Fleets have been less affected than expected by the global semiconductor shortage that has impacted the original equipment business. According to latest research from Arval Mobility Observatory’s 2022 Barometer, just one in four fleets (26%) say that they have been affected.
Mercedes-Benz AG has selected Bridgestone as the tyre development partner for its Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX. The outcome? Bridgestone engineers collaborated with Mercedes-Benz to create custom-designed tyres to contribute to a real-world range of 1,000km on a single charge. According to Bridgestone, collaboration on this project “sets the stage for the future of EV tyres and is underpinned by a shared EV-ready vision between the companies.”
Motoring organisation RAC has moved to “set record straight” following controversial remarks from Environment Secretary George Eustice that electric vehicles (EV) may not be as green as people think. In order to do that the RAC, which wants to speed up EV take-up, commissioned battery electrochemist Dr Euan McTurk to address the suggestion that EVs produce more particulate from brake and tyre wear than their petrol and diesel counterparts.
The new BMW iX will roll off production lines on Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres. The electric SUV’s xDrive50 version will run on the 255/50R21 109Y XL and 275/40R22 107Y XL sizes, with the latter size also available for the sportier M60 model. Pirelli will mark these tyres with a star on the sidewall, indicating that they have been developed specially for BMW as part of its ‘perfect fit’ philosophy. Pirelli will also supply to BMW a special, grippy 22-inch tyre designed for maximum performance. This tyre has an “I” on the side, in addition to the star marking.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Government-backed Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme was developed in 2019 to encourage retailers to enhance their expertise in the electric vehicle sector and support consumer confidence as the market moves towards EVs. The EVA scheme is endorsed and subsidised by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and is independently audited by Energy Saving Trust. There are now more than 300 EVA accredited sites spread across the UK with “many more dealers in the pipeline…”
Mounting paste, or tyre soap as it is called, is an indispensable part of changing tyres. According to garage supplier Rema Tip Top, many automotive businesses that focus on mounting ultra-high performance tyres and run-flats with standard mounting equipment – select Remaxx Sport as their first choice. Here Moris Khalil, product manager Automotive at Rema Tip Top, explains how Remaxx Sport can also be used on electric vehicles with very high torques.
The producer of one in every three car batteries in use around the world has announced a new safety critical battery for electric vehicles. Clarios Smart AGM will monitor its performance in real-time, deliver continuous low-voltage power to optimise performance of the low-voltage power supply, anticipate the need for battery maintenance and provide safety critical operations.
With the latest SMMT data naming the Tesla Model 3 as the most popular new-car in December as well as the second most popular in 2021 – no-one can deny that the era of electric vehicles is well and truly upon. However, while internal combustion engines (ICE) have generally separated engine, wheel and tyre, electric vehicles are bringing these vital mobility components closer together than ever.
On 6 January REE Automotive announced the appointment of David Goldberg as the company’s chief financial officer (CFO). Effective Feb 2022, Goldberg joins REE from Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, where he is currently senior vice president of corporate development, following a role as vice president of finance and corporate development at the company.
The National Franchised Dealers Association argues that there is cause for optimism in the new car sector based on strong consumer demand, despite a disappointing 1 per cent increase in new car registrations in 2021. Chief executive Sue Robinson said: “A poll conducted by NFDA revealed that 78.6 per cent of franchised vehicle dealers are optimistic about the level of demand in the year ahead as consumer confidence improves while we move through the pandemic and the electrification of the UK car parc continues apace.
Responding to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ 2021 new car registration data, analyst Deloitte has proclaimed 2021 “the year electric vehicles became mainstream”. It added that range issues are receding as a headwind thanks to technological progress. It identifies the speed of charge point infrastructure and the price of entry post-subsidies as the major headwinds for the sector in 2022.
Last year, new car registrations grew by a marginal 1.0 per cent on a pandemic-ravaged 2020, as 1.65 million new cars entered the UK market. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) underline the ongoing impact of Covid and the semiconductor shortage on the industry, with the market down 28.7 per cent on pre-pandemic 2019, representing the second worst year since 1992.
Michelin is presenting a new airless solution for urban mobility and last-mile applications at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Visitors will encounter the prototype Michelin X Tweel airless radial for eCargo trikes fitted to the Coaster Cycles eCargo trike at its stand in the eMobility Experience as well as in the Test Track area.
Diagnostic tool and vehicle technical support brand, Maverick Diagnostics, joined IAAF recently. Established I n1999 as Maverick Technology Ltd, Maverick Diagnostics is an established provider of original dealer diagnostics tools and technical support to the aftermarket in the UK and Europe.
Arval
Bridgestone
Servicesure
Tookapic; Pixabay
Pirelli
NFDA
Rema Tip Top
REE
REE; Jason Cipparrone
NFDA
Maverick Diagnostics