Majority of UK drivers unable to identify dashboard warning lights
A recent survey by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover indicates that 91% of UK drivers are unable to identify all dashboard warning lights. The findings suggest a notable lack of understanding regarding vehicle alerts, potentially leading to ignored issues. The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) light was the least recognised, with 73% of respondents unaware it […]
Extended range electric vehicles are the future, the UK just isn’t there yet…
With all the hype and bluster around the push to ‘Net Zero’ and converting everyone to the evangelical ways of EV motoring, it’s often a worry that electric vehicles will put paid to the trusty, local independent garage. But there’s a technology that’s currently taking China by storm, which will keep independents in business for […]
Chinese automakers suing over EV repairs – A warning for UK independents?
The landscape of electric vehicle (EV) repair in China is raising concerns, with independent mechanics facing legal action from automakers. This trend, contrasting with early promises of lower EV maintenance costs, signals potential challenges for independent garages here in the UK. In China, a key issue is the unclear “right to repair” for EV owners […]
Is Diesel dead? Used market data reveals surging values for some models
The new car market is seeing a notable decline in diesel availability, with manufacturers increasingly discontinuing diesel engine options. As of April this year, only one in 18 new cars sold were diesels, representing a 13% drop compared to the first five months of 2024. This contrasts sharply with 2015, when diesels accounted for half […]
UK driverless car rollout likely delayed until 2027
The widespread introduction of driverless cars on UK roads is now anticipated in the second half of 2027, according to the government, a delay from earlier industry predictions of 2026. While limited self-driving technology is currently permitted with a human driver remaining responsible, fully autonomous vehicles are not yet authorised for public use. Uber, which […]
UK reviewing potential adoption of new EU MOT testing rules Post-Brexit
Despite Brexit, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has indicated that it will review new MOT testing rules being considered by the European Commission, suggesting potential future adoption in Britain. The proposed changes in the EU focus on more thorough inspections for electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems during annual ‘periodic technical inspections’ (PTI). […]
West Midlands fraudsters jailed for spoof repair shop and dummy insurance claims
Ten individuals have been sentenced for defrauding insurers of over £320,000 through staged or fabricated road traffic collisions in the West Midlands. The organised crime group, operating primarily in Walsall, pleaded guilty following an investigation by the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), supported by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB). Ringleaders Raju […]
BMW to integrate DeepSeek AI into China vehicles
BMW has announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence from Chinese startup DeepSeek into its new vehicle models in China, commencing later this year. CEO Oliver Zipse highlighted the significance of AI advancements within the Chinese market and BMW’s commitment to strengthening partnerships for in-car technology integration. This move signifies a deepening collaboration with local technology […]
Driver fined for dangerous vehicle nine years after MOT expired
A 20-year-old man from the Dunloy area has been fined a total of £1,060 after admitting to driving a car in a dangerous condition. Marc McQuilken, of Tullaghans Road, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court. The court heard that police officers spotted McQuilken driving a Volkswagen Golf near Ballymena in April 2024. They noted that he […]
UK Government may bring in bespoke EV MOT
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has indicated it will review potential changes to the MOT test following new rules proposed by the European Commission (EC) aimed at improving safety standards for electric vehicles and modern driver assistance systems. The EC has announced a package of proposed changes to overhaul road safety rules concerning the […]