The first electric Mazda MX-30 will go on sale in Britain in about 15 months. The five-door model will have a range between recharges of about 125 miles. A pure battery-powered Lexus will be unveiled next year, the company revealed at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show. It is part of a new product offensive which will also include petrol electric hybrids and Toyota, Nissan and Honda said at the show … [Read more...]
Retail News
Hemmels classic displayed at Mercedes-Benz World
Mercedes-Benz World has selected a Hemmels of Cardiff restoration for display at its facility on the former Brooklands Racing Track site at Weybridge, Surrey. The motorcar, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL right-hand drive roadster, is prominently featured in the main reception area. The restoration was commissioned by a London-based private collector who chose to finish the car in Anthracite Grey … [Read more...]
Technology overwhelming small traders
Used car dealers are being blitzed with new IT hardware and software to an extent that used car dealers’ efficiencies could be impacted when adopting new technology, according to V12 Vehicle Finance. As part of its road map to develop and launch its used stock funding, dealer stocking and consumer finance proposition, the V12 team researched the sector to locate best‐in-class technology. It … [Read more...]
Green plates plan for EVs
If green number plates are introduced to mark out electric cars, research from a Welsh insurer shows it will accelerate the take up of low emission models. A large proportion of British motorists – over 8 million - are expected to make the switch to an electric or hybrid car in the next five years. This week, the DfT published its suggestions for the new style plates (see above). Consultation … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 October
Bentley has confirmed production of the third generation Flying Spur is underway with first deliveries early 2020. Handcrafting of the first customer orders is taking place at Bentley’s Crewe factory following completion of over one million miles testing sometimes up to 207mph. A new nationwide study of parents in Wales, by Travelodge, has explored the extent to which the great Welsh family road … [Read more...]
Police nick the cheapest car insurance
It's a fair cop - police officers benefit from cheapest car insurance Police professionals can expect the cheapest car insurance quotes on the market, according to new research by Quotezone.co.uk. The median insurance quote for police and community support professionals in the UK is £499. Driving instructors and examiners are on their tails at £615; followed by nurses, £717; architects, £744; … [Read more...]
Electric cars surprise running costs
Electric cars travel up to three times the distance of their petrol or diesel rivals for the same amount of money, according to research. With interest in electric cars rising, many potential buyers are left confused by the way running costs are explained, with ‘miles per kWh’ difficult to compare to ‘miles per gallon’. To help consumers, car reviews and advice website Parkers.co.uk has … [Read more...]
Mapping the range of EVs
Today’s electric cars with the longest range can travel over 250 miles on a single charge but for many potential buyers a perceived lack of range is still a major barrier to going electric. To help overcome this misconception and give drivers the confidence to make the switch, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) have together produced a … [Read more...]
Size matters to some
If you struggle to fit into parking spaces and breath in when driving down country lanes, you are not alone. Casting a tape measure over today's popular cars shows the current model may be a staggering 63% bigger than the original version and one weighs a hefty 73% more, according to experts at car finance firm Zuto. Cars are getting bigger, there’s no doubt about it, and it seems UK … [Read more...]
Faulty tyres top 822,000 incidents in 2018
Breakdown cover provider Green Flag has looked into how many incidents are caused by tyre-related problems on UK roads, and discovered how many drivers don’t know the basics of tyre maintenance. Green Flag has also released basic advice for how to inspect and treat tyres. Tyre Safety Month aims to educate motorists on the importance of regular tyre checks, in order to reduce tyre-related … [Read more...]