The world’s best selling two-seater sports car has just become much rarer. The Mazda MX-5 R Sport Convertible is limited to 150 examples in the UK, where it has consistently led the sector since introduced in the '90s with revisions and upgrades keeping it at the forefront of demand without diluting its simple and so satisfying basic design. This stand-out MX-5 Convertible features … [Read more...]
Retail
MOT failures expected to surge
The number of MOTs set to be carried out in October and November will be 60 percent higher than normal volumes, according to the latest DVSA forecast. Motorists were no longer able to extend their MOT for six months from 1 August. It’s therefore important that the appropriate repair and maintenance is carried out before booking to avoid common MOT failures. Re-tests can be charged for … [Read more...]
Aston Martin to get future Mercedes powertrains
Aston Martin's future electrified vehicles will have Mercedes-Benz powertrains when they go into production in St Athan in a few years. The technical deal is part of a massive investment by Daimler taking a 20% stake in the British luxury car-maker over the next three years. The two have been working together since 2013 when MB supplied petrol engines to the sports cars made in Gaydon and this … [Read more...]
Call for clarity on new BIK tax until 2030
New company car benefit-in-kind tax tables should be provided up to 2030 if the Government adopts this date as its new electrification target, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. The industry body said it had been widely reported that an announcement would be made during November to halt sales of internal combustion engined vehicles by the end of the decade, substantially bringing … [Read more...]
Dealers and charity working to help
The NFDA has launched a new HR survey asking franchised dealers a range of questions around employment and recruitment issues in the automotive retail sector. The apprenticeship levy, working from home, the gender pay gap as well as mental health represent some of the issues NFDA will examine through the survey. The findings will be shared with members and analysed in more detail via … [Read more...]
Crown Couriers seeking 400 drivers
To support an expected peak across the parcel and courier sector, Crown Couriers is launching a nationwide campaign to recruit 400 self-employed drivers. While the initial demand is to support seasonality, providing long-term work and continuing to grow its fleet is a high priority for the courier company. In recent months Crown Couriers has focused its operational and driver … [Read more...]
As emissions fall, there’s a dire warning on trade
Amid a very turbulent year, there is finally some positive news on the horizon for the automotive industry. Many OEMs have started to see a significant reduction in their average emissions levels and are largely on track to hit targets set by the European Commission, despite new car registrations being severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to data collected and updated on a … [Read more...]
Latest news from VW and Kia
The new VW ID.3 has secured a five-star safety rating in crash tests. The first full electric vehicle designed from the ground up has passed the Euro NCAP rigorous tests with flying colours and sets a standard for others to emulate. The all-new Kia Sorento is the first car to be equipped with Kia’s innovative Multi-Collision Brake system, helping to prevent passengers from being involved in … [Read more...]
Premiums rising again and young drivers’ risk
Motor premiums are rising again after months of decline in the wake of coronavirus travel limits. Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance, comparethemarket.com, said, “Car insurance premiums are on the rise and have increased by £16 to £714 in September, from August. “This follows four consecutive months of declining costs leading to premiums reaching the lowest level in four years during August. … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 October
The Nissan LEAF has been named most reliable electric vehicle in a study carried out by one of Britain’s best-known warranty companies. The research by Warrantywise looked at the frequency of repairs, common faults, cost of repair and age at the time of repair. As the long nights draw in, new analysis by DS Automobiles shows that the risk of a fatal accident is five times greater between 7pm and … [Read more...]