Month: January 2024

A classic car show in south-east London has been scrapped due to the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), its organisers have said.

The Bromley Pageant of Motoring, which has been running for the past 40 years, took place in Norman Park, Bromley, with classic cars of all ages in attendance.

However, the site became part of the ULEZ area after the zone’s expansion in August, which would result in many attendees having to pay a £12.50 charge to attend the show. Though cars bought more than 40 years ago are exempt from the ULEZ charge, many ‘modern classics’ attending the event would end up having to pay.

Organisers Pippa and Jason Griffiths, from A-ME Event Management, said that they had taken ‘considerable time’ to ‘evaluate the options’ for the future of the event following the introduction of the ULEZ zone across Greater London.

“It became clear that Norman Park is no longer an option and any move to a new venue and date needs to ensure that this firm favourite of the classic car calendar has a bright future. We have made the very difficult decision to not hold the event in 2024 but are working on plans to bring back the Bromley Pageant of Motoring in 2025.”

“We appreciate the support we have received from car owners, clubs, trade and visitors over the time we have had the honour of looking after the Pageant and we are as disappointed as you that it will not take place this year.

“We do look forward to what the future will hold for this wonderful event, and we hope to bring you further details later in the year.”

The ULEZ area was expanded on August 29, having previously been introduced in April 2019 to cover everywhere within the North and South Circular roads. However, the August expansion saw all London boroughs covered with many key sites such as Wembley, Chessington World of Adventures and Heathrow Airport coming within the ULEZ’s new boundaries.

Volkswagen is to incorporate the artificial intelligence-based service ChatGPT into its cars, the firm has just revealed.

Announced during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the move will see the ‘chatbot’ included on the infotainment systems of a variety of Volkswagen’s latest models, including the electric ID.3 and ID.7, the new Tiguan and new Golf.

In fact, all models that use Volkswagen’s MEB and MQB evo platforms as well as the firm’s in-car IDA voice assistant will have access to the ChatGPT service via a system called Cerence Chat Pro, which has been designed by VW’s technology partner, Cerence Inc.

The system will allow the cars to offer a ‘multitude of new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice control’. For example, it’ll let drivers use their voice to activate the navigation or air conditioning and even ask general knowledge questions. However, Volkswagen has stated that ‘nothing changes for the person behind the wheel’, with no need to create a new account, install a new smartphone app or even activate ChatGPT in the car itself – it’ll all come already loaded.

Kai Grünitz, VW board member for technical development, said: “Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to the many. This is simply ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment upwards.”

Drivers will be able to activate the service by saying ‘Hello IDA’ or pressing a button on the steering wheel. Volkswagen says that ChatGPT ‘does not gain access to any vehicle data’, with any questions or answers being deleted immediately afterwards.

Grünitz added: “Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, we are offering our drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool. This also underlines the innovative strength of our new products.”

Gridserve has opened a new ‘Electric Forecourt’ at Gatwick Airport.

Arriving as the third installation of such a site by the firm, the new forecourt has the space to charge up to 30 electric vehicles with 100 per cent net zero energy.

Situated on the Ring Road South approach to Gatwick’s South Terminal – and adjacent to the nearby M23 – the new Electric Forecourt includes 22 high-power chargers which can deliver up to 350kW of charging energy. These are some of the most powerful units in the country and could, when connected to a compatible EV, add up to 100 miles of range in five minutes.

The move increases Gatwick’s charging capacity five-fold, too. As with Gridserve’s other Electric Forecourts, the new Gatwick site features a number of convenience stores that EV owners can browse while their car charges up.

Travelling out of @Gatwick_Airport this Christmas? 🎄

Well great news! The chargers are now open at London Gatwick Electric Forecourt®! There is also access to the toilets and seating area.

Stay tuned.. full building coming in early January ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/OeYXDjCr72

— GRIDSERVE Electric Highway (@ElecHighway) December 22, 2023

Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve, said: “As we launch our third, and most technologically advanced Electric Forecourt at London Gatwick, we mark a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable transportation. We are excited to open our first charging facility at an international airport and help support London Gatwick on its journey to net zero.

“Our purpose at Gridserve is to deliver sustainable energy on the scale needed to move the needle on climate change, and this is certainly a project that moves the needle for the airport, and local workers and residents.

This new installation features a Little Fresh store, from ‘upmarket grocery store’ Simply Fresh. Here, visitors tap their contactless payment when they enter the store and can then take the items they want. The store’s technology automatically detects what the shopper has taken – or put back – and creates a ‘virtual basket’. The shopper can then leave the store with their items and they’ll automatically be charged for them using their payment setup on arrival.

Costa Coffee is also situated within the new Electric Forecourt, while visitors are also able to test drive the latest electric vehicles through Gridserve’s EV Gurus service.

Mark Drakeford has suggested drivers will not be fined for breaching the new default 20mph speed limit in Wales if they were “genuinely confused”.

The outgoing First Minister said those who “deliberately” break the law will face consequences but that police will not jump straight to enforcement if people have simply “misunderstood”.

Last year, Wales became the first country in the UK to drop the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built-up areas. Enforcement of the limit begins this month.

Asked during a press conference in Cardiff about the possibility of people being fined because the messaging over the law has not been clear enough, Mr Drakeford said: “I don’t think they will be fined in those circumstances.

“I think if the police find somebody driving above 20 miles an hour and the reason is because they are genuinely confused about that, then that’s why the police will always start with education and conversation.

“I don’t think in those circumstances of genuine confusion, the police will move to enforcement.”

The First Minister conceded that the policy should be “fine-tuned” and kept “under review” to ensure consistency across different local authorities throughout Wales.

There have been “anomalies” in its introduction, he said, including with road signage which some drivers have complained is unclear.

Mr Drakeford said that in cases where motorists drive “well above” the limit the law would have to be enforced.

Asked to specify what speed would be considered “well above” 20mph, he said previous cases relating to pre-existing 20mph zones had involved people driving “closer to 30 than 20”.

“Not a couple of miles over, but well in excess of what people were obliged to do, so if that’s a sort of rule of thumb I think that’s how the police have interpreted that so far,” he said.

A petition against the rollout of the law, on the Welsh Parliament’s petitions page, has now been signed by more than 460,000 people.

The two candidates in the running to replace Mr Drakeford as the next Welsh Labour leader after his planned resignation in March have said they would launch a review of the law if elected.

Mr Drakeford said on Monday he had been clear from the outset that the policy would be kept under review.

Outlining the wider agenda for the last months of his leadership, the Welsh Labour leader said getting the draft 2024-25 budget passed through the Senedd would be a “key piece of work.”

He hit out at “real-terms” cuts in the block grant received by the UK Government.

The budget is now now worth £1.3 billion less than when it was set by then-chancellor Rishi Sunak three years ago due to inflation, he said.

“It’s after more than a decade of austerity, a botched Brexit, a Covid pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis that we’ve had to make some very stark and difficult choices as we developed the draft budget for 2024-25,” he told the conference.

BT is launching a trial to convert street cabinets traditionally used for broadband and phone cables into electric vehicle chargers.

The pilot will see the first unit powered up in East Lothian in Scotland, with the potential to upgrade 60,000 cabinets to support EV charging and help boost sustainable transport.

The scheme is being run by Etc, the start-up and digital incubation arm of the BT Group, and has been unveiled ahead of the CES technology convention in Las Vegas – where the technology has been recognised as an innovation champion for the 2024 show for outstanding design and engineering.

The annual trade show, which attracts around 100,000 attendees and some of the biggest tech firms in the world unveiling new products, officially opens on Tuesday.

Etc plans to upgrade near end-of-life green street cabinets as EV charging points to extend their usefulness.

The firm said it would consider a range of technical, commercial and operational points to establish if the scheme could be rolled out more widely.

Tom Guy, Etc chief executive, said: “Our new charging solution is a huge step in bringing EV charging kerbside and exploring how we can address key barriers customers are currently facing.

“Working closely with local councils in Scotland and more widely across the UK, we are at a critical stage of our journey in tackling a very real customer problem that sits at the heart of our wider purpose to connect for good.”

“This is a key step in our mission to build products and services right now that work for the future, with positive transformation at the heart.”

Etc also announced it was scaling an app-based solution for remote health care in the north of England, which enables clinicians to monitor patients and identify the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Previously piloted among just over 1,000 patients, it is now to be trialled among 228,000 people based in Warrington, Cheshire.

The app involves patients uploading their vitals and biometrics for clinicians to monitor, identify and reduce or manage cardiovascular disease using early monitoring and pre-emptive intervention.

It was a bumper year for new car sales in 2023, with new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing that registrations climbed by 17.9 per cent to more than 1.9 million.

While private and business registrations were both down, there was significant growth in large fleet registrations, with 54.7 per cent of new cars going to this section of the market – eight per cent higher than in 2022.

Several manufacturers had a particularly fruitful 2023

1. Ford Puma – 49,451 registrations

While Ford might have grabbed the headlines earlier this year for discontinuing its well-loved Fiesta, it’s clear it hasn’t affected the firm’s fortunes as Ford returns to the top of the best-sellers list with its Puma crossover.

Introduced in 2020, sales for the Puma have continued to grow and with just shy of 50,000 examples registered, accounts for around a third of Ford’s overall car registrations. With smart styling, a spacious interior and some great engines, there’s a lot to like about the Puma.

2. Nissan Qashqai – 43,321

The Qashqai falls down a place compared to 2022, though is still quite an achievement for Nissan to have the second best-selling car in the UK with 43,321 examples of this crossover sold.

With all Qashqais being produced at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, it continues to be a great British success story. With a practical interior, generous equipment levels and a range of hybrid engines, it remains a great choice for families.

3. Vauxhall Corsa – 40,816

While more buyers might be choosing crossovers these days, the continued success of the Vauxhall Corsa shows plenty still want smaller hatchbacks. While dropping a place compared to 2022, sales of the Corsa grew by around 5,000 units to 40,816 registrations.

Vauxhall has recently tweaked its Corsa too, giving it a sharper front-end design, more standard equipment and the option of a ‘Long Range’ electric model that can manage a claimed 246 miles between charges. Vauxhall said earlier in the year that it’s hoping to make the Corsa the best-selling car in 2024 as it sweeps up Fiesta owners and has the option of an EV.

4. Kia Sportage – 36,135

Kia had another great year in 2023, not least with its Sportage SUV that continues to grow in popularity – climbing two places, with 36,135 examples registered. It’s a perfect family car with its practical and well-built interior, while all versions get plenty of equipment.

A key part of the Sportage’s appeal is its wide choice of engines, with both hybrids and plug-in hybrids available. Kia’s seven-year warranty continues to be a big asset for private buyers as well.

5. Tesla Model Y – 35,899

Quite surprisingly Tesla’s overall sales dipped in the UK, though registrations of its Model Y SUV remained consistent in 2023 with 35,899 examples registered, making it the only electric-only model to make the top 10.

It’s by far the best-selling EV, with buyers continuing to flock to the Model Y for its advanced technology and modern interior. Tesla’s seamless online sales process and excellent Supercharger network of rapid electric car chargers continue to be a big advantage.

6. Hyundai Tucson – 34,469

Hyundai’s Tucson has now established itself as a regular in the list of best-selling cars, and with 34,469 examples sold, it remains by far this South Korean firm’s most popular car – accounting for almost 40 per cent of Hyundai’s UK sales last year.

Its space-age styling sets it apart in the mid-size SUV class, while generous equipment levels and a spacious interior make it perfect for families. An updated version is due in 2024, which is set to only boost the Tucson’s appeal.

7. Mini – 33,485

While a new generation of Mini’s Hatch might be arriving in 2024, plenty of buyers are still opting for the outgoing version, with 33,485 examples sold last year. Though falling two places, overall sales for this supermini grew, signalling just what a strong year it was for the UK’s car market.

The Mini’s charming looks and premium interior continue to set it apart from rivals, as does its sportier driving experience. The Electric version also continues to account for a big chunk of its sales.

8. Nissan Juke – 31,745

The Nissan Juke was a new entry to the top 10 in 2023, and with 31,475 examples of this Sunderland-built crossover sold, it remains a strong seller behind the Qashqai.

The Juke is a smaller crossover that is renowned for its bold styling and personalisation options. The addition of a hybrid model in the last few years also continues to keep this Nissan relevant next to its rivals.

9. Audi A3 – 30,159

The family hatchback class has declined significantly in recent years, with once best-selling vehicles like the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf all absent from this year’s top 10. The only car in this segment to make the top 10 was the Audi A3, a new entrant for 2023.

Though due to be updated in 2024, the Audi A3’s high-end interior and upmarket image continue to be key draws for buyers. The choice of several plug-in hybrid versions also makes it a big seller in the fleet market.

10. Vauxhall Mokka – 29,984

If you want something a bit larger than a Corsa, the Mokka crossover could be an ideal option, and with just short of 30,000 examples sold in 2023, it helps to round off the top 10 list.

The Mokka helped to introduce a striking new design language for Vauxhall, both inside and out, that has since been rolled out across its entire line-up. The option of petrol and electric models means there’s something to suit a wide choice of buyers.

The government is being urged to halve the level of VAT on new electric vehicles to promote growth in the private sector.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) – which is making the call – states that according to its data, electric vehicle update has risen ‘almost 20-fold’, with ‘the Treasury reaping a VAT windfall due to these vehicles typically having higher purchase costs than their ICE counterparts’.

Battery electric vehicle volumes reach record high in 2023 market share slips to 16.5%.https://t.co/iEBIcJEy9e pic.twitter.com/sdbZuOhaBy

— SMMT (@SMMT) January 5, 2024

However, though battery electric vehicles accounted for one in six new cars registered during 2023, the vast majority of these were taken by business and fleet buyers who are able to take advantage of significant tax benefits. For private owners, the heightened cost of purchasing a new electric vehicle remains a key stumbling block, alongside the price of installing a charger at home. It’s why only one in 11 private buyers chose an EV last year.

With the end of the plug-in car grant in June 2022 – which brought a discount on the price of a new electric vehicle for private owners – the UK becomes the only European market with no EV purchasing incentives.

🔋Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake reached a record volume – up by almost 50,000 units with 314,687 new registrations

🏆2023 saw more BEVs reach the road than in 2020 and 2021 combined

Here are the top ten models: https://t.co/iEBIcJEy9e pic.twitter.com/rTV1KJdDRG

— SMMT (@SMMT) January 5, 2024

It’s why the SMMT says that ‘halving VAT would give consumers an estimated additional £7.7 billion in BEV [battery electric vehicles] buying power to the end of 2026, while reducing the Treasury’s tax take by just 22% per vehicle for each additional driver switching from an ICE to a BEV.’

The SMMT says that the move would ‘encourage’ 270,000 new car buyers to make the switch to an electric vehicle while pushing 1.9 million new electric vehicles onto the road by the end of 2026.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Government has challenged the UK automotive sector with the world’s boldest transition timeline and is investing to ensure we are a major maker of electric vehicles. It must now help all drivers buy into this future, with consumer incentives that will make the UK the leading European market for zero-emission vehicles.”

Tesla’s Cybertruck got people talking from the moment it was first released. Looking like something from a dystopian future, the Cybertruck arrived on the scene with some big promises relating to its range and capability.

But what are the key features you need to know about this larger-than-life EV? Let’s take a look.

When did the Cybertruck first arrive?

Tesla’s Cybertruck was first unveiled back in November 2019, arriving as the brand’s first electric pick-up truck. At the time, Tesla said that the Cybertruck had “more utility than a truck, with more performance than a sports car”.

It also made use of a variety of space-age materials which were shown off during its launch.

What was the launch like?

Held in Los Angeles, California, the Cybertruck’s launch was awash with social media-sparking demonstrations. Tesla CEO Elon Musk proceeded to showcase the new truck’s ruggedness with a series of tests, including asking Tesla head of design Franz von Holzhausen to hit the side of the Cybertruck with a sledgehammer.

146k Cybertruck orders so far, with 42% choosing dual, 41% tri & 17% single motor

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 23, 2019

However, one of the most talked-about moments came when von Holzhausen was asked to throw a metal ball at one of the Cybertruck’s supposedly bulletproof windows – and the metal sphere smashed the glass in an instant. At the time, Musk said that there was ‘room for improvement’.

What did the Cybertruck promise?

At launch, the Tesla said that the Cybertruck would deliver a range of up to 500 miles from a single charge while certain versions would complete the 0-60mph dash in just 2.9 seconds, making it speedier than a lot of the most powerful supercars.

Now in production, some of those claims have been backed up. The official production Cybertruck is accompanied by a 0-60mph of 2.6 seconds while the range has taken a bit of a hit with Tesla claiming up to 340 miles between charges.

How big is the Cybertruck?

The Cybertruck is a very large vehicle. It comes in at 5,681mm long, 2,199mm wide and 1,790mm tall. For comparison, a current-generation Range Rover is 5,052mm long, 2,047mm wide and 1,870mm tall.

It does mean that parking in a conventional UK parking space will prove a challenge, given that the standard parking space size here is 4,800mm.

What is it made from?

The Cybertruck utilises a variety of clever materials which make it both look and feel quite different from anything else. The exterior stainless steel ‘exoskeleton’ – as Tesla calls it – is meant to be damage and corrosion-resistant, and easy to repair, too.

The glass is shatter-resistant and is said to be able to ‘resist the impact of a baseball at 70mph’. The large rear bed opens up electrically, while there’s a separate storage area in the ‘nose’ of the truck.

Could people order one right away?

When the Cybertruck was launched, interested parties were initially asked to place a $100 (£79) non-refundable deposit. However, this was upped to a $250 (£197) refundable deposit as a way to secure a build slot.

During Tesla’s 2019 Q3 investor call, CEO Elon Musk said that over a million people had placed a deposit for a Cybertruck.

When did the Cybertruck enter production?

The Cybertruck was marred with delays, with the first production model rolling off the line in July 2023 despite Tesla promising that it would launch in 2021. It is believed that the Cybertruck’s complex design – as well as supply chain issues – were key reasons behind the truck’s significant delay.

First Cybertruck built at Giga Texas! 🤠 pic.twitter.com/ODRhHVsd0t

— Tesla (@Tesla) July 15, 2023

The Cybertruck is built at Tesla’s ‘Giga Texas’ factory near Austin, where the firm also produces its Model Y crossover. The first customer models were handed over to their new owners in a special presentation at the Texas factory in November 2023, with Musk hosting the entire affair while showcasing the truck’s abilities.

Will the Cybertruck come to the UK?

Though available for purchase in America, the Cybertruck – as for now – can’t be ordered in the UK or Europe in general. Tesla hasn’t stated when the Cybertruck will be available for order here, or even if it’ll ever go on sale.

The growing number of Chinese car companies entering the UK continues at a rapid pace with two new brands now confirmed for arrival on these shores later this year.

Set to be imported by Innovation Automotive (IA) Electric Vehicles, the Cirencester-based firm will introduce Seres and Skywell.

The first comes from China’s Seres Group, though its ‘automobile’ arm is headquartered in California. It will be the Seres 3 that will be its first car sold in Britain, a compact electric SUV that was shown at the London EV Show in December. It’s set to go on sale in April 2024 with a price of ‘less than £30,000’, which will undercut the £30,495 MG ZS EV.

Also due to launch in the UK in 2024 is Skywell, which will introduce the ET5 as a ‘premium and sophisticated’ mid-size SUV, boasting a range of up to 304 miles. IA Electric Vehicles says the car will go on sale in the summer, with no indication of pricing.

Gary White, general manager at IA Electric Vehicles, said: “This is a very exciting time for IA Electric Vehicles as we welcome Seres and Skywell into the family, alongside DFSK. Both brands are highly respected around the world and their technology, comfort and refinement are a perfect match for the UK marketplace”.

IA Electric Vehicles already sells electric vans from Chinese firm DFSK, which is part of the Seres Group, and has done so since 2022. The firm is now looking for dealer groups to help it sell the new models.

There are several Chinese car firms already in operation in the UK, including GWM Ora and BYD, with other firms such as Chery  and Nio set to launch in 2024.