Daily Motor News – Thursday 6 February 2025

ILC ARTICLE

6th February 2025

Jamie Hamilton, Head of Electric Vehicles at Deloitte, said: “Deloitte research shows a strong majority (80%) of UK consumers who intend to purchase an electric vehicle plan to charge their vehicle at home, compared to other options such as public charging stations (10%) or at work (11%). While convenient for some, this highlights a significant barrier to EV adoption for those without a driveway. A robust and reliable public charging network is essential to give all drivers the confidence to make the switch.” Full story

Which? reveals the fastest (and slowest) car insurers for dealing with claims

Some car insurers are streets ahead of competitors when it comes to the speed of handling claims, Which? research finds, as the consumer champion reveals the fastest and slowest firms. While LV and NFU Mutual received five stars from claimants, around a third of the 19 firms rated (six) were awarded just two stars out of five. Full story

Breaking driving law set to be upgraded to ‘immediate ban’ for drivers

Drivers could face an immediate driving licence ban under new proposals. The Road Traffic Unlicensed Drivers Bill, presented by Labour Party government MP Will Stone for Swindon North, wants to make driving without a valid licence automatically count as careless driving under the Road Safety Act 1988. Full story

Technical research aims to inform future policy on the construction of e-scooters

The findings of wide-ranging research into e-scooter construction standards, designed to help inform potential future Government policy, have been published. Among the key recommendations of the research are that e-scooters should be fitted with a system that limits their maximum speed ‘which cannot be easily defeated’. Full story

Safest summer on Welsh roads, new statistics show

The latest police recorded collision stats, covering July – September 2024, show collisions on Welsh roads at their lowest level for that quarter since records began, including during the pandemic. The figures show there were around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on roads with 20mph and 30mph road speed limits in the 12-month period after the introduction of the 20mph default speed limit, compared to the same period a year before. Full story

2024 insurance market unveiled: The shifts, strategies, and surprises you need to know

The UK general insurance market in 2024 was nothing short of eventful rising, falling, reshuffling, and recalibrating in ways that kept insurers, brokers, and analysts alike on their toes. Consumer Intelligence has recapped what happened in 2024—and why those in the know already have an eye on what’s next. Full story

Tesla offers insurance discounts to use full self-driving

Tesla has begun offering insurance discounts to drivers who regularly engage the company’s “Full-Self Driving (Supervised)” (FSD) driver assistance feature. The discounts are currently offered only in Texas and Arizona. Tesla insurance customers can now qualify for a discount of up to 10% if they use the company’s FSD system. Full story

Challenging start to the year for UK automotive

David Borland, EY UK & Ireland Automotive Leader, has commented on SMMT figures revealing new car registrations were down 2.5% in January, saying the ongoing consultation around phasing out petrol and diesel cars and support for the zero emission transition will be pivotal.

Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and Head of Electric Vehicles at Deloitte, added, “Without clearer industry support, a fully electric future risks stalling on the road.” Full story

Light commercial vehicle market declines in January

Britain’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell by 20.5% in the first month of 2025 with 19,050 vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A second consecutive monthly decline follows robust growth in 2024, and is set against a tough economic backdrop and weakened business confidence to invest. Full story

Nissan Looking for New Partner as Honda Deal Set to Collapse

Nissan is seeking a new partner as it prepares to end negotiations to form a joint holding company with Honda, people familiar with the matter said. Nissan and Honda confirmed on Wednesday that they’re still discussing various options, including the possibility of ending deal talks. Full story

Labour’s April car tax hike of up to £620 for EVs will be another stranglehold on demand, motor sector bosses warn

Massive tax hikes for electric vehicles introduced by Labour on 1 April will further stall demand for battery cars in Britain and add another major hurdle for manufacturers to meet binding green sales thresholds. From 1 April, EV owners will be forced to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for the first time under measures implemented by minsters to make the car tax system ‘fairer’. Full story

GM acquires full ownership of Cruise

General Motors has completed its previously announced acquisition of GM Cruise Holdings LLC following the approval of GM’s merger offer by the Cruise Board of Directors. Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, Cruise going forward will work collaboratively on autonomous vehicle technology and advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles. Full story

Retail prices stable as used car market sees record start to 2025

According to the latest data from Auto Trader, the used car market has begun the new year on firm footing despite concerns around the economy, with cars selling at a record pace, engagement on Auto Trader accelerating to seasonal highs, and retail prices continuing to stabilise. Full story

Repairify launches revolutionary Digital Technician Apprenticeship Programme in conjunction with QA

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, Repairify is announcing the launch of the industry’s first bespoke Digital Technician Apprenticeship Programme in conjunction with world-class training provider QA, helping to address the acute skills shortage within the sector. Full story

Revive!’s top car repairs in January

The Revive! network got off to a hot start in January, with its remote technicians handling a range of jobs including prestige vehicles such as a Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne GTS an Jaguar F-Pace. Full story

LKQ Europe supports EU’s Mobility Transition Pathway with landmark technician training pledge

As part of the Mobility Transition Pathway, LKQ Europe has committed to an ambitious training target to support the green and digital transformation of the automotive sector. Through the dedicated LKQ Academy training division, the company will upskill 24,000 technicians to safely maintain and repair hybrid and electric vehicles across 11 countries by 2028. Full story

First three clients achieve new BSI Kitemark for Service Excellence

Three companies from the aviation, automotive and water storage sectors, have been recognized by BSI for steps taken to improve customer service and complaint management, including where AI is being used. London Luton Airport, Balmoral Tanks and Lex Autolease have become the first to achieve certification to BSI’s Kitemark™ for Service Excellence, which launched a year ago. Full story

TyreSafe launches ‘Love Your Tyres’ campaign

TyreSafe, the UK’s road safety charity dedicated to raising awareness of tyre safety, is kicking off its February ‘Love Your Tyres’ campaign, a crucial reminder to all road users to prioritise regular tyre checks. It encourages drivers to ‘ACT’ on tyre safety, focusing on three simple yet vital areas: Air Pressure; Condition; and Tread. Full story

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has announced that Adam Harper will take on the role of Executive Director, Strategy, Advocacy & Professional Standards, and Holly Porter will take on the role of Executive Director, Markets & Opportunities.