VW ID.3 named safest car of year
The latest electric innovations dominated the Thatcham Research-supported What Car? Car of the Year Safety and Technology Awards with Volkswagen and Tesla coming out trumps.
Volkswagen’s ID.3 was named the safest car of the year, while Tesla was victorious in the technology category.
In winning the Safety Award, the Volkswagen ID.3 beat the Toyota Yaris and the SEAT Leon. Both models were recognised by judges as worthy runners-up.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s over-the-air (OTA) software update technology triumphed in the Technology Award with Polestar (Android Automotive OS) and Volvo (Advanced Interior Air Cleaner) runners up.
FMG Repair Services appoints new MD
Redde Northgate plc has appointed Jason Tripp as managing director for FMG Repair Services (formerly Nationwide Accident Repair Services).
Jason joins FMG Repair Services from claims management and insurance product specialist Coplus, bringing over 20 years of experience of insurance claims and operational experience to the role.
Jason said, “The business has huge long-term potential, and its people are well-known in the industry as some of the best experts in their field. I can’t wait to get started.”
Balgores goes the Extra Mile for Admiral fundraiser
Balgores Group has donated £1,000 to Admiral Group’s ‘Extra Mile Challenge’ taking the AutoRaise fundraiser to over £3,000.
A victim of its own success, Admiral Plc has now extended the initiative into February which means there is still time to be a part of something rewarding.
To date, participants have now run nearly 3,000 miles collectively since the beginning of January; the equivalent of running from Cardiff to the North Pole.
The challenge also has a Facebook group for runners to share their conquests and remain motivated.
IMI’s automotive report paints bleak picture
IMI’s latest Covid – Current landscape release 17 report highlights how the impact of lockdown 3.0 is starting to show with 29% of automotive businesses temporarily closed or pausing trading, an increase of nine per cent since its last report.
It highlights reports that 2.4% of businesses have permanently ceased trading, which is approximately 2,279 establishments.
Five per cent of automotive businesses stated that they are at severe risk of insolvency and 16% are at a moderate risk both increases since last reporting. Also, 14% of businesses have stated that they had low or no confidence that their business will survive the next three months, potentially putting 13,000 businesses at risk.
The report also highlights 4.8% of automotive businesses expect to be make redundancies over the next three months.
Ben launches new digital mental health platform
Automotive charity Ben has enabled fast-track access to its digital mental and wellbeing platform, with the introduction of SilverCloud.
SilverCloud is a leading digital mental health and wellbeing platform which can support people to better manage their mental health and wellbeing. A number of different programmes are available on the platform, including on topics such as stress, anxiety and depression, as well as supporting issues such as money worries, sleep and resilience. Each programme features a range of interactive tools such as videos, activities, quizzes, audio guides as well as a personal online support journal.
SilverCloud is completely free for anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry.
Rear end collisions down by 27%
Rear end collisions fell by 27% last year according to AX Automotive’s analysis of its latest accident data.
Although the pandemic meant the overall number of collisions fell, the share of cars damaged by being ‘hit in rear’ fell 5.6% year-on-year, making up just 24.7% of all accidents handled by AX.
‘Hit whilst parked’ became the most common type of collision in 2020, accounting for nearly a third of the total.
The data also revealed that last year’s peak accident rate shifted to the ‘school run rush hour’ between 15:00 and 16:00.
Two thirds aspire to drive EV
Sixty-three per cent of drivers are considering an EV for their next car according to research from car benefits provider Tusker.
The survey of nearly 2,000 drivers saw those considering an EV cite environmental benefits, the ability to charge at home and being taxed less on their salary as the top three main reasons.
Looking into driving habits 79% of survey respondents admitted to driving less than 150 miles a week. That means models like the Tesla Model 3 (263 miles), the Audi e-Tron (220 miles) and even the new Vauxhall Corsa-e (200 miles) will cater for a week of driver journeys on a single charge.
Grey remains top colour choice
Grey has retained its position as the UK’s favourite new car colour in 2020, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
While it was a tough year for new car registrations overall, 397,197 grey units were sold over the course of 2020, which means that just shy of a quarter (24.3%) of all new cars sold were painted in the shade.
Black and white took second and third place overall, with more than six in 10 (61.6%) of all new cars entering British roads in 2020 painted in these three colours.
Aviva expands investment in tech
Aviva is expanding its investments in fintech and insurtech through a new collaboration with venture capital firm Anthemis.
Aviva aims to transform its customer experience through innovation. To support this goal Aviva, working with Anthemis, has committed to invest new capital in innovative companies that are advancing the digital transformation of the financial services sector. Anthemis will deploy capital on behalf of Aviva through various funds focused on early and growth stage investments in fintech and insurtech.
Meanwhile, according to BBC reports Aviva is to close offices across the UK and allow staff to work from home, beyond the pandemic.
