country’s major roads from today to bank holiday Monday, according to research of drivers’ intentions conducted by the RAC and INRIX. Some 11.2m people plan to get away but another 3.2m say they will are at present undecided as to which day they will be travelling on. With families across the UK keen to take advantage of the final days of … [Read more...]
Prepare and double-check before departing for the weekend
If you’re planning a bank holiday getaway then be sure you can make your journey a safe and stress-free one. Here’s IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, to help you prepare for your trip, because 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 … [Read more...]
Company car is just the job
The company car still rules the road for incentives. When looking to find fresh talent, it seems that company cars are still the best bet for businesses, according to new research by OSV. It shows 49% of interviewees would even consider accepting a job that didn’t otherwise appeal, if a car that they couldn’t afford privately came as part of the package. In spite of this, more than half … [Read more...]
Road safety compromised by Gig services, says GMB
Gig economy employers are exposing delivery drivers, riders and the general to unacceptable health and safety risks says GMB GMB, Britain’s general union, has responded to a University College London report suggesting gig economy drivers and riders are at heightened risk of traffic collisions. The report claims the pressures that come with being a self-employed courier or taxi driver may … [Read more...]
Smart meters for “thinking” electric car owners
Energy Minister Claire Perry has hailed OVO Energy for its “innovative” electric vehicle products - enabled by smart meters - which could see millions save and even make money from their electric cars. OVO Energy is one of just a few companies already using smart meters to offer innovative products, such as rewarding customers for charging their electric vehicles at off-peak times. These … [Read more...]