Taking a proactive stance on van maintenance measures can save fleets valuable downtime, according to ATS Euromaster. The tyre service and maintenance provider says fleets are placing vehicles under critical stress as assets are virtually in constant use. Known as ‘double-shifting’, fleets are using one van for two driver shifts in order to meet the … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 December
Holiday motorists are expected to clock up 3.2bn Christmas miles to see family and friends, according to a poll of 2,500 drivers conducted by the RAC. With weather forecasts pointing to the possibility of strong winds, rain, sleet and even snow for some in time for the 25th, the fears of bad Christmas driving conditions shared by 59% of drivers might turn … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 March
Drivers are planning just 5.6m trips by car to see friends and family this Easter when Covid restrictions allow, the lowest number since the RAC began tracking motorists’ plans in 2014. Despite the easing of the national lockdown on Monday when the two household and ‘rule of 6’ regulations come in, the RAC Breakdown survey of 1,200 drivers suggests many … [Read more...]
Garages drive to help those at risk
A survey carried out by the Independent Garage Association revealed that 88% are offering an MOT collection and delivery service for clinically extremely vulnerable and self-isolating people. The survey on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency also found 12% of garages who do not currently offer this service, two-thirds would be prepared to if … [Read more...]
Keep up maintenance during lockdown
As the UK enters a third national lockdown, Kwik Fit is encouraging drivers to include some key car care measures into their lockdown routine to save their vehicles from damage. In normal years, the fact that cars make fewer journeys over the Christmas holidays always leads to a spike in battery problems in the first weeks of January, helping to make … [Read more...]
Newslines 11 August
Tough labour laws in France mean that Ineos stands to pick up an idling Daimler plant in Hamach in a distressed sale for €500 Million to build its forthcoming Grenadier 4x4 after suspending plans for a new factory outside Bridgend. If the sale falls through, Ineos may return to South Wales but there is another option on a struggling Nissan site in Spain as … [Read more...]
MoT extension to end this month
The automatic MOT extension will be revoked from 1 August. Motorists and riders must get their vehicle tested if its MoT has lapsed since March. RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said, “Extending MOT tests was the right short-term measure after a number of garages closed when all of us were asked to stay at home. “But with many more garages now open – … [Read more...]
Garages welcome furlough proposals
The Chancellor’s update and extension to the furlough scheme allowing businesses to bring staff back to work on a part-time basis is very welcome. said Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association. The IGA wrote to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak on 29 April, requesting a partial furlough scheme that would allow employees to … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 April
AIWAYS, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, will start taking online orders for its U5 all-electric SUV from European consumers in May. Secured via a small deposit, the U5 will be offered exclusively via a direct-to-customer sales model, and not retailed or leased through traditional dealerships. European pre-sale markets and the required deposit … [Read more...]
MoT penalties soar
The MOT test changed in May 2018, with tighter rules around emissions and safety as well as higher fines for drivers caught with an unroadworthy vehicle. A freedom of information request revealed 68,027 have been issued with penalty charges across England and Wales by police since the changes. The Met Police force caught the most drivers (15,772), followed … [Read more...]
