A Ford Mustang Mach-E has been converted into a hearse, becoming one of the first electric vehicles of its type.

Created by specialist funeral vehicle supplier Coleman Milne, based in Bolton, it’s thought to be the first hearse based on Ford’s Mustang Mach-E SUV, and continues the brand’s long-running history of using Ford vehicles, predominantly the recently discontinued Mondeo.

Called the Etive after the Scottish river, it’s being tested at the Millbrook proving ground, where 40,000 miles of road usage trials are being carried out before it’s set to be type-approved by the end of March.

Its extended shape allows for up to seven passengers including three bearers, with the vehicle having a flat, full-length deck for a coffin and ‘ample space for personal tributes’ plus a glass roof. An electric tailgate is also available as an option.

Based on the ‘Standard Range’ Mach-E, it features the same 75kWh battery, with the firm saying it’s ‘capable of delivering an estimated range of up to 200 miles’, which is unsurprisingly less than the 273-mile range of the regular Mustang Mach-E.

Graham Clow, national sales director at Coleman Milne, said: “We have long championed the electric hearse at Coleman Milne and we’re proud to welcome the Etive hearse and limousine as the latest additions to our range.

“The excellent, long-standing relationship that we have with Ford enabled us to model the range on its Mach-E platform. The Mach-E is the perfect base for a comfortable, quiet and respectful hearse and limousine, while also providing funeral directors with all the benefits and innovations found in today’s electric vehicles.”

The Mustang Mach-E hearse will be offered in left- and right-hand-drive configurations for the UK and other European markets, with the first test vehicles set to be available from the middle of 2023.

Tesla has made major price cuts to its Model 3 and Model Y electric cars as the firm looks to make its EVs ‘more accessible’.

Overnight, it dropped the prices of all its Model 3 and Model Ys, with some being lowered by as much as £8,000.

Previously, the Model Y – the third most popular new car in the UK in 2022 – started from £51,990, but this has now been reduced to £44,990. The range-topping Performance model, however, has seen its price drop by £8,000 from £67,990 to £59,990.

The Model 3 has seen similar cuts in price, with this electric saloon’s starting price being dropped from £51,090 to £42,990 – representing a 16 per cent fall.

In a statement, Tesla said it was able to make the cuts because of ‘normalisation in production costs’.

The statement said: “Despite significant challenges last year ranging from the semiconductor shortage, energy crisis, logistics constraints and further Covid-related disruptions, we continued to lay the foundations for our future growth by regionalising production and supply chains. We also began the transition to a more evenly spread distribution strategy to diminish logistical and delivery peaks.

“Our focus on continuous product improvement through original engineering and manufacturing processes have further optimised our ability to make the best product for an industry-leading cost. As we exit what has been a turbulent year of supply chain disruptions, we have observed a normalisation of some of the cost of inflation, giving us the confidence to pass this through to our customers.

“As local vehicle production continues to increase and we gain further economies of scale globally, we are making Model 3 and Model Y even more accessible across Europe.”

People who have already placed their Tesla order at the old price will be forced to stick with that unless the American firm offers refunds or a price match.

It follows news earlier this week that used Tesla prices are dropping drastically, with three of the five overall most heavily depreciating electric cars being models from the firm, according to car valuations expert Cap HPI. The Tesla Model 3 was the worst, with like-for-like models dropping by 23 per cent in price in a 12-month period.

Unmarked mobile speed camera vans are now being used in the UK as police acknowledge a ‘worrying escalation’ in falling driving standards.

Northamptonshire Police has started rolling out what it calls ‘unmarked mobile enforcement vehicles’ across the county. The force says it is being done in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads. There were 44 deaths there in 2022.

It says that since the first Covid-19 lockdown there has been a ‘worrying escalation’ in collisions caused by poor driving, and that its Safer Roads Team have taken the ‘unusual step’ of deploying unmarked speed camera vans.

The police force says its unmarked vans will be used at various locations across Northamptonshire, and that it will prioritise routes that have regular collisions or where there is ‘intelligence’ of poor driving.

Safer Roads operations manager Matt O’Connell said: “We know that people change their driving behaviour when they see a marked police vehicle and using unmarked vehicles is nothing new. However, this is the first time we’ve adopted this approach when it comes to mobile enforcement.

“It’s easy to criticise this approach as being motivated by ticket numbers or revenue. However, we see all too often the devastating consequences the loss of a loved one has on those left behind.

“We’re not going to apologise for how we police our roads if we take the most dangerous drivers off them, especially if it means that we stop just one person from being killed or having to come to terms with a life-changing injury.

“However, with the level of offending across the county, we need to do something different, and the use of unmarked mobile enforcement vehicles might make people think twice before taking unnecessary risks in Northamptonshire.”

The price of used Teslas has dropped significantly in recent months, with experts blaming the brand’s over-saturation of the market.

Data from car valuation experts Cap HPI showed that of the five worst-depreciating electric cars, three of them are Teslas.

The worst performing was the brand’s popular Model 3 saloon, which lost 23 per cent of its value, or £9,900, in the last 12 months.

The larger Tesla Model S saloon had dropped by 22 per cent over the period to make it the second worst EV for depreciation, while the Model X SUV had decreased in value by 13 per cent in the last year to take fifth position.

Slotting between were the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace, with these electric SUVs losing 15 and 14 per cent respectively over the period. Cap HPI’s pricing relates to 12-month-old examples with 10,000 miles on the clock.

Speaking to Car Dealer Magazine, which revealed the data, Chris Plumb, Cap HPI valuations expert said: “It has been well documented of late that new car sales of electric vehicles are going from strength to strength, but this is not replicated in the used car market. Battery electric vehicles remained the most challenging area of the used car market throughout the last month of 2022, as values reduced for the fourth consecutive month.”

Experts are blaming the drop in used EV prices on the sharp increase in energy costs, while Teslas specifically have suffered from an oversaturated market because of the huge numbers of new models being registered.

Tom Barnard, editor of EV website Electrifying.com told Car Dealer: “We saw at the end of 2022 that the market for new Teslas was saturated, and the company had to heavily discount and pre-register to try to move stock. That will naturally push down the value of older examples.

“Many of the older Model 3s will have been bought on leases and are now being returned after three years, with a large proportion being sold on the open market where they will find a natural price level rather than through the managed Tesla-owned channels.”

Tesla’s Model Y was the UK’s third most popular new car overall in 2022, while in total the American EV firm registered 54,622 cars in the year, putting it ahead of established brands like Peugeot, Land Rover and Skoda.

The average waiting time for a new electric car has reduced as more drivers delay the purchase of an EV due to high energy prices.

According to EV website Electrifying.com, customers placing an order in January 2023 will be waiting an average of 28 weeks for a new electric car, down from the average 35 weeks in October.

The drop off in demand is said to have been caused by ‘drivers pausing purchases in the face of higher energy prices and the cost of living crisis’, as well as slowly recovering production numbers.

Electrifying says the average wait has been brought down by Tesla, which has new versions of its popular Model Y and Model 3 available for delivery in just two to four weeks. Renault’s EVs – the Zoe and Megane E-Tech Electric – also have an estimated waiting time of just four weeks.

The waiting times of many other EVs has dropped significantly in recent months, with those buying an Audi e-tron GT now facing a six-month wait, rather than the 18 months stated in October 2022.

Currently the EVs with the longest waiting times are the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Lexus UX300e, MG ZS EV, Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and Volkswagen’s ID.3, ID.4 and ID.Buzz, all of which have an average lead time of 12 months.

Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com Ginny Buckley said: “The news that waiting times are decreasing by a significant amount will be welcomed by many, however it also signals a change in consumer behaviour driven by the cost-of-living crisis.

“But going into the new year, we need to start seeing more affordable cars brought to market to encourage private buyers to make the switch; at the moment there are just three electric cars available which are priced under £30,000 and the lack of affordable models is having a detrimental effect on the market.”

At the start of every new year, many of us often make resolutions as we aim to try and improve as a person.

It may be going on a diet, exercising more or taking up a new activity or hobby, which can all get the year off on the right foot. The same applies in the motoring world, too, as small checks and measures you can do on your vehicle can make a big difference in the long run.

Here are some top tips to get your motoring year off to a good start.

Begin the year off with a good clean

Though winter might be far from over – and the dirty road season might still be in full force – it’s a good idea to start 2023 by cleaning your vehicle. Be sure to get as much of the grime and salt from the car with a jet wash before you start using a wash mitt to clean it any further, as this will help prevent any marring to the paint.

Work in straight lines with a dedicated wash mitt – a sponge can often scratch the vehicle if any specks of grit are on the surface – and be sure to rinse the car off thoroughly after. Don’t forget the door shuts, wheelarches and wheels themselves, either. Once the car is dried off, it’s a good idea to apply a layer of hard wax to the paint to help maintain the finish and repel the dirt.

Don’t forget the interior

Giving the interior a good onceover is a fantastic idea, too. This is the place where you’ll spend the most time, so it’s always best to keep on top of it. Empty the car of any rubbish or items you don’t need, and then give the car a good vacuum. You might want to remove the mats, if fitted, if you want to go a step further.

Giving any leather surfaces a good clean will help to freshen the cabin, as will wiping over the dashboard. You might want to apply an air freshener to keep the car smelling pleasant as well.

Make a note of the motoring deadlines for the year

Organisation can solve all kinds of problems, particularly when it comes to cars, so at the start of the year it’s a good idea to make a note of all the key motoring dates.

Whether you like a traditional calendar or reminders in your phone, jot down when your car’s tax expires, when it will need an MOT and service and also when your insurance is up for renewal. Not only will this help driving around a vehicle that’s not legal by accident, but knowing when these dates expire can also help you with your budgeting.

Check the fluid levels

Regular vehicle checks are key to safe motoring, so it’s a great way to get your motoring year off to a safe and hopefully trouble-free start.

Start by popping open the bonnet, and having a look at the fluid levels under there. Look at the engine oil first, which can be measured with the yellow dipstick. Remove this, wipe it clean with a paper towel, and then re-insert it once again to reveal the oil level. If it’s below the reading, top it up straight away. You can search for the correct oil for your car online, but a local motor factor will be able to help with this.

Washer fluid is another important one to check, particularly over winter when the roads are often salted, and generally muddier. It’s best to use a dedicated solution (most petrol stations and larger supermarkets sell ready-to-use screenwash), rather than water, as this is more likely to freeze.

Tyres

Looking at your tyres is something you should do at all times of the year, and are particularly important as they’re the only part of your vehicle actually in contact with the road.

First, check the tread depth, which can be measured using a 20p piece. Insert the coin in the groove, and if the outer edge of the coin can be seen, your tyres aren’t legal and need replacing. However, we’d recommend changing tyres well in advance of them getting this low on tread, particularly in winter.

Looking for any signs of cuts, slow punctures and other damage, while also checking your car’s tyres are correctly inflated. You’ll be able to find the correct tyre pressures in your vehicle’s handbook, as well as often in the petrol filler flap and in the door shuts. Most petrol stations have air facilities for this.

Windscreen

Ensuring your windscreen in good condition is another good way to start 2023 for your car. We’ve mentioned having plenty of washer fluid already, but looking for any signs of chips, and damage is important.

Windscreen chips can quickly develop into cracks over winter, so you should ring your insurer to arrange a repair before the damage gets any worse. Making sure the wipers are in good condition and not showing any signs of degradation is also an important check.

The UK’s top 100 most profitable car dealers made a combined £2.6bn in profit in 2021 – a huge increase of £950m compared to 2021.

Figures released today by Car Dealer Magazine – and compiled by financial advisory specialists Interpath – in its ‘Top 100’ list found that Arnold Clark once again topped the list as the UK’s most profitable dealer, recording £398.1m in profit.

The list includes both franchised and independent dealers, with the list ranked by EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation), with the top 10 dealers alone raking in £1.45bn in profit. That’s almost as high as the £1.65bn in profit made by the full top 100 dealers in 2020.

Across the 100 dealers, overall profits had increased by 55 per cent in what Eddie Hawthorne, CEO of Arnold Clark, described as a “Carlsberg year for the motor trade”.

Hawthorne told Car Dealer: “2021 was a lot of hard work for the motor trade but it was what I would call a Carlsberg year for the motor trade and as a specialist in used cars we were able to take advantage of that.”

Used car supermarket Motorpoint was the most profitable independent dealer, with the firm amassing £32m in earnings in 2021.

Car Dealer editor in chief James Baggott said: “Car dealers will look back at 2021 as halcyon days for the motor trade. Dealers enjoyed plenty of tailwinds during the year that helped boost profit figures – most notably rising used car prices at a time consumers were back out spending lockdown savings.

“We’ve reported on countless car dealer group results that have remarked 2021 was their “best ever” and now this research proves what we all thought – this will likely go down as the best year for the motor trade ever.”

Huge lead times for new cars – due to supply chain issues caused by the pandemic – drove many buyers into the used market in 2021, helping to drive up prices of secondhand cars, and increasing profits for those selling them as a result.

A classic Land Rover used by members of the royal family around their Balmoral Estate is coming up for auction in 2023.

The 1953 Land Rover Series I was originally registered with the number plate ‘NXN 1’, and was supplied in 1954 to the royal family’s Balmoral Estate. Once there it was used exclusively by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Prince Phillip and Prince Charles, now King Charles III.

The car was used by the top royals until 1966 when it was sold to its current keeper in nearby Ballater, a short distance away from Balmoral, and re-registered with the number plate LXC 894D.

It was then stored in the owner’s family garage for a ‘number of years’, falling into a state of disrepair. According to Silverstone Auctions, which is selling the Land Rover, King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), had recognised the Land Rover and both funded and encouraged the model’s restoration. King Charles III can be seen pictured with the 4×4 after its restoration.

The Land Rover was then featured on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, which led to the model being prominently used in the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant earlier this year.

Rob Hubbard, sales director of Silverstone Auctions, said: “It’s not often that a vehicle with such impressive Royal provenance like this is offered publicly for sale. Its special features and Royal connections make it exceptionally interesting.

“This Land Rover would doubtless have been used extensively on the Balmoral estate where we know the Royals loved to picnic. It would have been a familiar and much-loved part of Her Majesty and Prince Philip’s private lives.”

Estimated to sell for between £100,000 and £150,000, the Land Rover will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro sale on February 25.

Euro NCAP has revealed its final safety results for 2022, with only three of the 14 cars tested not receiving the top five-star rating.

The crash and safety organisation assessed a wide variety of models including those from upcoming Chinese brands.

Highlights included the new MG4, which despite being one of the UK’s cheapest electric cars was still given five stars. The Chery Omada 5 crossover and Maxus MIFA 9 MPV – both currently not on sale in the UK but may be in the future – were also handed the top rating.

At the more premium end of the market, the Lucid Air – an American luxury saloon that rivals the Tesla Model S – was awarded top honours, as were the new Lexus RX and Mercedes GLC, along with the updated Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Volkswagen’s radical new ID.Buzz was given a five-star rating too, as were VW’s new Amarok pick-up and the Ford Ranger.

With Euro NCAP recently updating its testing to be more stringent, a number of popular new cars have been retested. The Skoda Octavia family car retained its five-star rating, but the Ford Puma crossover and Volkswagen Touran MPV dropped to four stars because of ‘challenges in adult occupant protection’. The final models to be tested was the new Peugeot 408 fastback, which also received a four-star rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “2022 has been one of Euro NCAP’s busiest-ever years and we have seen a lot of new car makers and new technologies. It’s clear that European consumers still demand the highest levels of safety and that a good Euro NCAP rating is seen by car manufacturers as critical to success here.

“Twenty-five years since it first started, Euro NCAP is still driving ever-higher levels of safety, and our protocols for 2023 will bring exciting, tough new challenges to the car industry.”