UK automotive output down by 100,000 cars as supply chain issues continue to bite April 28, 2022 The UK automotive production was down by 100,000 cars in the first quarter of 2022 as a combination of pandemic-induced supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine continued to bite. According to data by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), output declined by 32.4 per cent on 2021 levels, going from 306,558 [...]
MOT could be relaxed under new government plans April 27, 2022 The annual MOT checks could be relaxed under government plans to help Brits navigate the cost of living crisis. Transport secretary Grant Shapps today told the Commons’ Transport Select Committee he didn’t exclude out relaxing the rules, but any changes would need to meet a “very rigorous safety standard.” “If you look at things like [...]
Boom in demand boosts Mercedes allowing to offset costs April 27, 2022 A boom in demand has boosted Mercedes-Benz’s financial performance allowing it to offset rising material and transport costs, the car giant announced today. “In terms of the desire of wealthy people to spend the money for exceptional products, I would say there is no barrier, there is no limit,” said chief financial officer Harald Wilhelm. In [...]
McLaren choses former Ferrari executive Michael Leiters to head automotive business April 27, 2022 McLaren Automotive has appointed former Ferrari chief technology officer Michael Leiters as chief executive, the UK car maker announced today. “I could not be more excited to be joining McLaren Automotive as CEO at this important moment in its journey,” said Leiters today. “I look forward to growing that reputation for our loyal customers, employees, fans [...]
F1 test systems firm AB Dynamics weathers supply chain pressures with price increases on new orders April 27, 2022 AB Dynamics, manufacturer of driving robots and simulators used by the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team, had £37m in revenue in the six months up to February, more than £10m more than the previous year. The company had £5.7m in operating profit, a 63 per cent increase on 2021, while net cash was down 16 [...]
BMW halts train deliveries to China due to Ukraine war April 26, 2022 BMW has halted its train shipments from Germany to China via the Trans-Siberian railway as a result of the Ukraine war. Alongside Audi, the world’s largest manufacturer said it was now delivering the goods via sea. “BMW has stopped all train transport through Russia immediately after the beginning of the war,” said a BMW spokesperson. “Exports [...]
Motorists spared £50 annual insurance hike as government scraps EU law in Brexit win April 25, 2022 Motorists will be spared a £50 annual insurance hike after the UK Government scrapped EU regulations. A bill to scrap the EU’s Vnuk motor insurance law was passed today through Parliament and, according to government, will prevent a £2bn hike for the UK’s insurance industry. Under the EU law, motorsports, agricultural machinery and light electric [...]
Boris Johnson’s £4,000 in parking fines ‘drifted like snow on the windshield’ despite not driving a single mile April 24, 2022 During his time as a London-based motoring correspondent, Boris Johnson cost the magazine he worked for more than £4,000 in parking tickets, his former editor said today. Dylan Jones, who edited fashion and lifestyle magazine GQ for more than two decades until 2021, hired Mr Johnson to work at the Conde Nast title in May [...]
Watch how Czech tycoon races high-powered sportscar at 414 km per hour on German motorway April 24, 2022 A Czech millionaire who drove a high-powered sportscar along a German motorway at speeds of at least 414 kilometres per hour (257mph) is no longer facing charges. Germany’s dpa news agency reported that prosecutors in the town of Stendal reviewed footage of the stunt and concluded that Radim Passer had not broken the law when [...]
Car insurance rises for first time in 18 months April 21, 2022 Car insurance premiums have risen for the first time in 18 months, according to financial services company Confused. Data revealed today that insuring a vehicle is £12 more expensive than it was a year ago, causing the average premium to be as high as £550 per year. “Car insurance costs are starting to increase, and [...]