Car makers, component suppliers and the recycling industry across Europe have criticised proposed new legislation on dismantling. A planned EU law would require the complete recycling of vehicles down to the smallest component, such as a circuit board, but the opponents say this is unrealistic, impractical and would generate more carbon emissions than would be saved by ethically disposing of the … [Read more...]
British drivers love e-bay!
As one of the UK’s biggest online automotive marketplaces, eBay has revealed the most expensive parts and accessories of 2023, with performance engines, carbon fibre monocoques for high-end performance cars and exclusive number plates dominating the top 10. First and second places on the rundown of biggest buys for 2023 belonged to the performance car sector. Coming in first place was a BMW M5 … [Read more...]
EV complaints rising, reports troubleshooter
Motorists' complaints about electric vehicles and dealers selling them are rising, reports The Motor Ombudsman. The latest increase may be put down to a greater number of consumers getting behind the wheel of pure battery-driven models, and the cost of living crisis driving more individuals to recoup financial losses, as pressures on household budgets continue to build. The … [Read more...]
Green motoring costs 10-times estimates
The real cost of a green transport policy is up to ten times initial estimates according to the latest analysis. The Euro 7 proposal on pollutant emissions would lead to direct cost increases that are 4 to 10 times higher than those cited by the European Commission, according to a new study. The proposed Euro 7 regulation will increase the manufacturing costs of cars, vans, trucks, and buses. … [Read more...]
Parts, people and processes are slowing repairs
Service, maintenance and repair issues mean that fleets are facing excessive vehicle off-road time, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. Paul Hollick, chair, said AFP members buying SMR were regularly reporting a range of problems. Some of these, such as parts supply, were felt to be outside the control of suppliers - but others, including levels of communication, were more … [Read more...]
Keeping Land Cruisers going
The legendary Land Cruiser 40 is the latest great Toyota to benefit from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Heritage Parts Project. TGR announced today that it is reproducing key discontinued components for the model, helping enthusiasts keep more of these mighty SUVs on the road. Around the world, the Land Cruiser 40 became symbolic of “go anywhere” performance, a tough and hugely capable 4×4 with a … [Read more...]
Welsh engineering company closes after 75 years
Allevard Springs will close its South Wales car components plant. About 60 jobs will go. The company moved to Tonypandy as part of the UK Government’s encouragement to boost jobs in South Wales following WW2 and it started production in 1947 for Land Rover. Work expanded and it was a significant supplier to car and light commercial vehicles over the next 70 years but the contraction in vehicle … [Read more...]
Queues for MoT deferred tests
The country is expected to see a surge in MOT bookings this month. According to the AA, up to 5.5 million cars deferred their test last year due to the relaxation in rules caused by nationwide lockdowns. If you’re caught without a valid MOT certificate, you can be landed with a £1,000 fine. Motoring leasing company Vehicle Contracts explains the four simple checks that motorists can carry … [Read more...]
Metal printed parts pioneered by Volkswagen
Volkswagen is pushing ahead with the use of innovative 3D printers in car production. For the first time, binder jetting is being used to manufacture components at the company’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Whereas conventional 3D printing uses a laser to build a component layer by layer from metallic powder, the binder jetting process uses an adhesive. The resulting metallic component is … [Read more...]
IM Group lifeline for Mitsubishi owners & dealers
Mitsubishi owners and dealers in the UK have been given a parts and warranty lifeline by Midlands-based International Motors. International Motors Ltd is in advanced discussions to take over the Mitsubishi Motors UK after-sales business in the autumn, pending the completion of a successful due diligence process which is currently well underway after Mitsubishi announced it will exit the European … [Read more...]