Flat battery problems more likely than ever at start of 2021

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December 29, 2020

Motorists risk beginning 2021 with a flat battery if they do not take action now to reduce the risk.

The RAC is warning that millions of drivers could find themselves unable to start their cars on the first working day of the New Year.

Coronavirus restrictions on travel, combined with predicted below-average temperatures, could cause a perfect storm for drained batteries.

New Year, old problem

The first working day of 2020, 2 January, demonstrated the problems drivers can face. The RAC attended a substantial 25 percent more breakdowns than on a typical January day.

Research conducted by the RAC found that some 58 percent of post-Christmas flat batteries were due to a lack of use.

For 2021, coronavirus rules mean that far fewer journeys will have been made this festive period.

Less use means the chances of a battery draining to become completely flat increases substantially.

Even electric car owners could get a shock

According to the RAC’s patrol of the year, Ben Aldous, regular use of a car is the best way to ensure the battery remains fully charged.

Ben notes that going for a “proper drive” rather than just “starting a car up for a minute or two and then stopping it again”, is the answer. The latter can in fact drain the battery further, and should be avoided.

Surprisingly, even electric car owners still need to keep care of their batteries. Many EVs still rely on a regular 12-volt battery to start the main lithium-ion battery pack for the electric motor.

Letting it run flat can prevent an EV from starting.

Top tips to keep your battery healthy

The RAC has tips for all on how to avoid a flat battery this New Year, encouraging drivers to act now:

Ensure everything in your car is switched off and unplugged when you park it up. This includes disconnecting dash-cams and sat-nav units from 12v sockets, which can drain the battery.
Take your car for a decent journey before you need to rely on it to get you to work. A drive of at least 20 minutes is typically recommended to ensure the battery starts gaining charge.
Do not turn your car on, then switch it off, just to check the battery works. This will cause the battery to drain more.
If you have more than one car, try using the vehicle with an older or weaker battery more often.
If your battery is more than four years old, consider getting a garage to check and test it is still in top health.

There are multiple options for buying a replacement battery, including the ability to have a new one fitted at home.

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McLaren Speedtail hypercar heads to auction for the first time

By

John Redfern

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December 26, 2020

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An example of McLaren’s fastest-ever production car will be heading to auction in January 2021.

The RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 sale will include the 1,035 hp McLaren Speedtail amongst a wealth of impressive cars.

As McLaren approved all 106 buyers of the Speedtail’s production run, this is the first time the wider public will have the chance to buy one.

Ultimate hybrid performance

McLaren designed the Speedtail to be a tribute to the original F1 road car, even down to the central driver’s seat. Yet this is far more than a simple anniversary edition, and is instead the most extreme McLaren created.

Powering the Speedtail is a 4.0-l twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, combined with an electric motor as used in the Formula E series. The internal combustion engine produces 750 hp alone, with the electric motor boosting this to a gigantic 1,035 hp.

Active aerodynamics, and an adjustable suspension system that lowers the car at speed, allow the Speedtail to hit an incredible 250 mph.

Front wheels with distinctive aero covers help the Speedtail’s performance, whilst carbon ceramic brakes ensure it stops from high speed.

All that glitters is (probably) gold

The Speedtail being offered at the Arizona sale was the 36th example to be built. Despite costing $2.25 million (£2.1 million) when new, the original owner still found a further $170,000 (£137,711) to spend on options.

Bespoke painted pinstripes on the MSO Atlantic Blue paintwork added $53,600 (£39,711) alone. The front wheel covers are finished in gloss carbon, with the engine cover and brake calipers painted in black. A ‘Stealth Titanium’ finish has been used for the sports exhaust system.

Contrasting with the blue paintwork is a three-seater interior finished in vintage tan Aniline leather upholstery. Bespoke stitching has been added, along with plenty of carbon trim and metal detailing.

The factory supplied titanium tool kit, finished in gold, is included along with fitted luggage.

Limited numbers, limited mileage

Ordered in July this year, Speedtail number 36 was delivered to the McLaren of Philadelphia dealership a few months later. Despite the Speedtail not being strictly street legal in the United States, more than one-third of the 106 examples sold headed to America.

US-based Speedtail owners are limited to 2,500 miles a year, making use of ‘Show and Display’ rules. Having covered only 30 miles from new, this particular example is still box fresh.

As the first of such an exclusive car to be auctioned, Speedtail 36 will set the market for future sales. Interested buyers will only have to wait until 22 January 2021 to place a bid on this immense hypercar.

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BMW backtracks: ‘We do not draw on warranty status’ for targeted ads

By

Richard Aucock

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December 24, 2020

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BMW has told Motoring Research its targeted billboard warranty adverts – which are claimed to use number plate registration technology to tailor public adverts to BMW drivers – do not actually draw upon vehicle warranty status.

Rather, only publically available information is used. “There is no personalisation visible on the advert and no vehicle or customer data is stored or retained.”

The new initiative was originally claimed to focus on BMW drivers with an expired new or Approved Used warranty. Owners will receive personalised messages on electronic roadside billboards highlighting the fact they no longer have a valid warranty.

They will be warned their vehicle is not covered for the cost of repairs, and invited to ‘consider purchasing a BMW Insured warranty online’.

The electronic billboards use Vehicle Detection Technology to pick out BMW owners with expired warranties.

They are to go live in key cities throughout the UK, located alongside traffic lights on major roads.

However, BMW has now insisted the billboards involved display a generic message “and will be shown to the majority of BMW models older than 35 months.

“No personal identifiable information applicable to GDPR is used in the [Vehicle Detection Technology] process nor does VDT ever have access to any personal data.”

Only owners sitting stationary at red traffic lights will be shown the tailored messages.

‘A memorable impression’

Steve Cann from BMW Financial Services said: “Our customers expect an elevated level of customer service and personalised digital marketing is just one way in which we can engage with them at this expected level.

“Tailored billboard messaging is a unique way of engaging with BMW owners outside of their homes that we hope will leave a memorable impression.”

Allianz Partners’ Liz Grindell insisted the campaign will be “an exciting opportunity to reach prospective customers on the move, during a time when physical interaction is restricted”.

No personal driver or vehicle data is stored by the electronic billboards, which are rolling out now in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle.

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No-deal Brexit: UK hauliers should retain access to EU

By

John Redfern

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December 23, 2020

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The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued an important update on how a no-deal Brexit will affect the UK haulage industry.

While the DfT notes that the government continues to ‘work hard to finalise an overall trade agreement with the EU’, preparations are being made for ‘no-deal’, to be in place by 31 December 2020.

Pending approval by the European Parliament, a new agreement will ensure that UK haulage firms retain access to the EU until 30 June 2021.

Unlimited journeys to or from the EU

The European Council published the draft EU Regulation on 10 December. It set basic plans to ensure road and rail freight can move unhindered, should a no-deal Brexit occur.

Approval by the EU Council saw amendments made, with only the European Parliament now left to endorse it. The DfT believes this should happen shortly.

The key points of the proposed Regulation will be:

UK hauliers can make unlimited journeys to or from the EU until 30 June 2021
UK firms can make two additional movements – either cross-trade, cabotage, or one of each – until 28 February 2021
One additional movement – either cross-trade or cabotage – will be permitted between 1 March and 31 March 2021

No cover for transit to third countries

According to the DfT, this EU Regulation will cover ‘the majority of journeys performed by UK hauliers to EU countries’. Longer-term arrangements will be made in the event of there being no substantive trade agreement with the EU.

However, the DfT states that the Regulation will not cover UK hauliers travelling through the EU to a third country.

For these journeys, haulage firms will need to have an ECMT international road haulage permit in place. Hauliers have until 23:59 on 23 December 2020 to pay for an existing ECMT permit.

Those without an annual ECMT permit are instructed to contact the DVSA. Permits for short-term transit can be issued separately.

Today’s announcement comes as the government attempts to resolve the problems in Kent, following the closure of the French border.

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MOT goes paperless for emissions test passes

By

Richard Aucock

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December 23, 2020

0

Motorists whose vehicle passes its annual MOT test will no longer be given a paper copy of their emissions test.

The change comes into effect from 11 January 2021 and is part of efforts by the DVSA to reduce the use of paper in the MOT.

However, motorists whose vehicle fails the test will still be issued with a paper emissions record.

What’s more, motorists whose vehicle passes the test can still request a printed copy of the emissions record.

MOT testing garages must retain all emissions records for three months, and be able to produce them to motorists or officials if requested.

Test can be stored digitally

They don’t need to be stored as paper records though, provided the emissions testing machine is able to store digital records.

Testing stations have been warned that ‘failure to produce an emissions record when requested may result in disciplinary action being taken’.

The paperless MOT-pass emissions record move follows feedback from the trade, as well as a drive to go green, says the DVSA.

MOT test centres have also been granted an extension to the annual training year, due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

They now have until 30 April 2021 to complete this year’s annual training and assessment.

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Brexit: ‘Seal the deal’ urges automotive industry

By

Richard Aucock

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December 23, 2020

0

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is urging politicians to ‘get a Brexit deal’ or face the ‘irrevocable damage of tariffs’ to automotive sector jobs.

The call came as November car production figures in the UK showed a 1.4 percent decline, leaving year-to-date figures down 31 percent.

It means 380,809 fewer cars have been built in Britain so far in 2020. This represents a cost of £10.5 billion to the automotive sector.

“Yet another decline for UK car production is of course concerning,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, “but not nearly as concerning as the new year nightmare facing the automotive industry if we do not get a Brexit deal that works for the sector.

“The threat of ‘no deal’ is palpable and the sector, now also reeling from the latest coronavirus resurgence, Tier 4 showroom lockdowns and disruption at critical UK ports, needs more than ever the tariff-free trading arrangements on which our competitiveness is founded.

“It is finally make or break time.”

Mr Hawes said no-deal tariffs would be punitive and cause devastation across the automotive industry from day one.

“For the long-term survival of UK automotive, there is quite simply no other option.”

November 2020 manufacturing

A total of 106,243 cars were built in Britain in November 2020. Although a better performance than many other months during the year, the reality of the underperformance was masked by a weak November 2019, says the SMMT.

Ironically, that was because factories had shut down ahead of a potential ‘no deal’ on 31 October 2019.

More than 85 percent of cars built in November were made for export, which the SMMT says highlights the ‘critical importance of free and fair trade with global markets’.

2020 is on course to see fewer than one million cars built in the UK for the first time since the 1980s.

If a no-deal Brexit enforces WTO conditions in the industry, the sector faces production losses amounting to more than £55 billion over the next five years.

Even if a deal is reached, it needs swift ratification by parliament.

The UK automotive industry turns over almost £79 billion a year and is the country’s biggest exporter of goods, accounting for 13 percent of total exports.

What’s more, automotive directly employs more than 180,000 in manufacturing alone – and such high-skilled jobs command an average wage 21 percent higher than the UK average.

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Analysis: Is it the end of sales growth for SUVs?

By

Richard Aucock

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December 22, 2020

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The first signs are emerging that the significant growth of SUV sales across Europe is beginning to level off.

Analysts JATO say the situation for SUVs has ‘changed dramatically’ in 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19.

Although SUVs accounted for around 40 percent of new car sales across Europe during 2020, overall volumes have actually fallen 21 percent year-to-date.

The significant slowdown due to coronavirus is a factor, says JATO – but adds that other sectors such as superminis and family hatchbacks have actually experienced below-average declines.

“Demand [for SUVs] is no longer growing in parallel to new product launches, nor at such a fast pace,” said JATO analyst Felipe Munoz.

There were only two SUVs in November’s top 10 best-selling cars across Europe in November, and none in the top five (see table below).

Supermini and family hatch market share has increased due to new arrivals and a broader selection of electric models.

As electric vehicles start to become more mainstream, the appeal of heavier, less aerodynamic SUVs may start to wane – because of the greater range offered by lighter, more efficient conventional vehicles.

Higher prices could also become a factor. Electric vehicles are already more expensive than regular vehicles, which may make the additional premium for an SUV less viable for car buyers.

SUV success story

SUVs have been a real success story for car manufacturers in recent years. A plethora of new model launches has seen the profitable sector grow from less than 25 percent of European sales in 2016, to more than 40 percent in 2020.

Buyers have been switching to them from lower-margin hatchbacks, estates and MPVs.

Two of Europe’s best-selling model ranges illustrates the higher profits commanded by SUVs: new Peugeot 208 supermini prices start from £17,575 – whereas buyers need to spend £21,030 to get into the cheapest Peugeot 2008 SUV.

New car sales ‘concerning’

More generally, European new car sales remain in the doldrums due to the Covid pandemic.

JATO called the trend ‘concerning… with YTD volume dropping by 26 percent.

‘European consumers registered 10.71 million units between January and November – the lowest YTD figures so far this century.

‘The global pandemic and its impact on mobility has been extremely painful for the automotive industry, indeed more painful than any other economic crisis that has hit Europe over the last two decades.’

November 2020: top 10 best-selling cars in Europe

1. Volkswagen Golf

2. Toyota Yaris

3. Renault Clio

4. Vauxhall Corsa

5. Peugeot 208

6. Peugeot 2008

7. Renault Captur

8. Dacia Sandero

9. Ford Focus

10. Skoda Octavia

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Have your say on Britain’s electric vehicle charging network

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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December 22, 2020

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Electric cars could save drivers £40,000

The government has launched a market study into the electric vehicle charging sector in the UK. This comes as the country prepares for the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

Figures from Zap-Map show there are nearly 21,000 public charging devices in the UK. Fast chargers dominate the network, but more rapid chargers will be required to support the anticipated demand for new electric cars. There are around 2,500 locations with rapid chargers installed, with 157 new devices installed over the last 30 days.

Research shows that range anxiety, or not being able to recharge while out and about, is a key concern for many consumers. If people can see a robust charging network, they are more likely to make the switch to electric vehicles, the government claims.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) market study will focus on two broad themes:

How to develop a competitive sector while also attracting private investment to help the sector grow.
How to ensure people using electric vehicle charging points have confidence they can get the best out of the service.

The CMA is inviting comments by 5 January 2021 and intends to conclude its market study within 12 months. Charging point providers, industry bodies, regulators, local authorities and consumer groups are expected to take part.

‘Key to helping the UK become greener’

Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said: “Making the switch to electric vehicles is key to helping the UK become greener, which is why it’s so important that everyone has the confidence to get behind the move. Being able to easily stop off at a petrol station is a standard part of a journey and consumers must trust that electric chargepoints will provide a similarly straightforward service.

“By getting involved early as electric vehicles and charge points are still developing, the CMA can make sure consumers are treated fairly now and in the future.”

Further details of the market study and information on how to submit comments can be found here. For electric car news and advice, visit our sister site, Motoring Electric.

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DVLA Swansea in Covid outbreak

By

Richard Aucock

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December 22, 2020

0

Public Health Wales has declared a coronavirus outbreak at the DVLA contact centre in Swansea.

There have been 352 cases of Covid-19 at the Swansea Vale centre since September, and 62 confirmed cases since the beginning of December.

Testing facilities have now been set up at the site, and all staff are being encouraged to get themselves tested.

“We are all working in close collaboration with our partner agencies and our priority is to reduce the number of cases in this workforce,” said Public Health Wales consultant Sion Lingard.

The DVLA contact centre manages telephone enquiries. A spokesperson told Motoring Research motorists will experience delays if they want to speak to an advisor.

“Covid infection rates are high in the local community where most of our staff live. Staff safety remains our top priority and we have extensive safety measures in place.”

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, DVLA officials warned motorists may face ‘significant delays’, with reduced staff numbers on site due to social distancing requirements.

DVLA Christmas hours

The DVLA’s Christmas shutdown begins at 8pm on 23 December.

The organisation will remain closed throughout the Christmas period, reopening at 8am on Monday 4 January 2021.

However, officials have insisted that online applications will be unaffected by the Covid outbreak.

They are encouraging motorists to use DVLA online services throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

PA Media has calculated there were 747 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to 17 December in Swansea.

The rate per 100,000 people averages 641 across Wales, compared to 284 in England and 116 in Scotland.

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SsangYong Motor files for receivership

By

Richard Aucock

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December 22, 2020

0

Korean car company SsangYong Motor has filed for court receivership after missing loan repayments totalling 150 billion won (£100 million).

The company has applied for a restricting support programme which gives it three months to find a solution with its creditors.

The Korean Times reported shares fell almost 20 percent after the news was announced.

However, the firm’s UK operations are “totally unaffected and… very much open for business,” according to SsangYong Motor UK MD Kevin Griffin.

It continues to operate as normal and Mr Griffin said the restructuring “will result in the birth of a stronger company”.

SsangYong Motor is 75 percent owned by Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, which rescued the firm in 2010.

Earlier this year, Mahindra confirmed it was looking to hand over its stake in SsangYong.

Filing for receivership will require SsangYong to undergo a restructuring programme in order to receive financial support.

Automotive News reported the company stated “massive disruption in the operation is expected”.

SsangYong vehicles are imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK, an independent company owned by Gibraltar-based Bassadone Automotive Group (BAG).

There are around 65 SsangYong retailers in the UK and earlier in December, BAG confirmed it had been looking to acquire part of the Colt Car Company, Mitsubishi’s UK operation, after the Japanese firm announced its withdrawal from Europe.

However, after discissions, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation withdrew from negotiations.

SsangYong Motor UK is now planning an open day for Mitsubishi retailers in January 2021.

The company plans to launch a new Rexton in March and a pure electric Korando in mid-2021.

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