This coming Sunday, twenty kilometres of road will be closed to traffic in London; that’s the equivalent of 200 football pitches in length. Here’s what you need to know about the city’s largest car-free day yet…

Making London Car Free…For A Day

Car Free Day will see large swatches of roads closed to vehicular traffic in London. The equivalent length of 200 football pitches, closures will mainly be in the city centre; around London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the City of London. In place of cars, cycling and walking will be encouraged, but some bus services will still be in operation. Thus far, 18 boroughs in the city have pledged to close roads. They’ll be turning streets into “Play Streets” where community events will be held. Ealing, Brent, Greenwich, and Tower Hamlets have already revealed plans for their own events, whilst others have pledged to support local initiatives.

Free events, called ‘Reimagine’ by Mayor Sadiq Khan, will take place on the streets rendered car free. These will include exercise and fitness activities, walks and treasure hunts, live entertainment and children’s activities. The Mayor’s office said the purpose of these was to “allow children to play and communities to get together”. It hopes that around 150,000 Londoners and visitors will participate in the plans.

Why It’s Being Done 

Closing enormous stretches of road in one of the world’s largest cities is no small feat. Which is why it isn’t simply being done to give children more space to play. Instead, it’s aimed at changing travel behaviour. As the Mayor’s office explained it’s to “support the Mayor’s work to enable more Londoners to cycle, walk and use public transport to help improve health and reduce car emissions”. It added that a high-turn out “will help encourage the change in behaviour needed to meet the Mayor’s ambitious target of 80 per cent of all journeys to be taken via sustainable modes of transport by 2041, compared to 63 per cent today”.

The emissions situation in the capital has steadily grown in its seriousness. For instance, the risk of dying from long-term exposure to the city’s air has increased for a second year running. Government statistics also suggest that 2 million Londoners are exposed to illegally high levels of emissions; including more than 400,000 children. Research has also shown that around 50% of the toxic air is caused by vehicular traffic; despite this, surveys show that most Londoners are ignorant of this fact. London’s first car free day took place in September 2018. But similar days have been held for years in the likes of Vancouver and Jakarta. Whilst most campaigning groups have welcomed the concept, some have demanded more action geared towards permanent pedestrianisation.

Think Tank: Make All Of London Car-Free By 2030 – https://www.autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/think-tank-make-london-car-free-2030/

These Are The Absolute Worst Places To Drive In The UK: https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/worst-places-drive/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

These are the last days of the traditional car handbrake. That’s according to new research that’s revealed the decline of the feature…

Saying Farewell To The Manual Handbrake 

The research was conducted by Car Gurus. It’s revealed that the majority of new car models aren’t coming with the option of a manual handbrake; instead opting for an electronic alternative, usually operated with a switch or button. In fact, just 30% of new models came with the option of a manual handbrake. That’s down from 37% last year. As a result, two-thirds of new cars sold in the UK don’t even come with the manual option. Some marques have abandoned them altogether, across their entire ranges. These include the likes of Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar and Lexus. Conversely, more cost-effective brands have opted to keep them. These include both Dacia and Suzuki.

Chris Knapman, UK editor of CarGurus, has said that the death of the manual handbrake is now practically assured. He said, “it’s official, the death of the handbrake is coming as manufacturers switch to electronic parking brakes in huge numbers. Within the next few years we expect the number of cars on sale with traditional handbrakes to decline further, likely only to be found on a select number of niche models.”

But It’s Not All Bad News

Making the transition from a manual handbrake to an electronic one can be tedious. Drivers often find themselves initially distrustful of the technology, or reaching for the manual that’s no longer there. But electronic parking brake systems to have their advantages; which is why they’ve become so prevalent. After all, they free up cabin space, automatically apply when you park and offer better hill hold control. As Knapman explained, “these systems might lack the tactile feel that some drivers value from a traditional manual parking brake but they bring several benefits in terms of convenience, safety and packaging”. He added, “an electronic parking brake can engage automatically when a car’s engine is switched off and many also include an auto-hold function that will apply the parking brake when a car is stopped in traffic or on a hill”.

Of course, none of this means handbrakes are due to disappear completely. Lower-end models are still coming with manual handbrakes. The second-hand market will also be riddled with manuals for many years to come. Besides, technological change usually only seems alien or unusual before we’ve started to integrate it into our daily lives. Not so many years ago, it wasn’t mandatory to fit cars with seat belts; let alone a legal necessity to wear them. Who now would seriously complain about having to fit them? So, rather than an emotional farewell to manual parking brakes, it’s more a question of a gentle, uneventful ‘goodbye’ for most of us.

We’ll Refer To Electric Cars As Just ‘Cars’ By 2030 – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/electric-cars-just-cars-2030/

What Exactly Is Cruise Control And Is It Worth Having? – https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/what-exactly-is-cruise-control-and-is-it-worth-having/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

Whilst the automotive industry is struggling in the face of Brexit speculation, good news is rare. But not for this northern supercar manufacturer…

Life Beyond Brussels? 

Briggs Automotive Company, based in Liverpool, is known for producing the ‘BAC Mono’. A single-seat sports car, it’s been in production since 2011 and has won acclaim for its startling performance. Crucially, it’s managed to secure an export deal worth in excess of £20 million; with a little help from the Department of International Trade. Some of the business is in Hong Kong, but most of it’s with the USA. There deals have been signed with two dealers, Manhattan Motorcars in New York and Tactical Fleet in Dallas.

Neill Briggs, director of product development at the company, has emphasised the importance of exports for the company. He said, “these new export wins are a sign of how far we’ve come as a business in recent years and the immense work we’re doing with exports”. He added, “our solid export strategy, fantastic team ethic, exemplary product and – of course – invaluable support from the DIT means we have the ultimate recipe for success overseas. We will continue to strive to put British manufacturing on the map for the foreseeable future”.

Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss MP, welcomed the news of the export deal. She said, “this is a wonderful example of a UK company that is putting manufacturing and innovation from the Northern Powerhouse on the map. The UK’s heritage in automotive and motorsports is a huge asset, and my department is working to shift our exports up a gear in this exciting and fast moving industry”.

The BAC Mono

Let’s get to the exciting stuff. You’ve probably never heard of Briggs Automotive Company, which probably means you’ve never heard of the BAC Mono. A road-legal, single-seater supercar, it uses a carbon fibre composite construction over a steel chassis; inspired by DTM race cars.  Weighing just  540 kg (or 1,190 lb), it’s capable of a 0–62 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph. It also boasts a sophisticated F3-specification six-speed sequential gearbox, capable of operating a semi-automatic transmission tuned to complete gear shifts in 35 milliseconds. During production, the vehicle is designed around the exact parameters of the customer’s body shape; ensuring maximum comfort and accessibility. With stats and configurations like these, it’s little wonder that demand has materialised beyond not only the UK but also the European Union.

Whilst the news means little for the broader automotive industry, it does offer some hope. Smaller, specialist manufacturers in Britain are clearly well-respected globally; and are able to win durable and profitable niches. Perhaps that’s where the future lies for British manufacturing?

The Best British-Made Cars – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/the-best-british-made-cars/

Supercars: All Of The Details That Make Them ‘Super’ – https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/supercars-details-super/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

New research has revealed that, by 2030, we’ll refer to electric cars as just ‘cars’. This is a testament to the rapid normalisation of the vehicles…

Going Mainstream

Conducted by Ultra Low, the research has revealed the widespread belief amongst consumers that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream. 2,000 people were asked about the vehicles and 69% felt that the ‘electric’ in ‘electric car’ would be dropped. This is despite the fact that they currently make up only 3.4% market share; perhaps indicative of how widespread belief in their inevitability has become. Sales figures reinforce the belief. In 2018, there were 659 all-electric cars and 3,125 plug-in hybrids registered. This year, the roles have reversed with 3,147 and 907 registrations respectively.

But what does ‘normalisation’ look like? Over half of the respondents said it means seeing all-electrics on the roads. A third suggested it’d needed to be closer to home, with their friends and families making the transition. In addition, a quarter said a greater range of models to choose from would play a fundamental part in the process. Go Ultra Low ambassador Ben Fogle believes more people are beginning to perceive the benefits of EVs. He said, “it’s really encouraging to see that people expect EVs to be the norm in just over a decade. Our research shows that as we become more aware of the benefits of owning an electric car, the choice of models available and the rapidly growing charging infrastructure, people are more likely to consider going green and buy an EV”.

On The Way To 2030

Ten years isn’t far away in automotive terms. Automakers are always planning their line-ups years and years in advance. And there certainly are positive signs that EVs may become the ‘norm’ by 2030. Soon, all-electric versions of the Peugeot 209 and Vauxhall Corsa will become available. These aren’t watered-down versions, either, they’re practically identical to their ICE equivalents. Volkswagen has also officially unveiled its ID.3 model, which it expects to rival the success of both the Beetle and the Golf. Even the likes of Porsche has poured billions into electrification, with its Taycan model attracting constant streams of media attention.

Just as we’ve stopped referring to contemporary phones as ‘smartphones’ (instead just using ‘phones’) electric cars will almost certainly follow suit. Recently, Jaguar launched a campaign to literally redefine the meaning of ‘car’, owing to combustion engine’s declining relevance and importance. Perhaps in future, drivers of all-electrics will smugly refer to older models as ‘petrol cars’ or ‘diesel cars’? Whether normalisation will have kicked in by 2030 or not remains to be seen, but it’s hard to deny that the process is happening.

These Are The UK Cities Best-Prepared For Electric Vehicles: https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/uk-cities-best-prepared-electric-vehicles/

The UK Is The Second Cheapest Place In Europe To Own An Electric Car: https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/uk-second-cheapest-place-europe-electric-car/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

New research has shed light on which cities are best-prepared for the adoption of electric vehicles. It’ll help shed light on where ownership will be easiest…

Is Your City Ready For Electric Vehicles?

Euro Car Parts investigated the ten most congested cities in the UK. It examined the likes of public charging points, how much the number had increased in the last six months, the number of alternatively fuelled cars registered and the opinions of the locals. What it discovered was that some cities were substantially better prepared than others; with the most well-suited situated along the nation’s coastline. Perhaps surprisingly, the city most well-suited to EV adoption was found to be Southampton. With a population of 250,000, it has 77 charging points; a 13% increase from the start of the year. It also has 1,023 registered alternatively fuelled vehicles and 60% of the population agree that EVs are the future of motoring.

Brighton & Hove came in second, albeit still considerably behind Southampton. With 290,000 residents, it has 47 chargers, 1,591 alternatively fuelled registrations and 70% of the population feel that EVs are the future. In third place was Portsmouth. It has 25 chargers, which represents a 127% increase in city in the first six months of 2019. London came ninth, despise significant investment in EV infrastructure. Whilst it has 3,966 chargers for 123,488 alternative vehicles, it needs many more chargers for its 8,908,081 residents.

Concerns Holding Consumers Back

Infrastructural preparations are crucial in winning consumers over to all-electric models. A recent poll by YouGov revealed that 66% of motorists were put off by a perceived lack of chargers or range-anxiety. Just 2% stated that they’d consider an EV for their next car. But things are getting better. Since 2016, there’s been a 28% increase in the number of chargers being rolled out. It’s expected that there will be 322 public chargers per 10,000 low emission vehicles by the early 2030s. As it stands, the government’s ‘Road to Zero’ plan will see the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles banned by 2040. In addition, the government expects most vehicles on the roads to be zero-emission by 2050.

The Most Prepared Cities

1. Southampton – 77 Chargers, 252k People

2. Brighton & Hove – 47 Chargers, 290k People

3. Portsmouth – 25 Chargers, 215k People

4. Nottingham – 164 Chargers, 331k People

5. Leeds – 127 Chargers, 789k People

6. Birmingham – 92 Chargers, 1.1m People

7. Bournemouth – 24 Chargers, 395k People

8. Manchester – 213 Chargers, 2.8m People

9. Leicester – 98 Chargers, 355k People

10. Bristol – 125 Chargers, 463k People

11. London – 3,966 Chargers, 8.9m People

12. Liverpool – 117 Chargers, 494k People

EV Drivers Must Have “The Right” To Charge, Says Automotive Industry: https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/ev-drivers-right-charge/

The UK Is The Second Cheapest Place In Europe To Own An Electric Car: https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/uk-second-cheapest-place-europe-electric-car/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

Almost every week we seem to be presented with images of people sleeping in self-driving cars. Nearly always Teslas, there’s something profoundly disturbing about them. Here’s the problem…

The Phenomenon

Over the last few years, photos have emerged of drivers quite literally asleep at the wheel. Usually on American freeways, in nearly all cases they’re driving models produced by Tesla; which often come with an ‘autopilot’ function. The result is a car travelling around 70 mph without a conscious human operator. Whilst these episodes don’t always lead to accidents or casualties, they certainly can and sometimes do. Back in March, a Model 3 driver crashed into a truck carrying a trailer; the autopilot feature failed to take evasive manoeuvres. The result was the roof of the car being sheared off and the 50-year old driver being killed.

Tesla argues that drivers of its vehicles must always keep their hands on the wheel, even when the autopilot feature is engaged. They’ve also cast doubt on the authenticity of the reports of sleeping drivers. In a statement the company said, “many of these videos appear to be dangerous pranks or hoaxes”. They were also keen to stress the safety of the feature, “Tesla drivers have logged more than one billion miles with Autopilot engaged, and our data shows that, when used properly by an attentive driver who is prepared to take control at all times, drivers supported by Autopilot are safer than those operating without assistance”. But there’s more to it than that…

Marking Misnomers 

That Tesla is under the spotlight can arguably be attributed to the technological lead it seemingly has over its competitors. Even its fiercest critics have acknowledged the manufacturer of EVs’ sophisticated driverless tech. But another problem lies with the company’s marketing; and it’s by no means unique to them. Industry regulators have expressed concerns over the language automakers are using in their marketing. The fear is that they’re exaggerating the self-driving capabilities of their vehicles; a charge both Tesla and the likes of Mercedes have faced.

A self-driving car would, ultimately, dispense with a steering wheel and pedals and would require no human intervention in order to navigate or operate; it’d get you from ‘a’ to ‘b’ with nothing else required of you other than a stated destination. In simple terms, we’re no where near such a vehicle. And not just in the consumer markets, but in terms of raw technology. Tesla’s autopilot feature essentially allows vehicles to guide themselves down motorway-like environments; keeping them in-lane and avoiding collisions with other vehicles. But, again, the company stress that drivers must keep their hands on the wheel at all times; usually something they reinforce during a legal battle. Even their own website reads ‘the currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous’. That is to say, Tesla accepts driverless cars don’t exist or, at the very least, it doesn’t sell them.

Self-Driving Arms Race

Tesla’s description of its semi-autonomous feature as ‘autopilot’ has, for some people, been misleading. As well as for industry regulators. The very name, arguably, implies that the vehicle is capable of fending for itself on the road network; the car can pilot itself. One also has to question the wisdom and utility of stripping the driver of responsibility and focus, whilst both are still fundamentally needed.

The fact of the matter is, automakers and tech giants are scrambling to be the first to present consumers with a driverless car. Why? Because they expect it to be a big-seller, one of historic proportions. As a result, they’re potentially putting lives at risk. Whether it’s through rushed testing (a woman was killed by an autonomous vehicle operated by Uber in Arizona) or misleading marketing jargon. Study after study has revealed that consumers are wary of ‘driverless’ cars and nervous about their applications. Their gut instinct is that the concept just isn’t ready. And they’ve got good reason to think so. Without huge hurdles in sensor technology, road infrastructure, defences against hacking and sophisticated legislation, they remain a half-baked pipe dream. Which is probably why Ford’s Chief Executive, Jim Hackett, recently admitted the company had hugely overestimated their time of arrival.

So remember, if your car has a steering wheel and pedals, it’s not driverless or autonomous. No matter what Elon Musk tells you.

The Many Reasons Why Driverless Cars Don’t Exist Yet: https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/the-many-reasons-why-driverless-cars-dont-exist-yet/

Self-Driving Cars Might Only Last For Four Years: https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/self-driving-cars-last-four-years/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

Whilst there’s some naysaying around car shows, this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show delivered. The industry’s biggest names were present and nearly all of them had something seminal to unveil…

Cupra Tavascan 

Cupra is a bit of a foggy brand, known primarily for being the motorsport division of SEAT. Matters are made more complicated given that SEAT insists of selling the SEAT Leon Cupra. Either way, there are clearly plans in motion to give the brand its own identity. The Tavascan is pure-electric crossover which uses the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. Whilst its styling has raised some eyebrows, it seems to have received a sufficiently warm reception in Frankfurt; given the rumours that it may receive the green light for production before the end of the year. Why not?

BMW Concept 4

The BMW Concept 4 was probably the most controversial car featured at this year’s show. Before its covers were removed, a part of the automaker’s display crashed violently. Then, when the covers were removed, journalists and onlookers gasped. The cause of their dismay? The enormous grills at the front of the car. One onlooker compared them to ‘Bugs Bunny’s Teeth.’ Garish or confident, the concept will definitely be talked about. Which is surely what automakers want from Frankfurt?

Vauxhall Corsa-e

The Corsa-e has a lot going for it. Which is why, despite all of the competition at Frankfurt this year, it still managed to turn heads. It’s fundamentally one of those cars that represents a real, mature step towards electrification. It’s stylish, practical and has a real-world range of over 200 miles. It boasts a spicy 600bhp, too. Most importantly of all, it’s pretty affordable at around £22,000; and that’s without the government’s grant.

Hyundai 45 Concept

Whilst it may look like something out of a sci-fi flick, the 45 concept actually pays homage to Hyundai’s first ever concept; the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept. The Pony would actually go on to be the company’s first volume model. The interior is surprisingly familiar, being reminiscent of a modern living room, something designers were going for. As Hyundai’s Senior Vice President and head of the Hyundai design centre, SangYup Lee, explained “today’s digital hi-tech approach can alienate some people. So we wanted to add in some warmth, a bit of an analogue feeling to make it more approachable.” That explains the carpet, then.

Volkswagen ID.3

Do we even need to explain this one? It’s basically the biggest attempt at an affordable, mass-market EV with solid range and performance. Which is why VW expects it to become as iconic as the Beetle or the Golf. VW has teased it incessantly for over a year, so we pretty much knew what to expect; a lesson in marketing. Nevertheless, we’re excited to see how popular the model is because, quite frankly, if it fails it’ll have far-reaching consequences for the industry.

Five Upcoming Cars Worth Getting Excited About: https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/five-upcoming-cars/

Ten Stunning Supercars That May Have Slipped Your Radar: https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/ten-stunning-supercars/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

After many months of waiting, Volkswagen has finally stripped the ID.3 of its camouflage at the Frankfurt Motor Show. According to the automaker, it’s set to be it’s third ‘most important’ launch ever…

Sitting With The Beetle And Golf 

Volkswagen has a lot of faith in the ID.3, the first model in the I.D. series. So much so that it expects the all-electric to prove to be as iconic as the Beetle or Golf. That’s a pretty bold statement, given that the model represents new territory for the automaker. This isn’t, after all, an electrified version of a pre-existing diesel or petrol; it’s a new beast altogether, built on an electric powertrain from the ground up; upon the ‘MEB’ platform, in fact, that VW will be using for all of its upcoming EV models. But can it really rival models that sold millions of vehicles for the company over many decades?

What’s Inside 

A car looking to take on the Golf needs to have a lot going for it. Fortunately, looking at the stats, the ID.3 seems to show some promise. Unlike previous electric models from VW (like the e-Golf), the ID.3 actually had a range worth getting excited about. It sits between 205 and 340 miles, based on WLTP calculations; depending on which battery option you go for. But this span suggests a broad range of appeal for the vehicle; whether as a largely urban offering or something for the more itinerant motorist. The cheapest level uses a 45 kWh battery that can charge to 180-mile capability within half an hour. In other words, this is a practical EV regardless of what trim you opt for.

The interior is spacious, having dispensed with the cumbersome arrangements of ICE vehicles. A shorter bonnet and short overhangs leaves plenty of interior space for the driver and passengers. As as car for the 21st century, the cabin is about as futuristic as you might expect. Minimalist by design, buttons have been replaced with touch-sensitive haptic controls; most of which sit on the 10.0-inch display and the steering wheel. As Silke Bagschik, Head of Sales and Marketing for the ID family, said “the ID.3 is an all-rounder that is suitable for everyday use. It is compact, as such offering the manoeuvrability of a small car with the interior space of a mid-range vehicle. It combines exciting design with innovative technology and significant range.”

The Car Or The Trend?

As soon as the first edition of the ID.3 came up for pre-order, VW was overloaded with orders; so much so that its website crashed under the weight of the traffic. It sold out within days. But when VW suggests the car will be as iconic as the Golf, one has to wonder at what precisely they mean. From a purely technical standpoint, the model will undoubtedly secure historic relevance for itself. It’s the first mass-market EV to come from a legacy automaker. It’s accessible to a broad market and has a sufficient amount of range to render it viable for people who need to drive further than their local grocers. But what about the car in of itself? We’re not sure, not yet.

Despite an enormous amount of investment and press coverage, electric vehicles remain niche. In the UK, they make up around 1% of the market. So, whilst the ID.3 may pave the way for mass-adoption, it has an enormous battle ahead if it wishes to match even a quarter of the sales figures of the Beetle or Golf. Either way, we wish it well; for VW’s sake and the future of the emissions crisis. If you’d like an ID.3, expect to pay under £27,000 for the entry level or around £35,000 for the top-end versions.

New Logo, New Platform And Just Maybe A New Volkswagen: https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/new-logo-new-platform-and-just-maybe-a-new-volkswagen/

The Most Popular Electric Cars Around The World: https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/most-popular-electric-cars-world/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

New research has shed light on the nation’s speeding habits. In particular, it’s revealed when we’re most likely to put the foot down on the accelerator…

Sunday Speeding 

The research, which was conducted by MoneySupermarket, examined data compiled by the Department of Transport. It revealed that Sunday is the most likely day for people to speed, especially during the early hours; but that’s a trend present across the week, with 63% of us speeding between 4am and 5am. Generally, 53% of us speed on Sundays and 51% on Saturdays. Monday, Tuesday and Friday aren’t far behind at 47%. Weirdly, Thursdays and Wednesdays appear to safest days, with 46% of us speeding during the middle of the week. MoneySupermarket also looked into insurance inquiry data. Shockingly, it discovered that just 8% of drivers declare speeding convictions when seeking a quote. That said, it’s not hard to understand why. A single speeding conviction can raise prices by more than £70. Then again, that’s a lot cheaper than being taken to court for fraud.

But Why Do We Speed?

So, we know when we’re most likely to speed. But what causes us to exceed the limits in the first place? Well, most of us deny ever knowing we’re doing it; with 42% saying they simply don’t pay attention. A further 40% claim that they’re running late and 17%, ultimately, describe themselves as ‘habitual’ speeders.

Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, believes drivers are exploiting emptier roads. She said, “our findings suggest that drivers are looking to take advantage of emptier roads on weekends and in the early hours”. However, she cautioned that there were still risks, “but it is important to remember that there are still major safety rules to abide by, no matter what time it is.” She added, “if you are caught speeding and want to keep your insurance costs down, it’s worth seeing whether you can take part in a speed awareness course, which means you won’t get points on your licence and provides a helpful reminder about speeding limits and the importance of driving safely.”

Ultimately, then, we’re a nation of speeders; flouting rules and restrictions. One thing the research didn’t look into, however, is by how much we’re speeding. Whilst we may forgive someone for doing 34 on a 30 road, doing 70 on a 40 is another matter entirely. Either way, we should all do our best to keep within the speed limit in order to keep ourselves and other road-users safe. And if that’s not convincing enough, do it just to avoid the inevitable fines and penalty points!

Police Look To Tackle Speeding With…Cardboard Patrol Vehicles – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/police-cardboard-patrol-vehicles/

Zero Tolerance On Speeding ‘Not Achievable’ – https://www.autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/zero-tolerance-on-speeding-not-achievable/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 support service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car moving smoothly. For any further questions please call Autoserve on 0121 521 3500.

Every now and then, the automotive industry outdoes itself. Leaving us with a number of innovative and exciting cars to look forward to. These are five upcoming cars worth getting excited about…

Polestar 2

Polestar is a subsidiary of Volvo, specialising in high-performance electric vehicles. When a premium brand makes, well, an even more ‘premium’ brand you’re pretty much guaranteed something special. Polestar 2 is an upcoming, all-electric 5 door fastback. It’s due to enter production in early 2020. According to Polestar, it’ll have a range in excess of 300 miles and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of less than 5 seconds; seeking to challenge Tesla, it’ll also come replete with in-car tech.

Volkswagen ID.3

Whilst hardly a premium vehicle, the ID.3 could be an historic model; certainly one of those upcoming cars worth getting excited about. According to Volkswagen, they fully expect it to be; anticipating a legacy equivalent to the Beetle or Golf. It’s the first model in VW’s ‘ID’ series and is widely regarded as the automaker’s first mainstream EV. Pre-orders of the first edition have already sold out, suggesting that the ID.3 is off to a good start. The top edition will have a range of nearly 350 miles; but the entry level will still offer 205.

Porsche Taycan 

The Taycan, allegedly pronounced ‘tie-con’, is set to be Porsche’s first all-electric car. And it appears that they’re taking it very seriously. The top trim will deliver between 237 – 280 miles of charge and top speed will sit at around 161 mph. The interior will possess four digital displays, one of which will be a curved, free-standing 16.8 inch configurable driver’s display. Such a level of digitalisation is new territory for Porsche. Ultimately, the Taycan will be similar to the ‘Mission E’ concept car, barring the suicide doors. We don’t think this is a bad thing.

Honda e

Few upcoming cars develop the excitement and enthusiasm as the Honda e. It’s based on the company’s ‘Honda EV Concept’ that was unveiled in 2017; the reaction to which prompted executives to give a production version the green light. A 5-door city car, the model is aimed at younger, tech-savvy motorists with an interest in green motoring. Personally, we preferred the concept’s styling, but there’s something endearingly futuristic and retro about the current design all the same.

Aston Martin DBX

It’s not a great time for Aston Martin, both sales and share prices are down. Part of the plan to transform the company’s fortunes (quite literally) lie with the DBX. A luxury SUV, it’s an attempt by the automaker to capitalise on the popularity of the classification. Given the importance of the model to Aston Martin’s financial success, it’s undoubtedly an upcoming car worth watching; the company will no doubt be pouring all of its capabilities and talent into making it a success.

The British Car Manufacturers You’ve Never Heard Of: https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/the-british-car-manufacturers-youve-never-heard-of/

Ten Stunning Supercars That May Have Slipped Your Radar: https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/ten-stunning-supercars/

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