A no-deal Brexit is not an option for Britain’s car industry, the car makers' have warned. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said carmakers were “increasingly concerned” about the lack of clarity around departure from the European Union. With less than eight months until the divorce is due to take place, Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to find … [Read more...]
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VW T-Roc surges as Europe recovers & UK falters
The European car market is more dynamic than ever before, recording its best H1 performance of the century,reports analyst firm JATO. There were 8.6 million car registrations between January and June – a year on year increase of 2.7%. Despite uncertainty in the UK, where the market was down 6.3% on H1 2017, the growth recorded in Germany, France and Spain allowed the overall market to keep … [Read more...]
Motorway services’ double standards for drivers
Commercial vehicle drivers are being treated as second class citizens at motorway service stations. That's the conclusion of the Freight Transport Association responding to a new Transport Focus research paper on improvements made to services for private motorists. According to the research, following investment by the motorway service area operators, many of the facilities they offer to the … [Read more...]
Newslines 31 July
Britain’s first full-sized driverless bus is being developed by Stagecoach. It’s partnered with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited and technology company Fusion Processing to produce a 12m single deck autonomous bus with trials planned in a depot and including technology which can be utilised when it goes onto the streets with a driver as it would need under present legislation. About … [Read more...]
Hire fleets turning to used models
The next car you hire is likely to be a used model. Daily rental companies have found there’s a shortage of new cars reaching market because manufacturers are struggling with output due to the new emissions requirements of the latest exhaust test, or WLTP programme. Typically, they are purchasing batches of small-medium sized cars that are less than six months old, helping to keep values for … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 July
The exclusive McLaren BP23 will be officially named the Speedtail. It’s central driving position with a passenger each side is reminiscent of the original P1 McLaren but the new hyper-GT will be limited to 106 cars each costing £1.6 M plus taxes. The second Clean Air Roadshow in Swansea had to cope with unseasonal heavy rain. Hundreds still turned up to look at a selection of electric … [Read more...]
Survey shows satisfaction with servicing
Brits are becoming happier with their garages and service centres. That’s the conclusion of a trade body which annually asks motorists about their experiences.The survey of 1,000 car owners by The Motor Ombudsman, the automotive dispute resolution provider, has revealed that consumers have an increasingly favourable perception of the vehicle service and repair sector when compared to the same … [Read more...]
Confusion over emissions tests will hit values
Uncertainty surrounding the new emissions-test system could help to create a degree of unpredictability in the used car market towards the end of this year and into 2019, warns the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The organisation, which represents businesses that together process more than 1.5 million used vehicles every year, says that there are two main factors the WLTP test might affect … [Read more...]
New laws may catch out Brits abroad
More than half (59%) of drivers are unfamiliar with a range of new driving regulations introduced this year in France, says RAC Europe. Research carried out with 1,400 drivers found more than three-quarters (78%) were not aware the speed limit on France’s secondary ‘D’ roads was reduced from 1 July from 90kph to 80kph (55mph to 50mph), a move designed to reduce accidents. Failure to comply … [Read more...]
Swansea’s Clean Air Roadshow
Swansea City Centre will tomorrow host the second Clean Air Roadshow supported by Swansea BID and The Big Heart of Swansea. With over 150,000 vehicles on the road today powered by electricity, the Clean Air Roadshow will bring a selection of these to the city centre. Castle Square will be a hive of activity from 10am – 4pm, featuring vehicles from Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan, as well as the … [Read more...]