The government is awarding £25 million this week to as many as six projects that will research and test autonomous vehicles on highways and on trials of remote-control parking. It's the second competition in a program that Richard Harrington, the UK's automotive minister, predicts will lead to driverless cars in production within the next decade. German media report transport minister … [Read more...]
Retail News
Diesel price rise steepest in Wales
The biggest rise in diesel fuel prices in almost two decades has been steepest in Wales, says RAC Fuel Watch. Motorists suffered the worst monthly rise in the average price of petrol in at least 18 years with 6p a litre being added at the pumps in May, their data reveals. Unleaded shot up from 123.43p to 129.41p, taking the cost of filling up a 55-litre family car to £71.18 – an increase of … [Read more...]
Motor trade targeted for data protection courses
The Motor Ombudsman automotive dispute resolution provider has introduced an online training course on the General Data Protection Regulation. EU’s Data Protection Directive 1995 and the UK’s Data Protection Act 1998, have been replaced by the new piece of legislation throughout Europe since last friday. The engaging and informative e-learning course on the GDPR has been introduced following … [Read more...]
Parcel fleets essential to EV drive
Success with parcel delivery fleets is going to be “essential” to the success of electric vans, says Arval. Simon Cook, LCV Leader, said that electric commercial vehicles closely fitted the operational profile of these fleets and should become a key part of their future. He said, “The current limitations of ECVs – which surround range and weight of payload – do not really apply to parcel … [Read more...]
Tradelines 30 May
Mercedes-Benz North Wales Apprentice Charlie Mason was chosen as ‘Passenger Car Technician Apprentice of the Year’ thanks to his hard work. The awards recognise young people who have gone above and beyond in their workplace, at the Academy and for their customers and Georgia Parslow, from Mercedes-Benz of Epsom, was awarded ‘Passenger Car Parts Specialist Apprentice of the Year’, and they will … [Read more...]
20 of the world’s most Instagrammed car brands
We all know social media is a great way to market products and all brands want to take advantage of these sharing platforms. The world of cars is no different and Instagram is one site where the fast and furious appear regularly in posts. Now one of the leading vehicle suppliers in the UK, OSV, have come up with a comparison infographic that shows just how many hashtag appearances … [Read more...]
Suzuki Swift Sport returns this summer
There’s a warm new hatch coming this summer. An all new,lighter and quicker Suzuki Swift Sport goes on sale from 1 June with a £1,500 reduction for the first month making it £16,499. It copies the dramatic Champion Yellow of the Suzuki Works Junior rally car and inside there are sports seats and trim detailed with red accents. Developed from the Vitara and S Cross, unit, the 1.4 140ps … [Read more...]
“Ghost-brokers” rising spectre on our streets
Bogus brokers are targeting cash-strapped car owners and leaving them uninsured. Smartdriverclub Insurance, the mass market telematics insurance service with connected car benefits has seen a 14% rise in motor insurance policies that have been ghost-brokered over the past year. In response, the insurance provider is warning motorists to be on their guard for offers of car insurance at a … [Read more...]
Slow start to used sales but diesels rise
Britain’s used car market had a slower but relatively solid start to the year, with sales surpassing 2 million in the first three months, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It reported 2,031,661 vehicles changed hands, a -4.8% (-102,295 units) year-on-year decline compared with Q1 2017. Demand for petrol engine cars fell -9.7%, as diesel registrations rose 2.0% and … [Read more...]
Motorists’ lethal ignorance of EVs exposed
Motorists have a potentially lethal ignorance about the servicing and maintenance of electric vehicles. A survey for the Institute of the Motor Industry revealed a widespread lack of awareness about the benefits and risks of electric motoring. Some 82% of drivers said they feel they don’t know enough about electric vehicles to wave goodbye to their petrol/diesel while two thirds (66%) said … [Read more...]