The Motor Ombudsman is inviting nominations from consumers for the fifth edition of its Star Awards. The annual competition, launched in 2020, celebrates excellence in customer service delivered by Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses across the UK, and individual team members working within these organisations. The Star Awards are made up of the Garage Star Awards – for independent garages, … [Read more...]
Think ahead before the getaway
If you're plannng a getaway this weekend here're some tips on packing essential items. Chris Adams, Group Operations Director at Brindley Group has come up with his "must haves". Jump leads A common cause for a breakdown is a dead battery, particularly in the colder months. Jump leads will allow you to get a jump from another vehicle whether it’s a kind stranger or a family or friend you’ve … [Read more...]
The world of excess & trivia on wheels
Trivia surrounding cars and driving fascinates a wide audience, ranging from television quiz show fans to social media enthusiasts sharing viral videos and memes. While often regarded as simple amusement, trivia like this often emphasises important achievements and peculiar details that illuminate broader cultural trends. In this article, private plate supplier Regtransfers delivers ten cool … [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...]
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...]
RAC report over 50% jump in potholes damage
The RAC attended 7,904 breakdowns in the first quarter of 2024 due to bad road surfaces, up 53% on the last three months of 2023, a clear sign that the UK is suffering a pothole epidemic as roads continue to crumble. Analysis from the driving services company shows it’s been far from a smooth start to the year for the nation’s drivers, with pothole-related breakdown numbers up by 10% in the last … [Read more...]
Used cars with hidden hit histories
UK drivers are at risk of making a huge mistake when buying used cars, as seven in 10 admit to not knowing what it means when a car has a category S or N insurance classification against it. This means the vehicle was ‘written off’ after being involved in an incident that resulted in an insurance claim. Being unable to identify these categories could mean many used car buyers are purchasing … [Read more...]