FOLLOW UP: DUTCH CLASS-ACTION FOR VW

A Dutch foundation has been formed to take on Volkswagen in a class-action, which the group hopes will include people from across Europe, in connection with #Dieselgate. Apparently, thanks to a law change in Holland, “justice for millions of EU customers” is the aim, however, the chaps are still unsure what is the loss these people have suffered. To read more, click here for The Irish Times article.

FOLLOW UP: EMERGENCY MOT EXTENSION GRANTED

Before last week’s show had been published, the Government announced that MOT’s will be extended an automatic six months, during the coronavirus emergency. However, note that the DVLA website was yet to catch up with this and could cause some issues when renewing insurance. Also, it should be noted, your car still needs to be in a safe and roadworthy condition. To read more, click here for the BBC article.

HOW VIRUS IS EFFECTING EUROPEAN PRODUCTION

If you would like to know more about the effect the virus is having on European car production, please click here for the Automotive News Europe article, that lists what is going on.

UK TRAVEL LEVELS DROP

In this week’s ‘Bleedin’ Obvious’ information, due to the travel advice, there has been a big drop in the numbers using the roads, rail and tube. Whilst this is no surprise to anyone, the figures are quite dramatic. To read more, click here for the Motoring Research article.

QUIETER ROADS BUT SILLY SPEEDERS

With the roads being significantly quieter, some have taken this to mean they can thrash their cars along the highways and byways. However, those caught have been highlighted on social media with the reminder that we are trying to keep clear of hospitals at the moment, and not drain the resources with incidents that could well have been avoided. To read more, click the example Tweet here.

INDUSTRY CONSORTIUM DESIGNS VENTILATION DEVICES

The VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium has designed and been given a contract to build a variety of ventilation devices. Companies including F1 teams, Ford and non-automotive companies make up this group who have rapidly created space for the production of the devices the country will need. Added to that, Mercedes F1 power-train team has developed a device, in conjunction with University College London to create a breathing aid that will prevent the need for a ventilator in some cases. To read more, about this amazing effort, click here for the Autocar article.

HONDA REMEMBERS BUTTONS

Honda is somewhat bucking the industry trend, by making sure there are buttons and knobs for controls such as the heating, rather than incorporating it within the touchscreen. However, Audi is moving in the opposite direction by putting more within their touchscreens. To read more, click here for the Autocar article.

We are pausing our Patreon for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing crisis, however, if you are still able to help someone, we recommend supporting Mission Motorsport’s COVID-19 Response Fund. To find out more click this link here.

WRC AGREE ON HYBRID SUPPLIER

An agreement has now been reached on who will supply the hybrid technology for WRC in 2022, a German company called Compact Dynamics. There was also an announcement that the Global Race Engine will be retained and not use the R5-based engine, as some had been pushing for. To read more, click here for the DirtFish article.

DESIGNERS MOOD BOARD: WEAVER APPOINTED VP BY NISSAN EUROPE

Matthew Weaver has been appointed Vice President of Nissan Design Europe, taking over from Mamoru Aoki, who retires after 39 years with the company. To read more, click the Auto & Design article here.

LUNCHTIME READ: TREASURES OF THE OFFICIAL VW MUSEUM

Autocar has created a Virtual Tour, for us all to enjoy some of the delights and surprises of the official Volkswagen museum, which is located next to the Wolfsburg factory. To look at what is on display, click here for the link.

LIST OF THE WEEK: ALAN’S BEST OF MOTORING YOUTUBE (MARCH 2020 EDITION)

To help all of us, who have more time on our hands or who just need an automotive viewing fix, Alan has created a list of YouTube channels he believes we should all try. To read this, and try, click the link here.

AND FINALLY: HONDA CITY TURBO II PLUS MOTOCOMPO HOT WHEELS CUSTOM

To round out the show, here is a video of a Hot Wheels Honda City Turbo ii modification. The level of detail and effort that goes into creating the fabulous end result is amazing. There are many more on the channel to sample. To watch this one, click the YouTube link here.

Andrew had a Toyota Land Cruiser, their luxury 4x4 offering, for over a week to see if they still have something to offer in a world dominated by SUVs. Listen in as we hear about how they improve the behaviour of other road users, fantasises of adding light blue “U” and “N” to the sides and how relaxing they are to drive.

FOLLOW UP: LEVANDOWSKI PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT

Anthony Levandowski has pleaded guilty to charges of trade secrets, in the federal case brought against him. The expectation is that he will be sentenced to between 24 and 30 months, although this is not a certainty. To read more, click the Jalopnik article here.

MORRISONS FUEL PRICE DROP

If you’re a key worker and need to fuel your vehicle up, then there is some good news from Morrisons as they have cut their prices. Remember, we are only to travel if absolutely necessary. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.

MOT ADVICE DURING LOCKDOWN

A question that has been popping up, as we have come under a national lockdown, is do we still need an MOT? Yes, yes you do. Testing centre staff are, at the time of recording, considered key workers but this is being monitored by the Department for Transport. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.

TOYOTA UK CAR CLEANING ADVICE

Toyota UK has released a video showing how and where to clean your car, to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. To see this video, click the link to their Tweet here.

LONDON CONGESTION CHARGE AND ULEZ SUSPENDED

In an effort to help move key workers around the capital, Transport for London has suspended the Congestion Charge and ULEZ. This came into operation on Monday 23 March. As a reminder, the advice is to only travel if you’re a key worker and/or allowed under the rules outlined by the Government. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.

GEELY DELIVERS NEW CAR KEYS BY DRONE

To ensure there is no risk of physical contact or being closer than two metres when handing over a new car, Geely is delivering the keys via a drone as they roll out their contactless home delivery service. To learn more, click the link here.

‘NO TOUCH’ SERVICING OFFERED BY FORD

Ford Europe is providing a service called ‘No Touch Servicing’ where the vehicle is thoroughly sanitised before and after the dealership deals with it. A video check of the work and any issues that have been found is also included. To read more, click the Ford article here.

UK-WIDE PAVEMENT PARKING BAN CONSIDERED BY GOVERNMENT

The Government is considering implementing a UK-wide ban on pavement parking, following recommendations from the Transport Committee. However, some organisations are warning that not all pavements are the same so this needs careful consideration. A consultation will be released at some point for the reality of such a ban to be understood. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.

SORT MY SIGN CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

A campaign has been launched to address the issue of obstructed and unclear signage on major roads. Transport Focus, a transport watchdog, are pushing Highways England to improve the usefulness and effectiveness of signage. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.

USING A TOUCH-SCREEN WHEN DRIVING IS BAD STUDY FINDS

The IAM RoadSmart organisation has released information about distracted driving. Whilst the podcast thinks the underlining issue and study is a useful and a worthy one, the reporting of the results is flawed by calling out Apple and Android but not including OEM’s own systems. To read more, click the Jalopnik article here.

We are pausing out Patreon for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing crisis, however, if you are still able to help someone, we recommend supporting Mission Motorsport’s COVID-19 Response Fund. To find out more click this link here.

GOODWOOD LIVE STREAMING ‘BEST OF’ MEMBERS’ MEETING

This weekend would’ve been the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, which is obviously postponed. However, the team have compiled a ‘Best Of’ compilation that will run for the same time as the normal live stream would. To learn more, click the article link here.

ESPORTS MOTOR RACING CHANNELS TO TRY

Andrew has mentioned his enjoyment of esports motor racing recently, we say mentioned, possibly “harped on at length” might be closer to the truth. However, there is an array of options out there which may be a bit daunting to the uninitiated, so he listed a selection of options that gives you something to try.

Click here for iRacing’s channel that is one of the major games on PC.

Click here for RaceRoom’s channel, another major player on PC.

Click here for Forza Motorsport’s channel, an Xbox title.

Click here for Actrollvision’s channel, where many different games on different platforms are streamed.

Click here for Apex Online Racing’s channel, who host race series and broadcast them.

Click here for Redline Motorsport TV’s channel, who also host race series and broadcast.

Click here for Jardier’s channel, he is a streamer and excellent racer, who takes part in different race series on different games.

Click here for Jimmy Broadbent’s channel, he too is a streamer, taking part in different events across different games.

Click here for Yorkie’s channel, he too streams, posts videos of races and tutorials. Primarily Project Cars 2, although he recently went back to providing content from different games too.

Click here for Super GT’s channel, he streams and races as well. Has focused on Gran Turismo recently, but has an extensive back catalogue of videos.

As a warning, just check out the channels first as some use more adult language than others, which may not be appropriate for younger people. However, hopefully, there is something in the list that you find interesting

LUNCHTIME READ: MANSORY’S GAUDY TUNE-UPS ARE SO BAD THEY’RE GOOD

Matt Prior makes the case that Mansory’s, erm, creations, are actually good. This is an interesting argument, but as ever his writing is excellent and well worth your time. Click here for the Autocar article.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE ART OF THE CRASH HELMET

Earlier in the year, there was an auction of real and replica F1 helmets, from Stewart through to Hamilton. Click through the link here to view the Ecurie article with a wonderful slideshow that will be a trip down memory lane for those who follow F1.

AND FINALLY: MERCEDES-BENZ C111/II PROTOTYPE

The amazing Mercedes C111/II Prototype is 50 years old. Antti Kautonen has written an excellent article about this glorious car. Click the Jalopnik link here, to find out more about this car.

FOLLOW UP: SMART MOTORWAYS REVIEW

The review, ordered by the Transport Secretary, has been completed. The findings recommend removing hard shoulders being used as live lanes, increasing the number of refuge points, increase the number of Highways England traffic officer patrols, increase the roll-out of stopped vehicle detection cameras. To read more, click the Autocar article here. To read the Government’s action plan click the link here.

CORONAVIRUS PRODUCTION UPDATE

To see how manufacturing has been impacted in the UK and Europe, click the Automotive News Europe section here.

BUDGET 2020

Last week, which feels so very long ago, the Chancellor of the Exchequer unveiled a spending spree on motoring related matters. But it is not all good news. To learn more, click the Autocar article here and for further analysis, click the Parkers article here. On the back of some of the Government’s sneakiness, three car companies are topping up the Plug-In Car Grant back to previous levels, but for a short time only, to see more, click the Motoring Research article here.

LEEDS’S CLEAN AIR ZONE LAUNCHES SEPTEMBER

From 28 September 2020, the Leeds Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will be in force. The zone was meant to go live in January, but due to delays from a government system, this has been put back. Buses, HGVs, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles are covered. To read more and see where the CAZ will be, click the Motoring Research article here.

LAWRENCE STROLL TAKES BIGGER STAKE IN ASTON MARTIN

The consortium, led by Lawrence Stroll, has agreed to increase its investment in Aston Martin but will take a larger portion of the company, as a result. The new deal, if approved by shareholders, will mean that 25% of the company will be acquired. To read more, click the Autocar article here.

ARRIVAL TO OPEN NEW FACTORY

The UK based electric vehicle company Arrival has announced that it will be opening a new factory in Oxfordshire, due to be up and running by 2021. This is more good news following the recent investment in Arrival. To read more, click the MTDMFG article here.

MOTORWAY LIFTED TO FIX BRIDGE

In order to repair the now rusting steel centres of the bridge on the M60, near Didsbury, the road is being lifted 5mm on a temporary basis. This is part of the efforts to fix all the supports to the 200-metre long structure. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.

If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

FORMULA E: SEASON SUSPENDED

Formula E and the FIA have announced the suspension of the current season for an initial two month period, in the wake of the effects of coronavirus. To read more, click the announcement here.

WRC: RALLY MEXICO

Sebastien Ogier won the shortened Rally Mexico, which ended on Saturday. Ogier was very unhappy the event even took place. Second was Tänak and Suninen was third. To read more about the results click the Dirt Fish article here. Also, there is a Driver Rating article, which you can get to by clicking here. The final link is to see some glorious photographs from the event, which you can see by clicking here.

ESPORTS FILLS LIVE MOTORSPORT GAP

A hastily created race, called the Esports All-Star Battle, took place at the weekend. This included sim racing specialists and real-word racers going head to head. There was a peak of 52,000 viewers live, with more than 550,000 watching the replay within 24 hours. The Race is now planning a two-pronged series, one set for sim racers and the other for the real-word racers. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here. For more information on The Race’s series, click the link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: JOINING DOTS THAT AREN’T THERE

This week we are recommending you read an article from Nir Kahn, who discusses creativity in using existing items in an innovative way. To read this excellent piece, click the LinkedIn link here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: FIVE WAYS TO GET YOUR PETROLHEAD KICKS IN SELF-ISOLATION

Super Unleaded has produced an article helping those of us who are fans of the motor vehicle still get some enjoyment if you have to self-isolate. To be inspired click the link here. Alan also recommends removing an engine from Toyota Yaris, but that may be a little extreme for some of us.

AND FINALLY: THE FIVE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2019

We leave you with a video of the wonderful 2019 Goodwood Revival, as we conclude this week’s episode. Reminding us all of happier times. To watch, click the Goodwood link here.

With this year’s Geneva Motor Show being cancelled, Alan had to find another way to get his annual many-cars-in-a-large-building-near-the-Franco-Swiss-border fix, so he went to Mulhouse in Alsace to visit one of the world’s largest motor museums, the Cité de L’Automobile and Schlumpf Collection, with its amazing collection of Bugatti.

FOLLOW UP: U.S. JURY AWARDS PUNITIVE DAMAGES TO VW CUSTOMERS

A test case, of U.S. customers who opted out of Volkswagen’s agreed compensation settlement, has established compensatory and punitive damages. Five claimants will get $5747 for compensatory damages and four will receive $25,000 in punitive damages. This is a much smaller amount than was sought. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here.

FOLLOW UP: LEVANDOWSKI SEEKS BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION

Anthony Levandowski, who left Google to set up his own company breaching legal obligations in doing so, according to an arbitration panel, before being bought out by Uber. He is required to pay $179 million to Google as a consequence. After his appeal failed he applied for Chapter 11 to reduce his liabilities by negotiation. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here.

FEBRUARY 2020 NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES

Another month, another dip, this time a drop by 2.9% in new registration figures. Diesel engines take another drop, being only 21.9% of market share, with alternative fuel vehicles, as expected, the major increase but not enough to deflect the overall drop. To read more, click the SMMT link here.

PSA REDUCES ELLESMERE PORT TO FOUR-DAY WEEK

Due to a drop in demand for the Astra estate the shift patterns will change to extended hours on four days instead of the existing five day week. Future job losses cannot be ruled out, according to PSA. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here.

NISSAN CONTINUES TO INVEST IN SUNDERLAND

Nissan has taken the next step in the £1 billion investment program for the new Qashqai to be built in Sunderland. £52 million has been released for a press, that will stamp the panels. This takes the total invested, to date, to £400 million. To read more, click the Autocar article here.

SOME OEM KEYS CAN BE CLONED

A new weakness in keyless entry systems has been confirmed by researchers from KU Leuven in Belgium and the University of Birmingham. Before we all panic, this one is harder to pull off than the more common keyless manner and affects, generally, older vehicles. However, to see exactly which vehicles are covered click on the WIRED link here.

COMPETITION WINNER!

Congratulations to our winner, on bagging the copy of James Ruppert’s latest book Demotorized: The 200 Year War on the Motorist.

Thanks to all who entered and keep your ears peeled as we will be doing more competitions in the future!

FORMULA E: ROME POSTPONED

Before Italy went into lockdown the Rome E-Prix had been postponed from April 4. This, combined with the already cancelled Sanya E-Prix means there is now a seven-week gap in the season. Paris is the next race due on April 18, which along with Soul looks doubtful. Formula E is looking for other race options. To read more, click the e-racing365 article here.

In better news, Eindhoven has put a bid to host the first night races of the series, with the Team behind the effort hopeful it will be accepted for the 2021-2022 season. To read more, click the e-racing 365 article here.

WRC: RALLY MEXICO THIS WEEKEND

WRC is back, with Rally Mexico taking place this weekend, starting on Thursday. This is typically the rally where we can really judge the different team’s packages. Can Toyota continue this good start, will Hyundai bounce back after Sweden, how do M-Sport fit in all of this? These are questions we hope to have the answer for after this round.

CLASSICS AND COFFEE RETURNS SOON

Great Escapes will be starting their Classics and Coffee events, once again, on Sunday, April 5 between 10 am and 12 pm. If you are in the area or can make the trip then do go along and see the fantastic mix of cars that pitch up. For more details click the link here.

LUNCHTIME READ: SEATTLE TRAFFIC DOES NOT EXIST AMID VIRUS FEARS

Further to last week’s Lunchtime Read, we continue the theme of car reliance and the dreaded commute. Jalopnik has an article about how Seattle’s traffic has dramatically changed following the recommendation that people work from home. There have also been several articles, around the web, showing air quality improvements when there is no traffic. To read more, click the link here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: GREATEST CARS EVER MADE WITH POP-UP HEADLIGHTS

Autocar has produced a wonderful list of the best cars with pop-up headlights. To gawp at them, click the link here.

AND FINALLY: DIECAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

Jalopnik has brought to our attention the wonderful YouTube channel of 3Dbotmaker, who is behind the 2020 Diecast Rally Championship. To see more, and you do need to see more, click the link here.

Andrew had a Honda CR-V Hybrid on loan, for just over a week, to test out the company’s latest foray into the world of hybrid drivetrains. Listen in to hear his thoughts on CVT gearboxes, the interior quality and what the only competition is for this car.

FOLLOW UP: MORE PORSCHE RAIDS

Stuttgart public prosecutors have raided Porsche once more, connected with diesel emission manipulation, according to reports from Greg Kable. After four more members of staff were accused of being involved, this takes the total up to seven for Porsche.

FOLLOW UP: VW AND VZBZ AGREE TO SETTLEMENT

After being told to return to the negotiating table, by the courts, Volkswagen and the consumer group VZBZ has agreed on a payout of £698 million to German consumers. To read more, click the Autocar article here.

GENEVA MOTORSHOW CANCELLED

Following the Swiss Government’s announcement to ban major events, GIMS had no choice but to cancel the motor show. There has been quite a bit of hoo-ha over how this was handled and it does not appear exhibitors will be able to recoup their outlay. Alan reminds us all that motor shows are not just for the journalists. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here.

FRENCH CAR SHOWS RESCHEDULED

Due to Covid-19, major gatherings are being banned in France, which means some car shows are having to be rescheduled. To read more, click The Connecxion article here.

DEUTSCHE POST SCRAPS EV DELIVERY VAN

Deutsche Post will cease production of the electric delivery vehicle they were building in partnership with Ford, the reason given is the huge losses the project has cost the company. To read more, click the Bloomberg article here.

MOVE MOBILITY CONFERENCE

Alan wished he was able to attend events such as the MOVE Conference, that took place a couple of weeks ago, however, as he can’t we have to refer to other’s write-ups, this time Daniel Puddicombe is the lucky one who was at the mobility event. To read more, click the Company Car Today link here and go to page 9.

COVENTRY NOT INTRODUCING CLEAN AIR ZONE

Thanks to plans put to the Government, Coventry will not be implementing a Clean Air Zone (CAZ), as part of their efforts to tackle air quality issues. The council argued that introducing a CAZ would have worsened the air quality for many residential areas. There will be a ban, in certain areas, of polluting vehicles and HGVs but these are part of a wider set of initiatives which it is hoped will reduce pollution. To read more, click the Fleet News article here.

One of the more interesting trials is offering drivers of older and more polluting vehicles mobility credits, in exchange for scrapping their car. These credits will be usable in car share schemes, pay for public transport, taxis, bike share schemes and the likes. The idea is to encourage people to get around but not think the car is the first answer. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.

SUPERMARKET EV CHARGE POINTS DOUBLE IN TWO YEARS

Thanks to partnership initiatives, between charge point companies and supermarkets, the number of charging points we can take advantage of whilst shopping has doubled in the last two years. To read more, click the ZapMap article here.

20MPH SPEED LIMIT INTRODUCED TO LONDON STREETS

A 20mph speed limit has been introduced in London, by Transport for London (TfL), in a bid to reduce deaths and serious injuries. TfL manages about 5% of the roads in London, so the actual number affected is quite small and many are questioning how much difference the new speed limit will make. To read more and find out exactly which streets are covered by this move, click the Sky News article here.

COMPETITION TIME!

We are offering you the chance to win a copy of James Ruppert, he of Bangernomics fame, latest book Demotorized: The 200 Year War on the Motorist. Listen to the show to hear what the question is, then click through this link to send us your answer. Don’t forget to put COMPETITION in the subject line.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Tuesday 10 March 2020 episode. Good luck!

FORMULA E: MARRAKESH

Starting on pole, Antonio Felix da Costa was the eventual winner of the Marrakesh E-Prix, fending off Max Guenther and Jean-Eric Vergne. This was his first win for DS Techeetah, and the first-ever double podium for the team. This was the ninth different winner in the last nine races. To read more, click the e-racing365 article here. To watch the highlights video, click the link here.

BLOODHOUND SSC HAS ONE MONTH TO BE SAVED

The owner of Bloodhound, Ian Warhurst, who rescued the car and project from receivership in 2018, has made it clear that more money is needed if the project is to be completed. If no new investment can be found in the next month, the project will be wound up. To find out more, click the BBC News article here.

LUNCHTIME READ: IT’S TIME TO LET GO OF COMMUTER CULTURE

This Jalopnik article argues the point that when we think about commuting, we need to stop thinking the car is the number one solution. This isn’t an anti-car rant, more an anti-commute rant. Considering the current worries over the spread of Covid-19, how using public transport may impact the spread of the virus, this is an interesting argument. To read more, click the Jalopnik article here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: GIMS2020

Our List of the Week is in fact, a montage of the week. Radical Mag has put together a behind the scenes montage of the Geneva Motor Show, letting us see how chaotic setting up and then taking down a trade show is. To see the photos, click the link here. To watch the video Alan mentioned, click the YouTube link here.

AND FINALLY: HENRY CATCHPOLE DRIVES A SINGER

Join us, in becoming green-eyed with jealousy as we watch Henry Catchpole drive a wonderful Singer Porsche on a stunning bit of US road. There are times you can dislike someone who you admire, this is one of those times thanks to the Green-Eyed Monster! To watch this brilliant video, click the link here.

Alan went to Milton Keynes for the UK launch of the all-new Nissan Juke. After a wet day lapping MK and southern Bedfordshire to find out how much B-SUV pioneer has moved on, what does he think?

FOLLOW UP: VW RESUMES COMPENSATION TALKS IN GERMANY

Volkswagen and VZBV, the German consumer protection organisation, have both been ordered to resume talks over compensation, by a Brunswick court, following the breakdown in communication last week. To read more, click the Automotive News article here.

FOLLOW UP: TESLA ALLOWED TO CLEAR FORREST

Court rulings have allowed Tesla to resume clearing the area where their factory is planned. The Court also ruled that this decision cannot be appealed. To read more, click the Automotive News Europe article here.

GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION OVER ICE BAN OPEN

As had been hardly reported, the suggestion of an earlier ICE ban was announced to coincide with a public consultation. The Government has now opened this, which can be found by clicking through on the Autocar article here. We have until Friday 29 May to make our voices heard.

FORD CUTTING 180 DEALERSHIPS

Ford is pairing back their dealer network from 400, by approximately 180. Following on the heels of the cut in Fiesta production, which was discussed last week, is this another sign that the current trading conditions are very tough indeed? To read more, click the Auto Retail Agenda article here.

CORONAVIRUS POTENTIAL IMPACT

One impact of the Coronavirus that has been discussed is the delay in parts and vehicles as supply chains and factories are affected. This could well lead to an issue for company car drivers who are waiting on delivery pre 6 April 2020. After 6 April BIK will be charged via WLTP rates which, depending on the car, can cost a lot more. To read more, click the Business Car article here on page 9 of their digital magazine.

IKEA VAN FLEET GOING ZERO-EMISSION

Ikea is planning to have an entire zero-emission van fleet by 2025, as a result of the varied clean-air policies being implemented across the UK. The company cited a lack of central Government led policies allowing for the fragmented announcements from various areas of the UK. To read more, click the WhatVan article here.

TESLA SPEED SIGN READING TECH TRICKED

Researchers have tricked a Model X and S into thining a 35mph road sign was actually saying 85mph, by the use of a single piece of electrical tape. This bug only affects older cars which use the MobilEye EyeQ3 system. After being told of the issue, both Tesla and MobilEye did not indicate they would fix the issue. To read more, click The Register article here.

50 MILE JIM CLARK DRIVING TRAIL LAUNCHED

A new driving tour has been launched, in the Scottish Borders, taking in the area that Jim Clark grew up in. The start and finish spot is the Jim Clark Motor Museum in Duns. To read more, click the BBC News article here.

COMPETITION TIME!

We are offering you the chance to win a copy of James Ruppert, he of Bangernomics fame, latest book Demotorized: The 200 Year War on the Motorist. Listen to the show to hear what the question is, then click through this link to send us your answer. Don’t forget to put COMPETITION in the subject line.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Tuesday 10 March 2020 episode. Good luck!

MCGLOIN RECRUITING 5000 MORE DISABLED PARTICIPANTS

Nathalie McGloin, Disability and Accessibility Commission President for FIA, has announced a new initiative to recruit 5000 more disabled participants into motorsport. Improving access and visibility are two major parts of this work. To read more, click the NewsChain article here.

LUNCHTIME READ: TEN YEARS ON: PETROLBLOG IS STILL RUNNING

This is a short read, but one we feel is very worthwhile. Gavin Braithwaite-Smith’s PetrolBlog is ten years old. This utterly entertaining site has kept us all amused, informed and in awe of Gavin’s bravery when it comes to buying/rescuing a car. Long may he continue to find the motivation to keep it going, so that we can enjoy a different side of the motoring world. To see more, click the link here.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE WORLD’S GREATEST ADVENTURE CAR JOURNEYS

Autocar has compiled a list and slideshow of the best adventure road trips they think you can have. Click here, to see them and check off how many you’ve managed!

AND FINALLY: VIGILANTE GRAFFITI TARGETS MIDDLE-LANE HOGGERS

On the M6, graffiti has appeared on bridges spanning carriageways, asking the question “Why are you a middle lane moron?”. This has struck a chord with some who have happily endorsed this message. To read more, click the RAC news article here.