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 well. The Proton brand could resurface … [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 – including all of those that are part of our … [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 return to work part-time to support … [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 amount will be announced by AIWAYS in … [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 by West Yorkshire (6,019), Merseyside … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 February
The latest Mazda3 coming to the UK from May will begin at £20,595. The 18-strong range of petrol and diesel hatchbacks has five trims running up to £27,735. Ford will conduct an investigation after concerns raised by its own employees over the 'analytical modelling' standards that it employs as part of its US fuel economy and emissions compliance process, says Just-Auto.com . In the wake … [Read more...]
New MoT plan will be bad for vans, says industry supplier
Concerns over safety mean that vans should be excluded from the Government’s new consultation on extending the first MoT to four years. So believes FleetCheck, one of the UK’s leading fleet software and management companies, which is planning to make an official submission to the Department for Transport The Government has asked for industry feedback on various options listed in its … [Read more...]
Mitsubishi launch approved used programme
Mitsubishi has revealed details of its new industry-leading Approved Used Car Programme. Under the heading “Because It’s New To You”, the enhanced programme offers a minimum two-year vehicle warranty with no mileage limitations and two years’ roadside assistance, providing 24-hour support for motoring emergencies in the UK and Europe. An Approved Used Mitsubishi will also benefit from free … [Read more...]
New qualification for the MoT industry
A new qualification for MOT testers and managers is being introduced to help improve the skills of those who work in the MOT testing industry. Each year around 42 million car MOT tests are carried out. While the vast majority are conducted to the correct standard, errors can and have occurred. The new qualification and training regime is intended to improve standards and consistency across the … [Read more...]
Government fails on-line MoT test
Motorists and garages have been hit by a failure of the Government’s on-line MoT system. It replaced the traditional paper certificates but has been dogged by software issues from the outset and last year 29 Million vehicles were tested. This summer, garages reported further complications over logging into and recording the data, which has impacted on taxing vehicles as well as police … [Read more...]