The speed of change for the automotive industry is accelerating and also diversifying, according to the latest analysis by the car maker's component suppliers body. The results of the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey reflect the expectations of automotive suppliers and provides an outlook into an increasingly volatile business environment, with the Russia-Ukraine crisis exacerbating an already … [Read more...]
Retail
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen ID.4 77kWh 204ps
Some may think Volkswagen has been late to the ev-party being enjoyed by rivals, but its distinctive ID.4 is undoubtedly one of the best and a head-turner. VW has dabbled with small electric versions of its cars beginning with the Up! and its Golf-sized ID.3 hatchback is sold exclusively across Europe, but the larger ID.4 is a global car which will have the world at its wheels. It … [Read more...]
Cars now more appreciated than before pandemic
Disruption during the Covid crisis changed Britain's driving habits, but motorists emerged loving their cars even more, according to Auto Express. Two years on from Britain's first Covid lockdown, a third of all drivers appreciate their car more than ever, even though a majority drive less often for leisure and personal reasons today than before the pandemic. The research by … [Read more...]
EVs beyond reach for 1-in-5 motorists
Almost 20% of the UK cannot afford even the cheapest electric vehicle through finance. The study by car insurance experts CarInsurance.ae used ONS survey data to compare the average monthly income in each area with the estimated cost per month of financing a new electric car. The study based the figures on the 20/4/10 rule for financing a car, which recommends a 20% deposit, a four-year loan, … [Read more...]
Government boost for evs, but critics say it’s inadequate
There will be a massive rise in electric vehicle charging points, the Government has announced, but critics say its still insufficient, Concerns have been expressed for rural communities and where motorists do not have direct access to chargers outside their homes The number of electric vehicle charging points will reach 300,000 by 2030 under government plans and when sales of petrol and diesel … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 March
Following its success at the 2022 What Car? Awards, being named as the Best Small Car, the Honda Jazz has scored a hat-trick by way of two further endorsements. It has been picked by the jury at Which? Magazine for being the ‘Most Reliable Small Car’ and a ‘Best Buy’ in their 2021-2022 car tests and surveys. Motorists are being warned ahead of stricter new laws around using your mobile phone … [Read more...]
GB experts develop autonomous safety ratings
Accident experts in Britain are working on the world’s first rating system for the safety of autonomous cars. Crash testers at Thatcham Research outside Reading have worked with global systems engineers, car makers and the Law Commission to draw up the safety ratings which could be applied to models in the same way as the familiar Euro NCap stars. The development comes as Mercedes-Benz in … [Read more...]
UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is back
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event presented by Automechanika Birmingham provides the first opportunity for the industry to meet face to face on this scale since 2019 and get hands-on, learn, network and prepare for the fast-evolving landscape of the automotive industry. With just under three months to go until the inaugural event, exhibitors are giving a glimpse of what visitors can expect to see … [Read more...]
Tradelines 23 March
Select Car Leasing has seen a 59% increase in interest for electric vehicles in the last week alone as a result of record-high petrol prices. Searches were also up 200% per cent compared to the same week last year following on going issues with the availability of fuel in the UK and Select Car Leasing also spotted increasing consumer interest in electric vehicles on Google over the last week, … [Read more...]
Van Driver of the Year competition resumes
Logistics UK has launched its annual call for the UK’s best van drivers to compete in its Van Driver of the Year competition 2022. A change in venue will now see the contest take place at the free-to-attend ITT Hub – an industry-led event showcasing the best in transport innovation and technology – at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on 11 May 2022. The … [Read more...]