Select Car Leasing crunched the numbers and found with the introduction of connected cars in 2022, the annual average commute will reduce by 25%, equating to 55.5 hours less commuting every year. Drivers will also benefit from increased safety features such as repair hazard warnings as your car will be able to “listen” to waveforms or vibrations, analyse them and upload them to a cloud-based … [Read more...]
Warranties surge as sales stagger
Warrantywise is one of Britain's largest car warranty companies and had a record year in sales growth. They are celebrating an outstanding 55% growth in sales year on year. Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise, attributes this to a number of reasons, "We've had a fantastic year for sales, and worked really hard on setting goals to achieve this. “We hired a new Chief … [Read more...]
Drivers delay servicing but risk fines
Nearly half of UK drivers have put off servicing or essential car maintenance across 2020, according to a new study from money.co.uk. The study from the financial comparison service found that 48% of drivers had delayed repairs or services for their vehicle across the coronavirus pandemic, as average mileage has plummeted, and MOT’s have been deferred. The survey of motorists … [Read more...]
Parents paying more to keep youngsters on the road
Nearly two thirds of (63%) drivers between the ages of 17-24 say they have relied on financial support from their parents to cover the cost of running a car in the last 12 months – receiving up to £750 a year – according to comparethemarket.com. The Tank of Mum and Dad Report highlights just how reliant young drivers are on their parents to help them pay for insurance, petrol, repairs and … [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...]
New from old roads
It's the ultimate recycling, making new roads from old. While engineering companies are working round the clock to manufacture ventilators, hand sanitiser and face masks to keep people safe and restrict the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Sheffield based Roadmender Asphalt is doing what it can to help Local Councils and Utilities to keep up with emergency repairs to pot holes and utility … [Read more...]
Roads falling apart faster, says industry body
Britain's roads are crumbling at an increasing rate and need much more investment in major and minor spending than has been used or promised, according to the maintenance industry. This morning's Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey of UK roads is in its 25th year, is launched at a time of unprecedented challenges due to the spread of COVID-19, and understandably, the country’s … [Read more...]
Warning over collapsing dealer networks
Localised franchise dealer networks are “likely to remain important to fleets” says fleet software specialist FleetCheck following news that more are to close. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said that a long-term situation was being created where many businesses were having to travel further for routine servicing, maintenance and repair. “We’re not picking out any particular … [Read more...]
Wales “failing” cars highlighted
Some of the most dangerous cars on the roads are in Wales, as Green Flag has uncovered the pass and fail rates under the new MOT tests. The new tests were brought in a year ago in May 2018 and the research by the breakdown assistance company has established where the most dangerous vehicles are in the UK. The failure rates may reflect the lower incomes and spending power across the … [Read more...]
PCP users paying for poor repairs
PCP users are facing unexpected bills for sub-standard repair work to contracted cars, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The organisation, which represents companies that between them handle, sell, inspect, transport or manage more than 1.5 million used vehicles every year, says that more and more cars are being presented for sale online and at auction with what the industry terms … [Read more...]