Tag Archives: secretary

What do UK motorists need from the General Election?

Labour responded on 10 October. Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh stated the Tories demonstrated how out of contact they have been with the fact going through drivers.

“Labour’s plan means action on unfair petrol and car insurance costs, removing barriers so infrastructure improvements are actually delivered, reducing the traffic clogging up our roads and boosting the charge-point roll-out,” she stated.

With a common election looming, the political events are unwilling to essentially nail their motoring colors to the mast till it’s time to publish their manifestos – so we requested a variety of specialists what they wish to see made a precedence, and the way they assume the UK’s roads will change within the subsequent 5 years.

The tech insurance coverage pioneer

Andrew Bennett is an insurance coverage telematics and ‘connected car’ advisor, concerned in such applied sciences for practically 20 years and an skilled in drivers’ behaviour. We requested him what driving in 2029 will appear like.

“On the motorway, I expect a procession of cars trying to travel at 70mph, due to average-speed control and adaptive cruise,” he says.

“Lots of flat-fronted electric cars and the start of GPS-enabled road-tolling beyond the Dartford Crossing and the M6. In towns, fewer cars, more on-street charging, with electric charge costs approaching those of ICE vehicles – parking payments being automated in a consolidated app. The proportion of vehicles that are EV and ICE will vary very notably geographically, influenced by affluence.”

What does he wish to see? “More autonomous automobiles and fewer ICE automobiles, a greater charging infrastructure off-motorway, and reflective quite than profiteering prices for EV charging.

“A extra built-in Britain, with subsidies on EV and practice use to scale back carbon emissions.”

The motoring champion

Edmund King, president of the AA, has robocops and middle-lane hogs on his future adaptive cruise radar. 

Mini Aceman and Cooper EVs to be manufactured in Oxford from 2026

The investment in building Mini Aceman and Cooper electric vehicles in Oxford is seen as a significant show of confidence in the UK economy by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. She stated that the government’s efforts to support the automotive sector have been successful, resulting in high-quality jobs, stronger supply chains, and economic growth for Britain. The battery supplier for the Oxford-built EVs has not yet been announced, but BMW Group currently collaborates with Samsung and CATL, the latter of which is constructing a battery factory in Germany.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the plant, known as Cowley, which played a pivotal role in introducing mass production to the UK with the Morris ‘Bullnose’ saloon before World War I. Cowley was also the home of Morris Minor production for over two decades. Since 2000, the plant has been manufacturing BMW Group’s Mini models, including the electric version of the current hatch introduced 19 years later. In fact, electric Mini production constituted a significant proportion of the plant’s output last year, making it the largest EV producer in the UK. The facility currently employs around 3,400 individuals.

Stefanie Wurst, the head of Mini, expressed her appreciation for the strong connection between Mini and the UK, as the brand was born and established in Oxford. She assured that the company is committed to taking care of the plant, which is considered the heart of the Mini brand. Wurst highlighted the brand’s rich heritage, which is now being updated and given a promising future, and expressed her hope that the UK will perceive and acknowledge this transformation.

Blue 2024 Mini Cooper Electric – front quarter static