Daily Motor News – Wednesday 29 April 2026 

‘Although conventional bicycles are still used more frequently than e-bikes, the popularity of e-bikes is growing rapidly across Europe. The Netherlands leads in e-bike use, followed by countries such as Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. This growth is also reflected in sales figures: in 2020, one in every five bicycles sold in the EU was an e-bike, and by 2023 EU e‑bike sales exceeded 5 million units, and projections suggest that by 2030 this could rise to one in two.’ Read more

Carpenters Group named ILC motor headline partner 

Carpenters Group has been announced as Headline Partner for ILC’s Motor sector, marking a significant expansion of a relationship that has been in place since ILC was founded in 2010. The new agreement will see Carpenters Group continue as a leading ILC Corporate Partner, while also taking on Headline Sponsorship of two of the sector’s flagship events – the ILC Motor Claims Networking Lunch and the ILC Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC). Read more

The Fairer Finance Trust in Insurance Index – Spring 2026 

Trust has risen slightly in car and travel insurance while remaining stable in pet and home insurance. Claim satisfaction has improved significantly across all four sectors. Read more

E‑bike safety in Europe: Trends, risks and solutions 

Cycling is widely recognised for its environmental benefits and its positive impact on individual health. In recent years, electric bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, have become an increasingly popular alternative to conventional bicycles. Two main types can be distinguished: the regular pedelec, which provides pedal assistance up to 25 km/h, and the speed pedelec, which provides pedal assistance up to 45 km/h. Read more

RAC Connected introduces real‑time crash intelligence with CalAmp CrashBoxx 

RAC Connected has expanded its connected fleet safety capabilities with the introduction of CalAmp CrashBoxx, an advanced AI‑driven crash intelligence solution that enables real‑time accident detection, event reconstruction, and predictive damage assessment for commercial fleets. Read more

Does holding a mobile phone when driving constitute using it? 

In the case of R (on the application of Olins) v Lavender Hill Magistrates Court, the High Court gave useful guidance as to the criminal law regarding use of a mobile phone under s.41D Road Traffic Act 1988. The claimant sought judicial review of his conviction in the Magistrates Court. Read more

Consumer Legal Association launched to champion £5.5bn claimant industry 

The Consumer Legal Association (CLA) launched on 28 April 2026 to promote the positive impact of the £5.5bn-plus claimant legal industry on the lives of consumers, as well as championing the careers of the tens of thousands of people it employs. Read more

Allianz UK: Motor & Building Contractor Networks Awards 

At Allianz UK, the relationships that it has with its Supply Chain are key to how it does business. Its Claims Suppliers, and in particular, its Motor and Building Contractor Networks are speaking to customers every day, working on their vehicles and in their homes, building relationships with its customers and bringing to life the Allianz values. Read more

Flying cars and 5-minute charges: China’s EV industry sees opportunity in Iran crisis 

As the US-Iran war has sent the world scrambling for fuel, China is positioned to benefit from its rapid shift into electric vehicles. The BBC’s Asia business correspondent Suranjana Tewari attended the Beijing Auto Show, where local companies exhibited their EV advancements, from autonomous systems to flying cars. Read more

Auto China 2026: What does the pace of change in China mean for the UK car market? 

Join Thatcham Research’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Hewett and SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes at the Auto China show 2026, as they discuss the rapid growth of Chinese brands in the UK, the speed at which new vehicles are being developed and updated, and what that pace of change means for electrification, design choices and total cost of ownership. Read more

National Windscreens unveils state of the art distribution centre 

Charles Pugh Glass and National Windscreens, part of the Cary Group in the UK, have officially opened a new state-of-the-art Distribution Centre in Bolsover, marking a major investment designed to enhance customer service, support future growth, and deliver a greater product portfolio across the UK. Read more

The Hidden Forces Driving the cost of plastic parts in collision repair 

In 2026, the pressure is no longer abstract. Consumers feel it every time they pull up to the pump. Fuel prices are sitting at record highs. Airlines are raising fares while warning of fuel shortages. Across global markets, energy has once again become one of the most dominant forces shaping cost. Read more

The experimental phase of sustainable mobility is over 

The latest Sustainability Report from Europcar Mobility Group UK has found that organisations are now more familiar and more confident with electric vehicles (EVs), increasingly recognising how they can fit within their business operations. As well as adding more electric cars and vans to their fleets, 2025 saw businesses focus on optimising how these vehicles are deployed, charged and managed on a day-to-day basis to reduce downtime and optimise efficiency. Read more

Over a quarter of people would support a lower legal driving age, new research finds 

Go.Compare car insurance has revealed that more than a quarter of people (28%) would support lowering the legal driving age. The findings from the research, which asked 2,000 people about their thoughts on the legal age of driving, highlight that there is a growing conversation around how and when young people should begin learning to drive, and whether the current system is fit for purpose. It follows the news that more companies are starting to offer driving courses for under-17s. Read more 

Zurich UK is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark McCausland as its new Chief Operating Officer. 

Natalie Horton has been appointed as Head of Motor Claims Operations at The AA. 

vMobility Group has appointed Clive Forsythe as Managing Director of its new fleet and b2b arm. 

The FCA is inviting ESG rating providers to join a pilot to inform future regulatory reporting once the regime is live. The aim is to avoid unnecessary reporting burden for firms over time. Read more