Daily Motor News – Thursday 03 April 2025 

Insurance premium drops slow in 2025 

Motor and home insurance premiums are continuing to fall into 2025, but new data from Pearson Ham Group’s General Insurance Price Index suggests the rate of decline is losing pace – and market trends are beginning to diverge across customer segments and regions. Read more

16 uninsured vehicles seized by Police Scotland to mark launch of Operation Scalis 

A 2-day intensive operation has seen 16 uninsured vehicles taken off the road across Dundee and Arbroath. 

On 31 March and 1 April, Police Scotland and MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) worked together to identify and seize uninsured vehicles across Dundee and surrounding areas, reminding drivers it is their responsibility to ensure appropriate motor insurance is in place. Read more

Help! My Vehicle was Stolen – An INSHUR Success Story 

It’s the middle of the night, and a stranger targets your house to steal your vehicle. It’s every driver’s worst nightmare – how do you react? One customer knew immediately – call INSHUR. 

Following a break-in to his house, a customer had their 2019 E Class Mercedes vehicle stolen along with his daughter’s car. He informed the Police, who unfortunately lacked the capacity to investigate. INSHUR jumped into action. Read more

Good Practice of the Month – April 2025 awarded to the Warmińsko-Mazurska Police (Poland) for increasing road safety using interactive tools 

This spotlight series is dedicated to showcasing the best practices shared by ERSC members. Each month, we highlight a different member’s innovative road safety initiative. By presenting these success stories, we aim to create a collaborative environment where others can recognise, celebrate, and adopt lessons learned and best practices.   Read more

SMMT statement on US trade tariffs 

The announced imposition of a 10% tariff on all UK products exported to the US, whilst less than other major economies, is another deeply disappointing and potentially damaging measure.  Read more

Commission proposes flexibility to help manufacturers comply with 2025 CO2 emission targets for new cars and vans 

The European Commission proposed a targeted amendment to the Regulation setting CO₂ emission performance standards for new cars and vans. The amendment introduces a flexibility measure with their CO₂ targets between 2025 and 2027. Read more

CO2 standards amendment: Short-term gains must align with technology-neutral ambition 

CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, acknowledges the European Commission’s latest amendment to the CO2 standards for cars and vans. While the introduction of an averaging mechanism for emissions reduction is a positive step, CLEPA emphasises that short-term measures must be part of a broader technology-neutral ambition. A market-aligned and feasible transition requires diverse technological solutions. Read more

EV Alert introduced to support repair safety 

Thatcham Research has launched EV Alert, a new digital tool designed to support safe and efficient Electric Vehicle (EV) repairs by addressing one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: safely handling high-voltage (HV) components. Read more

Navigating the challenges of motor body repair in the EV era 

As we move into the electric vehicle (EV) era, the motor body repair industry is at a crossroads.  

At Motofix, we’ve been adapting to this shift for some time, but the truth is, it’s bringing challenges that force us to rethink everything. It’s not just about learning new techniques but overhauling how we operate, train, and even compete. Read more

Spring statement 2025: what are the challenges for the Auto Repair Sector? 

As the dawn of the new Spring Budget looms, significant changes aimed at balancing the UK’s public finances bring with them adjustments to tax thresholds and contributions. In an industry that has already faced threats what impacts will this have on the automotive repair sector? Brian Lennon explains the threats and what Castle Coachworks (Northampton) Ltd are doing to mediate them. Read more

Motors officially relaunches Cazoo as its new flagship used car marketplace 

Cazoo is to become the new flagship brand in the Motors network after the firm announced a relaunch of the used car marketplace. 

The group has launched an all-new website for the Cazoo platform with bosses determined to transform the brand into a market leader. Read more

Recruiting: where are all the women? 

Episode seven of the new Auto Trader podcast Women in the driving seat, hosted by Editorial Director, divorced mum of two and award-winning motoring journalist Erin Baker is released today. The series aims to rip up the rule book on the female-empowerment narrative by sharing personal as well as professional experiences, examining the space where both collide, and the challenges, fears and successes happen.  Read more

Baroness Kay Swinburne has become the new independent Chair of the ABI. 

Fix Auto UK has continued its network expansion with the addition of two new franchise partners: Fix Auto Shrewsbury and Fix Auto Worthing.  

Scott Smith has started a new position as Business Development Manager at Autoflow. 

The Vauxhall Plant in Luton has been bought by a property group Goodman who will invest £400m regenerating the site into a ‘high-quality commercial and industrial park’. 

AXA has completed the acquisition of Gruppo Nobis – a predominantly retail P&C insurance company in Italy benefiting from a well-diversified distribution network, that includes multi-tied agents and car dealer partnerships.