1 in 3 car firms already cutting jobs due to Brexit

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October 14, 2019

Around a quarter of all drivers said that they have made or received a call on a handheld phone at the wheel. That’s one of many depressing findings of the RAC’s study of UK drivers.

This year’s Report on Motoring found that this is the most commonly cited concern among drivers, with 12 percent of those surveyed (the equivalent of five million people), saying it’s their biggest worry.

Just 12 percent? It needs to be higher, especially when 17 percent of drivers admitted to checking texts, emails or social media while driving. I suspect the percentage would be greater if drivers were prepared to confess their sins.

Predictably, younger drivers appear to be the worst culprits. Just 49 percent of 17 to 24 year olds said they never make or receive calls, with 62 percent claiming they never text, email or use social media at the wheel. That leaves far too many drivers who have.

New drivers have grown up with smartphones and find it harder to leave their phones alone for any length of time. The government urges drivers to place their phones in the glovebox, but the likes of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto encourage us to plug in and place the device in the centre console.

When the traffic slows and the journey becomes tedious, grabbing the phone becomes all too tempting.

Just 15 percent of drivers put their phone in the glovebox, 45 percent use a pocket or bag, with a quarter placing it on the passenger seat. Not out of sight and not out of mind.

Anecdotal evidence would suggest the problem is far worse than the figures suggest. Go for a drive and it won’t be long before you see a driver flouting the law.

Only last week, during the WLTP Challenge, I witnessed the driver of an all-terrain crane driving along the M6 with a phone pressed to his ear. The crane in question is fitted with a hands-free kit, so why did the driver choose to break the law? One can only imagine the devastating effects of a 50-tonne crane ploughing into the back of a family hatchback.

Is the driver unaware of the risk? Does he believe that the left-hand-drive crane allows him to ‘hide’ from onlookers as he crawls along in the slow lane? Does he feel that he’s above the law?

Maybe the penalties aren’t strict enough: the threat of six penalties points and a £200 fine isn’t a sufficient deterrent. Discuss.

Nodding donkeys and two-fingered salutes

Some drivers do little to hide the fact that they’re on the phone. A phone up to the ear is a blatant ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude to other drivers – a kind of two-fingered salute to the law and the obvious risks.

Others are more discreet. You’ll have seen the ‘nodding donkeys’ parked at traffic lights, as drivers glance up and down from their phone while they wait for the lights to change.

Some will hold their phone at steering wheel height, in an attempt to maintain some degree of control of the vehicle. Then there are those who place the phone on their lap, oblivious to the length of time they’re spending with their eyes diverted from the road.

Last year, a study revealed that young people check their phones every 8.6 minutes, more frequently than any other age group. Little wonder that so many drivers are finding it hard to resist the lure of their smartphone, even on the shortest of commutes.

Around a third of drivers felt stressed and “cut off” without their phone and 29 percent “felt lost” without it. With such a strong reliance on our devices, how can we expect motorists to turn them off and chuck them in the glovebox?

As the RAC report highlights, mobile phone use is just one of a number of ‘menaces’ on Britain’s roads. Road rage, drink-driving, drug-driving and dangerous driving are just a few of the other risks of the road.

Rover and out

What’s the common thread? The motorist.

Our cars are safer than ever, to the point that they will do their upmost to keep us out of trouble. Maybe that’s part of the problem – we feel safely cocooned in our Euro NCAP-approved boxes, oblivious to the dangers and with little sense of the speed of travel.

Perhaps drivers should be forced to spend six months driving a Rover 100 or G-Wiz before being allowed to drive a safe car or travel with a mobile phone.

Or maybe all cars should be fitted with an orange flashing light that illuminates when a handheld phone is in use. A kind of Dom Joly ‘I’m on the mobile’ approach to the legislation.

That ought to stop drivers from being too trigger happy with their mobiles.

Hypercar owner takes 3,000-mile road trip across America

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October 14, 2019

When most people take delivery of £2million worth of hypercar, they tend to park it up in a temperature-controlled garage, hook it up to a trickle charger and leave it to sit.

But Bob isn’t most people. Better known as 1slocrx on Instagram, Bob is putting his brand new Pagani Huayra Roadster to the test by crossing from the West to the East Coast of the United States on a circa 3,000-mile road trip.

Not only that, but he’s doing so to meet other Pagani owners. What’s the plan shortly after arrival? Another road trip, with said Pagani owners. As if the trans-American dash wasn’t enough…

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I think McDonald’s cones are the quintessential road trip delicacy. #pagani #ildiavolo #huayraroadster #f1mike28 #paganilove #paganiautomobili #roadsterroadtrip2019 #drivennotparked #nogaragequeen #dailydrivenexotics #hypercar ?by @pagani_ty

A post shared by Bob (@1slocrx) on Oct 13, 2019 at 10:07pm PDT

Pagani Huayra Roadster: hypercar grand tourer

With carbon-titanium construction and a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 packing over 760hp, you wouldn’t imagine the Pagani Huayra Roadster to be entirely suitable for a week’s mile-munching. With an entry price of $2.6million in America, it’s not something you want covered in stone chips…

Noted Instagram hypercar connoisseur and proponent of the ‘drive it, don’t park it’ ethos, Kris Singh, posted with regard to Bob’s approach to Pagani ownership.

Inside Pagani UK: the ultimate hypercar showroom

View this post on Instagram

#roadsterroadtrip2019 this is only the beginning ? edited while still on the road ?

A post shared by Tyler Lee (@pagani_ty) on Oct 12, 2019 at 11:34am PDT

“A very smart and dapper man once said to me, “All these guys on Instagram buy these cars and think that makes them ballers. Meanwhile they take pics for Instagram and never drive them. Being a real baller is driving it, not caring about miles, depreciation and experiencing the car.” No one could have said it better, and the man practices what he says.”

We couldn’t agree more. At the time of writing, Bob, and photographer Tyler Lee have left California, passed through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

Oklahoma represents, give or take, the halfway point, and they’ve been going for over three days now. Keep up with their trip, as well as the Pagani owners meet to follow, with the #RoadsterRoadTrip2019 tag on Instagram.

Jaguar I-Pace is the new Nurburgring eTaxi

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October 14, 2019

The all-electric I-Pace is to be put to work at one of the most formidable automotive proving grounds as Jaguar’s new race eTaxi experience car.

Far from leaving the Nurburgring behind in the development phase of its life, the I-Pace is back at the ‘Green Hell’. It’ll be used to ferry punters around the ‘Ring at near-race pace by expert drivers.

Jaguar I-Pace is European Car of the Year 2019

Jaguar’s rapport with the German circuit is strong: it holds the four-door lap record, with a 7-minute 23-second time, set by the XE SV Project 8. P8s were also used for the Race Taxi experience last year. Though a quick car, we doubt the 400hp I-Pace eTaxi will be gnashing at the Project 8’s heels just yet.

The Porsche Taycan recently set an all-electric production car record of 7-minutes 42-seconds, as a demonstration of the repeatability of its performance. Though the Jag is unlikely to beat that either, you don’t have to break records to prove endurance. The I-Pace will have its work cut out, regardless of whether the stopwatch is running. Putting the I-Pace to work at the Nurburgring with paying customers is an impressive vote of confidence.

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Of course, Jaguar’s no stranger to the abuse of battery-powered vehicles. The racing I-Pace eTrophy is a one-make series for track-only variants of the electric SUV, while Jag is also a big name on the Formula E grid.

If you want to see how the I-Pace handles the Nurburgring, you can book a ride for yourself. They’re available up until the end of November, and are available to book now.

Labour wants to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030

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October 14, 2019

Labour wants to ban the sale of internal combustion-powered cars in the United Kingdom by 2030. The party is also keen to work closely with the industry on ways this can be achieved.

It says the industry is “under siege”. As such, it has emphasised the desire to help as best it can, working on policies in collaboration with relevant bodies. That said, the overall goal is considered ambitious, even by those within the party itself.

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Senior party figures believe the targeted net-zero carbon target by 2030 – as outlined and voted in at the recent party conference – is impossible. As a fully-fledged feature of a future Labour manifesto, this policy is unlikely to carry over. It is, however, a statement of intent and attitude towards the climate issue. Labour wants to set a course with more ambitious talk about action against climate change than the Conservatives.

All of this follows Labour’s ambitious ‘green industrial revolution’ plan, which will se interest-free loans on electric cars handed out, and heavy investment in UK automotive and AFVs (alternative fuelled vehicles).

“The automotive sector is one of the UK’s industrial success stories”, said shadow business secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey.

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“However, the sector is under siege from Brexit uncertainty and the Tory party’s lack of ambition on electrification. At the same time, we need to accelerate the shift away from fossil-powered cars if we’re to tackle the climate emergency. If we want our automotive sector to flourish, we need a government who is not afraid to intervene.

“It’s vital that we work alongside unions to create a plan for a just transition for workers employed in the automotive sector.”

Electric cars still twice as expensive to buy as normal ones

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October 14, 2019

The average price of an electric car is 81 percent higher than that of a normal car, according to a new study.

In Europe (plus Israel and Turkey), where electric cars represent 1.9 percent of the new car market, the average retail price of a new car is $34,091 (£27,129). Meanwhile, the average price of the most popular electric cars range from $35,000 (£28,000) to $103,000 (£82,000).

Even the Renault Zoe – one of the cheapest electric cars available – is more expensive than the average retail price in 15 European markets.

In the U.S. and Canada, where the market is dominated by SUVs and pick-ups, the average retail price is $35,614 (£28,340), making it the highest average in the world.

Nevertheless, the cost of electric cars still exceeds the average vehicle price. The Tesla Model 3, which is the region’s top-selling electric car, is 21 percent more expensive than the average.

Only China bucks the trend, where a clear electric car strategy has made it the world’s largest EV market. Government subsidies and fewer safety regulations mean that electric cars are as much as 43 percent lower than the market average.

The Chery EQ1 city car retails for $20,260 (£16,120), while the BYD Yuan is priced at $15,279 (£12,159) – both significantly less than the $26,715 (£21,259) market average.

JATO, the company behind the study, says that price represents one of the four main challenges to the electric car market, the others being poor infrastructure, battery range and a limited supply of cars.

On the price gap, Felipe Munoz, JATO analyst, said: “The gap is set to reduce in the long term. Prices of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) are expected to fall as battery costs decrease and the OEMs share their technologies.

“Yet, based on the latest product announcements and presentations, this is not the case in the short term. It will be very difficult for OEMs to reduce prices and, most importantly, to expand profits without an increase in sales volumes.”

Munoz referenced the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3, Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e as potential turning points in the sector, while low-priced entries such as electric versions of the Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R should have a positive impact on the global market.

Click here to read about the new electric cars coming to market within the next 12 months.

The modifications that can REDUCE the cost of car insurance

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October 14, 2019

We’re often told to avoid making modifications to our cars in case it increases the cost of insurance. But some mods will actually reduce your annual premium.

Indeed, some could save you up to 24 percent – while others will have the reverse effect, adding 26 percent to a premium.

Fit a telematics device – also known as a ‘black box’ – and the cost of car insurance could drop by around a quarter. The device records your speed, distance travelled and the time of day or night you’re on the road.

Fitting a tow bar will have the same effect, resulting in an average 24 percent price reduction. But be warned: the savings could be offset by the price of a tow bar, which will cost around £450.

Dashcams are a more cost-effective solution, shaving 15 percent off the price of a premium, but costing around £25 to buy.

Meanwhile, parking sensors – while costing an average £158 – should see a reduction of 13 percent. A roof rack has a similar effect on car insurance, but the savings could be outweighed by the impact it has on your fuel economy.

These are the findings of Crusader Vans, which looked into the aftermarket industry, as well as sales data, to find the best modifications to cut your car insurance premium.

The modifications to avoid

It’s common knowledge that performance and cosmetic upgrades can have a negative impact on the cost of car insurance, but there are some other, more surprising, modifications in the research.

A car phone costs £50 to install, but could increase the cost of instance by as much as 26 percent.

Meanwhile, tinted windows, an LPG conversion and a sat-nav could result in higher premiums, but much will depend on the insurer. As such, you should speak to your insurance provider before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Car modifications can have a serious effect on the cost of car insurance. Some could increase the risk of an accident, while others will make the car more appealing to thieves.

In 2016, Moneysupermarket.com analysed 2.3 million vehicles to show the effect each type of modification has on the cost of car insurance. The results were startling, if unsurprising.

Turbocharging, supercharging and nitrous added 132 percent to the premium, making such upgrades by far and away the least cost-effective performance modifications. Bonnet bulges and flared wings added 66 percent, while a complete bodykit added 57 percent.

Even brakes, which should improve the safety of the vehicle, resulted in an average 36 percent increase in the cost of cover.

It’s worth noting that accessibility modifications can have an impact on the cost of insurance. The research found that wheelchair adaptations add 69 percent to the premium, while hand controls add 57 percent.

If in doubt, talk to the insurance company. And remember, if the change alters the original factory specification, it’s likely to be classed as a modification.

Ultra-rare classic BMW restored after 43 years

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October 11, 2019

True BMW geeks know that some of the marque’s coolest performance cars never wore an ‘M’ badge.

Following in the footsteps of the 3.0-litre CSL and 2002 Turbo, this is the South Africa-only 530 Motorsport Limited Edition (MLE). This car, chassis number 100, has just undergone a meticulous restoration.

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The MLE is a homologation special in the purest sense, designed purely to permit racers to compete in the Modified Production Series in 1976. And compete they did, winning 15 out of 15 races. When it retired in 1985, the 530 MLE’s three consecutive titles made it the most successful racing 5 Series ever.

To be homologated, there needed to be a minimum of 100 road cars. The South African model lasted from 1976 to 1977, with 217 made in total. It featured extra power from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, hand-drilled bodywork and pedals, manual windows, no air conditioning and special Mahle wheels. All work was done at the Rosslyn BMW plant – the first outside of Germany.

This car was previously owned by race driver and team manager, Peter Kaye-Eddie.

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“The BMW 530 MLE at the time demonstrated how competitive sporting events were the ideal setting to impress the motoring public with the performance of new vehicles,” said Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa.

“The success of the 530 MLE was a pure example of ‘What wins on Saturday sells on Monday’, and it paved the way for BMW South Africa as a sporty brand and a serious motorsport contender in the country. To this day, M remains the most powerful letter in the world!”

British firm set to bring modified Land Rover Defenders to U.S.

By

John Redfern

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October 11, 2019

A company from rural Great Britain is set to start offering modified Land Rover Defenders tailored for North American customers.

Twisted Automotive is expanding its current operations into the USA, opening a new facility in South Boston, VA following three years of detailed planning.

Each reimagined example of the iconic classic Defender can be customized to meet the individual requirements of the buyer, with the promise that they will not look like “any other SUV” on the roads in the USA.

British design, American power

At the heart of each Twisted Defender will be a V-8 engine supplied by General Motors. The supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V-8 produces 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, offering serious performance.

Using the GM motor ensures that the Defender meets all relevant emissions standards, including California.

An eight-speed automatic transmission will also be standard on all Twisted Defenders, connected to a full-time four-wheel drive system. The left-hand drive chassis has been developed in California, and is said to be built to Baja race specifications, with 18 inches of suspension travel.

Buyers will be able to pick between 90, 110 and 130 wheel base Defender chassis types, with upgraded body panels, air conditioning, electric windows, and central locking included in the base $250,000 price tag.

A quintessentially British icon

Whilst the price may seem high, Twisted Automotive has become a recognized authority on the classic Defender since being established in 2001. The company has also invested to appoint experienced individuals to manage operations in the USA.

Twisted Automotive founder and managing director Charles Fawcett said: “North America has been part of our plans for a number of years as demand there for the classic Defender is incredible. We want to position ourselves as the go-to specialists who offer the very best on the market.”

American interest in the original Defender has intensified since Land Rover ended production of the British 4×4 in 2016. Auction website Bring a Trailer has seen more than 200 Defenders listed since 2015, helped by a wider selection of vehicles becoming eligible to import under the 25-year rule.

Twisted is currently working to prepare the first three Defenders for the USA. Interested customers can place their orders now, with deliveries expected from April 2020.

New MG HS: a Nissan Qashqai rival for Nissan Juke prices

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October 11, 2019