Almost half (48%) of drivers do not trust new driverless technology, with women less likely to trust it than men (men 43% and women 54%). Over 55s (58%) are more than twice as likely to mistrust it compared to under 35s (28%). The Opinium survey of 2000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a provider of Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance, found that only 9% say they would … [Read more...]
Government “misguided” by science of assisted driving
The Government is being “misguided” by science according to road safety experts concerned at the planned permission of assisted driving on motorways. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement yesterday around paving the way for Automated Driving, Thatcham Research and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) are urging caution. “There is still a lot of work needed though by both … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 April
The next Vauxhall Astra will include a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and a station wagon version, CEO Michael Lohscheller told Automotive News Europe. The car will be based on the same Stellantis EMP2 platform as the forthcoming new Peugeot 308 due on sale later this year while the Astra will be introduced early 2022 but its still uncertain if the newcomer will be assembled in Ellesmere … [Read more...]
Drivers sceptical of “smart cars”
Britain’s motorists are highly sceptical over the future use of driverless cars according to comparethemarket.com. In its Road Ahead research series looking at the future of driving, it was found that only 55% of people expect driverless cars to be in use in the next ten years. According to a survey of over 2,000 British motorists, 80% are worried about the safety of driverless cars. This … [Read more...]
Insurers plan to cover future data-map for driverless cars
AXA UK and Burges Salmon have published their Insurance and Legal 2019 report, stressing the importance of government and industry stakeholders implementing a ‘data-map’ for driverless vehicles. As part of the FLOURISH consortium, whose members include AXA UK, Atkins – a member of the SNC-Lavalin group, University of Bristol and Age UK to name a few, the insurer and law firm have published 10 … [Read more...]
Tradelines 21 February
The drive towards electric cars will create chaos in the supply chain for components, says Daimler. It has warned the overhaul of diesel and petrol engines will create issues for component suppliers and may threaten to put some out of business while others will struggle to meet demands for the products necessary in electric powertrains. Driverless cars and retail deliveries are unachievable … [Read more...]
Government endorses “driverless” cars
The Government will give incentives to introduce automated cars on UK roads. Chancellor Philip Hammond yesterday said he will experience one of the so-called driverless cars today during a Midlands visit. The UK should be a leading country in the future of automotive technology and related science and it has projected 2021 as the date when self-driving cars will be introduced. It is … [Read more...]
Driverless cars benefits “blind” to motorists
Drivers fail to see that automated and driverless vehicles will deliver promised benefits according to a study. When asked about what benefits will be delivered, the second most popular response was ‘none’ as more than a third of respondents could not identify any advantage that would follow future advances. In identifying their feelings about automotive technology the top six issues were … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 July
The new 1.2 litre Fiat Panda City Cross is the latest addition to the Panda family, with two-wheel-drive and urban crossover looks, all for a city car price of £12,995. The 69hp Panda City Cross is a true urban crossover with an off-road look, at an affordable price building on the style of the Panda Cross 4x4, using body-coloured front and rear bumper inserts and side mouldings and … [Read more...]
New mobility era is dawning
The role and way we use cars is changing forever. New mobility services represent the latest area of exploration and expansion for automotive companies as they seek to understand potential long-term threats to their core business. The Mobile World Congress will be held in Barcelona this week. Mobility services including ride-hailing and car-sharing fulfill some transportation needs for … [Read more...]