In a game of playground football, the Mitsubishi Mirage would be the last kid to be picked for a team. Then told to play in goal.
In a running race, it would be the last one to finish, crossing the line long after everyone else has packed up and gone home. The last piece of quiche left on the buffet table. The last raffle prize picked at the office Christmas party.
The Mitsubishi Mirage isn’t very good. In a world of exceptional small cars, it would be a while before some deranged thinking leads you to the Mirage, and even then you’d still contemplate taking the bus instead.
When movies are promoted using vox pops of excitable cinemagoers making hysterical claims, there’s a pretty good chance that the film will be wack. It’s going straight to DVD.
Mitsubishi has used a similar approach in the brochure for the current Mirage.
“You cannot find a better car in its class for your money,” says Zach. “I love this car! It’s adorable.”
Sorry, Zach, but even in a class of one, the Mitsubishi Mirage would struggle to be the class-leader. Google ‘really good small car’, and you’ll be presented with a list of names as long as your leg. And adorable? Pull the other one.
Mitsubishi Emptiness
Even people who have zero interest in driving pleasure will be sent into a coma by the Mirage, while the rear-seat accommodation is about as inviting as an East German border post.
Mitsubishi calls it ‘first class accommodation’, which it is, if the price spent on it equates to the price of a postage stamp.
There are points in its favour: the cabin is quite spacious, the 1.2-litre engine is reasonably economical, and the top-spec version offers a decent level of kit. There’s also a tight turning circle, which will make things easier when you decide to do an emergency U-turn should you find yourself test-driving a Mirage.
To find the showroom, turn left at ‘hell freezes over’, go straight on at ‘fat chance’, then left at ‘never in a month of Sundays’. If you reach the end of the world, you’ve gone too far.
It’s just that, when cars like the Volkswagen Up, Dacia Sandero, Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 exist, it’s hard to stake claim for something as mediocre and lacklustre as the Mitsubishi Mirage. The new one can’t come soon enough.
From Despair to Where?
Mitsubishi speaks of a ‘distinctive Mitsubishi-ness’, whatever that means. If nothing else, it’ll mean that the new Mirage has a look that fits with the rest of the range. The teaser photo suggests it will be quite the looker – even the four-door saloon looks vaguely desirable.
If the Mirage can retain its lightweight construction – the current car weighs 875kg in its most basic form – it will help efficiency, and it could even make the Mirage fun to drive. Memories of the flawed but bonkers Colt Ralliart come flooding back.
It also needs an interesting dashboard and cabin. Suzuki provides the proof that you don’t need swathes of soft-touch plastics and expensive materials to make a good interior. Something that looks like the interior designers could be bothered would be a start.
The Volkswagen Group and the South Koreans have had things their own way for too long. We need a credible and interesting rival to enter the ring. The Japanese have the ingenuity and skills required to strike a blow. Let’s hope ‘Mitsubishi-ness’ can land a killer punch.
Electric automaker Tesla has received top marks in an environmental impact study. The Carbon Transitional Assessment (CTA) score is awarded by research and analytics group Moody’s, and measures how effectively a marque is transitioning to low carbon cars.
In the assessment of 20 car manufacturers, Tesla was the only brand to receive a top CT-1 score, with the lowest possible rating being CT-9. BMW, Honda, Geely and Toyota all got respectable marks, thanks to their low-emissions models.
“Our new assessment gives us a way of monitoring progress in aligning with the low carbon transition,” said vice president of Moody’s, James Leaton.
“2020 is set to be a critical year for automakers proving whether they can deliver electric vehicles at scale to achieve compliance in Europe and China.”
Moody’s says that car manufacturers should be aim to electrify at least a quarter of their fleets, in order to meet guidelines for sustainability set by the International Energy Agency.
Tesla’s introduction of the Model 3 into the European market has markedly increased EV uptake. In September, the new all-electric executive car was Europe’s 11th best-seller. Tesla’s market share for EVs in Europe is nearly 50 percent.
Meanwhile, in the second-hand market, it was recently revealed that the all-electric Renault Zoe is the UK’s fastest-selling used car.
According to Zap-Map, the most common type of charging is on-street, which includes town locations. This makes up 30 percent of public chargers in the UK. By contrast, at the end of 2018, hotels led the way for chargers, with around 1,200 locations.
A further 25 percent of chargers are found at car parks, in shopping centres, supermarkets or park-and-rides.
The number of charging locations has increased 53 percent since this time last year. On-street has seen the biggest growth, jumping from under 1,000 to more than 3,000.
Airport locations with car charging have increased 57 percent, while railway locations are up 45 percent. And 36 percent more bus stations have car charging, too.
Service station locations have increased by 38 percent. Zap-Map says this will be a significant area of growth over the next year and beyond, as BP and Shell grow their own networks with charge points at their filling stations.
Save £7,000 on a new Citroen – if you live in London
More than 300 public car parking locations have been added over the last 12 months, plus 230 retail sites. Public transport locations have improved dramatically over the past year.
Overall, the number of individual connectors at the end of 2019 approaches 30,000, at 16,000 devices across 10,000 locations.
Rolls-Royce has announced a Black Badge version of its Cullinan SUV, with more power and menacing styling.
For starters, almost everything is black. The paint is made from multiple layers of lacquer, with 10 processes of hand polishing. Rolls-Royce calls it ‘the most comprehensive surface finish process ever applied to a solid paint colour’. Spot the contrasting, hand-painted coachline, too.
The Spirit of Ecstacy mascot is finished in high-gloss black chrome, as is the mounting plate for the first time. It’s ‘the darkest Black Badge yet’, says Rolls.
Most chrome surfaces are also darkened, including the enormous grille surround, boot handle, lower air intakes and exhaust pipes. The grille slats remain polished, however.
New and exclusive for the Black Badge are the 22-inch forged alloy wheels, which have a diamond-turned surface. The brake calipers are painted red.
Inside the Cullinan Black Badge is what Rolls-Royce calls a ‘technical carbon veneer’, apparently inspired by urban architecture. Shaping, lacquering and curing the material is a 21-day process.
Black Badge, bright cabin
The cabin of the Black Badges is where owners often choose contrasting colours. In the car seen here, it’s new Forge Yellow. The interior is softly lit by the now-traditional starlight headliner.
While the Black Badge offers more oomph, performance is implied rather than highlighted in a Rolls-Royce. The 6.75-litre V12’s output rises to 600hp and 663lb ft of torque.
“Black Badge reflects the desires of a distinct group of Rolls-Royce clients: men and women who take risks, break rules and build success on their own terms,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce.
“The time has come for Rolls-Royce’s boldest and darkest expression of Black Badge yet. The King of the Night, Black Badge Cullinan.”
2019 is already turning out to be another another vintage year for car enthusiasts, with an ever-increasing number of motoring events to attend. Here, we have researched some of the UK’s biggest and best car shows and motorsport events, along with a selection of European shows within easy reach of French ports.
We’ll be adding to the list throughout 2019, so be sure to bookmark this page. Alternatively, get in touch if you fancy adding your own event to our list.
Classic Motor Show – 8-10 November
If you’re looking for a reason not to put your classic car into hibernation, this could be it. The Classic Motor Show is held at the NEC, were more than 3,000 classics are expected to go on display in an area the size of 18 football pitches.
If you’d like to see your event included in our next update, get in touch with us. Happy motoring.
The one’s you’ve missed… catch ’em in 2020!
Sunday Scramble – 6 January
Bicester Heritage welcomed around 5,500 car enthusiasts for the last Sunday Scramble of 2018, and the promise of good weather could tempt a similar number out of their beds for the first event of 2019. What better way to kick off the motoring new year? The Sunday Scramble will continue throughout 2019.
Haynes Breakfast Club – 6 January
Alternatively, car fans in the South and South West might prefer to head to the Haynes Motor Museum for the first Breakfast Club of the year. The museum, which is located just off the A303 in Somerset, is home to around 400 cars, while the cafe opens at 9am on Breakfast Club Sundays. These events are free to attend and held on the first Sunday of each month.
Autosport International – 10-13 January
Autosport International is the biggest pre-season motorsport show, bringing together racing, automotive and engineering sectors under the roof of Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC). Highlights include a live action arena, the Silverstone Auctions Autosport sale and a celebration of 50 years of Formula 5000.
Mini Fair 2019 – 27 January
Champagne corks will be popping at the Staffordshire County Showground as the classic Mini celebrates its 60th anniversary. This is also the 20th year of MINI Fair, with thousands of people expected to attend this event organised by the British Mini Club. Highlights include a Mini Jumble, Pride of Ownership competition and club displays.
Great Western Classic Car Show – 9-10 February
The Footman James Great Western Classic Car Show is the biggest event of its kind in the South West of England, with thousands of car enthusiasts converging on the Royal Bath & West Showground.
Retromobile – 6-10 February
Retromobile is held in the largest and most prestigious hall at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, Paris, a location befitting an event of this stature. This year, highlights include a celebration of 100 years of Citroen and 45 years of the Peugeot Renault Volvo (PRV) V6 engine.
London Classic Car Show – 14-17 February
Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design, will receive The London Classic Car Show Icon Award 2019 at this year’s event, where you’ll also see a tribute to The Italian Job film, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019. The London Classic Car Show is held at Excel London from Valentine’s Day.
Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show – 19-24 February
The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show is the largest showcase of motorhomes, campervans, caravans, caravan holidays and lodges in the UK. The latest 2019 touring caravans and motorhomes will be on display, along with a new-for-2019 Camping Zone. Head to Birmingham’s NEC if caravans float your boat.
Race Retro – 22-24 February
At the end of February, all motorsport roads will lead to Stoneleigh Park for the Race Retro international historic motorsport show. Highlights include a live rally stage, ‘arrive and drive a classic car’, Pride of the Paddock and a Silverstone Auctions sale.
Practical Classics Restoration Show – 22-24 March
Last year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show attracted around 28,000 visitors across three days, with 150 car clubs also in attendance. Highlights include the UK’s biggest ‘barn-find’ display, the Practical Classics Live Stage, the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition and an autojumble. Head to the NEC at the end of March.
Britcar, Silverstone – 30 March
The Britcar Endurance Championship gets underway at Silverstone on 30 March, with further races at Brands Hatch, Donington, Oulton Park and Snetterton. At the time of writing, the dates remain provisional, so be sure to check the Britcar website for more details.
BTCC, Brands Hatch – 6-7 April
Brands Hatch will host the curtain-raiser of the 2019 British Touring Car Championship in April, before the BTCC juggernaut heads to Donington Park at the end of the month, Thruxton in May, Croft and Oulton Park in June, Snetterton and Thruxton in August, Knockhill and Silverstone in September, before culminating at Brands Hatch in October.
Techno-Classica Essen – 10-14 April
Techno-Classica Essen is a European classic car show with a global reputation, with around 1,250 exhibitors from 30 countries. In 2018, the event attracted 188,000 visitors from 41 different nations. Essen is a four- to five-hour drive from Calais.
The Easter Motor Show at Weston Park – 21-22 April
Happy Easter! If you’re trying to escape Easter Egg temptation, why not get along to Weston Park in Staffordshire for The Easter Motor Show, a new classic vehicle event. The organisers are promising plenty of cars plus trade stalls, a craft tent, a special classic commercial theme – and even some contemporary cars from invited modern vehicle dealerships. Adults tickets cost £10, kids aged 4-16 are £5, and a family ticket is £25.
Donington Historic Festival – 3-5 May
At the time of writing, the timetable for the 2019 Donington Historic Festival hasn’t been announced, but if previous events are anything to go by, this is a must-visit event for fans of historic motorsport. ‘Early bird’ tickets are available until the end of January.
Gaydon Land Rover Show – 11-12 May
Hundreds of Land Rovers will be on display at the Gaydon Land Rover Show in May. Owners can enter their vehicle for just £7, giving entry to display the Land Rover, as well as admitting the driver and one passenger to enter the show for the weekend. The event is held at the British Motor Museum, which is five minutes from junction 12 of the M40.
Beaulieu Spring Autojumble – 18-19 May
The Beaulieu Spring Autojumble is 25 years old in 2019. To celebrate, organisers are encouraging all jumblers to decorate their stands in a silver theme – and as over 1,000 stands are expected, it should be quite the spectacle. The fast-growing Land Rover Rummage is another highlight of the Spring Autojumble: bargain-hunting starts at 10am on both Saturday and Sunday.
Power Maxed MotoFest Coventry – 1-2 June
Formerly known as the Coventry MotoFest, the Power Maxed MotoFest Coventry is ‘a unique blend of motorsport demonstrations, static displays, live music and anything else with a connection to Coventry and transport’. The organisers are hoping to make it the ‘Edinburgh Festival of motoring’. Nice.
Goodwood Breakfast Club: Supercar Sunday – 2 June
The latest FREE TO ATTEND Goodwood Breakfast Club is celebrating all things supercars – and Motoring Research will be there, in a bright blue brand new Audi R8 V10. Look out for our logo and come along to say hello!
Classic & Performance Car Spectacular – 1-2 June
Tatton Park, Cheshire, is the venue for the Classic & Performance Car Spectacular on 1 and 2 June. Around 2,000 cars will be on display, along with 250 stalls and 90+ clubs. If you miss this one, Tatton Park will also play host to a Classic American show in July and a ‘Passion for Power’ show in August.
The Isle of Man TT – 1-7 June
The fastest road race on the planet gets underway on Saturday 1 June, although qualifying begins on Saturday 25 May. All eyes will be on the Isle of Man as the world’s bravest riders test their mettle on the formidable 37.73-mile course.
London Concours – 5-6 June
Billed as the ‘ultimate automotive summer garden party’ London Concours takes place at the Honourable Artillery Company, in the heart of the city. More than 100 high-end classics and supercars were on show last year, from American muscle to a McLaren F1. Tickets for the 2019 event are on sale now, priced from £35.
Le Mans 24 Hours – 15-16 June
The 87th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours will take place on 15-16 June, and for the first time ever, the event will mark the end of the World Endurance Championship. Qualifying begins on 12 June and Le Mans is located less than three hours from the ferry terminals at Cherbourg, St-Malo and Le Havre.
MG Live – 15-16 June CANCELLED
Sorry, MG fans – the popular MG Live event has been CANCELLED this year, due to resurfacing work at the Silverstone circuit. The organisers are bitterly disappointed but hope the event can return in a new guise next year.
Bromley Pageant – 23 June
The Bromley Pageant is one of the world’s largest one-day classic car shows, with more than 3,000 vehicles expected to be on display in Kent. Highlights include an autojumble, trade village and a chance to meet Jimmy de Ville of Goblin Works Garage and Fifth Gear fame.
Goodwood Festival of Speed – 4-7 July
In 1993, Lord March hosted a hillclimb in the grounds of Goodwood House in Sussex and created the Festival of Speed. It has grown to become one of the world’s biggest and most famous motoring events, but the hillclimb remains central to its success.
In stark contrast to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this is a show celebrating the vehicles produced by BMC, British Leyland and Rover Group. Convoys will run from the BMW Mini plant in Cowley and MG Longbridge, while the event will celebrate 60 years of Farina. Head to the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, if BL is your thing.
Japfest – 13 July
Fans of Japanese cars have two Japfest events to choose from – the Silverstone was in May, and the Donington round runs in July. Highlights include the Japfest Sprint Test, club displays and track time.
British Grand Prix – 12-14 July
With no deal in place beyond 2019, this could be the last time Silverstone hosts the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. In 2018, the British GP had the highest attendance of any race on the F1 calendar – will Silverstone’s fate be sealed before Lewis Hamilton and co. return to Northamptonshire?
Festival of the Unexceptional – 20 July
For 2019, the Festival of the Unexceptional will move to the Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, where everything from Marinas to Metros and Chevettes to Corollas will line up to compete in the Concours de l’Ordinaire. The event is open to classic cars and light commercial vehicles built between 1966 and 1996.
Silverstone Classic – 26-28 July
To some people, this is one of the highlights of the motoring calendar – a three-day, non-stop historic motoring racing extravaganza. Once in, there’s free access to the paddocks and grandstands, with displays from more than 100 car clubs featuring more than 10,000 classic cars (with more than 100,000 visitors expected over the weekend). Celebrations this year include 50 years of the Ford Capri and 60 years of the Mini.
Silverstone Classic 2019
Top racers will be in attendance too, including three-time BTCC champion Colin Turkington (pictured above), who’ll be driving an ex-Steve Soper BMW M3 racer. Other headline races include pre-66 touring cars, FIA Masters historic Formula One and a massive 60-car grid full of classic Mini racers.
CarFest North – 26-28 July
CarFest North takes place at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire, where you can expect to find the usual mix of music, cars and family fun. BBC Children in Need will receive 50 percent of the total profits, with a number of other charities also benefiting from the proceeds.
Classics on the Common – July
For one Wednesday every July, Harpenden is invaded by classic cars as it plays host to the UK’s largest weekday car show. Classics on the Common takes place on our doorstep, so we’ll be there to bring you the most interesting cars from the event. Come and say hello.
Ford Fair – 4 August
Ford Fair is Europe’s biggest Ford event, with around 4,000 cars and 18,000 guests expected to flood Silverstone. You can expect the usual mix of showroom-quality vehicles, sprint tests and track time.
Ultimate Street Car – 9-11 August
Ultimate Street Car (USC) at Santa Pod Raceway is the ‘largest, loudest, hottest and fastest modified car festival in Europe’. Expect drifting, stunt displays, drag racing, music and tyre smoke. Lots of tyre smoke.
CarFest South – 23-25 August
CarFest South is like CarFest North, just further south. So, you can expect more of the same, only this time at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, at the end of August.
Salon Privé – 5-8 September
Salon Privé is a motoring event for fans of superlatives. ‘The most luxurious of garden parties set against the backdrop of Britain’s greatest palace (Blenheim Palace). Presenting the finest collection of supercars, hypercars and classic cars, along with a luxury retail village and exquisite cuisine, it is a truly unique experience’. Tickets are priced accordingly…
Concours of Elegance – 6-8 September
The Concours of Elegance 2019 will take place at Hampton Court Palace in September, with 60 of the finest cars ever built lining up in the Fountain Gardens. A number of car manufacturers will be attendance, including Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and Geely.
Beaulieu International Autojumble – 7-8 September
If rummaging for oily car parts is your idea of a dirty weekend, the International Autojumble is the event for you. Some 2,000 stands are expected to fill the grounds of the Beaulieu Motor Museum, making it the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic.
Goodwood Revival – 13-15 September
Step back in time at the Goodwood Revival. Visitors are encouraged to dress in period clothing at this event celebrating the golden era of motorsport. Tickets are available now and you’re advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
Wales Rally GB – 3-6 October
The 12th round of the FIA World Rally Championship drops in on Wales in October. Wales Rally GB takes place over four days of competition and each day is divided into a number of ‘Special Stages’.
Truckfest – 5-6 October
The TruckFest calendar draws to a close at the Newark and Notts Showground in October, but there are seven other opportunities to get your trucking fix. The TruckFest year kicks off at the East of England showground in May, before rolling into Wolsingham, Malvern, Edinburgh, Kent, Shepton Mallet and Knutsford.
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – 3 November
In 2018, 400 pioneering veteran cars gathered in Hyde Park for the start of the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. In total, nearly 90 percent of the starters made it to Brighton before the 4.30pm deadline to claim a finishers’ medal. How many will make it in 2019?
Volvo is giving away FREE electricity with every new plug-in hybrid vehicle sold from now until June 2020.
The electricity costs for charging the car will be calculated from May 2020 and repaid to the customer at the end of the 12-month period. Energy used will be monitored via the Volvo On Call app.
This offer applies to the entire range of Volvo plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the new XC40 T5 – the most inexpensive model, with prices starting from £41,000.
Plug-in hybrid versions of the S60, V60, S90, V90, XC60 and XC90 are also included.
Volvo is offering the deal to private and business customers, and it’s the company car driver who will receive the refund, not the employer. Volvo says this is to encourage fleet users to keep the hybrid battery charged.
‘Good habit’
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “At Volvo, in keeping with our Swedish roots, we’ve always taken a keen interest in looking after the environment. Our recently stated ambition to become a carbon-neutral company by 2040 shows we are serious about addressing climate change.
“It’s crucial that we help our plug-in hybrid customers understand how they can make the most of their car’s electric potential. So, by meeting their electricity charging costs for a year, we can encourage them to develop the good habit of regularly recharging their car’s battery, as well as saving them money at the same time.”
From next year, new visitors to the Volvo website will be asked whether they want to charge a car with a plug, or not. The company will also introduce new Recharge branding for its growing range of plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars.
Its aim is to reduce tailpipe emissions by 50 percent by 2025 and to become a climate-neutral business by 2040.
The Take Charge free electricity offer is valid for orders placed from 16 October 2019 to 30 June 2020. Customers must keep the vehicle for 12 months to receive the refund.
“Tyres sit uniquely at the intersection of air quality and microplastics.” That’s the opinion of Emissions Analytics, which is seeking to raise awareness of the impact vehicles tyres are having on our oceans.
Think of plastic waste and most people will picture bottles, packaging, bags – maybe even tea bags and clothes. But tyres are a major source of microplastics found in our oceans, and the problem is only going to get worse.
Emissions Analytics names three emerging threats: budget tyres, electric vehicles and SUVs.
According to an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) study in 2017, between 15 and 31 percent of the 9.5 million tonnes of plastics released into the oceans each year could be primary microplastics.
Two-thirds of which come from the washing of synthetic textiles and the abrasion of tyres while driving.
In the same year, a study by Pieter Jan Kole at the Open University of The Netherlands put the figure at 10 percent. “Tyre wear and tear is a stealthy source of microplastics in our environment, which can only be addressed effectively if awareness increases,” was the rather stark conclusion.
‘Big chunks of plastic’
The lack of awareness stems from a general misunderstanding of the composition of a modern tyre. “Tyres are essentially yet more big chunks of plastic,” says Friends of the Earth. “When they break down they behave and persist like other plastics in the environment.”
Emissions Analytics claims that over the course of 12,500 to 31,000 miles, a typical tyre will shed 10 to 30 percent of its tread rubber into the environment. Particles will end up by the roadside or washed into drains, which in turn takes the pollution into rivers and the ocean.
Just as concerning is the fact that Friends of the Earth estimates that up to 10 percent of tyre wear is generated as airborne particles, which contribute to air quality issues and lung problems.
The IUCN report refers to data that says while there is no reliable information on the transfer of microplastics from tyres to the world’s oceans, both Norwegian and Swedish researchers have pointed out that a large fraction of particles found in the sea seem to originate from car tyres.
Tyres and our oceans: emerging threats
What about the emerging threats?
Emissions Analytics points to the fact that budget tyres wear rapidly and have high emissions. It also says that the instant torque and higher kerb weights associated with electric vehicles will increase wear rates, adding to the pollution issue.
The increased weight is also a factor associated with SUVs, along with the typically larger wheel sizes adopted by such vehicles. The larger the tyres, the greater the problem.
“On this basis we think tyres are set to be scrutinised and regulated more, and perhaps also reinvented for electric cars to perform well in durability and noise. There will be opportunities and threats that arise from these changes,” says Emissions Analytics.
It is also calling for a review of the European tyre labelling, with the environmental impact added to the ratings for rolling resistance, wet grip and noise.
Friends of the Earth wants to see a government-backed test to identify how resistant each type of tyre is to wear and tear – with clear labels for buyers. It says tyres with the highest rates of tread abrasion could be banned from sale.
Other suggestions include a tyre levy to help tackle the problem of microplastic pollution, more efficient use of roadside gully pots used to catch debris, and increased road cleaning.
The problem isn’t going to go away. As the IUCN points out, calls for a ban on microbeads in cosmetics are welcome, but this source is responsible for just two percent of primary microplastics. The impact of tyres is far, far greater.
In the UK, we generate up to 19,000 tonnes of microplastics tyre pollution, which finds its way into our waterways, rivers and seas every year. Something to think about next time you’re changing a worn tyre.
In just five weeks, the country will be converging on polling stations to vote in the general election. In the meantime, the major political parties will be touring the country in their ‘battle buses’, eager to convince voters to pick them on 12 December. If you haven’t ordered your party bus, you’re leaving it a little late. Here’s a guide to choosing the right one.
Jo’s on the go
Today, the Liberal Democrats have unveiled their new party bus. But this isn’t just any Liberal Democrats ‘battle bus’, this is Jo Swinson’s Liberal Democrats ‘battle bus’.
Choose the right bus
To avoid a party political breakdown, make sure you choose a bus that’s strong and stable. A future fare for all. Or something.
Choose a bus that reflects your values
To ensure the electorate feels at one with your party, choose a bus that reflects your values and beliefs. This Communist Party of the Russian Federation propaganda bus may work for you, comrade.
Paint it the right colour
Painting the bus in the colours of your political party is a good idea. Including an illustration of where voters should place their cross should avoid any unwanted spoilt ballots.
Choose your words
Choosing a memorable slogan is another winning idea. Either that or this is an instruction to the bus driver.
Avoid waffle
A message to all political parties putting together their next election broadcast: avoid waffle.
Honesty is the best policy
If you’re going to put a political message on the side of your bus, make sure you’re prepared to stand by it, weeks, months and even years down the line.
Forward, together
The ‘Straight Talk Express’: a bus that’s not for turning. No U-turns, no backtracking and no manifesto reversals.
Make sure your message stands out
If you can’t get your hands on a Big Yellow Taxi or Yellow Submarine, a Big Yellow Bus with a big message ought to do the trick.
Give yourself a platform
As any title-winning football team will testify, a bus gives you a great opportunity to build a rapport with your fans.
Give yourself a platform
Yep, fans love open-top buses…
Clowning around
You’ve just got to make sure you don’t come across as clowns.
In the country
What’s the point of having a bus if you don’t use it to reach out to the floating votes in rural areas? Get out there, get stuck in and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
Perfect your hand gesture
When you exit the bus, make sure you’ve perfected your patriotic and ‘on the road to victory’ hand gestures.
Face values
Make sure you include a stonking great photo of your face on the side of the bus. That way, when you arrive in town in your ‘just stepped out of the back garden clothes’, the electorate will know that it’s you.
Creating the right impression
Once on the bus, make sure there are flowers on the table, a copy of a book that reflects your values, and a tie. Removing your tie is only slightly behind rolling up your sleeves on the list of things that show you mean business.
Keep the bus clean
Keeping the bus clean is essential. If you can put your hands on a beach towel to use for cleaning purposes, even better.
Don’t be afraid to go smaller
If your political coffers can’t stretch to a full-fat ‘battle bus’, don’t be afraid to use something smaller. It’s what you say, not how you say it.
A fare deal for all
If in doubt, give your bus a splash of colour and park it somewhere prominent. Avoid bus stops, unless you’re prepared to offer lifts to people making their way back to the park-and-ride on the edge of town.
Renault has partnered with Seine Alliance and Green-Vision to launch the first all-electric boat powered by ‘second life’ batteries.
The Black Swan can carry up to eight passengers and is powered by four batteries removed from Renault electric cars. They power a pair of 20kW electric motors to deliver two hours of cruising. A full charge takes two to three hours.
The boat – a converted Italian craft – was originally powered by an internal combustion engine. With the inner workings removed, the Black Swan weighs 278kg less than before.
Stainless steel housings have been designed for the batteries to ensure safe, water-tight operating conditions. It is hoped that electric boats can improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in and around inner-city rivers.
The Black Swan has been demonstrated on the River Seine in Paris and is a precursor to what Renault is calling a “new generation of boats”. Its electric car batteries are reconditioned and repurposed to give them a ‘second life’.
Gilles Normand, senior vice president of electric vehicles at Renault, said: “We are proud of having contributed to the Black Swan project alongside Seine Alliance and Green-Vision.
“Once again, this approach has shown that, used in a second life as energy storage units, the batteries from our electric vehicles represent an essential lever for the acceleration of the energy transition.”
It is hoped that the Black Swan will be pressed into active service in the first quarter of 2020, once the necessary government permits have been obtained.
Didier Spade, chairman of Seine Alliance, added: “As host to the Olympic Games in 2024, Paris has a duty to provide innovative solutions for the environment.
“Seine has already shown itself to be exemplary in respect of energy performances in the transport sector. Our company has once again brought an electric boat project to fruition with the aim of raising the awareness of all of the river’s users.”
Thirty-one percent of Britain’s 38 million drivers are too scared to drive at night, according to a new study.
Figures released by RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) show that 40 percent of all road accidents occur in the hours of darkness.
Falling asleep at the wheel is a significant factor, accounting for 20 percent of serious accidents on motorways and monotonous roads in Britain. Reduced visibility is an obvious danger – the distance a driver can see is shortened and it takes time for eyes to adjust to the dark.
It’s also harder to judge speed and distance, so other cars could be travelling faster than expected.
Essilor, the lens manufacturer behind the new study, found that 91 percent of drivers are regularly dazzled by oncoming traffic. Government data shows that around 300 collisions every year are caused by glare.
Driving at night is a glaring issue
RoSPA says that, between the ages of 15 and 65, the time it takes to recover from glare increases from one to nine seconds.
Dr. Andy Hepworth from Essilor said: “With such short days in the winter – and driving conditions frequently made worse by the British weather – often people have no choice but to drive in the dark.
“But this means that we face glare from oncoming traffic and other light sources, which is arguably the biggest issue regarding the reduction or loss of visibility, and glasses lenses can actually create more reflections impacting your vision further.
“There are a couple of other factors that hinder your vision at night as well. If you try to see something in the presence of ‘over-bright lights’, this can cause your eyes to tear up, smearing your vision. Low-light levels lead to a reduction in the contrast of images.
“Combine the two and night driving can seem like a nightmare. If you’re dazzled by glare at night when you are travelling at a speed of around 60mph, it can almost double your stopping distance. That’s a significant difference.”
How to improve nighttime vision to stay safe
Essilor has compiled a list of seven ways to improve nighttime vision, helping motorists to stay safe when driving in the dark.
Keep windscreens clear: make sure the outside of the windscreen is clean and streak free. Keep the washer fluid topped up and carry a microfibre cloth in the glovebox to keep the inside of the screen clean.
Use anti-glare lenses: ask your optician about spectacle lenses designed to reduce glare and reflection
Check and adjust mirrors: dip the rear-view mirror at night or consider a car with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Dip, don’t dazzle: remember to dip your headlights when faced with oncoming traffic. You should also adjust your lights when carrying heavy loads.
Slow down or stop: if you’re concerned about vision, stop the car. Pull over in a safe measures and make adjustments to improve your vision.
Adjust your eyes to the dark: give yourself a few minutes behind the wheel to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Keep your distance: it’s harder to judge speed and distances at night, so allow more space between you and the car in front.
