Daily Motor News – Friday 20 March 2026  

Uber and Rivian Partner to Deploy up to 50,000 Fully Autonomous Robotaxis 

Rivian Automotive, Inc and Uber Technologies, Inc today announced a partnership to help accelerate both companies’ autonomous vehicle plans, expecting to deploy 10,000 fully autonomous R2 robotaxis in the first phase of R2 robotaxi deployment. Initial deployments are expected to begin in San Francisco and Miami in 2028 and will expand to 25 cities by 2031. Read more

EU aftermarket ecosystem calls for stronger guidance on Data Act 

The European automotive aftermarket is experiencing rapid change as sustainability goals, technological progress, and shifting regulatory frameworks reshape the sector. Reflecting these developments, the 17th edition of the CLEPA Aftermarket Conference highlighted strong expectations surrounding the implementation of the Data Act and the strides being made toward a future-ready regulatory environment. The event, held on 18 & 19 March in Brussels, brought together over 200 participants, featuring key industry experts, top-level speakers, and representatives from the European Commission. Read more

Global Economic Outlook: March 2026 

Events in the Middle East have materially changed the near-term economic and financial outlook. In our March update, we have raised 2026’s inflation forecasts and lowered 2026’s growth forecasts pretty much across the board. How the conflict and related disruptions evolve in the period ahead will be pivotal to the effects on commodity and financial markets and the economic implications. Read more

Countdown builds for ClaimsTech – The Pitch 2026 as entry deadline approaches 

The race is on for claims technology innovators as the entry deadline for ILC’s ClaimsTech – The Pitch 2026 rapidly approaches, with submissions closing at the end of March. Interest has already been strong, with a number of impressive and innovative solutions submitted from across the insurtech landscape. Read more

Nissan and Motability Operations announce strategic British-built Vehicle-to-Grid partnership to help reduce EV running costs 

Nissan and Motability Operations have agreed a landmark strategic partnership to explore how Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology could help reduce electricity costs for EV drivers. The collaboration centres on the British-built all-new Nissan LEAF and demonstrates how British manufacturing and innovation can support both drivers and the wider UK economy. Read more

Lack of EV confidence is ‘a problem that we can’t seem to solve’ – Electrifying founder 

Confidence in EVs is still a huge issue among motorists who have yet to make the switch away from petrol and diesel. That is the verdict of Electrifying.com co-founder Ginny Buckley, who appeared as one of our keynote interviewees at Car Dealer Live yesterday (Mar 19). Read more

US Auto Safety Agency Deepens Probe into Tesla’s Self-Driving Technology 

The US auto safety regulator on Thursday deepened a probe into Tesla’s driver-assistance system to evaluate its effectiveness in identifying degraded road conditions after nine crashes linked to the technology including one that was fatal. Read more

Leadership lessons from private equity CEOs 

Companies backed by private equity (PE) tend to transform faster and more often than public or family-owned firms do, and they consistently perform better than peers. McKinsey’s Marla Capozzi and Sacha Ghai researched nearly 300 CEOs across PE and private-capital companies to define their tactics and share their best practices with others.  Read more

Driving Standards – TyreSafe Teams Up with TMS Consultancy to Enhance Road Safety Awareness 

UK road safety charity TyreSafe has partnered with leading road safety audit and training provider TMS Consultancy. This collaboration brings together two organisations committed to reducing road casualties by championing the ‘Safe System’ approach—combining road safety engineering expertise with vital vehicle safety advocacy. Read more

Prism Claims CEO takes on Inca Trail for Rainbow Trust 

Mark Orton, CEO – Commercial of Prism Claims Group, is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge this May as he and his 19-year-old son, Max, take on the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – all in aid of ILC’s charity partner, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. Read more

Silverlake Automotive Recycling is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Joslin as a director, bringing over three decades of industry experience to support the company’s strategic growth plans and further enhance service for valued partners and customers nationwide. 

Industry Insights is pleased to announce a new Connected Solutions Partnership with Apograph to bolster the supply chain proposition for insurer, fleet and manufacturer clients.