DVSA aims to improve ‘real-life’ driving with test changes
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has outlined a number of proposed changes to the driving test, which are being made in order to improve road safety. The changes, subject to the outcome of research and consultation feedback, will be introduced in early 2017. The changes have been trialled with more than 4,500 learner drivers and 850 driving instructors in 32 locations across Great Britain. The 6-week consultation starts today and closes on 25 August 2016.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) report that since the end of the paper tax disc, 91.2 per cent of garages have seen an increase in the number of customers bringing cars that have expired MOTs in.
A new qualification for MOT testers and managers is being introduced to help improve the skills of those who work in the MOT testing industry. Each year around 42 million car MOT tests are carried out. While the vast majority are conducted to the correct standard, errors can and have occurred. The new qualification and training regime is intended to improve standards and consistency across the industry.
VW rejects calls for emissions scandal compensation in Europe
Matthias Müller, the boss of Volkswagen has rejected calls to offer the same sort of compensation to offer European customers in the same way as American drivers when the carmaker agreed to a $14.7bn settlement in the US over its emissions scandal.
Only a few days left to comment on apprenticeship proposal
Companies in the tyre and auto-care sector have just one week to make their views known on a proposal which could determine the viability of the industry’s future workforce.
TRA Recycling Day 2016 pursues professional collective approach
Spokespeople from tyre industry, government agencies, external industry bodies gather to demonstrate broad-base discussions on ‘Meeting the Compliance Agenda’, including fire prevention and part-worn tyres The new president of the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), John Bramwell opened proceedings at May’s Ardencote Manor hosted Recycling Day 2016 by setting out the “need for strength” within the […]
DfT reacts to concerns over delayed grant scheme for plug-in motorcycles
The Department for Transport (DfT) has responded to The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) letter which outlined concerns that the promised plug-in motorcycle grant scheme had still not been delivered.
In the USA, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has petitioned the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) for an inconsequential noncompliance decision relating to Bridgestone VSB heavy-duty radial truck tyres.
Markets hate uncertainty. So it was no surprise that the pound fell to its lowest point in 30 years and the FTSE (as well as other European stock markets) took something of a beating in the immediate aftermath of the UK’s 23 June referendum decision to leave the European Union. But these were just the initial reactions. As we went to press (a few days after the Brexit vote), the FTSE has recovered, but not to pre-Brexit levels, while the pound remains at a 30-year low. A rally of this kind could be a sign of a return to stability. It could point to a new, upward trajectory. It could be the calm before the storm. But who knows? Now the British public has spoken, the question is: what does Brexit mean for tyres?
KPMG: new car sales growth adjusted down 1/6 after Brexit
Market analysts at KPMG have revised down full year 2016 new car sales predictions by a sixth from 3 million units to 2.5 million following the UKs decision to leave the EU. The fear is that the automotive industry, of which tyre supply (both OE and aftermarket) are clearly a part will be most seriously and negatively affected by Brexit. John Leech, head of automotive at KPMG UK, certainly suggested as much: “The British public has voted to leave the EU. As recent surveys showed, the automotive industry is anticipated to be one of the sectors most impacted by the vote to Leave the EU.
The UK electorate has voted to leave the European union in a decision that is sending shockwaves through financial markets. It was only the third referendum in British history (two of which have related to the UK’s role in Europe).
Research highlights differing attitudes to whiplash claims
Online YouGov research commissioned by www.Claims.co.uk has revealed some surprising attitudes to whiplash claims amongst the public, with Brits over 15 times more likely to view claims as “honest” if they know someone who has made a claim. The 2015 autumn statement outlined a government consultation on ending the right to compensation for minor whiplash […]
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has written to Andrew Jones MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Transport, raising their concerns that government ministers are drawing up plans to introduce new ‘green petrol’, in a move which will push up costs for UK fuel retailers and may force some out of business.
NMDA asks ‘what happened to promised grant for plug-in motorcycles?’
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has written to Andrew Jones MP, parliamentary undersecretary of State for Transport, raising their concerns that the promised plug-in motorcycle grant scheme has still not been delivered.
The Government is considering reversing a cut in diesel duty in an effort to address air quality concerns. Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin told the London Evening Standard that the former Labour chancellor Gordon Brown had made a mistake when he cut diesel duty by 3p in his 2001 budget. McLoughlin said: “It is something the chancellor will need to look at in due course.”
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