Alfa Romeo has overstated the driving safety systems in its new Tonale model, say experts. The latest set of Assisted Driving gradings have been released by Euro NCAP, based on assessments of three new vehicles, the Alfa Romeo Tonale (‘moderate’), Nissan Ariya (‘very good’) and Renault Austral (‘very good’). Thatcham Research, the automotive risk intelligence company and Euro NCAP partner, … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 January: Aston’s Ultimate
As its name suggests, the DBS 770 Ultimate is an emphatic last word. The most powerful production Aston Martin ever, extensive design and engineering enhancements ensure the 211mph DBS 770 Ultimate is an unforgettable and highly-collectible celebration of Aston Martin’s flagship Super GT and already sold-out in 300 Coupe and 199 Volante styles. The pure-electric Tesla Model Y is the safest … [Read more...]
EV crash repairs & costs to be assessed
Risk intelligence specialist Thatcham Research will lead a funded project focused on Electric Vehicle collision repair and salvage processes and their impact on insurance claims and their associated costs. EVs are set to play a central role in achieving the Government’s 2050 net zero target. However, with the repair and insurance process for an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle … [Read more...]
What is autonomous or not
Thatcham Research has revealed further insights from its Trust in Automation study - which polled 2,000 motorists in the US and 2,000 in the UK – and found a significant disconnect between attitudes and behaviours on either side of the Atlantic. American drivers are more likely to a see a benefit to self-driving or autonomous technology than British drivers: 81% versus 73% respectively. However, … [Read more...]
Young are misguided about autonomous cars
Thatcham Research is launching findings from its Trust in Automation consumer study which has revealed that just over half of UK drivers think that they can buy a fully autonomous car today. This is despite the fact that only Assisted Driving systems, which require driver support, are currently available in the UK. “Realising the government’s stated safety ambition for Automated … [Read more...]
Chinese cars hit top safety marks
Euro NCAP published its fifth round of safety ratings this week and Chinese newcomers hit top scores. The highly anticipated Tesla Model Y did not disappoint and shoots to the top of recently published five-star cars, while the new electric Genesis GV60 continues the 5-star success of the GV70 and GV80 models tested last year. Euro NCAP also tested two newcomers from China’s Great Wall Motor … [Read more...]
Government unveil £100M plan for autonomous cars
UK roads could see self-driving vehicles rolled out by 2025 under Government plans backed by £100 million spending which prioritise safety through new laws and create thousands of new jobs in the industry. Some vehicles, including cars, coaches and lorries, with self-driving features could be operating on motorways in the next year, and today’s (August 19) plans set out new legislation which … [Read more...]
Drivers risk not resetting advanced systems
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that help improve driver safety standards, known as ADAS, are vital for a car’s safety and form a critical part of EuroNCAP’s star safety rating system. But to ensure ADAS items continue to work correctly they need to be recalibrated after remedial work, warns ATS Euromaster, otherwise vehicle safety will be compromised and insurance cover potentially … [Read more...]
Experts to outline challenges facing repair sector
Leading automotive research and training provider Thatcham Research is the latest organisation to join the 150-strong roster of influential speakers and training experts at the inaugural UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, held at Birmingham’s NEC on 8 & 9 June. Thatcham Research will be talking about, and demonstrating, the most dynamic changes affecting the body repair sector in the last 50 … [Read more...]
Experts trash Dacia Jogger sub-standard safety
The Dacia Jogger has been trashed by safety experts after crash tests. Three vehicles feature in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety testing: the DS4, Dacia Jogger and Honda HRV. The DS4, which was originally a four-star car, has been re-tested with the optional safety pack and achieved a five-star rating, scoring highly across all assessment categories. It’s ‘Safety Pack Plus’ has improved … [Read more...]