Daily Motor News – Friday 25 July 2025  

Mercedes-Benz is already testing solid-state batteries in EVs with +600 miles range 

The “holy grail” of electric vehicle battery tech may be here sooner than you’d think. Mercedes-Benz is testing EVs with solid-state batteries on the road, promising to deliver over 600 miles of range. Here’s when you can expect to see it hit the market. Read more

MS24/2.2 Profitability of Premium Finance 

Firms usually charge consumers for premium finance when they pay monthly for their insurance. Although there are instances of interest- and fee-free premium finance, as set out in our Terms of Reference, we are aware of a proportion of Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) above 30% being charged across motor and home insurance. Read more

FCA urges strong penalties for solicitors who aid bogus PI claims 

The motor insurance taskforce should look at increasing penalties for lawyers and doctors assisting in claim fabrication or exaggeration, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said yesterday. Read more

How do I make a claim? An INSHUR Guide 

When it comes to making a claim, you might be thinking of phone calls, emails, and complicated processes. For delivery drivers who rely on their vehicles for their livelihood, this can be a daunting and frustrating experience.  Read more

Parking predicaments: One in six garage owners struggle to park due to car size 

New research by Aviva reveals that more than a quarter of UK garage owners (28%) hardly ever park their car in their garage amid concerns about car size and parking. Although more than a third (38%) of UK drivers have access to a garage, 42% prefer to park on their driveway. More than a fifth (21%) say their garages are difficult to park in, and 16% believe their car is too big, which could in part explain why two thirds (66%) use their garage primarily for storage instead. Read more

A tough period for auto output – but foundations set for recovery 

The global automotive sector has faced many periods of challenge over the years, but the current set of circumstances are perhaps the most acute in living memory. Economic uncertainty, low demand, structural changes and trade protectionism have all contributed to a first half decline of -11.9% in British car and commercial vehicle production. Read more

June 2025 new car pre-registration figures 

SMMT released figures for June pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in June 2025 that were defined as pre-registrations. Read more

The rise of the robo-taxis? The government consults on proposed automated passenger services pilot 

The Department for Transport has now published its consultation on automated passenger services (APS) pilots. This is the third consultation of an expected nineteen related to the regulations required to underpin the framework set out by the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 (the Act). Read more

Honda Launches Insurance Business to Provide Competitive and Convenient Insurance Options for Acura and Honda Customers 

US: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced the establishment of Honda Insurance Solutions, a licensed insurance agency that will provide a convenient shopping experience for the insurance needs of Acura and Honda customers, including competitive pricing and coverage options for autos, motorcycles, RVs, homes and more.  Read more

Everything you need to know about the electric car grant – Hyundai rolls out its own discounts 

The government’s new electric car grant could save you up to £3,750, with details on eligible EVs coming soon. Meanwhile, Hyundai has become the latest carmaker to launch its own grant. Here’s everything you need to know. Read more

Carpenters Group Celebrates Pride by Supporting Sahir and Embracing Diversity 

Carpenters Group is thrilled to announce its participation in this year’s Pride march in Liverpool on Saturday. This event is not just a celebration but a powerful statement of our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to be supporting Sahir, an LGBTQ+ HIV charity based in Liverpool. Read more

Group 1 doubles UK profit performance following restructure efforts 

Group 1 Automotive’s UK division saw a 94% revenue increase and more than doubled its gross profit in the first half of 2025, driven by strong retail volume growth and rising profitability in finance and aftersales. Read more

LKQ Corporation Announces Results for Second Quarter 2025 

Revenue for the second quarter of 2025 was $3.6 billion, a decrease of 1.9% compared to $3.7 billion for the second quarter of 2024. Parts and services organic revenue decreased 3.4% (2.7% decrease on a per day basis), the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures decreased revenue by 1.0%, and foreign exchange rates increased revenue by 2.3% year over year, for a total parts and services revenue decrease of 2.1%. Read more