GAS-GUZZLING motorists don’t care that their driving is harming the planet, a study shows. Five million Brit drivers will never change their driving habits, according to new research, even though high speed, heavy braking and using air con are all bad for the environment. In a UK map of the least eco-considerate driving regions Wales came out in the top five. More than half (51%) of 25-34 … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 April
Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Vauxhall have started idling UK plants this week. The move announced weeks ago is intended to help them adjust to supply and certifications under the anticipated Brexit terms and Honda will introduce six non-production days as well this month. Automakers could be hit with billions of euros in fines for missing the European Union’s fleet CO2 … [Read more...]
Petrol engines driving up emissions
Average CO2 emissions from new cars were 118.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre in 2017, or up 0.4% compared to 2016, said the European Environment Agency. This final data largely confirms the provisional 2017 figures, already published by the EEA in April last year. “It is no coincidence that 2017 marked the first increase in CO2 from cars since records began in 2010, as it was also the first … [Read more...]
New blow for car makers in WLTP tests
The European Commission has tightened the WLTP test for new cars after indications automakers were 'gaming' their results. It may also demand manufacturers retest cars already signed off, leading to confusion in showrooms and where emissions figures are used by Governments to assess tax levels. The updated regulation, which came into force in February, requires automakers to switch on all … [Read more...]
Independent Air Index will clear confusion
The smog surrounding car emissions starts to clear with the launch of the AIR Index an international, independent and standardised rating system that reveals accurately how much pollution a vehicle produces when it is used in towns and cities. The slump in diesel car sales shows that car buyers across the world are confused about petrol and diesel emissions following Dieselgate, but until now … [Read more...]
Trucks are next target of EC emissions laws
Europe’s CO2 emission reduction targets have been a long time in negotiation and having regulated cars and vans, the European Commission is turning to trucks. Heavy Goods Vehicle manufacturers will need to cut new vehicle CO2 emissions by 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. In addition, by 2025, 2% of new trucks must be zero or low-emission – however, just now it is not clear how this can be achieved … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 January
Flintshire council is among the quickest response times in Britain for filling serious potholes, new research has revealed. Figures released by motoring charity the RAC Foundation show the authority aims to make road repairs "immediately" but the longest response time in Wales was in Vale of Glamorgan, which promises to investigate the following working day. World War One hero soldier who … [Read more...]
Used prices rising as new cars stall
Nearly new car prices are escalating in the wake of a shortage of new cars due to tougher emissions tests in factories. Prices in the used vehicle sector are being artificially inflated post-WLTP as competition hots up amongst buyers for nearly new and ex-fleet stock according to Shoreham Vehicle Auctions. And they are likely to stay this way until Spring 2019 as the used car market … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 October
Following on from the first silhouette images, ŠKODA reveals the name of its new model – the ŠKODA Scala. The name derives from the Latin word ‘scala’ which means ‘stairs’ and is a step forward for the Czech car manufacturer in the compact hatch segment when it launches before 2019 and replaces the Rapid. Audi has been fined the equivalent of £702.54M by German prosecutors for violations … [Read more...]
Car makers concerns over new tailpipe-targets
Car makers are worried about EU imposed emissions and electrification targets and the prospect of random on-road tests being conducted at any time, writes Robin Roberts. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has voiced its serious concerns about the outcome of the European Parliament’s plenary vote on future CO2 reduction targets for cars and vans. “We remain particularly … [Read more...]