Daily Motor News – Thursday 23 July 2026 

Waymo vehicles traveled about 50 million miles in driverless operation over the study period, compared with about 222 billion miles by human drivers over the same period and in the same locations. Overall, Waymo’s crash involvement rate was 68% lower than that of human drivers. Read more

Waymo’s driverless cars crash less often than people 

US: Waymo’s driverless cars are involved in fewer crashes than human drivers, but the federal system for monitoring automated vehicles needs improvement, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Read more

Why the UK is dithering over what to do about e-scooters 

When I step out of Southampton Central railway station, it takes me just seconds to spot an e-scooter. In this city, these devices have become a normal part of the transport ecosystem, along with e-bikes. Read more

Aiding the investigation 

Understanding how toxicological findings play a role in your case can assist in having an effective case approach. Forensic toxicologist experts can offer clarity and insights into the relevance of the toxicological findings on issues such as impairment, the type of drug found, and the type of effect that drug can have on the body. Read more

HF acquires Ennis, Matrix & Cardinal in Dublin 

HF are expanding in Dublin with the acquisition of Ennis & Associates LLP (Ennis), Matrix Claims Services Ltd (Matrix) and Cardinal Claims Services Ltd (Cardinal). The new, combined HF business in Ireland will be led by Matrix CEO Enda Cunningham who has invested in the expanded business alongside several senior colleagues. Read more

Old policies for new technology: is your AI insurable? 

Businesses are deploying generative AI tools, large language models (“LLMs”) and, increasingly, “agentic” systems across customer service, investment analysis and other many core functions. However, their insurance programmes have not kept pace — and this has widened the gap between the liabilities that organisations are assuming and the coverage they believe they hold. Read more

New car registrations: +5.7% in H1 2026; battery-electric 20.7% market share 

New EU car registrations rose by 5.7% year-to-date, with a strong performance in June contributing to a positive first half of 2026. This came against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical headwinds weighing on the outlook. Read more

Xpeng introduces L03 with next-generation AI cockpit and ADAS 

Xpeng’s L03 has become the first vehicle to launch simultaneously across 65 markets spanning Europe and China. Positioned as a next-gen AI SUV coupe, the L03 combines coupe-SUV styling, a premium interior, practicality and driver-assistance technology aimed at international markets. Read more

Warranty Solutions Group tops £30m in paid out warranty claims as repair costs spiral 

Warranty Solutions Group has reached a major milestone by passing more than £30m paid out in approved warranty claims since launching in 2021. The business (WSG) reached the milestone in June 2026, having paid £30,921,291, excluding VAT, across 57,339 approved claims. Read more

Aston Martin secures £550m loan deal 

Aston Martin has secured £550m in loans as it attempts to boost its finances. The luxury car maker has been struggling in recent years and in March announced it would cut about 600 jobs, as last year’s net losses leapt by a little over 50% to £493.2m. Read more

Carpenters Group names Alder Hey charity partner 

Carpenters Group has named Alder Hey Children’s Charity as its Charity of the Year following a company-wide vote involving colleagues across the business. Read more

Arnold Clark adds damage history data to Cap HPI partnership 

Arnold Clark is integrating Solera Cap HPI damage history data into its retail and remarketing operations as part of a renewed three-year partnership. It says it will help it continue to give confidence to its customers, improve efficiency and strengthen due diligence for its used car sales. Read more

Cornerstone launches leadership programme 

Cornerstone Technologies has partnered with automotive management specialist Acodi to launch two executive development programmes aimed at strengthening leadership skills across the UK bodyshop sector. Read more

Eurorepar Car Service targets network growth 

Eurorepar Car Service (ERCS) has unveiled plans to expand its UK network to 1,000 member garages by 2031, supported by a nationwide recruitment drive and increased business support for independent workshops. Read more

Will your job be replaced by AI? Here are the roles most affected 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies are making vast claims about the ability of their tools to replace human labour. Some jobs will be automated, others will be “augmented”. The bosses of the world’s biggest companies are diverting vast sums into these tools, partly with the knowledge that they could save money on headcount. Read more

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has imposed a financial penalty of £4,165,000 on HDI Global SE in connection with the submission of incorrect data to the PRA. Read more

Tom Johnson has joined Zeekr Europe as Chief Commercial Officer for Zeekr UK. 

Fix Auto UK has appointed its highly respected Regional Business Manager Steve Lawrence to the newly created role of Head of Service Delivery with immediate effect. 

Emily Walmsley has joined Weightmans as Motor Recoveries Team Manager.