Future safety developments put a new onus on car makers to be clear about their systems and what they can and cannot do before a driver must take over. Since its establishment in 1997, Euro NCAP has been the catalyst for significant and sustained advances in automotive safety. It's independent crash tests and continuously evolving assessment protocols have given consumers the … [Read more...]
News
Severn Bridge tolls to be cut
The Severn Bridges tolls will be cut in January for the first time, as VAT is removed. Cars heading for Wales will be charged £5.60 instead of £6.70, with vans paying £11.20 - down from £13.40 - and coaches £16.70, currently £20. UK ministers confirmed it was a step towards abolishing tolls by the end of 2018 revealed in July and their end will save the average user about £1,400 … [Read more...]
RAC back MP’s clampdown on rogue operators
The RAC is backing Sir Greg Knight MP’s private member’s bill to tackle rogue private parking companies head on by introducing better regulation to protect motorists, as research shows overwhelming support for such proposals. The Parking (Code of Practice) Bill 2017-18, which had its first reading in July, aims to reform unfair parking practices by introducing a legally binding code of … [Read more...]
Confused.com gets new CEO
Car savings Wales-based website Confused.com has confirmed that Louise O’Shea will be the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Martin Coriat. He leaves in July to take on the role of CEO for Confused.com’s sister comparison website LeLynx based in Paris. The appointment of O’Shea as CEO heralds another shift upwards in gear for Confused.com. O’Shea boasts nearly a decade of … [Read more...]
Mercedes showcase robots and drones for deliveries
With the unveiling of its Vision Van at its Innovation Campus in Stuttgart, Germany, Mercedes has showcased how robots and drones could soon be used more effectively for delivery tasks. Van hire and leasing specialist Northgate has looked at how the enhancements would work. Mercedes has teamed up with world-class flying vehicles and intelligent control software manufacturer Matternet to … [Read more...]
Ignorance is hit and miss
A study by The Motor Ombudsman, the automotive dispute resolution provider, has found 54% of respondents had very limited or no knowledge at all when choosing which garage to buy their first car from. Similarly, 53% didn’t know where to get their vehicle serviced when they first started driving. The handy one-stop point of reference, which can now be downloaded from TheMotorOmbudsman.org, … [Read more...]
Growing responsibility of drivers’ employers
With the introduction in recent years of roadside drug testing, and the surge in drug-related accidents at work, employers are coming under increasing pressure to ensure their staff are fit to work, and that health and safety aren’t compromised as a result of an individual being impaired. According to a survey carried out in 2015 on employees from a range of sectors, nearly a third of them … [Read more...]
German motor show snippets
The future of Vauxhall is difficult to predict, said PSA boss Carlos Tavares at the Frankfurt motor show. He will announce a plan for the German sister company Opel in November, but told reporters that it’s harder to decide on a strategy for the UK arm with its Astra plant at Ellesmere Port and van plant in Luton because of the Brexit negotiations and possible outcome. Volkswagen will spend … [Read more...]
Free check helps avoid buying poorly maintained car
Almost half of all car buyers are completely unaware of a completely free of charge service that could save them hundreds of pounds in repairs when they buy a used car. Researchers from car buying website www.carbuyer.co.uk learned that 47% of drivers were unaware of the government’s free-to-use MoT history checking service (https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/), which indicates how a car has … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 September
A more advanced and technically refined Ford Mustang for Europe has been unveiled. It features enhanced 450PS 5.0V8 engine with 10-speed automatic, revised suspension, safety systems and improved equipment but it will be at least six months before the new series hits European roads. PSA will share its EV knowledge and experience with newly acquired Opel/ Vauxhall for future vehicles. On … [Read more...]