Daily Motor News – Friday 14 February 2025   

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Quoted car insurance premiums falling at record rate

Falls in quoted car insurance premiums are accelerating dropping a record 6.0% in the past three months and by 8.8% in the past year, according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index. The fall in quoted premiums in the past three months is the biggest since Consumer Intelligence first started tracking in October 2013. Full story

Road warriors – 6.2 billion miles to be driven this half term

Motorists are set to drive 6.2 billion miles this half term, reveals new research from breakdown provider Green Flag. Long journeys are on the horizon for two fifths (42%) of the population. The average distance people are set to drive this half term is significant, at 162 miles. Full story

Ebay data reveals the UK’s most security-conscious motorists in 2024

New 2024 eBay data reveals residents of Romford, East London, continue to be the UK’s most security- conscious car owners, purchasing the highest number of vehicle security accessories per capita. Following Romford, Llandudno, Conwy, and Redhill in Surrey rank second and third, while Dorchester, Dorset, and Truro, Cornwall, round out the top five. Full story

New tariffs could rekindle old concerns for auto insurers

Elevated tariffs on certain auto parts imported from mainland China have contributed modestly to loss-cost inflation for US auto insurers since their first imposition in 2018. Now, though, a more sweeping programme poses a potentially broader impact on the industry. Full story

The internal and external cost of motor vehicle crashes

Crash cost estimates are essential for evaluating road safety management policies and assessing the economic benefits of safety improvements. This research presents a methodological framework for link-based crash cost analysis that considers both internal and external costs. Full story

How needs-based segmentation simplifies insurance decisions

Choosing the right insurance product can be a daunting task. With endless options and limited time and attention spans, customers can often struggle to pinpoint what truly suits them. Understanding the reality of the situation, some insurers are deploying simple but effective strategies referred to as ‘needs-based segmentation’ that starts with the customer’s needs. Full story

The world’s friendliest drivers

A new piece of global research undertaken by the car-selling experts at Auto Trader has crowned the United Kingdom as home to the world’s friendliest drivers. Auto Trader’s latest study measures and compares drivers’ levels of politeness, cooperation and kindness on the road. Full story

Germany: Porsche set to slash jobs by 2029

Porsche is planning to cut some 1,900 jobs at two plants in Germany by 2029. The Stuttgart-based company is making the cuts on top of existing job losses for temporary employees, with staff being reduced by about 15% in total. Full story

Ford CEO holds meetings with lawmakers after raising concerns about tariffs

Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley met with US lawmakers after raising concerns this week that 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada would “blow a hole” in the US auto industry. Full story

Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry

The car industry finds itself between a rock and a hard place, as it surely hopes big fines and waning customer interest don’t define the second half of this decade; the real countdown to the UK’s 2030 ban on internal combustion vehicles. Full story

FIA region I contribution to the consultation on the ‘Future of the European Automotive Industry’

FIA Region I represents consumers and mobility users across Europe, advocating for safe, sustainable, affordable, and accessible mobility solutions. As the European automotive industry undergoes a major transformation driven by electrification, digitalization, and regulatory changes, it is crucial to ensure that this transition prioritizes consumer interests, fair competition, and long-term sustainability. Full story

Swift and seamless vehicle finance management

Copart’s Finance Management Gateway portal is another example of the company’s commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing transparency for valued partners. The portal provides instant access to vehicle information and insurer details, enables finance houses to update outstanding finance information and upload supporting documents, while providing real time updates on the progress and removal of finance markers. Full story

Carpenters Group delivers leadership Development Programme

Carpenters Group has delivered its new leadership Development Programme. Kate Gibbs presented the first session, with support from Donna Richards. The programme has been developed to enhance learning and develop leadership skills. Full story

Fleets ‘in the dark’ over VED hike on electric vehicles from April

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is concerned that many fleets are unaware of changes to vehicle excise duty (VED) for electric vehicles (EVs) coming in from April. The AFP warns that some will see their liability on widely-adopted EVs rise per vehicle from zero to £2,490 over a five-year period. Full story

Cost of living crisis changes consumer attitude towards vehicle maintenance

The cost of living crisis has prompted 48% of consumers to reconsider their approach to vehicle maintenance and servicing, according to Bumper’s 2024/25 UK Automotive Aftersales Report which polled 4,269 car owners. The majority (90%) plan to keep their cars longer, 51% were exploring independent garages for affordable servicing, 38% are choosing not to authorise advisory repairs, and 15% reported skipping vehicle servicing because of costs. Full story

PayByPhone unveils new Vehicle Servicing feature

PaybyPhone has launched Vehicle Servicing, a new feature enabling drivers to book their vehicle service and MOT right in the PayByPhone app. Services take place at the company’s UK-wide network of trusted brands and independent garages. Full story

Al-Futtaim Automotive sets global benchmark with 1,500+ certified EV specialists

Al-Futtaim Automotive has become the first company globally to certify over 1,500 associates in electric vehicle (EV) technology to the IMI International Standards. The accomplishment reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and supports the UAE’s Green Mobility Strategy 2030 and Energy Strategy 2050. Full story

Business confidence is rising amid ongoing geopolitical and economic issues

Business confidence amongst UK CEOs is growing, despite ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, according to the latest EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook survey. According to the findings, UK CEOs have strong confidence in their companies’ performance, with 78% feeling optimistic about revenue growth, 80% about profitability, and 77% about maintaining a competitive position in the next 12 months. Full story

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has revealed scammers have evolved their tactics to now pressure victims into making fake insurance claims so they can receive compensation.

esure is supporting three apprentices at its trusted repair partner Gemini Accident Repair Centres with funding from our apprenticeship levy.

FixMyCar has announced the new home of the FixMyCar Awards for 2025 will be the prestigious home of F1, The Silverstone Circuit.  

First Line has strengthened its product offering with the introduction of 64 new-to-range parts.

Volvo has announced the successful completion of the divestment of its 30% stake in Lynk & Co to Zhejiang Zeekr Intelligent Technology Co.