Car finance has been in the spotlight recently with fears over negative equity in car deals and the prospect of a Financial Conduct Authority investigation into motor finance. In essence, there are two issues at play that are linked but separate. The first is a question of affordability on the part of the consumer; the second is the exposure of finance companies to potential downgrades in the … [Read more...]
News
Newslines 15 July
A staggering 57 per cent of British motorists think they are a worse driver now than when they passed the test. Research from Young Driver, the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, revealed that only 43 per cent felt they were better behind the wheel now than when they first ripped up the L plates and well over a third (39 per cent) of drivers thought they’d struggle to pass their … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta has nothing to fear from rivals
Britain’s most popular car has just improved. The Ford Fiesta has consistently been the top selling car in Britain and since 2008 over a million have been put on our roads, while over four decades about 4.5 Million have been registered. Those are impressive numbers, but the new seventh generation model now reaching showrooms is arguably the best since it was launched in 1976. It … [Read more...]
Drivers must act over insurance hikes
As the ABI reports an 8% increase in car insurance premiums in the last 12 months, GoCompare said drivers must look for the best deals. Matt Oliver spokesperson for GoCompare Car Insurance, "Motorists are being hit with rising costs from all sides at the moment and those who have renewed their policy in the last few months are very likely to have seen an increase in their premiums. “We're in … [Read more...]
Smart-charging trial to ease power demand
The last week has seen an explosion of news items about increasing numbers of electric vehicles (EVs), including France banning petrol and diesel cars by 2040, Volvo planning to sell only electric and hybrid vehicles by 2019, and Tesla announcing that its Model 3 mass-market electric car has started rolling off production lines. There have been many subsequent articles in the media about … [Read more...]
Italian Masterclasses open for Welsh automotive students
Registration is now open to European students for the international and inter-university Master’s degree courses in Italy and dedicated to six professional subjects. They are Advanced Powertrain, Advanced Motorcycle Engineering, Advanced Sportscar Manufacturing, High Performance Car Design, Racing Car Design e Advanced Automotive Electronic Engineering. Italian students and international … [Read more...]
Tradelines 12 July
Production of the latest Nissan Qashqai is underway at its Sunderland plant. There is a new design, upgraded interior, better performance and added mobility technologies, with an advanced self-driving mode from spring 2018. A regional conference for members of the Freight Transport Association will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort on 4 October. It is one of ten nationwide which looks at … [Read more...]
Renault hybrid models hit UK
Order books are open for the new Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic MPVs with dCi 110 Hybrid Assist powertrain. With a small electric motor assisting the diesel engine, emissions and fuel consumption are lower and they cost from £25,055 in a new range which begins at £21,605. … [Read more...]
Phone use behind the wheel needs shock treatment
Not even the thought of causing an accident appears to be enough for some drivers to permanently break the habit of illegally using a handheld phone at the wheel, says the RAC. Be Phone Smart campaign has found 60% of drivers said causing an accident would make them stop for good, the RAC is surprised the figure is not significantly higher given that the consequences can be so severe in terms … [Read more...]
Bridgestone pick up top awards
Bridgestone’s unwavering commitment to road safety has been honoured with two accolades at the TyreSafe Awards 2017. The company was facing a double to collect the Innovation and use of Technology award for its DriveGuard tyre, along with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the end of the night. DriveGuard was commended for its ability to keep motorists moving after a puncture and removing … [Read more...]