Volkswagen has been on a learning curve with electric cars but now it’s heading towards the top of the class. It has flirted with electric cars for many years and a decade ago gave us their zero emission versions of the e-Golf and e-Up, adapted models of their better known petrol and diesel hatchbacks. VW engineers knew change was coming down the line and began developing their “intelligent … [Read more...]
Retail
Newslines 26 April
Insurers have agreed to be clearer and have fairer pricing of monthly premiums as policyholders struggle with the cost of living. The Association of British Insurers say the Government could also help by reducing insurance premium tax. The average cost of petrol is now over £1.50 a litre for the first time since November, says RAC Fuel Watch. In motorway services it can be £170.80ppl while … [Read more...]
Touchscreens are fingers of complaint
Eight out of 10 motorists say they would rather have buttons for major controls in their cars rather than a big central touchscreen, new research shows. April’s Startline Used Car Tracker also reveals that only 51% think that having controls on a touchscreen is safe and 64% say it makes them take their eyes off the road more often. Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said, “It’s become … [Read more...]
Motorists complaints soaring to record level
Complaints about garages, vehicles and service have soared by more than a third in recent months. The independent Motor Ombudsman said more than 1,600 cases were logged in three months, the most ever and a 35% rise over Q1 last year. It also took some 24,000 telephone calls about garages and that was a 56% rise over the same period last year. The analysts say heightened cost of living with … [Read more...]
Uncoiling the myths about future EVs
Forthcoming advances in electric vehicles (EVs) are the focus of a new white paper by the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Called “The Future of Electric Vehicle Technology”, it has been written by battery electrochemist Euan McTurk, creator and presenter of Plug Life Television, a YouTube channel about EVs. It covers topics including diversification of battery chemistries, longer-range … [Read more...]
Evans’ heartache and Toyota triumph in WRC Croatia
Sébastien Ogier jumped from third to first overall on a dramatic Sunday at Croatia Rally, claiming a surprise win as Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans faced heartbreak at the weekend. After three days of neck and neck competition on spectator-packed asphalt roads around capital city Zagreb, victory looked set to be decided between Neuville, driving a Hyundai i20 N, and Welshman Evans in a Toyota … [Read more...]
Government rejection of EV plans disappoints
There’s mounting concern at the Government’s reaction to a House of Lord’s Committee study into electric vehicles. Baroness Parminter, Chair of the inquiry said, “Whilst we welcome the Government’s acceptance of some of the recommendations in our report, it is particularly disappointing that it is not committing to incentivising the purchase of more EVs, equalizing the VAT differential between … [Read more...]
Which EV charger is right for you?
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids now account for more than 23% of UK market share and are used by a huge range of people, organisations and businesses. There are numerous types of EV charger, costing from under £800 to tens of thousands of pounds, including installation. So what are the best options according to your needs and lifestyle? Commuters with long journeys Even if you’re driving … [Read more...]
EV price war on horizon
A price war is looming in the ev sector which will benefit buyers but hit dealers and fleets, an analyst said this week. This week, as Tesla cut prices again and the number of cheaper Chinese-made models are coming into Britain, the European motor industry and trade is seriously worried about how they will make money as spending tightens. Early this year, the UK Government introduced the Zero … [Read more...]
Parts suppliers struggling and issue warnings
The European automotive supply industry, a vital pillar of the EU economy, is confronted with volatility and uncertainty from both their customers and upstream suppliers. Despite facing substantial headwinds, industry players maintain a cautious optimism, navigating through challenges and strategising for transformation. High levels of uncertainty surrounding new projects and EV demand in … [Read more...]