Speaking in response to rumours circulating of a potential fuel duty rise, Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy at Logistics UK,said it would be big blow to the UK’s recovery after coronavirus. “Logistics UK and its members are extremely concerned by rumours circulating of a significant fuel duty rise in the Autumn Budget. Logistics businesses have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to … [Read more...]
Claims collapse but will savings be passed on?
As expected, the number of motor insurance claims notified to insurers in the second quarter of the year significantly fell according to figures from the Association of British Insurers. The fall largely reflected the lockdown period, when far fewer vehicle journeys were made. Claim payouts during the period while also down, fell at a lower rate. The figures come as the average price … [Read more...]
Clean hydrogen fuel will unlock investments
The future of hydrogen fuels in Europe and how they can boost economies while overcoming coronavirus losses has been mapped out. The European Commission published its hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe. This strategy brings different strands of policy action together, covering the entire value chain, as well as the industrial, market and infrastructure angles together with the … [Read more...]
Buyers back in the driving seats
Car buyers are flocking back to showrooms and forecourts, said the National Franchised Dealers Association. Through the findings, NFDA aims to assess the implications of the COVID-19 lockdown on the automotive retail sector and understand how the industry is now recovering. Their survey asked dealers questions about their return to work including the percentage of dealerships that reopened, … [Read more...]
Speeding rose three-fold during lockdown
Motorists were speeding three times more frequently during lockdown compared to normal, according to AX. The study of telematics data by the vehicle protection and management technology provider suggests motorists were making the most of unusually low traffic levels, giving drivers the opportunity to speed in otherwise normally congested areas. Serious speeding events – the most … [Read more...]
A plan for saving automotive jobs in Wales
Welsh Government and councils must prioritise supporting Tata Steel Port Talbot and Toyota Deeside, according to a far reaching report prepared for the Welsh Automotive Forum. The report by Ian Henry, head of Autoanalysis, follows similar studies he has carried out for WAF in recent years but his final conclusions have been published against a background of a global economic … [Read more...]
Skills shortage warning
A combination of the lockdown restrictions over the past six months, a 'baby boom' in 2003/4 and a decline in registered driving instructors means the UK could fall into a national shortage of driving instructors in the latter half of 2020, with the problem only predicted to continue and grow. Learner driver insurers, Marmalade has studied the data and forecast big problems for the industry and … [Read more...]
Behind the Wheel: Driving towards a cliff
Tens of thousands of more jobs are likely to disappear from the UK automotive sector before the end of the year, writes Robin Roberts. Some 11,349 jobs so far axed following lockdown will grow and despite this week’s 11% rise in new car registrations the outlook is bleak. That’s because the first upturn in showroom sales came at the end of three months when all showrooms were in … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 August
An estimated four million drivers have missed vital eye-tests during lockdown and may be illegally driving as they cannot meet standards, says Feel Good Contacts. It also highlights issues with drivers wearing face masks and warm breath fogging their spectacles, judging by searches on websites. … [Read more...]
New car sales rise in hoped for lift to market
Pent up demand after lockdown eased is thought to have driven a rise in new car registrations last month. Figures from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders due to be released later this morning are expected to show an 11% rise compared with the same month in 2019. December saw the last increase but it was a blip after a year of decline. The new car sales market has struggled with … [Read more...]