Car dependence grows despite drop in commuting

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October 23, 2021

Although the traditional five-day working week could be over, motorists say they are still reliant on their cars.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, some 49 percent of drivers commuted to work five days each week. Now, just 32 percent expect to do the same in the future.

Yet despite this predicted fall, research undertaken by the RAC has found increased levels of car dependency.

Daily commute coming to an end

Of those surveyed, driving to a workplace three times a week is likely to become the new normal. Almost one-fifth (19 percent) expect to stop commuting by car and work from home permanently.

Some 12 percent of respondents said they would continue to commute by bus, train, tube, walk or bike – as they had done before the pandemic.

Public transport has, predictably, fallen out of favour with commuters. Fewer than half of drivers (46 percent) said they would use their cars less if public transport improved.

This is a drop from 59 percent just three years ago.

Critically, 45 percent said they expect to use public transport less due to the pandemic. Only 22 percent now see it as an attractive alternative to the car.

Motoring reliance increases

The RAC’s Report on Motoring found that 82 percent of drivers said they would struggle without a car. It marks the highest level recorded since 2006, and increased from 74 percent in 2019.

Rural drivers (87 percent) were more likely than urban dwellers (77 percent) to be dependent on their cars.

Those in the West Midlands were most likely to rely on their cars, followed by drivers in Yorkshire and the North East.

Reasons for relying on a car focused on speed compared to public transport. The struggles of carrying everything when grocery shopping is also a concern.

RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said: “One of the starkest findings from our report is around attitudes towards public transport.

“If the challenge faced by policymakers in getting drivers out of their cars before the pandemic was akin to trekking up a steep hill, our research suggests they now have a veritable mountain to climb.

“Just a fifth of drivers see public transport as an attractive alternative to driving and less than half say they would use their cars less even if public transport was improved.

“What’s more, most drivers say the pandemic has made them more wary of using public transport in the future.”

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Toyota reveals UK’s first radio control car powered by hydrogen

By

John Redfern

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October 22, 2021

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A special collaboration has created a working hydrogen-powered 1:10-scale replica of the Toyota Mirai.

Working with experts from Bramble Energy and Tamiya, Toyota helped build the UK’s first hydrogen-fuelled radio control (RC) car.

The miniature Mirai was mentioned this week by our friends at the Motoring Podcast. Its first outing took place at the Old New Inn Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Miniaturised hydrogen tech

An off-the-shelf Tamiya TT-02 RC chassis was used as the basis for the scaled-down Mirai. The aim was to create a hydrogen-powered RC car that would demonstrate how simple the conversion process can be.

Bramble Energy specialises in producing small-scale hydrogen fuel cells. It was able to miniaturise its printed circuit board to fit the Tamiya chassis.

A new control system, along with parts for storing and regulating the hydrogen fuel, were also added. Bramble Energy fitted two hydrogen canisters, allowing for quick replacement when running low.

As the RC car expert, Tamiya produced a bespoke 1:10 Toyota Mirai body shell. It was then painted in the same Scarlet Flare red as the real thing.

Small scale, big potential

The complete hydrogen fuel cell system fitted by Bramble Energy provides the RC Mirai with 20 watts of power. This has doubled its running time compared to a regular battery-powered RC car.

Earlier this year, a full-size Toyota Mirai set a new Guinness World Record. It covered an astonishing 845 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.

Although not quite offering the same range, Toyota hopes the RC Mirai will help promote hydrogen fuel cell technology.

David Rogers, Toyota spokesperson on alternative fuels, commented: “Cars are the tip of the iceberg for Toyota in terms of progress towards a hydrogen society. Hydrogen will play a key role in meeting our future energy needs, bringing zero emission driving for both big cities and small villages.”

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Porsche goes Back To The Future with 1.21 gigawatts of EV power

By

John Redfern

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October 22, 2021

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Porsche’s DC rapid charging network for electric cars has become the largest across Europe and North America.

More importantly, the combined power of the Ionity and Electrify America networks has now surpassed 1.21 gigawatts.

Fans of the Back to the Future movie franchise will recognise the importance of this figure. And Porsche executives seemingly enjoy the iconic films, too

Going nuclear

In the Back to the Future movies, the DeLorean Time Machine requires 1.21 gigawatts of energy to achieve time travel. Its ‘Mr Fusion’ onboard nuclear reactor is perhaps the ultimate in convenience.

In the real world, however, being able to charge a Porsche Taycan from five to 80 percent in 22 minutes is a strong runner-up.

The Porsche network also has ‘plug-and-charge’ compatibility, so charging can start automatically when a car is connected.

Between the 670 Electrify America and 372 Ionity locations, Porsche owners now have access to more 4,800 individual charging points.

More time travelling

Porsche has created a special one-minute film, highlighting the power of its EV charging network.

The company picked 21 October as the ideal date to release the finished film. Movie buffs will know it as the day Marty McFly time-travels to in the original Back to the Future film.

Featured in the movie is actor and electric vehicle enthusiast, Donald Fullilove. A star of the first Back to the Future in 1985, Fullilove played the role of Goldie Wilson.

Originally a cafe worker, Fullilove’s character goes on to become mayor of the fictional Hill Valley.

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BMW updates M135i xDrive hot hatch for 2022

By

John Redfern

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October 21, 2021

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The BMW M135i xDrive hot hatchback has received an array of improvements for the 2022 model-year.

Having been on sale since May 2019, BMW has opted to give the range-topping 1 Series a mid-life refresh.

The current M135i is accused by some of being a little uninspiring, so BMW hopes its changes will offer more driver engagement.

Geometry in action

The biggest difference for the M135i comes via detailed tweaks to the suspension setup. Camber values for the front wheels have been increased, with a new hydromount used for the front wishbones.

New mounts for the rear suspension are also fitted, while the choice of spring and damper rates is modified.

BMW says these improvements bring greater steering feel and a more involving drive.

For those after more excitement, the bold Sao Paulo Yellow paint colour from the BMW M4 Competition becomes an option. It is joined by new Frozen Orange metallic and Frozen Pure Grey.

No extra power-ups

Unusually for an updated hot hatch, BMW has left the M135i xDrive’s powertrain alone.

This means the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine continues to offer 306hp, sending power to all four wheels. BMW has left the eight-speed automatic transmission unaltered, too.

However, the twin-tailpipe exhaust system is tuned for less back pressure. Making a modern turbocharged four-cylinder engine sound exciting is a tough task, but the new setup is claimed to provide a ‘characterful acoustic accompaniment’.

Prices for the revised M135i xDrive have yet to be confirmed, but cars will arrive in the UK next year.

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Car industry welcomes government Net Zero Strategy

By

Richard Aucock

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October 19, 2021

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The government has underlined its ambition to make motoring electric and end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 with a Net Zero Strategy plan.

This will include a ‘zero emission vehicle mandate’ that will reinforce the commitment to only selling new electrified cars from 2030.

The car industry has welcomed the announcement – which includes almost £1 billion in fresh funding to help motorists and car manufacturers go electric.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes said the extra funds for electric vehicles “will help ensure affordability”.

The government is investing £620m in grants for electric cars and on-street charging points.

However, Mr Hawes warned charging point funds must be bound to regulations, in order to unlock private sector investment and boost consumer confidence in chargers on residential streets.

AA president Edmund King said the EV charge point funding is a welcome step “targeted at the eight million households without dedicated off-street parking”.

The government has also announced an extra £350 million to help the automotive supply chain make the move to electric.

“By moving first and taking bold action, we will build a defining competitive edge in electric vehicles,” said prime minister Boris Johnson, “whilst supporting people and businesses along the way.

“With the major climate summit COP26 just around the corner, our strategy sets the example for other countries to build back greener too as we lead the charge towards global net zero.”

Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate

The Net Zero Strategy’s “ambitious zero emission vehicle mandate [will] show that we’re leading the world on the switch to EVs,” said transport secretary, Grant Shapps.

It is the first commitment of its type in Europe, and will include a requirement for car firms to sell a proportion of green cars each year.

Similar schemes have operated in North America where, said Chargepoint director of policy Tanya Sinclair, “they have significantly built up availability and consider confidence of electric vehicles”.

It will also boost confidence of those investing in the UK’s EV charging sector.

Vauxhall MD Paul Willcox has also welcomed the mandate, saying it will “provide clarity to the UK motor industry and the rest of the electric vehicle ecosystem”.

The SMMT’s Mike Hawes said the automotive industry “is putting zero-emission vehicles on Britain’s roads at a pace beyond all forecasts, such is the choice and appeal of those new models.

“A well-designed, regulatory framework could help maintain or even increase this pace to ensure we deliver on our shared decarbonisation ambitions.”

However, the AA’s Edmund Kind said it is “probably unnecessary.

“Manufacturers are already taking big steps in order to meet the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans, but bringing in this ‘red tape’ exercise could harm car production plans already in place.”

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AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2022 finalists named

By

Richard Aucock

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October 19, 2021

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Six cars will compete for the prize of AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2022.

The Dacia Spring, Hyundai Bayon, Renault Arkana, Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris Cross and Vauxhall Mokka-e will undergo final tests by 32 European jurors in the coming weeks – including your UK writer.

Two of the six – the Dacia Spring and Vauxhall Mokka-e – are pure electric cars, while the Renault Arkana and Toyota Yaris Cross are only available as hybrids.

The 2022 winner will succeed the AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2021, the Seat Leon. Its triumph was recently celebrated at a glittering gala in Barcelona.

“We will continue in our endeavour to offer to millions of car consumers the best assessment about the Best Buy Car in Europe,” said AUTOBEST founder and chairman Dan Vardie. “But also about the best people, companies and technologies we have in the industry today.”

Europe’s largest

The jury members hail from 32 different countries. This makes AUTOBEST the largest independent motoring jury in the world, according to the number of nations represented.

The awards follow a ‘one country, one juror’ policy.

Alongside the AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe award, eight other prizes are voted on: Manbest, Companybest, Ecobest, Designbest, Technobest, Safetybest, Smartbest and Sportbest.

Recently, car design legend Frank Stephenson has agreed to lead a new initiative, the AUTOBEST Think Tank.

“Through this, we will more deeply explore the future of mobility, giving to all the people better visibility and understanding of what is going to happen in the coming years,” said Mr Vardie.

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Custom Volvo drag racer could become new Hot Wheels toy

By

John Redfern

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October 18, 2021

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A custom-built Volvo P1800 has been chosen to represent the UK in the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

The radical drag racer was picked by a special judging panel, including famed car designer Ian Callum CBE.

The Volvo now moves onto the semi-final round of the competition, with the chance to be immortalised as a scale miniature.

Devilish performance

The highly-modified Volvo P1800 Gasser is owned by Somerset-based Lee Johnstone. Under the JD Racing name, it is raced by Lee and his three daughters: Ellie, Tori and Sarah. Lee’s wife, Sue, is also a supportive member of the team.

Called ‘Ain’t No Saint’, its nickname is a nod to the P1800 driven by Roger Moore in The Saint TV series. Moore’s Simon Templar character, however, made do with rather less than the 600hp supercharged 454 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 that powers the Volvo dragster.

Johnstone purchased the Volvo as a bare shell, then worked to turn it into the Gasser. It is now capable of running a quarter-mile in 10.01 seconds, hitting a top speed of 133mph.

On learning of the Volvo’s win, Johnstone said: “As a team, we were ecstatic to hear our car was chosen. We never thought it would be named against some of the other entries”.

He added: “Everyone always says it looks just like a Hot Wheels and maybe it will now become one!”

Super-scale Swede

The Volvo was picked unanimously by the UK judging panel. It was said to meet all the Hot Wheels criteria of ‘performance, authenticity and garage spirit’.

“This is a beautiful example of a gasser – a drag racer with street car form,” said judge Ian Callum. “Often with dragsters, the chassis is so important that the body gets overlooked, but this example is fabulous, with great attention to detail. It’s a super quality, beautifully built car. And it completely hits the Hot Wheels brief.”

‘Ain’t No Saint’ will now move onto the semi-final round of the Legends Tour, set to take place on 4 November. It could then reach the Global Final on 13 November.

Should it win, the car will be recreated as a 1:64-scale die-cast car, and sold around the world.

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£890 million cost to repair UK’s kerbed alloy wheels

By

John Redfern

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October 16, 2021

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New research by Skoda has uncovered the scale of damage to alloy wheels across the UK.

A study of 2,000 drivers found more than one-third of motorists could be driving cars with mangled wheels.

Skoda highlights that, along with affecting the looks of the car, damaged wheels can be linked to tracking issues and steering vibrations.

An imperfect circle

Of those surveyed, more than half (56 percent) admitted that their alloy wheel damage had come from a kerb impact. This made it the single largest factor in causing wheel-related issues.

Trends for wider cars, bigger wheels, lower-profile tyres and diamond-cut finishes have only exacerbated the problem.

Based on Skoda’s calculations, there could be more than 13.1 million kerbed alloy wheels in the UK. With an average repair price of £67.50, fixing them all would cost £890 million.

British drivers were at least ready to admit blame. Some 83 percent of those asked said the wheel damage was caused by someone in their household.

Technology to the rescue

Despite parking being a leading cause of wheel damage, a third of those asked claimed to be ‘very confident’ when parking. However, some 45 percent said they prefer to avoid the kerbing risk by opting for bay parking where possible.

Only 18 percent of drivers asked said parallel parking was their preferred choice.

Skoda’s survey coincides with the launch of the new fourth-generation Fabia supermini. Officially on sale from this week, the Fabia can be specified with Park Assist 3.0.

The system can steer the Fabia into a space, automatically braking to avoid hazards, and keeping a safe distance from those nefarious kerbs.

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Google Maps to feature fuel-saving eco routing for motorists

By

Richard Aucock

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October 15, 2021

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Eco-friendly routing is coming to Google Maps, allowing motorists to prioritise fuel-efficient routes over the most direct or fastest ones.

The eco-friendly route option will automatically be displayed as an alternative to the fastest one, if the default route isn’t also the greenest.

Both fuel savings and the difference in estimated time of arrival (ETA) will be shown, so motorists can make a decision which route to use.

Google’s new fuel-saving mapping tech has been developed using AI and insights from the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Jeff Gonder from the centre for integrated mobility sciences at NREL, said: “Not only does Google Maps’ eco-friendly routing bring NREL’s fuel-efficient technology from the lab to the road, but it has huge potential to significantly lower emissions and save drivers money on gas — something that’s good for both people and the planet.”

The company has calculated it has the potential to cut CO2 emissions by more than one million tonnes per year – the equivalent of taking 200,000 cars off the road.

It is launching now in the US on Android and iOS. Europe and the UK will follow in 2022.

And for those who want to ignore the new eco-friendly routing and always see the fastest route, Google will include an override in the map’s settings.

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Land Rover goes to town with Discovery Metropolitan Edition

By

John Redfern

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October 15, 2021

0

Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan Edition

The seven-seat Land Rover Discovery range has gained a new, fully-loaded special edition.

Badged as the Metropolitan Edition, Land Rover promises a ‘suite of technologies to enhance the comfort and convenience’ of the Discovery SUV.

It’s the new range-topper in the Discovery line-up, and boasts generous equipment inside and out.

Ready for the metropolis

Land Rover has based the Discovery Metropolitan Edition on the existing R-Dynamic HSE trim level.

A Bright Atlas finish is used for the front grille and ‘Discovery’ badge lettering, with Hakuba Silver detailing on the lower bumper. Metropolitan Editions also gain a set of 22-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels, featuring Gloss Grey inserts.

Black Land Rover-branded brake calipers, privacy glass and a sliding panoramic sunroof are included, too.

VIP Disco experience

On the inside, all Metropolitan Editions have interior trim finished in titanium mesh. Standard equipment includes a head-up display, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and four-zone climate control.

Buyers can choose from petrol or diesel engines. Both the D300 Ingenium diesel and P360 Ingenium petrol come with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

The Metropolitan Edition’s £73,250 price tag cements its place at the top of the Discovery range. Orders for the most-expensive Discovery can be placed now.

Business class for the Discovery Commercial

Land Rover has also added a new degree of luxury to the Discovery Commercial van.

The Commercial, capable of carrying 2,024 litres of cargo, can now be ordered in R-Dynamic specification. This includes gloss black detailing for the front grille, smoked rear lights and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.

Internally, R-Dynamic trim means seats finished in Ebony with contrasting trim, a black headlining and bright metal paddles for the auto transmission.

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