Author: PA Media

Tesla is recalling nearly 363,000 vehicles with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to fix problems with the way it behaves around intersections and following posted speed limits.

The recall, part of a larger investigation by US safety regulators into the company’s automated driving systems, came after regulators expressed concerns about the way Tesla’s system responded in four areas along roads.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in documents posted on Thursday that Tesla would fix the concerns with an online software update in the coming weeks.

The documents said Tesla was doing the recall but did not agree with an agency analysis of the problem.

The system, which is being tested on public roads by up to 400,000 Tesla owners, makes unsafe actions such as travelling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, or going through an intersection during a yellow traffic light without proper caution, NHTSA said.

In addition, the system may not adequately respond to changes in posted speed limits, or it may not account for the driver’s adjustments in speed, the documents said.

“FSD beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash,” the agency said in documents.

A message was left on Thursday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department.

Tesla has received 18 warranty claims that could be caused by the software from May 2019 through to September 12 2022. But the Austin, Texas, electric vehicle maker told the agency it was not aware of any deaths or injuries.

In a statement, NHTSA said it had found the problem during tests performed as part of an investigation into Full Self-Driving and Autopilot software that takes on some driving tasks.

“As required by law and after discussions with NHTSA, Tesla launched a recall to repair those defects,” the agency said.

Despite their names and claims by chief executive Elon Musk that Full Self-Driving vehicles did not need human intervention, Tesla said on its website that the cars could not drive themselves and owners must be ready to intervene at all times.

NHTSA’s testing found that Autosteer On City Streets, which is part of Tesla’s FSD beta testing, “led to an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety based on insufficient adherence to traffic safety laws”.

The recall covers certain 2016-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles, as well as 2017 through to 2023 Model 3s, and 2020 through to 2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with the software, or with installation pending.

Shares of Tesla fell about 2% in Thursday afternoon trading. The stock has rallied about 71% in the year to date, reversing 2022’s hefty loss.

London is the world’s slowest and second-most expensive city to drive in, according to new research.

It took an average of 36 minutes and 20 seconds to travel 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) in the centre of the capital in 2022, geolocation technology specialist TomTom said.

That was one minutes and 50 seconds slower than 2021 and represents the longest time for a journey of that distance last year out of all the 389 cities in 56 countries analysed.

TomTom traffic expert Andy Marchant said people switching to road transport during rail strikes contributed to congestion in London last year.

India’s Bengaluru had the second slowest time at 29 minutes and 10 seconds, followed by Dublin, Ireland (28 minutes and 30 seconds) and Sapporo, Japan (27 minutes and 40 seconds).

Other UK cities ranked in the top 50 for congestion were Manchester (24th place with 23 minutes and 10 seconds), Liverpool (32nd place with 22 minutes and 20 seconds) and Edinburgh (42nd place with 21 minutes and 30 seconds).

Analysis of the cost of driving – based on the price of petrol, diesel and charging an electric vehicle (EV), and taking into account the impact of congestion on fuel consumption – found that London was the world’s second most expensive city to drive in last year, behind only Hong Kong.

Also in the top 50 list was Bristol (19th), Brighton (41st), Manchester (47th) and Edinburgh (48th).

TomTom found that the cost of using fast EV charge points in London was among the highest in the world last year.

To drive 10,000 miles in London in 2022 Londoners charging their cars in this way spent around £2,055, compared with £1,969 in Paris, £1,888 in Brussels, £1,794 in Berlin and £1,220 in New York.

Mr Marchant said: “Due to the configuration of the road network in central London, travel times even without traffic are some of the highest in the world.

“This doesn’t mean that London is the most congested city in the world.

“However, there is a clear link between increased traffic congestion and London’s slowest average speed in 2022.

“While strike action caused traffic congestion levels to soar, better traffic management based on real-time data intelligence is needed throughout the year to ensure viable traffic flows and the efficient use of city infrastructure.”

Speeding on rural roads with a 60mph limit has reached the highest level in six years, a survey suggests.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents to a poll of 3,102 UK drivers commissioned by the RAC for its 2022 Report on Motoring said they had driven faster than the limit on what are Britain’s deadliest roads in the previous 12 months.

That is up from 44% in 2021 and equals the highest figure recorded in the annual survey, in 2016.

In the most recent poll, 8% of drivers said they frequently broke the speed limit on 60mph rural roads, while 40% said they did so occasionally.

The most common reason drivers gave for exceeding the limit on these roads was that they were travelling at the same speed as other motorists (32%).

Department for Transport figures show 514 people were killed in crashes on roads in non built-up areas with a 60mph limit in Britain in 2021.

That was more than all other road types, including motorways.

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “The recent increase in the proportion of drivers admitting to speeding on 60mph rural roads is extremely worrying as more people lose their lives every year in collisions on these roads than on any other.

“It’s even more concerning that this figure is now back to the all-time high of 48%.

“While the number of fatalities on our roads is no longer falling, we certainly don’t want to see an increase.

“We think the Government should address the issue of fatalities on 60mph rural roads by advising roads authorities to reduce limits on the most dangerous stretches to more appropriate levels.

“This is something half of drivers (48%) surveyed for the RAC Report on Motoring would like to see, with only a quarter (24%) disagreeing.”

AA Charitable Trust director Edmund King, said: “Drivers have to be aware of the dangers on rural roads – slow moving vehicles, mud on the road, a higher likelihood of cyclists, horse riders and ramblers, sharp bends and blind corners – and adjust their speed accordingly.

“The varied nature of rural roads means it’s very difficult to set one speed limit which is appropriate everywhere, but drivers should be aware that the speed limit is a limit, it is not a sign that 60mph is always a safe speed. Often it is not.”

Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at charity Cycling UK, said cyclists are “more at risk” on rural roads than urban ones.

He added: “Tackling the risks on rural roads has to involve a serious discussion about reducing speed limits, particularly the 60mph default speed which is clearly unsuitable, unsafe and a contributor to road deaths on many minor rural roads.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “While we have some of the safest roads in the world, we are committed to reducing road collisions by tackling dangerous driving. We will always consider what additional measures can be explored to effectively enhance road safety.

“Breaking the speed limit is illegal and puts lives at risk. Our upcoming THINK! campaign will help tackle dangerous driving on rural roads, and builds on the success of our previous campaigns which influenced attitudes towards speeding among young drivers.”

– The RAC commissioned research agency Online95 to carry out the survey between April 28 and May 13 last year.

Environmental campaigners are to take a Stormont department to court over alleged air quality failings.

Friends of the Earth has teamed up with The PILS Project for a legal challenge at the High Court in Belfast against the Department for Infrastructure.

They said the case is in relation to a long-running and dangerous air quality failing.

The case is expected to proceed to a full hearing in June.

They contend that hundreds of thousands of diesel cars in Northern Ireland have not received a legally compliant exhaust emissions test at government-controlled MOT vehicle testing centres.

They allege a failure that has “continued for the last 17 years”.

The groups are raising serious air pollution concerns caused by diesel emissions and have issued legal proceedings against the department over its “recurring failure to identify dangerous emissions levels during MOT testing”.

Their legal team will argue that in failing to fully test the emissions of diesel cars in Northern Ireland during MOT testing, the department has breached its duties not only under vehicle testing law but also its duties to protect public health and the health of Northern Ireland’s biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

James Orr, director of Friends of the Earth NI, claimed the department has “consistently failed to comply with the law”, describing the situation as “nothing short of a major scandal”.

“The science is clear, the law is clear – there is a duty to test emissions in order to protect both public health and the health of habitats,” he said.

“We are taking the government to court because we all have a right to breathe clean air.”

PILS director Maria McCloskey said: “This is not just a case about diesel emissions.

“It is about air quality, environmental protections, and about a fundamental failure of our government to fulfil its legal obligations since 2006.

“This case potentially impacts every single person living in Northern Ireland. It is, at its core, a public health issue.

“We at PILS are pleased to be able to offer our support to Friends of the Earth NI in this vitally important legal challenge.”

A spokesperson from the Department for Infrastructure said: “The department is aware legal proceedings have been issued and shall not be commenting further in advance of the High Court hearing.”

The next chief executive of Japanese car giant Toyota has introduced a management team that he said will lead an aggressive push on electric vehicles (EVs).

Koji Sato stressed that “electrification” is a key theme for his team and promised to develop a totally new, next-generation electric vehicle by 2026.

That will be a Lexus, while the company will also beef up all its EV model offerings, he said.

“Lexus will lead the move,” he told reporters at a news conference in Tokyo. “I see myself as the captain of the soccer team.”

In a presentation, Mr Sato listed the various executives, each with different responsibilities, such as carbon neutrality, and safety technology, as well as overseeing regions like North America and Asia.

Hiroki Nakajima, who currently oversees mid-size vehicles, was named executive vice president overseeing technology, and Yoichi Miyazaki, who has been overseeing business operations, was named chief financial officer.

The selection of Mr Sato, currently Toyota’s chief branding officer, as the next chief executive was announced last month. The new leadership takes the helm on April 1.

Toyota, which makes the Prius hybrid and Camry sedan, has billed the move as an effort to stay abreast of social changes like electrification. At times it has been seen as lagging its rivals in EVs.

The company’s success with hybrids, which have both a battery and a petrol engine, and hydrogen fuel cells may be partly behind that perception.

Mr Sato reiterated that view, noting that Toyota is intent on reducing emissions with models that are already widespread. Most vehicles on the roads today run on petrol, he noted.

Toyota officials have always said they have BEV technology, which stands for “battery electric vehicles”, or pure EVs. But that market has so far been dominated by the likes of Tesla, Japanese rival Nissan and BYD of China.

“We have been working on developing BEVs, but the perception may not have reflected that as well,” Mr Sato said.

The electric vehicles Toyota offers cannot be just more EVs to keep up with the times, but “must answer the question of what kind of EV Toyota can offer”, he said.

Mr Sato and the other executives said the company’s entire production system must be revamped to make quality EVs.

Toyota is also grappling with the high cost of the batteries, although lowering costs is not a goal in itself. The company prides itself on its “just in time” production system.

It will also make more intelligent cars that are safer and more fun, Mr Sato said, implying they will link to the internet and offer other entertainment features.

With its management reshuffle, Toyota’s chief executive and president Akio Toyoda, who is the grandson of the company’s founder, becomes its chairman. He did not appear at Monday’s announcement.

Mr Sato has also overseen the Lexus luxury division and Toyota motor racing.

The appointments still need shareholders’ approval, scheduled for the company’s next general meeting.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service is replacing its entire fleet of rapid response vehicles with the Skoda Kodiaq.

A total of 106 SUVs are being modified for the service that covers the full county – an area of nearly 6,000 square miles.

The NHS trust has used the Skoda Octavia Scout for the past six years as its rapid response vehicles, sending them to emergencies before a regular ambulance would be able to get there.

The Octavia Scouts have clocked up an average of 90,000 miles each, but some have covered up to 130,000 in more remote areas. Skoda introduced its latest-generation Octavia Scout in 2021, and while the vehicle is only available to emergency services, Yorkshire’s ambulance organisation has elected to use the firm’s flagship Kodiaq SUV instead.

The models are being converted by Pressfab Evo for ‘blue-light’ duties, including 360-degree lighting, livery, bespoke storage and a full range of medical equipment.

Jeff Gott, head of fleet at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “The Kodiaq combines 4×4 capability, a smooth drive, reliability and a large interior for our clinical staff and life-saving equipment.

“The new fleet replaces our outgoing Skoda Octavia Scout models, which proved to be an incredible workhorse that could consistently meet the 24/7 demands of being on the road.

“The first consignment of converted Kodiaqs has been delivered and some of the vehicles have been put into service. We’ve had very positive initial feedback from the teams running them.”

Sales of used cars declined by 8.5% in the UK last year, new figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said just 6.9 million vehicles changed hands in 2022, down from 7.5 million during the previous 12 months.

The industry body said a squeeze on the supply of new cars restricted the amount of stock entering the second-hand market.

Used battery electric cars bucked the trend, with a record 71,071 sold in 2022.

That represents a 37.5% year-on-year increase.

Overall transactions increased by 0.8% in December compared with the same month in 2021.

This was the first monthly rise since February 2022, reflecting the recent growth seen in the new car market.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “While the market headlines are negative and reflective of the squeeze on new car supply last year, record electrified vehicle uptake is a bright spot and demonstrates a growing appetite for these models.

“With new car registrations growth expected this year, more of the latest low and zero emission models should become available to second owners.

“Accelerating uptake is key and will be dependent on drivers being assured of a positive ownership experience.

“This means ensuring charging infrastructure keeps pace with demand as more new and used car buyers make the switch to zero-emission motoring than ever before.”

The total of 6.9 million used cars changing hands in 2022 was the second lowest annual amount since 2012.

Just 6.8 million were sold in 2020 amid coronavirus lockdowns.

Ian Plummer, commercial director at online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader, said: “Lingering supply issues held back used car sales against an exceptional 2021 performance, but the market has great momentum and last month we saw a record 80 million visits to our site – nearly 10 million more than a year ago.

“For most motorists, cars are a fundamental need, especially given the current public transport disruption.”

James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine, said: “Car dealers told us their biggest issue in 2022 was getting hold of used car stock.

“This kept already very high used car prices buoyant throughout the year and that has continued into the start of 2023.”

Alex Buttle, co-founder of used car marketplace Motorway.co.uk, said: “Used electric vehicles were hot property last year.

“Motorists fed up with waiting times for new models turned to the used market to make a quick and affordable leap to electric.”

Land Rover has revealed an ultra-exclusive version of the Range Rover, which pushes its halo model into Bentley and Rolls-Royce territory.

Called the ‘Lansdowne Edition’, the car features a ‘curated’ specification designed by Land Rover’s SV Bespoke division and costs £250,000. Just 16 cars have been built, and they’re all sold.

Based on the SV version of the Range Rover, the bespoke model gets a unique body colour called Lansdowne Grey Gloss, while the roof and mirror caps are painted in Corris Grey Gloss.

Additionally, the exterior gets special ‘SV Anthracite’ and ‘Graphite Atlas’ exterior trim details, black Land Rover badging and black chrome metal script badging – the latter being handcrafted by Fattorini, Britain’s oldest family-owned jeweller.

Completing the look are 23-inch black satin forged alloy wheels featuring Corris Grey inserts.

The interior has received a bespoke overhaul too, with SV Bespoke Rosewood and Ebony leather upholstery with diagonal stitching, satin black ceramic controls and leather-edged mohair wool carpets. The tread plates are illuminated, too, complete with ‘Lansdowne Edition 1 of 16’ script, and all cars get the ‘Tailgate Event Suite’ package allowing owners to sit on folding leather seats on the tailgate.

There are no mechanical changes, with all 16 cars featuring the same BMW-derived 523bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine under the bonnet.

Patrick McGillycuddy, Jaguar Land Rover UK sales director, said: “The profound desirability of our products has never been so apparent. All 16 of the exquisite Range Rover SV Lansdowne Editions have been sold ahead of reveal, truly demonstrating the appeal of our luxury brands.

“Alongside exceptional vehicles like the Lansdowne Edition, we are developing locations, services and events that provide unique and exclusive touchpoints for our clients. Our new Mayfair boutique provides concierge levels of personal service in a modern, luxury environment – it’s totally unique.”

The Lansdowne Edition was revealed at Land Rover’s recently overhauled showroom in Mayfair, London.

The showroom has been designed to give a ’boutique’ feel with customers able to tailor-make their perfect car.

The average price of a litre of diesel has fallen below 170p for the first time in 11 months.

Figures from data company Experian show UK forecourts were charging an average of 169.9p per litre on Monday.

It is the first time the price has been cheaper than 170p since March 9 2022.

The price drop means the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family car with diesel has fallen from the record high of £109 in June last year to £93.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “This is good news for drivers of diesel vehicles as they have had to endure some tough times, with the average price of a litre nearly hitting £2 at the end of June.

“Since then the price has tumbled 30p, saving more than £16 on a full tank.

“But, if retailers play fair with drivers, the price should fall further still as the wholesale price is now back to a level last seen around the time Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Even with retailers taking a higher-than-average margin of 10p a litre, the price of diesel should really be 10p lower at 160p.”

Sadiq Khan has urged the leaders of four London councils to drop their opposition to his expansion of the ultra low emission zone (Ulez).

The capital’s mayor wrote to the leaders of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon councils describing their grounds for a potential legal challenge to the measure as “wholly without merit and misconceived”.

He insisted it is “simply not true” that the scheme – which will be extended to cover the whole of the capital from August 29 – is a “money-making venture”.

Transport for London (TfL) expects net income from the Ulez to fall to “nominal levels within the next few years”, Mr Khan wrote.

Until then, all net revenue will be reinvested back into transport in London, he stated.

The Ulez is currently limited to the area within the North and South Circular roads.

Drivers of vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a £12.50 daily fee for entering the zone.

Mr Khan wrote that he is “determined to reduce the toxic air in our city, which leads to around 4,000 Londoners dying prematurely every year”.

He added: “Instead of pursuing an expensive legal challenge funded by local residents, I would hope you would work with me to help clean up the dirty air that’s blighting our city and the lives of those we represent.”