The supply of used diesel cars is dwindling in parts of the UK, with market share falling by as much as 40% in a year in some areas, analysis by AA Cars. Sales of new diesel and petrol cars will be banned from 2030, and some drivers have already begun shifting to greener vehicles while the introduction of Clean Air Zones and higher taxes on the most polluting models have steadily made diesels … [Read more...]
Retail
No justification for fuel pump rises, says RAC
The RAC is urging retailers to hold firm and not hike pump prices, despite a barrel of oil nearing $100 – a price last seen in September 2014, nearly seven and a half years ago. The cost of oil has increased by more than 60% in the last 12 months, from around $60 last February, due to global oil production continuing to be out of kilter with demand which is now increasing as the pandemic begins … [Read more...]
Used cars bounce back led by hybrids
The UK’s used car market grew by 11.5% to 7,530,956 transactions in 2021, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It reported 777,997 more cars changed hands than in 2020, a year which was even more badly affected by Covid lockdowns and unsettled consumer and business confidence. Despite this growth, the 2021 performance was still -5.5% below the pre-pandemic five-year … [Read more...]
Lovers are turned off by electric cars
With Valentines Day in mind, National Tyres and Autocare surveyed 1,000 of their customers to find out their turn off’s when it comes to someone else's vehicle and the way they drive. Nearly half of respondents told us that if they discovered that their date drove an electric or hybrid car, it would not give off a good impression. In fact, 41.3% of drivers said they would prefer that their date … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda HR-V Advance Style
The new Honda HR-V is a step-change for this conservative car-maker. While its head-turning but now discontinued NSX and still in production hot Civics stand out from more run of mill models in showrooms, they made progress with the new Jazz but have really ramped up styling in the new HR-V launched last autumn. It’s bigger than the last generation and there is much more room inside the … [Read more...]
Newslines 11 February
Suzuki GB PLC has updated its Approved Used Car Programme which provides a more structured and clearer process in helping customers find their car of choice. Suzuki was voted the best Automotive brand in the Summer 2021 UK Customer Satisfaction Index which emphasises the strong relationships that the 150 strong dealer network has with its customers – both new and existing and customers browsing … [Read more...]
Aston Martin St Athan apprenticeships
Aston Martin has reiterated its commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of British talent and skills with the company today launching a drive to recruit over 40 early career positions at its Gaydon and St Athan sites. Announced during National Apprenticeship Week 2022, the ultra-luxury British manufacturer is inviting applications from high calibre individuals ready to rise to … [Read more...]
Young Driver will open 4th Welsh centre for under 17s
A specialist driver training scheme which allows 10-17 year olds to get behind the wheel in a bid to create a new generation of safer drivers is launching its fourth venue in Wales. After Newport, Pentwyn and Chepstow, Young Driver will open at Swansea City AFC on Saturday 16 April, when the car park will be transformed into a realistic road system so youngsters can work on a range of driving … [Read more...]
GoCompare says young drivers fail to check payments
Research by GoCompare car insurance revealed there’s still a lack of understanding about motor insurance and excesses. Just over 2000 people took part in the survey which found that just 28% of motorists check their excess levels when taking out a policy: 36% of motorists said they just go for the cheapest price when they’re buying a policy, and when it came to younger drivers – those aged 18-34 … [Read more...]
Holiday chaos predicted at ports this summer
The government needs to place an urgent focus on arrangements at the nation’s borders if trade and passenger traffic is not to grind to a halt from this summer onwards. As Sarah Laouadi, the organisation’s head of European policy explained after publication of today’s Public Accounts Committee report “EU Exit: UK Border Post transition” that while the logistics sector has made huge strides in … [Read more...]