Daily Motor News – Wednesday 19 February 2025

ILC ARTICLE

19th February 2025

The Unite Union’s National Officer for the Automotive Sector Des Quinn has warned that thousands of automotive jobs are being put at risk by the ZEV Mandate. He said: “The UK’s automotive industry is at a crucial juncture. Thousands of jobs depend on the government’s automotive vision and the support it will put in place to make sure the current low volume crisis does not permanently shrink the industry. Labour’s long-awaited Industrial Strategy must deliver a route through the seismic shifts impacting the sector that provides a just transition for the country’s auto workers.” Full story

World leaders gather to reduce road deaths, boost road safety

Leaders, ministers and officials from over 100 countries are set to advance commitments and actions to strengthen road safety worldwide at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety that will be hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco and the World Health Organization (WHO] in Marrakech this week.

The aim is to halve global road deaths by 2030 as set out in the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full story

NBRA challenge to non-payment of repairers by EDAM administrators

It has been reported that at least 93 bodyshops are unlikely to receive any payouts on the money owing since EDAM went into administration. The NBRA suggests the number of bodyshops who will not get paid is even higher than the number reported, but is working to challenge to the non-payment. Full story

Less than 1% of accidents caused by technical defects confirms new study

Most fatal accidents (over 99%) are due to human behaviour and external factors, while less than one per cent are caused by technical defects, with tyre issues being the most frequent technical defect. This is according to a recent studyby the German research institute FKA. Full story

Mobile phone dangers highlighted in road safety campaign

A Hard-hitting campaign has been launched to help tackle the growing problem of drivers using their mobile phone behind the wheel. The campaign, launched by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, highlights the serious consequences of using a phone whilst driving with the strapline ‘one second of distraction, a lifetime of regret’. Full story

Fireman Access, an exclusive innovation by Renault Group, is now available with a free licence

Renault Group has decided to make the Fireman Access patents freely available to the entire automotive industry. Car manufacturers and parts suppliers can now obtain a free licence for this innovation through the open collaborative platform at www.renault.fr/universalpatent. In return, as part of this collaborative principle, licensees agree that any upgrades will be made available to other members of the community. Full story

Toyota develops new fuel cell system, contributing towards a future hydrogen society

Toyota has announced development of a third generation fuel cell (FC) system as part of its continuing efforts towards realising a hydrogen society. The all-new system is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector, offering the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Full story

Supercars in the UK hit a new record of over 23,300

The number of supercars on UK roads has reached a record of over 23,000. Despite rising taxes and economic headwinds, demand for supercars remains strong, with many ultra-high-net-worth individuals viewing them as an alternative asset class. Full story

Britain’s bus market soars to 16-year high and remains Europe’s biggest zero emission buyer

The UK’s new bus, coach and minibus market has strengthened its recovery, recording a second consecutive year of growth and the best annual performance since 2008, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A 70.1% increase in registrations saw 8,390 buses join Britain’s roads in 2024. Full story

Grosvenor shifts proposition to meet future fleet needs

Grosvenor Leasing has shifted its strategic direction, accompanied by a major rebrand, to meet the future needs of businesses with vehicle fleets. The fleet specialist is repositioning to reflect its expanding portfolio of fleet funding and management solutions aimed at more agile workforces, offering greater choice as to how employees get from A to B. Full story

Inspire the nation on EVs, EV100 members tell the UK Government

BT, Openreach, Mitie, OVO, Zenith and Grundfos are among the companies asking the UK Government to ramp up its championing of electric vehicles (EVs) – and launch a public campaign to galvanise more people around the country’s shift into a clean transport future. Full story

Online car buying website Carwow has appointed Jeremiah Crider as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Markerstudy Group donated over £300,000 to charities and good causes in 2024, resulting in its most successful year to date. Among the charities to benefit was Macmillan Cancer Support, Markerstudy’s charity of choice for 2024, which received more than £50,000 of donations.

Car rental technology platform Finalrentals has closed a six-figure Pre-Series A funding round.