Daily Motor News – Friday 21 February 2025    

English cities are the worst in the UK for car theft, and car owners in  

There are massive differences in the likelihood of your car being stolen depending on where you live. Although the highest number of cars were stolen from the Greater London area – a whopping 14,106 vehicles – it’s the West Midlands that’s the worst place relative to its population. According to WhatCar? data, 7,694 cars were stolen from the West Midlands, representing 2.64 car thefts for every 1000 people living in the region. Full story

Motor and casualty claims technical update

DAC Beachcroft has published its first Legal Technical Update of 2025. Since its last update in November 2024, we have seen some significant news stories, not least the changes to the Personal Injury Discount Rate, the Ministry of Justice response to the Medical Reporting Process for Road Traffic Accident Claims Consultation and the Government’s response to the Call for Evidence on the statutory review of the Whiplash Tariff. Full story

Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights 2024 Year in Review

Claims frequency for collision-damaged, repairable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rose to 2.71% in the US and 3.84% in Canada in 2024, a year-over-year increase of 38% and 34% respectively. US total loss frequency for BEVs increased to 10.2% in 2024 (up from 8% in 2023). Full story

Drivers with kids warned of common car insurance mistake bringing £5,000 fine

Car insurance costs for many young drivers can be almost unaffordable, so it’s understandable parents might want to help them keep costs down. But they are being warned they might be putting their children at risk of a huge fine, penalty points and even a criminal record by making a car insurance mistake. Full story

Are you invalidating your car insurance because you haven’t had it fixed?

Nearly three quarters of cars recalled for safety or mechanical issues have not been fixed – and if owners cause a crash due to an unresolved issue they could be held liable. A review of UK vehicle history reports from January 2023 to September 2024 by specialist CarVertical found that only 28 per cent of recalled vehicles in the UK had the defects addressed. Full story

Judges’ proposal to increase injury payouts would undo motor insurance progress, Justice Minister is warned

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has been told not to “derail” progress made in reducing the cost of motor insurance claims. There are fears that a move to go along with judges, who have recommended increasing payout guidelines for claims, will send motor premiums higher. Full story

Stellantis unveils STLA AutoDrive, hands-free and eyes-off autonomous technology

Stellantis has unveiled STLA AutoDrive 1.0, the Company’s first in-house-developed automated driving system, delivering Hands-Free and Eyes-Off (SAE Level 3) functionality. STLA AutoDrive is a key pillar of Stellantis’ technology stragety, alongside STLA Brain and STLA Smart Cockpit, advancing vehicle intelligence, automation and user experience. Full story

Innovations that excite customers

Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, leads around 500 employees worldwide. In an interview with Porsche Consulting Magazine, he talks about the crucial role innovation plays in ongoing product development. Full story

British car manufacturers could be hit as Trump threatens 25% auto tariffs

British car manufacturers could face a devastating drop in sales sfter Donald Trump said he intends to impose auto tariffs “in the neighbourhood of 25%” on vehicles imported by America. The move comes after Trump repeatedly condemned the unfair treatment of US automotive exports in foreign markets. Full story

UK Car of the Year 2025 shortlist announced

Seven cars have been shortlisted for the annual UK Car of the Year Awards, the winner of which will be announced on March 6. Now in its 11th year, the UK Car of the Year Awards has judging panel comprising 31 motoring journalists, based all over the UK. The group selected their winning cars in categories ranging from Small Car, to Medium Crossover, to Performance Car. Full story

Selected Revive SMART repair franchisees offered executive leadership programme

Paint and bodywork repair specialist Revive franchisees are expanding into new territories under an initiative from the company’s Executive Leadership Programme (ELP). The invitation-only, MBA-style programme was introduced last year by Revive’s franchise growth team to inspire high-performing franchisees to reach even greater heights. Full story

National Windscreens announces new site in Luton

National Windscreens continues to expand its UK network with the opening of a purpose designed, 4,600 sqft fitting and calibration centre in Luton. This new centre is designed to meet that demand, with four fitting and calibration bays, complete with specialist LED lighting that facilitates use of the latest ADAS calibration technology by highly trained technicians. Full story

A future with connected and autonomous vehicles requires infrastructure to support it

Grand View Research estimates that the road safety market will be worth £8.7bn by 2030. McKinsey & Company projects that when fully autonomous vehicles (AV) become commonplace, they could unleash an economic windfall of between £237bn and £317bn. Full story

International Assistance Group has expanded its relationship with NWVA Nationwide Assistance Group, by selecting them as Assistance Partner for roadside assistance solutions in Spain.

Brake has published a short film where Ayeesha talks about a crash which took her best friend’s life and why she reached out to Brake for support two years later.

UK-based Howden Group Holdings has acquired aviation specialists Forbes Insurance Limited and the book of business from Hill Aviation Insurance Services.

HMRC has updated guidance on the taxation of double cab pick-up trucks after fleets were left confused as to which vehicles would be subject to company car tax.