Tag: government
NFDA seeks clarification on Job Retention Scheme
On 27 March, National Franchised Dealers Association wrote to Kemi Badenoch MP, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, to seek clarifications on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, following the release of further details which have created confusion among employers. “We urge the Government to clarify its guidance on the Job Retention Scheme as the latest information is creating uncertainty in the sector”, said Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA.
Coronavirus: Larger businesses need protection too, says NFDA
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has urged the government to support automotive retailers during the coronavirus outbreak and has recommended a range of measures to accomplish this. The organisation, which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, also expresses its willingness to discuss the matter further.
PRA appeals to government for ATM fee reform
The PRA has sent the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and the Right Honourable the Lord Tyrie, chairman of the CMA, the case for government intervention in the reform of unfair changes to ATM usage fees. Many other organisations have also raised their concerns, including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Association of Convenience Stores, and consumer group Which?
SMMT: Don’t ban hybrids and low emission vehicles
The SMMT released its UK passenger car registration figures for January shortly after the government announced its ambition to end the sale of all vehicles with an internal combustion engine, including HEVs and PHEVs, by 2035. In response to the announcement, the SMMT calls for caution. It points out that hybrids and plug-in hybrids are zero-emission capable, and therefore views both as vehicles not only bringing “significant environmental benefits today,” but also an “important stepping stone in helping motorists make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle.”
PRA urges Chancellor to cut road fuel tax by 2ppl
The PRA has written to Sajid Javid MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a case for cutting road fuel duty by 2 pence per litre in the first Budget of the new Government.
Timetable for petrol, diesel car phase-out an unworkable fantasy, says Klarius
Klarius Products Ltd. has slammed the government’s proposal to bring forward the ban on new petrol and diesel cars to 2035, calling the decision “an unworkable fantasy” that is more about political gain than solving a problem.
NFDA welcomes EV charging infrastructure investment
The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has announced that Government funding for the installation of chargepoints on residential streets next year will be doubled to £10 million. According to the Government, “this could fund up to another 3,600 chargepoints across the country”.
Minimum Wage to increase from April 2020
Almost 3 million workers in Britain are eligible for increased pay from April, after the UK government said it would increase the official Minimum Wage. The government said the “national living wage” for over 25s would increase from £8.21 an hour to £8.72 from the start of April 2020.
CompETe partnership secures multi-million pound award
Fuchs Lubricants has played a key role in securing a multi-million pound award from the government, as part of a consortium working to create a new lightweight electric drive unit. The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has awarded £25.4m to three leading zero carbon projects in the latest round of Government funding.
Leaving range anxiety behind: EV project powering next generation battery systems
As the automotive industry seeks to electrify its product ranges, the thermal management of high capacity batteries used for electric vehicles (EVs) is proving a significant challenge. The performance and efficiency of battery cells can deteriorate – and their ageing can be accelerated – if operating temperatures exceed the upper or lower limits of a comparatively narrow range. In extreme cases, exceeding upper operating limits can risk thermal runaway of cells, leading to catastrophic failure and potentially, fire.
BBIF urges aftermarket to help promote battery industry
The British Battery Industry Federation (BBIF) is calling upon the automotive industry to join its ranks and lend support to its campaign after meeting with Government to discuss misrepresentation of batteries.
Roads minister announces ‘evidence review’ of red lights for recovery operators
In a significant win for the roadside rescue and recovery industry, Roads Minister Michael Ellis MP today announced that the Department for Transport would be reviewing the evidence base for the benefits of recovery operators being permitted to use red flashing warning beacons, instead of the amber warning beacons current legislation allows. The announcement occurred during a Westminster Hall debate led by Tracey Crouch MP.
Tyre and brake wear: AQEG releases “most globally comprehensive analysis”
Particulate and plastic pollution from brakes, tyres and road wear are in the spotlight again. The Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) released a new report today that highlights the impact of this pollution, and the UK Government reports that Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey and Transport Minister Michael Ellis are “leading a push” to tackle its impact. The aim is for the introduction of an international standard that covers tyre and brake wear.
Franchised dealers ‘making progress’ on road to zero emissions
A year ago, on 9 July 2018, the Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) published its Road to Zero strategy. The document defined how the government would ‘support the transition to zero emission road transport and reduce emissions from conventional vehicles’. In Road to Zero, the Government highlighted the issues of lack of consumer confidence and businesses’ expertise in the EV sector.
Michelin Fleet Panel pushes for clarity on company car tax
Members of the Michelin Fleet Panel have requested Transport Select Committee member and MP for Stoke-On-Trent South, Jack Brereton, to seek clarity from the government on tax changes in preparation for the introduction of the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) from April 2020.