British Gas is going all-electric with its vehicle fleet after announcing it’s not buying another petrol or diesel engined vehicle. It has placed an order for 2,000 Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans in the largest commercial fleet order ever in the UK for BEVs and follows 1,000 ordered last summer. Volkswagen is struggling to obtain enough battery cells for its hybrid Golf models. The success of the car … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 February
Jaguar Land Rover is ditching its internal combustion engines over the decade and will sell all-electric models, starting in 2024. It has also announced plans to offer hydrogen fuel cell models when demand and infrastructure support them and will expand its subscription rental service. The new Citroën C4 and ë-C4 is on sale. They come with five-years warranty and free 7kW home charger from … [Read more...]
Motor industry at cross-roads, suggests global survey
Car buyers around the world have different opinions on their next vehicle choice, according to an international survey by Arthur D Little researchers. The report entitled ‘The Future Of Automotive Mobility’ based on a survey of over 8,500 end customers in 13 countries shows that global automotive markets are currently at crossroads. While the study identifies that the internal combustion engine … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 February
A £750M bus and train network in South Wales will be marginally delayed from 2023, due to implications of coping with the Coronavirus crisis. Transport for Wales was nationalised after passenger numbers collapsed last year and operator Keolis-Amey couldn’t make it pay and Welsh Government has pumped in £167M to keep the public transport services running. The reported deal with Korea’s Hyundai … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 February
The new Vauxhall Mokka B-SUV sector family car is now on sale from £20,735 to £34,970 over the 26-model range. It is sold with 100ps or 130ps 1.2 petrol and 110ps 1.5 diesel engines and also as fully electric with a certified 201 miles charged range and is roomier inside than the previous generation Mokka. The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA series is now on sale with the 250 Sport from £40,495 … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 February
Ford has pulled the plug on a planned joint venture to build electric vehicles with China’s Zotye Automobile, the U.S. car maker said yesterday. Explaining the U-turn after four years of talks, Ford said China’s electric vehicle industry and policies had undergone major changes since the agreements were signed prompting Ford’s decision. The UK new light commercial vehicle market enjoyed growth … [Read more...]
UK car sales hit 50 year low
Pressure is mounting for new car prices to be slashed after sales plunged to their lowest for 50 years in January. Buyers who cannot visit showrooms during lockdown and who are concerned about jobs and income have put the brakes on business and now manufactuers face fines if they cannot reduce their fleet average this autumn. More sales have moved on-line and the industry and trade expect this … [Read more...]
Kerbside charging essential to power up green drive
The Government has just announced a £20M boost for more EV charging, but incentives and technology to create kerbside charging should be laid out in next month's Budget, said the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that around 40% of potential electric vehicle users lived in properties without drives and providing them with some form of domestic charging was essential if the … [Read more...]
EVs premiums cause for concerns
In a poll of 1,000 drivers almost one in 10 said they think electric car premiums would be more expensive, with one in eight of those aged 17-24 admitting this would potentially stop them buying. While it’s previously been difficult for young drivers to secure low-cost car insurance, as electric cars sales are rising, premiums are starting to fall. Insurance expert Ben Smithson said, “In order … [Read more...]
UK car making lowest in generation
UK car making slumped last year to the lowest since 1984, hit by Covid-19 interruptions and a collapse in demand for most of the year. The car makers' body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief Mike Hawes said it was a "dreadful year" but added that a comprehensive vaccination programme might restore buying and production.Output was 920,928 vehicles, a 29.3% fall on … [Read more...]
