Switching a self-driving vehicle between fully autonomous and merely assisted is fraught with dispute and litigation risks – a claims expert from loss recovery firm Corclaim has warned. It comes after planned changes to the Highway Code – which are designed to provide guidance to the courts and police, and are expected by July – will allow motorists using self-driving vehicles to watch films and … [Read more...]
Retail News
New drivers looking for EVs
A high proportion of learner drivers want their first car to be electrified, they told pollsters for the Motor Ombudsman. A survey revealed that nearly half (42%) of respondents would prefer their first car to be fully electric (26%) or in part electric i.e. a hybrid (16%), after passing their driving test. The research also found that male provisional licence holders are more likely than their … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Stonic ‘2’ 1.0T manual
Kia has built its reputation in the UK with its family-friendly SUVs so it was probably only a matter of time before introducing its compact SUV. Based on the Rio hatchback, the new Stonic has a longer body and stands slightly higher on the road with added ground clearance over the supermini stablemate. The Kia Stonic comes in eight versions: two engines and four trim grades –‘2’, ‘GT-Line’, … [Read more...]
EVs registrations climbing through April
Latest UK electric car sales data shows one in ten new cars registered in April were fully electric. This data is from New AutoMotive’s Electric Car Count (ECC) – the most up-to-date and comprehensive electric car sales data in the UK. British brand Jaguar is the quickest by far to electrify, with 47% of cars sold in April being fully electric. Petrol market share continues to fall, dropping … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 May
Automotive finance provider, JBR Capital, has launched into 2022 with a record-setting four-month period – the most successful since the company was founded in 2015. Based in London, JBR Capital has lent over £80 million from 1 January to 30 April 30, enabling an ever-growing number of clients to fund their passion for high-end vehicles. The new 536bhp Flying Spur Hybrid – the second … [Read more...]
New car sales crumble, used-models in demand
New car sales are still crumbling under the weight of supply shortages, rising costs and concerned buyers facing higher costs of living. UK new car registrations fell by -15.8% to 119,167 units in April, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Despite showrooms being open for the entire month, unlike the previous year which saw lockdown restrictions in place until 12 … [Read more...]
HGV drivers desperately needed
With the HGV driver shortage continuing to place pressure on UK supply chains, Logistics UK is urging HGV drivers who have left the workplace to consider re-joining. Hundreds of spaces are available on government-funded refresher training courses, called Skills Bootcamps. Managed by the Driver Academy Group, a consortium comprising of business organisation Logistics UK, HGV training specialist … [Read more...]
Daily rentals shortage hits businesses
A shortage of daily rental vehicles is causing a wide range of problems for businesses affecting everything from maintenance to taking on new starters, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. James Pestell, AFP Director, said that the issue had been affecting van short term hire for some time but had now started to spread to cars, becoming a common subject of discussion among AFP … [Read more...]
Tradelines 4 May
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation has launched a digital learning platform providing users with the skills they need to become improved professionals. The simple to use platform features a wide range of digital courses related to highways and transportation infrastructure and services and includes paid-for and complementary courses and modules on sustainable transport, … [Read more...]
The “bubble-car” is reborn with electric power
The new light electric vehicle based on the Isetta bubble-car will hit the streets after all. Manufacturer Artega had run into difficulties but now ElectricBrands has bought the company and together with the XBUS is expanding its product range with another sustainable, eco-friendly electric car boasting a modern retro style. Driving in urban areas can often be expensive and nerve-wracking: we … [Read more...]