Daily Motor News – Monday 8 September 2025 

Calls for action on road maintenance take centre stage, with the RAC and Road Surface Treatments Association urging the Government to mandate preventative training for local councils. The move aims to combat the persistent rise in pothole-related issues across the UK. 

Elsewhere, global re/insurance leaders gathering in Monte Carlo are being encouraged to adopt a holistic approach to resilience amid an increasingly complex risk landscape, with AI and volatility high on the agenda. 

In automotive, cyber-security was thrust into the spotlight following a major attack on Jaguar Land Rover, which disrupted production and raised concerns within the supply chain. Meanwhile, Lotus has confirmed significant job cuts, placing future UK operations under scrutiny. 

On a more positive note, consumer car finance volumes showed modest growth in July, while BYD UK has joined the Motor Industry Code of Practice as the ‘75’ plate rollout continues. 

RAC and RSTA call on Government to mandate preventative road maintenance training 

The RAC and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) have today written to the Government, calling for them to introduce mandatory training for councils who carry out little or no maintenance to prevent potholes forming. Read more

Holistic approach needed to maintain resilience in a complex risk landscape 

As the global re/insurance industry gathers in Monte Carlo for the annual Rendez-Vous de September, Swiss Re highlights the key themes set to shape this year’s renewals discussions. The focus will be on how today’s world of rapid change and persistent uncertainty impacts the re/insurance market, creates volatility and challenges the assessment of risks, along with the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. Read more

AND-E and KOcycle partnership prevents over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions 

AND-E has teamed up with KOcycle to reduce environmental impact by responsibly managing retired IT equipment across its offices in the UK, France, and Germany.  Read more

Saudi Arabia: Aggressive underwriting could plunge motor branch into losses of US$267m this year 

Middle East: Saudi Arabia’s motor insurance sector is facing potential losses of up to SAR1bn ($266.5m) this year, according to a new report by Badri Management Consultancy, an international actuarial and risk advisory firm. Read more

Consumer car finance new business volumes grew by 1% in July 2025 

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes grew in July 2025 by 1% compared with the same month in 2024. The corresponding value of new business grew by 4% over the same period. In the seven months to July 2025, new business volumes were also 1% higher than in the same period in 2024. Read more

TMO registers BYD UK in New Car Code portfolio 

The Motor Ombudsman is pleased to welcome BYD UK to its Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars. The UK’s fastest-growing car brand joins the expanding portfolio of vehicle manufacturers accredited to the long-established Code, as the country sees the arrival of the new ’75’ registration. Read more

What happens next after Lotus job cuts announcement? 

Sports car manufacturer Lotus recently announced it would cut more than a third of its workforce at its UK headquarters in Norfolk, throwing the factory’s future into further doubt following months of speculation. Read more

Supplier’s fear over Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack 

The managing director of a car parts supplier has described the cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) as a worrying development for their business. The attack at the weekend forced JLR to take vital IT systems offline, which has affected car sales and production. Factory staff were instructed to stay home until at least Tuesday as the company continues to resolve the disruption. Read more

Tesla proposes $1tn award for Musk if he hits targets 

Tesla boss Elon Musk will receive a pay package worth over $1tn (£740bn) if he hits a list of ambitious targets over the next decade, the board of the electric car firm has proposed. Read more

Unions warn government not to water down workers’ rights bill 

The leader of the UK’s biggest trade union has warned it would be a “huge mistake” for the government to water down its Employment Rights Bill, which is due to become law in the next few weeks. Read more

International Day of Charity 2025 

At Carpenters Group, giving back is part of who we are. Whether it’s supporting local communities or championing causes close to our hearts, we believe in doing our bit and doing it well. Read more

BSI and Optel partner to help organizations build resilient supply chains 

With just four months to go until the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into force, BSI, the business improvement and standards company and Optel have partnered to help organizations navigate the challenge of complex supply chains, reduce deforestation risks, and meet regulatory requirements, ensuring sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. Read more

Kennedys is excited to announce 76 new senior appointments as part of this year’s promotions. Across its global offices, the business has elevated 31 senior associates to legal director known as ‘of counsel’ or ‘special counsel’ in some jurisdictions, whilst 45 lawyers were promoted to senior associates. Read more

Pete Brookes has been appointed as Sales Director at LKQ Bodyshop. Pete brings more than a decade of leadership experience at LKQ Euro Car Parts Ltd. Chris O’Rourke continues to lead the collision repair business. 

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the appointment of Rose Butterworth as Chief Financial Officer, effective from 13th October 2025. Appointed by Nick Connor, CEO, Rose brings vast experience both from within and outside automotive. Read more

eBay has announced the return of its Van Conversion of the Year Awards, celebrating the best Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) conversions in the UK. For the third year running eBay is seeking the best fit-outs across a range of categories for the chance to win £10,000 in cash. Read more

Revive! has announced that Managing Director, Terry Mullen has made the shortlist for the first ever MotorTrader: Women in the Motor Industry Awards in not one but two highly coveted categories. Terry has been shortlisted for the Supplier Inspirational Leader of the Year Award and the Supplier Woman of the Year Award. Read more