New technology developed by Ford Pro van engineers promises to save delivery drivers seconds on every drop-off.
Delivery Assist can automate important tasks before and after every delivery, rather than drivers needing to do them manually.
These include turning off the engine, closing the windows, locking the doors and switching on the hazard warning lights. Drivers can program which tasks they want automated.
To activate, drivers simply need to press ‘P’ on the gearshifter of 2025 Ford E-Transit and EcoBlue diesel automatic models. The tech is also coming to the 2025 Ford E-Transit Custom and Ford Transit Custom automatics.
Drivers Assist promises greater peace of mind for drivers and fleet managers, by guaranteeing the vehicle will be secure during every delivery.
It also reduces the number of tasks that busy van drivers need to remember, so they can concentrate instead on their drop-offs and surroundings.
Watch: Ford Pro Delivery Assist video
The technology doesn’t just make pre-delivery tasks simpler, either. When the driver returns to the vehicle, it is unlocked using the keyless entry system.
Then, once inside, simply pressing the brake pedal will restart the engine, restore the windows to their previous positions and turn off the hazard warning lights.
“It’s good for both our customers and their customers,” said Ford Pro general manager Hans Schep. “By taking away lots of tiny tasks, we are helping to make a big difference – and help them deliver more parcels, faster.”
The Delivery Assist technology goes into production soon, with customer availability expected in summer 2025.
Heathrow Airport has become the first location to sign-up to the British Parking Association’s new approved meet-and-greet parking operator scheme (or ‘AM-GO’ for short).
‘Meet-and-greet’ parking has become an increasingly popular option for those driving to an airport, thanks to the convenience of being able to leave a car at the terminal.
However, some drivers have been caught out by unscrupulous outfits who advertise low prices, then don’t take sufficient care of the vehicle. In some cases, cars have even been used for illegal activities.
The British Parking Association’s AM-GO scheme aims to recruit meet-and-greet operators who adhere to a high set of standards. The aim is to deliver a safe and hassle-free parking experience.
Parking that can be relied on
The BPA’s AM-GO scheme is the first to be supported by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI). This makes it the only police-endorsed parking scheme of its kind.
When choosing a meet-and-greet operator, the BPA says drivers should now look for those wearing an AM-GO logo.
At the point of dropping their car off, drivers should go to the signposted meet-and-greet area to drop off their keys. This is also where to collect their car when they return.
The new AM-GO scheme guarantees that accredited operators will deliver the standards listed below:
Motorists will be signposted to a single, reliable data source for AM-GO members. They can be confident of leaving their vehicle with an approved meet-and-greet operator
Airports have designated, clearly marked and signposted meet-and-greet drop-off and pick-up zones
Meet-and-greet staff, including drivers, will be qualified, professionally fully insured, and will carry ID cards and wear uniforms at all times
Vehicles will be safely stored in a Park Mark-accredited facility. Cars won’t be driven any further than stated on the booking confirmation
Both airports and AM-GO members will be regularly assessed and monitored by BPA qualified auditors
Book parking with confidence
Heathrow is the first airport to become part of the scheme, and is now in the process of recruiting dependable meet-and-greet staff.
Sara Fisher, BPA head of operations and business development, said: “We are delighted that Heathrow has become the first UK airport to sign up to AM-GO. We have been working with the police for over 20 years raising safety and standards in parking. This scheme will enable passengers to book their parking with confidence”.
Tom Prowse, Heathrow’s head of surface access, added: “Heathrow is committed to making every journey better from the moment passengers arrive. While we recommend passengers use official on-airport parking, we also want to ensure they have the information and confidence to enable them to make informed decisions about the services they might wish to use around the airport.
As the first signatory of the British Parking Association’s approved meet and greet parking operator scheme, we’re helping raise industry standards. AM-GO ensures clear, professional and reliable meet-and-greet services, with accredited operators, qualified staff and secure parking. It gives travellers confidence in their choices around the airport.”
More than 7.6 million used cars were sold in the UK last year, as the secondhand car sector marked two full years of growth.
This compares with 1.9 million new car sales, showing the importance of the used car market across the country.
With eight quarters of growth, some 400,000 more secondhand cars changed hands last year than in 2023.
Demand for used electric cars was particularly high, with transactions increasing 57.4 percent to 188,382 vehicles.
This gave EVs a record 2.5 percent share of the entire used car market last year, up from 2023’s 1.7 percent – and a hefty 13 times larger than in 2019.
Sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids also grew, up 39.3 percent and 32.2 percent respectively. Petrol remained the most popular used car fuel of all, however, with 4.36 million transactions.
Diesel was second, on 2.67 million. This means that petrol and diesel together accounted for 92.1 percent of all used car sales, down slightly from 94.3 percent in 2023.
What were the most popular used cars in 2024?
Superminis were the most popular type of used car sold last year. These small hatchbacks accounted for one in three used vehicle sales.
The Ford Fiesta was the best-selling used car, with the Vauxhall Corsa in second place. But that gap is set to narrow with the demise of the new Ford Fiesta in 2023.
Family hatchbacks were the second most popular type of car, with a 27.1 percent market share. And SUVs were third, on 15.9 percent.
In contrast, luxury saloons represented just 0.5 percent of used car sales. Black was the most popular used car colour, followed by grey and blue.
Ever-cleaner cars
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the used car sector’s 25-month growth streak “is good news for fleet renewal and for consumers benefiting from the greater choice filtering through from the new market.
“Record sales of secondhand EVs also demonstrate a strong appetite for these cutting-edge cars at lower price points.”
Figures from the SMMT show that electrified used cars – including hybrids and PHEVs – now account for 7.7 percent of sales. They have grown more than 43 percent in one year alone.
Used EVs are the fourth most popular used car fuel type in the UK, ahead of PHEVs and closing in on hybrids in third.
Auto Trader confirmed rocketing interest in EVs, after a 51% increase in demand during 2024. EVs were also the fastest-selling used cars last year – outpacing even petrol cars.
“With a growing number of used electric models aged around 3-5 years old at price parity with petrol equivalents, affordability is clearly the tipping point for car buyers,” said commercial Director Ian Plummer.
“Combined with more choice and greater availability, the case for switching has never been more compelling.”
The most powerful road-going Abarth to date has just received a hefty discount. Following the start of sales in late 2024, Abarth has slashed £2,100 from the list price of a limited-edition 600e Scorpionissima.
Originally priced at £41,975, the reduction means the fully electric compact SUV now weighs in at £39,875.
Along with saving customers money on purchasing a 600e Scorpionissima, the move also brings an extra benefit when it comes to vehicle excise duty (VED) – better known as road tax.
Taxing times ahead
From 1 April 2025, VED will be applicable to electric vehicles, with most existing EV owners required to pay the standard rate of £195 per year.
More significantly, newly registered electric cars will also fall within the reach of VED. This means vehicles costing more than £40,000 are liable for the additional ‘expensive car supplement’.
This supplement could cost owners an extra £425 on top of the standard £195, meaning a total annual VED bill of £620. This would be due for the first five years of ownership, starting from the second year.
As a result, Abarth’s cost-cutting tactics for the 600e Scorpionissima see it dip below the £40,000 barrier, potentially saving owners up to £2,125 in tax.
Dipping below the threshold
Giuseppe Cava, UK managing director for Fiat and Abarth, said: “Recognising that our top-of-the-range Abarth 600e Scorpionissima would have attracted the expensive car supplement coming in April, we’ve made the decision to reduce the price of the car and protect our customers from this tax rise.”
Sold in a choice of Acid Green or the exclusive Hypnotic Purple paint colour (both shown above), the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima offers a motor output of 280hp.
This Abarth record-setting level of horsepower allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds. A limited-slip differential, uprated Alcon brakes and performance EV tyres are all part of the package.
Abarth also sells the 600e in standard form with 240hp. Prices for this entry-level model start at £36,975.
The very first Brawn GP Formula One car will be up for auction in Miami, Florida later this year.
It represents the first time that one of the three Brawn GP ‘BGP 001’ cars constructed has been offered for public sale. For collectors, it’s a chance to own a genuine piece of motorsport history.
As a major part of Brawn GP’s underdog victory in the 2009 Formula One World Championship, this car is undoubtedly one of the most significant F1 machines of recent times.
Driven by Rubens Barrichello, and later owned by Jenson Button, the car will be sold at a special auction hosted by Bonhams during the Miami Grand Prix.
Against all odds
Initially designed by Honda before it decided to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2008 season, the BGP 001 boasted aerodynamic elements that pushed the limits of the regulations.
Following the £1 buyout of the team’s assets by Ross Brawn and Nick Fry, a last-minute engine deal with Mercedes-Benz ensured the renamed Brawn GP could compete in the 2009 Formula One World Championship.
Setting the BGP 001 apart from its rivals was a unique ‘double diffuser’, which boosted the car’s aerodynamic performance. It led to Rubens Barrichello setting the fastest time in pre-season testing.
The rest is history, with Brawn GP claiming eight wins and 15 podiums during the 2009 season, securing both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ F1 World Championships.
A special piece of history
At the end of the 2009 season, the Brawn GP team and all its assets were purchased by Mercedes-Benz, as the German marque became an F1 constructor.
Jenson Button’s title-winning Brawn GP chassis 002 was given to team owner Ross Brawn, while Mercedes-Benz retained chassis 003.
A clause in Jenson Button’s contract entitled him to one of the team’s cars, should he win the Driver’s World Championship. Mercedes-Benz initially tried to offer Button a replica car, before finally relenting to give him chassis 001.
Ironically, chassis 001 was never actually driven by Button – only by Rubens Barrichello at the beginning of the 2009 season.
Owned by Button until 2024, Brawn GP chassis 001 will cross the Bonhams auction block on 3 May 2025.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed more information about its plans to reduce MOT test fraud.
One of the trial measures is to photograph the vehicle being tested. The aim is to reduce the possibility of ‘ghost MOTs’ being generated, along with preventing genuine mistakes.
A ghost MOT occurs when a pass certificate is generated for a vehicle that has never actually been tested. According to the DVSA, this now accounts for 80 percent of all fraudulent MOT certificates issued.
Busting ghost MOTs
With ghost MOTs being such a major issue for the DVSA, the agency is focusing its attention on this problem in particular.
The DVSA initially began small-scale trials with MOT testers taking photographs of vehicle number plates. However, the agency has now moved to asking testers to photograph the complete vehicle when in the testing bay.
As part of this, the DVSA will interpret data captured in the image file, such as the location and vehicle type, and then reference it against the MOT certificate issued.
To extend the testing of this process, the DVSA is expanding it to a prototype phase, and asking more MOT testers to volunteer to take part.
Snapping away at fraud
MOT testers can sign up to take part in further testing. If they meet the requirements, this will give them access to the prototype part of the MOT testing system.
Garage staff will be asked to photograph the vehicle after they have entered its number plate or VIN. Although the main test is completed on a standalone computer, testers will need to use a smartphone or tablet to take the photo.
The DVSA will then be able to match the photograph against the MOT test entered into its database, ensuring that the vehicle being tested was physically present at the location.
Both authorised MOT examiners and DVSA staff will be able to access the photographs taken. They will use these to focus attention on the small number of garages not adhering to the rules.
Owners of electric Vauxhall cars will be able to use on-street charging for free in London this month.
Between 3 February and 2 March 2025, drivers with a battery-powered Vauxhall car or van can plug into the Jolt network without having to pay.
The partnership between Vauxhall and Jolt is part of the car company’s ‘Electric Streets of Britain’ initiative. Its aim is to solve the challenge of EV ownership for the 40 percent of UK drivers without off-street parking.
There is a slight catch to the generous offer, though. At present, Jolt’s network of charging devices only covers a relatively small area of north-west London.
Free charging, with conditions
For those who live in the area, or are passing through in their electric Vauxhall, access to the Jolt network is available via a smartphone app.
Once installed, drivers simply need to add the registration number of their Vauxhall EV. Jolt will then apply free charging to that vehicle when plugged in at any of the network’s 40 devices.
During the month-long promotional period, all Jolt chargers will feature prominent Vauxhall branding on their built-in digital advertising boards.
Drivers of all other car brands can currently receive 7kWh of free charging from a Jolt on-street device, typically equivalent to around 30 miles of battery range. After this, the cost of charging is 35p per kWh.
Improving access to on-street charging
Since launch in 2023, the Vauxhall Electric Streets campaign has seen 15,000 people register their interest in having on-street chargers installed near them.
The company is using this data to produce a ‘heat map’ of locations with the largest demand for EV charging provision. This information can then be shared with local authorities.
Phil Douglass, marketing director at Vauxhall, said: “Access to on-street charging continues to be a hot topic to ensure the UK can continue along its electrification journey. In partnership with Jolt, Vauxhall is continuing to support electric vehicle drivers, offering free charging for any Vauxhall electric vehicle customer visiting a Jolt unit.
“We’re committed to electrifying Britain and look forward to seeing even more innovative on-street charging solutions for drivers to make their day-to-day journeys.”
Aston Martin has confirmed its plans to fight for outright victory in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
The British marque will enter its Valkyrie hypercar in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the US-based IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship (IMSA).
Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “This is a proud moment for Aston Martin. To be returning to the fight for overall honours at the 24 Hours of Le Mans exists at the very core of our values and marks a key milestone in our motor racing heritage.
“As the only hypercar born from the road to challenge at the top of sports car racing in both the WEC and IMSA, the Valkyrie is an embodiment of our enduring sporting ethos, one that has defined the brand for more than a century.”
The only road-legal hypercar racer
When the Valkyrie enters competition, starting with the Qatar 1,812km round of the WEC on 28 February, it will be the only road-derived hypercar in the competition.
Aston Martin’s major rivals, ranging from BMW to Cadillac and Ferrari, have all constructed bespoke racing machines to meet the FIA’s new ‘Hypercar’ regulations.
Adrian Hallmark notes: “By adhering to the Hypercar rules, the race car shares many strands of DNA with the road car, with the same V12 power unit at its heart.”
The Valkyrie matches a carbon fibre chassis with a Cosworth-engineered 6.5-litre V12, capable of revving to 11,000rpm. Although the road-legal Valkyrie generates more than 1,000hp, the race version is capped at 500kW (680hp) by FIA rules.
Motorsport with a heart
The Heart of Racing (THOR) team will be responsible for running both the Valkyrie’s WEC and IMSA competitions. Based in the United States, THOR races in support of the Seattle Children’s Hospital, and has raised more than $10 million (£8 million) since 2014.
Competing extensively in motorsport competitions throughout the world, THOR claimed a class win at last weekend’s Bathurst 12 Hour race. The team were also runners up in the GTD Pro class of the 2024 IMSA series.
Testing for the Valkyrie began in earnest last July, with the car racking up more than 15,000 km (9,320 miles) since then. Preparation has included time at famous tracks such as Road Atlanta, Sebring and Daytona.
Two Valkyries painted in a classic green livery will be entered in the 2025 WEC series. A sole blue-liveried car will be used for IMSA duties.
Channelling the spirit of 1959
The Valkyrie’s crowning glory will be competing at Le Mans, however, with Aston Martin aiming for its first outright victory at the French race since 1959.
That year saw the Aston Martin DBR1 win both Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championship, a feat the team would love to emulate. Although Aston has returned to Le Mans since, success has only come in class victories with the DBR9 and Vantage GTE.
Harry Tincknell, Aston Martin’s most recent British 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner, will be joined by Tom Gamble in the #007 WEC Valkyrie, making for an all-British lead car.
The #009 car will be driven by triple FIA GT World Champion Marco Sørensen and WEC LMGT3 class race winner, Alex Riberas. In IMSA, Ross Gunn and 2022 GTD class champion Roman De Angelis will be on driving duties.
A winning combination?
At present, there is no mention of Fernando Alonso, who drives for the Aston Martin Formula One Team, making the switch back to sports car racing.
Alonso has been a two-time winner of Le Mans with the Toyota team, and took glory in the 2018-19 World Endurance Championship. He also owns a road-going Valkyrie.
Notably, the Valkyrie began as a project between Aston Martin and the Red Bull Racing F1 team, to build the closest interpretation of a Formula One car for the road. Superstar designer Adrian Newey, who starts a new job at Aston Martin next month, was involved in the Valkyrie’s design while at Red Bull.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of endurance motorsport, said: “It would be almost unimaginable for Adrian, one of the greatest racing car designers in history, to design a car and not think about it going racing at some point”.
Audi has backtracked on plans to give its electric and internal combustion-powered cars separate model names.
The previous strategy would have seen EV models given even-numbered designations, with the odd numbers reserved for petrol- and diesel-engined cars.
The idea was to make it easier for customers to distinguish between powertrain types at a glance, but it led to some confusion among customers.
Last year, the Audi A4 saloon and Avant were rebadged as the A5, ending 30 years of tradition. Audi had previously used the A5 name for related coupe and convertible versions of the A4.
Following customer feedback
According to Marco Schubert, member of the board of management for sales and marketing at Audi AG, the company has listened to feedback about its original plans.
Schubert said: “This decision is the result of intensive discussions and also follows the wishes of our customers as well as feedback from our international dealers”.
He added: “Our nomenclature now provides all customers worldwide with an intuitive orientation in our portfolio. We choose the names of our models in a way that reveals size and positioning at first glance.”
It means the ‘global alphanumeric’ model name will revert to being used to demonstrate size and status in the Audi range, regardless of powertrain.
Crunching the numbers
What drives each Audi will simply be indicated by the addition of TFSI (petrol), TDI (diesel), or E-tron (electric) after the model name.
As a result, a model in the Audi A4 family could potentially be driven by battery electric power or an internal combustion engine, depending on the designation applied.
To demonstrate this, Audi will launch a new Audi A6 Avant TFSI next month, with a petrol engine beneath its bonnet. This will be sold alongside the existing electric Audi A6 Avant E-tron.
There are no plans to rebadge existing models already on sale, but Audi will likely update the names of its cars and SUVs with future facelifts.
Audi previously attracted criticism for giving each model a two-digit ‘power badge’ that related to horsepower instead of the more usual engine size.
Number plates with a green flash can be fitted to new or existing 100 percent zero-emission vehicles. In practice, this usually means electric cars, although hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai are eligible as well.
Back in 2020, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps became one of Britain’s first motorists to fit green number plates, making a trip to Halfords to buy new plates for his electric Tesla Model 3.
Fitted front and rear, the number plates have a green strip on the left-hand side that makes it easier to identify zero-emission vehicles.
They cannot be used for cars that produce any CO2, and are therefore not zero-emissions. This includes hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which have a petrol or diesel engine in addition to an electric motor.
What are the benefits of green number plates?
The aim of green number plates is to assist local authorities when rolling out Clean Air Zones and free parking for electric cars, as the vehicles will be easier to identify.
Making zero-emission cars more obvious may also encourage people to buy them. We might all recognise a Tesla, for example, but an electric Vauxhall Corsa-e looks very similar to the regular petrol version.
The government first floated the idea of green number plates in 2018, following similar schemes in Norway, Canada and China. It’s one of many adjustments as the country prepares for the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Green plates are not compulsory and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will still recognise an EV if you enter a Clean Air Zone such as the London ULEZ.
How can I get a set of green number plates?
Electric car drivers who want to fit a set of green number plates need to take their V5 document (vehicle logbook) to an approved registration plate supplier. This will prove the vehicle can use green plates. Click here to check if your car is eligible.
The British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA) says the green flash should be colour Pantone 7481c or very similar, between 40mm and 50mm in width, and reflective for 24-hour visibility. At the time of writing, a new pair of green number plates from Halfords will cost £36.
For more information on EVs, check out our sister website: Motoring Electric.
