Daily Motor News – Friday 29 August 2025  

AI-Powered Robot by Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute Takes a Key Step Towards General-Purpose Humanoids 

Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute (TRI) announced a big step forward in robotics and artificial intelligence research: demonstrating a Large Behaviour Model (LBM) powering the Atlas humanoid robot. In a video jointly released today by the two organisations, Atlas performs a long, continuous sequence of complex tasks that require combining object manipulation with locomotion.  Read more

Claims satisfaction is rising again – and it’s where the future will be won 

For the first time in two years, UK customers are telling us they feel better about their claims experiences. Consumer Intelligence’s latest research shows satisfaction in 2025 climbing back to 8.1 out of 10 for both home and motor claims – up from 7.9 (motor) and 7.8 (home) in 2024. 

It’s a turning point. While we’re not yet back to the record highs of 2021-22, when satisfaction peaked at 8.6, the direction is finally positive. Read more

Rethink the future of claims and seize the value creation opportunity 

For years – even decades – senior executives in the insurance industry have dreamed of fully digitized claims processes. The desire and business case were clearest relative to straightforward property and casualty (P&C) claims. But all types of carriers saw value in streamlining claims workflows. Read more

Quoted Car Insurance Premiums Drop but They’re Rising for the Under-25s 

Quoted car insurance premiums fell 10.5% in the past year but are rising for the under-25s, according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index. Younger drivers experienced a 3% rise in the past three months even though quoted premiums for the market as a whole fell 1.4% in the same period. Read more

Which? Best car insurance companies in the UK 2025 

Which? has surveyed more than 4,700 car insurance customers to discover the best car insurance companies and policies in the UK. Read more

Caravan owners urged to ramp up security 

Caravan owners have been encouraged to install extra security measures to ensure their vehicles are protected from thieves. It is believed that as many as 4,000 caravans are stolen in the UK each year, with few ever being returned to their rightful owners. Read more

How AI and automation are changing our driving experience 

Across the world, summer often signals a surge in travel – especially by car. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, vacation or simply commuting to work, our roads are visibly more congested. It’s just not in markets such as the USA. Globally, reports show that driving volumes have not only returned to pre-pandemic levels but are surpassing them. Read more

UK car sales to US rise following tariff deal 

Sales of British-made cars to the US rose in July following the introduction of the UK-US tariff deal. The 6.8% rise follows three months in a row of falling sales, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Read more

A brighter picture for UK car manufacturing 

The latest SMMT data published yesterday shows UK car output rose for a second month in July, bringing welcome news for a sector facing extraordinarily complex challenges. Manufacturers continue to navigate weak consumer confidence, suppressed markets and volatile trade conditions, all while investing billions in new technologies and plant upgrades, so last month’s growth is testament to their resilience. Read more

Driving Europe’s green transition with zero-emission trucks and buses 

European truck and bus manufacturers are at the forefront of the green transition, steadily expanding their portfolio of cutting-edge zero-emission vehicles. These vehicles are not just prototypes or visions of the future but are increasingly available today, ready to transform road transport across Europe. Read more

What does the future hold for SUV drivers in London? 

According to the campaign group Clean Cities, the number of SUVs in London has grown from 80,000 SUVs in 2002 to over 800,000 SUVs in 2023 – and now there are calls to reduce the number of them on the roads. Read more

The most popular names for cars revealed – and why we give them nicknames in the first place 

New research from Aviva reveals that Brits aren’t just driving their cars; they’re naming them too. From Daisy to Rex, UK car owners are giving their vehicles a nickname, with the reasons ranging from habit and humour to heartfelt attachment. Read more

ABI calls for clear targeted support rules to unlock full potential   

The ABI calls on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide clarity on incoming targeted support rules to ensure firms can successfully provide the service to customers.  Read more

Paul Woods has started a new role as Associate Director of Change Delivery at Markerstudy Group 

Steve Dennis is starting a new position as Chief Commercial Officer at Brown & Brown UK 

CHERY, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, has officially launched in the UK, with a landmark event in London unveiling its full line-up of SUVs for British customers. All CHERY UK models will be offered with the brand’s comprehensive 7-year warranty and aftermarket care, alongside full RAC roadside assistance for the first 3 years. 

TyreSafe, the UK’s only charity dedicated to raising awareness of tyre safety, has teamed up with Cycle Sprog, the UK’s leading family cycling advice website, to help parents and children build essential tyre management from the very first ride. Read more