Toyota revs up electric car credentials with new in-house company November 17, 2016 Toyota is revving up its electric car credentials with the creation of an in-house venture company responsible for developing electric vehicles (EVs). It will be a virtual organisation, made up of four people: one from each of Toyota Industries Corporation, Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., Denso Corporation and TMC. The body will be independent from other [...]
Britain’s used car sales motor to record levels as 2.1m vehicles changed hands from July to September November 17, 2016 Forget the very aesthetically appealing model debuts being wheeled out at the LA motor show, Brits are still feeling the love for used cars. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), growth in the used car market continued in the third quarter of this year, with buyers snapping up a record 2.1m vehicles, [...]
Near-miss: A drone came within 20m of a passenger plane as it flew over the Shard this summer November 17, 2016 A drone almost collided with a passenger plane carrying 165 people as it passed over the Shard in July. A report from the UK Airprox Board, which records near-misses in the air, said the Airbus A320 was en route to Heathrow Airport on 17 July when its crew spotted a black drone out of their [...]
Now Heathrow Airport’s trying to swoop in on the Christmas ad battle with this tear-jearker featuring two teddy bears November 17, 2016 First it was John Lewis that routinely took the crown for best Christmas ad. But in recent years other retailers have been upping the ante – from Sainsbury's to M&S to Waitrose's adorable robin. And now, not content with winning the battle over airport expansion (for now), Heathrow Airport has unveiled its very first Christmas ad [...]
A folding bike helmet made of paper scoops the 2016 James Dyson Award November 17, 2016 Occasional cyclists of London listen up, for designer Isis Shiffer has developed a helmet that you can whip out anytime, any place – and you can pop it in a handbag too. A recyclable folding helmet has won the international James Dyson Award. How's it foldable? Well, it's made of paper. Yes, you heard that [...]
Aslef wants trams back under TfL control after Croydon tram crash November 16, 2016 Train drivers' union Aslef has called on tram operation to be taken under the direct control of Transport for London (TfL). The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) today released an interim report into the Croydon tram crash last week where seven people lost their lives and 51 were injured after a tram derailed. The report [...]
Gett has quietly switched up its leadership in Europe November 16, 2016 On-demand taxi service Gett has quietly switched up its leadership in Europe following a huge investment from car maker Volkswagen. Remo Gerber, managing director for Europe, has left his role at the Uber-rival and Gett's recently appointed chief operating officer of western Europe, Matteo de Renzi, has been promoted to chief executive of western Europe. It comes as [...]
Croydon crash tram was going 43.5mph in an area with a 12.5mph speed limit November 16, 2016 An initial investigation into the Croydon tram crash on 9 November has revealed the tram was being driven over three times the permitted speed when it crashed. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch's (RAIB) initial report has confirmed initial indications that "the tram was travelling at significantly higher speed than is permitted". On the section involved, [...]
Midlands Engine shifts up a gear as Highways England announces progress on major regional schemes November 16, 2016 Don't get too excited, but it looks like it could just be full steam ahead for the Midlands Engine after Highways England announced major progress on multi-million pound projects. The plan to invest in the region's infrastructure and businesses has been boosted by Highways England chief executive Jim O'Sullivan announcing significant developments on a number of projects. He also [...]
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan backs legal action against Heathrow expansion November 16, 2016 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has stuck by his pledge to stand against Heathrow expansion, saying he will support a legal challenge to the government's decision. He has directed Transport for London (TfL) to provide advice and assistance to affected borough councils, including Hillingdon, Richmond, Wandsworth and Windsor and Maidenhead as they prepare for a joint [...]