Daily Motor News – Thursday 30 April 2026 

Mental health conditions are a major but often underestimated economic risk. Their impact is felt long before it shows up in health systems or public budgets. In some countries, around one in three working-age adults are projected to be living with mental health conditions by 2030, with overall productivity impacts approaching 5% of GDP. Read more

Crime and Policing Act 2026 strengthens UK vehicle security, more industry collaboration needed to combat criminal gangs, says Thatcham Research 

Thatcham Research warmly welcomes the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which has received Royal Assent and introduces landmark new offences targeting the possession and supply of electronic devices used in vehicle theft. The new legislation will help tackle thefts by organised gangs, which account for most vehicle thefts in the UK, though Thatcham Research calls for an even broader industry-wide approach to tackle criminal networks. Read more

BYD selects bolttech as strategic partner for embedded insurance 

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has appointed bolttech, the global insurtech, as their preferred strategic partner for embedded insurance in their primary European markets. The partnership has already launched in the United Kingdom, and will be made available in Italy, France, Germany and Spain this year. Read more

Zurich confirms outstanding financial strength and capitalization 

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) has published its Financial Condition Report 2025, reaffirming the strong financial position and robust balance sheet of the Group. Read more

Ageas seals full ownership of AG Insurance and bancassurance partnership between AG and BNP Paribas Fortis renewed 

Ageas has announced the completion of the acquisition of the 25% shareholding in AG Insurance SA/NV previously held by BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV. With this transaction, Ageas now holds full ownership of its Belgian, market-leading insurance subsidiary. Read more

Driver hit with £7,500 deer strike bill as AA issues warning 

Drivers are being urged to take extra care on rural roads in May, with collisions involving deer peaking in the month. AA Accident Assist reports that, on average, 90 members are helped a month due to deer strikes, but this increases by as much as 50% in May when compared to other months. Read more

New commercial vehicle registrations: vans +2.3%, trucks +10.7%, buses +24.5% in Q1 2026 

The European commercial vehicle market started 2026 on a positive note, with performance varying across segments. While growth in the van and truck segments reflects a recovery from a low base, the bus segment stands out with robust momentum at the start of the year. Meanwhile, the overall share of electrically-chargeable vehicles is rising, but progress remains too slow, with market uptake still constrained by insufficient enabling conditions. Read more

How to stay compliant with aftermarket light products: vulnerable road user signs, decorative lights, and warning beacons  

Many drivers fit aftermarket devices to their vehicles, often with the best intentions – particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. But your vehicle must be compliant, otherwise you could face enforcement action. Read more

Trump’s Transportation Department Bans Sale and Import of Deadly, Defective Chinese Air Bag Inflators 

US: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it is banning defective Chinese air bag inflators that have killed at least 10 people and caused serious injuries to two others in a dozen crashes. Read more

Oil price soars to $119 after reports of ‘extended’ Iran blockade 

Oil prices have soared following reports that the US is preparing for an ‘extended’ blockade of Iran. Brent crude rose to $119 (£88) a barrel on Wednesday afternoon, the highest price so far this month and a rise of nearly 7% in one day. Read more

Vertu Motors signs new data partnership to advance digital strategy 

Solera, the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management, today announces that Vertu Motors plc, one of the UK’s largest motor retailers, has entered a new data partnership to deepen digital integration across its dealership network. Read more

European Road Safety Charter opens applications for the 2026 Excellence in Road Safety Awards 

The European Road Safety Charter, the EU’s largest civil society platform dedicated to improving road safety and led by the European Commission, has officially opened applications for the 2026 Excellence in Road Safety Awards. The awards honour organisations and individuals across Europe whose initiatives are delivering measurable, real-world impact in making roads safer. Read more

Uber Expands into Travel with Hotel Bookings and New In-App Features 

Uber Technologies Inc the world’s leading mobility and delivery platform, announced a new set of products and features at its annual GO–GET product event, including hotel bookings and new travel tools. Read more

Allianz UK has announced a number of changes to its Commercial senior leadership team – designed to support its strategic focus on becoming the easiest commercial insurer to do business with.  Read more

ITAS – International Technical Automotive Systems has announced that Mazda Motor Europe has renewed the contract for it to manage the Mazda Body and Paint Program and technical training, extending until 2029. 

Waymo has been recognized with two The Webby Awards wins for its Safety Impact Data Hub: AI – Best Responsible AI Implementation and AI – Travel, Transportation & Hospitality. Read more

Used car supermarket Hilton Garage Ltd has agreed an exclusive remarketing deal with BCA for the next three years. Hilton Garage Ltd will offer around 4,500 vehicles annually via the BCA dealer and budget sales programmes, featuring a wide range of quality part-exchange cars. Read more