Fleets adopting electric vans are using them over longer daily routes, according to new research. Respondents to the 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer who already have electric vans or were planning to use them were asked whether they would cover distances of more or less than 100 miles. The results showed a definite bias towards more intensive … [Read more...]
Toyota and Lexus owners most at risk of “cat-burglars”
Toyota Auris owners are being warned they’re most at risk of catalytic converter theft, according to research. The figures state that one in every 157 of these cars has the device taken - a higher ratio than any other model in the data. Drivers of this vehicle are now being warned to take extra precautions to keep it safe from thieves. The … [Read more...]
Weekend review: Old dogs & new tricks
More and more new names are appearing in the UK car market as it evolves into the electric age, but at the recent Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders annual southern test day for writers near Basingstoke it was two familiar names which caught my attention. The Nissan X-Trail has been a success in Britain for over 23 years while smart has been hanging … [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 … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 January
Bus and train services through Wales have been reduced. The effects of Covid-19 on staffing and a decline in passenger numbers have combined to hit them while more users have also resorted to private transport to make journeys, and people have been urged to check service details before travelling. Ford UK prices have risen and now reflect increases … [Read more...]
Rare and rarer & ready to be picked up for peanuts
There are some of Britain’s true automotive gems. And we don’t mean the obvious one-offs and models that were launched so long ago there are only one or two left. Where’s the fun in that? CarleaseSpecialOffers said you might think Ferrari owners enjoy exclusivity, but you’d be wrong. Sort of. Even the Ferrari 812 Superfast – a 6.5-litre, 789bhp grand … [Read more...]
Newcomers 28 January
The electric-only smart EQ range of small two or four seater cars with 82hp motor and 70miles range is now on sale from £16,850 after the £3,500 Government plug-in grant. Rapid charging takes 40 mins to near capacity or under six hours via a domestic wall box, it will reach a governed 81mph and deliveries begin in March for the restyled and highly specified … [Read more...]
Cost of electric charging is fuel for thought when buying
Laws banning petrol and diesel cars are beginning to be introduced around the globe and forcing car makers to turn their attention to hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Fully electric vehicles may well be the future of low-emission transportation but, for now, hybrid cars are proving an increasingly popular compromise. Dual-energy cars are continuing to … [Read more...]
EV trial results hold some surprises
DriveElectric, an electric vehicle specialist with over 20 years of leasing and electric vehicle experience, is celebrating the breadth of valuable learning gained about smart charging, and in particular the behaviours of EV drivers, from its involvement in the Electric Nation trial. The trial took place in Western Power Distribution network areas in the … [Read more...]
The price of power will surprise you
A new analysis indicates the amount motorists are willing to spend and reveals that horsepower and purchase price aren’t always directly correlated and you'll be surprised by the results. Every buyer has their own priorities when buying a new car: a large boot, comfortable seating, air conditioning, or intelligent assistance systems; yet horsepower … [Read more...]
