Daily Motor News – Wednesday 02 September 2026 

“Automotive safety across Chinese vehicles has evolved dramatically since Euro NCAP tested its first Chinese-manufactured car, in 2010. There is still some way to go, but today’s results clearly demonstrate that Chinese carmakers are still working hard to match the high standards expected by European consumers.” Dr. Aled Williams, Programme Director Euro NCAP. Read more

Tokio Marine HCC International acquires Direct Commercial 

Tokio Marine HCC International, a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies based in Houston, Texas, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Direct Commercial Limited (DCL), a specialist UK commercial motor managing general agent with more than two decades’ experience in fleet insurance underwriting, administration and claims services. Read more 

Open Expands Motor Insurer Access with Applied Rating Hub Integration 

Applied Systems Europe is proud to announce that the insurance technology and broking platform, Open, has integrated with Applied Rating Hub to access multiple personal lines motor insurers through a single connection. The integration connects SuperSaveClub Insurance, the AI-enabled digital motor broker recently launched by MoneySuperMarket. Read more 

Global Reinsurance Sector View 2026: Reinsurers Face Balancing Act 

S&P Global Ratings maintains a stable view of the global reinsurance sector. Reinsurers have entered the 2026 hurricane season from a position of strength, supported by record-high capital adequacy and strong year-to-date operating performance. Even so, near-term headwinds are emerging. Read more

Solvency II brings new pressures 

Failures and near-failures in the global insurance market during 2008 have raised questions about international regulatory standards and in Europe have placed greater focus on the proposed Solvency II regime. As a result, Guernsey has updated its solvency framework. Read more

Euro NCAP tests show car makers continue to drive for safety 

Under the latest 2026 assessment protocols, exhaustive on-road evaluation and extensive crash testing carried out by Euro NCAP, the safety performance results are now available for four new cars. Read more

Xpeng takes direct UK control to step up dealer investment 

Xpeng is taking direct control of its UK business through a new national sales company in a move intended to increase investment in its dealer network, brand development and customer experience. Read more

Range Rover launches first fully electric model 

Range Rover has unveiled its first fully electric model, after a year‑long delay to its planned launch. The Range Rover Electric, to be built in Solihull, marks a major shift in its electrification programme, backed by large‑scale upgrades across its West Midlands sites. Read more

Software-defined vehicles reach the mainstream 

The rise of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) is reshaping how vehicles are designed, updated, monetised, and experienced by customers. It’s a key factor in the automotive industry entering a decisive phase of transformation, where the competitive edge is increasingly shifting from mechanical engineering alone to software capability, connectivity, and data-driven services. Read more

FCA accused of putting lenders before drivers with £9.1bn motor finance compensation scheme 

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been accused of putting lenders ahead of drivers with its proposed £9.1bn motor finance compensation scheme. Read more

Insurance has a Gen Z phone problem  

A number of City of London law firms have just started putting their newest recruits through mandatory training on something that would once have needed no explanation: how to speak to a client down the phone, and how to hold a conversation face-to-face rather than over email or Teams. Read more 

Carpenters Group has opened its new Cardiff office, making it eight locations across the UK for the business. 

Kevin McDougall has been appointed as Strategic Account Manager at Aviva. 

Natalie Lowe has started a new role as National Account Manager at Copart UK Ltd. 

Oliver Sworn has started a new role as Claims Case Manager at Aviva. 

Sohaib Hamran Saeed has started a new role as Head of Regional Business Cary UK at National Windscreens. 

George Woods has been promoted to Group Customer Experience and Transformation Director at Exclusive Law Group.