Randal 'Tiny' Smith BEM MSc BEng (Hons) CEng FRAeS FInstLM

https://lnkd.in/eVmwC4Ss Some good news about EV's. This really comprehensive report by Ayvens consultants puts the UK as 10th for EV adoption out of 47 countries. And the UK EV market is ranked as mature - only just, but it's there. After all the bad things the politicians were saying during the recent election about technology in this country that's got to be a plus. Also it rates the Total Cost of Ownership for an EV as now on a par with an ICE vehicle. Well worth a read to get a wider perspective of EV fleets around the world, including our own. #electricvehicles #fleetmanagement #decarbonisation

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*** ELEVENSES *** Elevenses 453 Sun 11 August - motorcycle news, tips & views in today's show... Dartford Crossing brings in £209m per year... DfT data shows length of roads maintained has been falling... testing begins on 'smart road' in US... rider restraints for bikes patent from CFMoto... more on Norton's plans for growth... emperor's new clothes - fourteen revised models from Honda... Honda to supply small e-bikes to Yamaha... in-depth today - has the new 'Hierarchy of Harm' had a positive effect on fatal crash stats? Not obviously!    Make a brew, grab a biscuit and pull up a chair ready to tune in to the 'ELEVENSES' LIVE webcast. Join me, Kevin Williams, twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday at 11am for 30 minutes of topical news, controversial views and better biking tips! MISSED A SHOW? https://lnkd.in/e_SMhAb A QUICK SHOUT OUT to last week's KoFi supporters and subscribers - Madcockny, Rob, Phil (who purchased the Survival SKILLS ebook download), Trev, Keith (who bought the MIND over MOTORCYCLE ebook download), Sandy, Howard, Nick, Kelvin, Halam, S Lucas (ordered the 'Group riding Tips' mini ebook), Dave, Helen, Brian and Anonymous - thanks mightily for your support! GET THIS WEEKLY DIGEST delivered to your inbox by signing up at:  https://lnkd.in/dbSwh74 We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. FREE DOWNLOAD - Advanced Riding in 500 Words https://lnkd.in/ekFxNMFs SoS Aug 10 It's summer - staying awake on long runs https://lnkd.in/ekF-cSCG FoF August 9 Motorcycling Guidelines revisited https://lnkd.in/eEbGhdTn Science Of Being Seen Aug 8 The 'Constant Bearing' issue https://lnkd.in/e3bNinVn Elevenses 452 Wed 7 Aug - motorcycle news, tips & views https://lnkd.in/e9ZgvtYR ToT Aug 6 Information links - priority over oncoming traffic https://lnkd.in/eZhty9tf COMMENT Aug 5 Tesla in full self-driving mode rear-ends, kills rider https://lnkd.in/enCB2tmH Elevenses 451 Sun 4 August - motorcycle news, tips & views https://lnkd.in/eeicbDJ6 https://lnkd.in/e2FjPjRZ

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Automotive sector can be driver behind turbocharged UK industrial and economic growth, says SMMT chief The Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) has said the automotive sector can be the driver behind turbocharged UK industrial and economic growth. In his latest CEO update on Friday, Mike Hawes said: This week’s long-awaited announcement of an industrial strategy, with government’s Invest 2035 green paper, presents a fresh opportunity to turbocharge UK industrial and economic growth. Automotive can be the driver of this and, as SMMT set out in our Vision 2035 report, with the right conditions has the potential to deliver an economic boost worth more than £50bn during the next decade. https://lnkd.in/ecE__aPF

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The graph below is genuinely mind blowing. It shows new petrol car registrations plummeting against October 2023 levels. Meanwhile, data from the SMMT shows battery EVs as the only vehicle type gaining market share. So now I'm just waiting for all the headlines announcing the end of the petrol era amid reduced consumer demand for petrol cars.... 😉 Graph from New AutoMotive (if you're interested in EVs and don't already subscribe to New Automotive's newsletter you definitely should!)

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New SMMT data published this week shows ever greener trucks and buses are providing essential services for the UK economy and society, with electric HGV uptake growing in volume and market share, while Britain is rolling out more zero emission buses than anywhere in Europe. These are remarkable achievements with real benefits and the UK has the potential to be a world leader in truck and bus decarbonisation, but sustainable change demands compelling incentives and infrastructure - so that operators feel confident about their own path to decarbonisation. While success tomorrow calls for action today, taking time off is equally important, allowing time for family, friends and pastimes. So as we soak up the dog days of summer, and the end of the summer shutdown period for many, I hope you’ve enjoyed some well-earned rest or will have some soon to come. More in this week's Update: https://lnkd.in/eKit26vu

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To my mind, it's clear that there is more consumer friction in the early to mid-mainstream EV audience than key players imagined, and I would like to see a concerted, positive marketing communications campaign to highlight how EVs are just better. To note, not a campaign to sell individual EVs, but to sell emobility. This year, the sector has been in response mode, not in proactive positivity mode: responding to the negative narratives of the mainstream media, rather than on the front foot, defining the terrain of EVs being better. EVs are exactly that: better vehicles. They are clearly better for clean air and climate, and they are better on cost across lifetime ownership. They are a better driving experience. So, we need to build out what I call the 'ideas infrastructure' for emobility, to work on that tricky territory of hearts and minds. The cars are there. The charging is increasingly there. The consumers are not there. At the moment, there is no concerted campaign, supported by government, industry bodies and OEMs to project a positive narrative. This will be my focus for 2025. If you'd like to join me in that project, do let me know. A rising tide floats all boats. #evs #bettervehicles #sustainability

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The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is urging immediate advancements in 12-volt battery technology to tackle "bricking" issues in electric vans. Paul Hollick, AFP Chair, explained: "The core issue is that when an electric van is left idle for a few weeks, the 12-volt battery depletes, making it impossible to start or recharge the vehicle. This forces a return to the franchise dealer, and it can take weeks to resolve." "Some manufacturers promise new software within weeks or months, while others are vague, frustrating fleet operators, even with a fix, the bricking issue will persist, just delayed, underscoring the technology's weaknesses. Extending battery life to 3-4 weeks for holiday periods would be an improvement." #ev #evvans #electricvans #electricvehicles #automotive #automotivenews #automotiveindustry https://lnkd.in/eqNgGKzN

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British commercial vehicle production output growth continues with the best Q1 figures since 2008. Figures also show British car production did fall in March, as manufacturers gear up to make new models, but rounded off Q1 with overall volumes still up 1.1%: https://lnkd.in/e95-H6FB #UKmfg #Manufacturing #Production #Automotive #CommercialVehicles

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‘…Manufacturers say they support Net Zero but a lack of demand for EVs has left firms struggling to make the investment, with many motorists said to have been put off by high prices and a lack of charging points. ‘Lisa Brankin, the chairman and managing director of Ford UK…said: 'As an industry we have repeatedly said that we support the Government's trajectory and we support the ambition that the Government has set out, it's just that there isn't customer demand.' ‘The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has voiced fears that the pace of the transition could hit car makers as demand for zero-emission vehicles 'failed to meet ambition'….’ Nissan on the verge of collapse and the automotive industry warning of the folly of Net Zero targets which are unacieeevable and undeliverable. Neither the Industrial or Technological revolutions occurred becasue of governments setting artificial deadlines. Indeed, Imagine Margaret Thatcher phoning Clive Sinclair in 1981 and telling him to get a move on and create a smartphone within 10 years. That’s just not how innovation works. Our governments can’t solve our housing, pallitive care nor fertility crisis but somehow think they can tell industry how to make things happen. Delusional.

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Speed Limiters for Young Drivers: A Crucial Safety Measure In recent years, the alarming rate of #highspeed #accidents involving young drivers has prompted discussions on effective measures to curb this trend. One promising solution gaining traction is the implementation of #speedlimiters in vehicles driven by young motorists. Speed limiters, devices designed to restrict the maximum speed of a vehicle, present a pragmatic approach to enhancing #roadsafety and reducing #fatalities among novice drivers. The Problem Young drivers, often characterised by their limited driving experience and propensity for risk-taking, are disproportionately represented in high-speed accidents. Statistics reveal that this demographic is more likely to be involved in severe crashes, with #excessive #speed being a significant contributing factor. The combination of inexperience and a tendency to overestimate their driving abilities can lead to disastrous consequences on the road. How Speed Limiters Work Speed limiters function by capping the #maximum #speed a vehicle can achieve. This is achieved through various technologies, including #GPS-based systems and mechanical devices that control the fuel injection or throttle. By setting a predefined speed limit, typically around 70 mph (112 km/h), speed limiters ensure that young drivers cannot exceed safe speeds, thereby reducing the risk of high-speed collisions. Benefits Enhanced Safety - The primary benefit of speed limiters is the significant reduction in the likelihood of high-speed accidents. By preventing vehicles from exceeding safe speed thresholds, speed limiters help young drivers maintain control, especially in challenging driving conditions. Reduced Fatalities and Injuries - Lower speeds result in less severe impacts in the event of a collision. This translates to fewer fatalities and injuries, alleviating the emotional and financial burden on families and healthcare systems. Promoting Safe Driving Habits - Speed limiters encourage young drivers to adopt safer driving habits. Over time, these habits become ingrained, leading to a generation of more responsible and cautious motorists. Environmental Impact - Driving at controlled speeds can lead to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Speed limiters thus contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting eco-friendly driving practices. Challenges and Considerations While the benefits are clear, the implementation of speed limiters is not without challenges. By implementing speed limiters, society can take a significant step towards protecting its youngest and most vulnerable drivers, ensuring that the joy of driving does not come at the cost of lives. What are your thoughts? #RoadSafety #YoungDrivers #SafeDriving #ReduceAccidents #TeenDriverSafety #SaveLives #DrivingResponsibly #VehicleSafety #SpeedControl #InexperiencedDrivers #TrafficSafety #HighSpeedRisks #DriveSafe #SafetyFirst #RoadAwareness #AccidentPrevention #SafetyMeasures

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Last week's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Transport News Brief lead comment, UK production needs to be next government’s central focus Last week saw SMMT publish May’s commercial vehicle production figures – down -59.3% on last year, and the third consecutive month of decline. Temporary supply chain shortages have impacted some of the production output, but we are also seeing that factories are responding to a downturn in order books as we adjust to the new normal. UK commercial vehicle production is a key contributor to the UK economy – and earlier this week SMMT launched Vision 2035: Ready To Grow, which calls on the next government to work in partnership with the automotive industry to unleash its full potential and deliver growth worth £50 billion over the next decade. A key part of this is the UK’s vehicle production, and the vision highlights how to increase the UK’s global competitiveness in electric light vehicle production, which would deliver a cumulative £290 billion increase in value up to the end of 2035. With CV production found in every part of the UK – not to mention a vast supply chain supporting the industry both home and abroad – success will drive growth across the nation. With the general election one week away, SMMT is now looking to the next government, which ever colour, to invest in UK factories as they transition their production lines to make zero emission models. With almost 70% of UK CV production destined for export, it is vital that Britain continues to work to secure the best possible trading conditions for this key contributor the economy. The paper was launch as part of SMMT’s International Automotive Summit, which as ever included a diverse range of speakers from the commercial vehicle and bus sectors. It was no surprise that most of the discussions were around what will happen post 4 July. The overwhelming opinion was that the next government need to produce a clear strategy for how charging infrastructure will be funded for the rollout of zero emission trucks and buses – critical for encouraging greater adoption. Plus, while the UK has a growing zero emission supply chain that produces almost every component needed, the reality is the need to scale up. For ZEVs to achieve the levels of UK content currently seen in British-produced ICE vehicles, there’s a real need to turbocharge investment. Vehicle production is often called the jewel in the crown of the UK economy – whatever the election result next week, let’s hope that the right steps are taken to ensure it continues to shine.

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Karhoo has called in administrators for the second time in its brief history, and this time it looks like there will be no resurrection, with its owners saying it is “not viable”. What went wrong? Karhoo started off as a price comparison booking app, and under #renault ownership it became a supply/demand matching service for taxi operators and the taxi trade. But it never seemed to gain any traction against ride-hailers such as #uber and #freenow or aggregators such as #cmac. Where does #karhoo’s demise leave Renault’s #mobilize division, and its other big acquisition, dispatch systems provider #icabbi? #taxi #privatehire #chauffeur #minicab #administration #receivership https://lnkd.in/eVpYpyCH

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As an EV owner, I can say that this message really resonates with my personal experience. However, I recognise that more needs to be done to help people who don't yet own EVs understand how to get the most out of driving one. A good analogy is to think about your smartphone. You charge it when you can, whether that's at home, work, or other places you visit throughout the day. Charging an EV works in a similar way - you don't just have to do it at traditional "refueling" stations. You can charge at a much wider range of destinations and events. The mindset shift required is moving away from the traditional gas station model and embracing the flexibility of charging your EV wherever you go. This makes it much more convenient and integrated into your everyday life. By framing EV ownership in these relatable terms, it can help non-EV users gain a better understanding of how the technology works and how it can seamlessly fit into their daily routines. This kind of practical, user-focused guidance is key to driving wider EV adoption.

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Ahead of meetings with the automotive industry this week, UK transport secretary Louise Haigh has reiterated the government's commitment to the ZEV mandate 👉 https://lnkd.in/e6_hcQ6j While the mandate will not be weakened, some 'flexibilities' could be made on the back of these meetings - with some manufacturers projected to fall short of the ZEV target for 2024. #ElectricDrives | #ElectricVehicles | #EV | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #AutomotiveIndustry | #CarSales | #UnitedKingdom | #ElectricCars

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*** UK faces struggles as EV transition hits the Auto industry *** The UK automotive industry has called for ‘urgent government intervention’ to safeguard the sector and Britain’s zero emission vehicle transition. The call comes following the news that Stellantis UK is closing a UK plant (Luton) and said that its decision came in the context of the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate which UK manufacturers say will impose huge costs at a time when market demand for BEVs is underperforming. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said its analysis suggests weak demand for EVs and the need to fulfil ever-rising sales quotas will cost the industry some GBP6bn in 2024, and even more next year – with the potential for devastating impacts on business viability and jobs. The SMMT points out that the mandated targets have given manufacturers no option but to subsidise sales, incentivising fleet, business and consumer EV sales through an estimated £4 billion worth of discounts. Despite this, the industry looks likely to fall short of the 22% EV market share demanded, potentially creating a £1.8 billion bill for compliance for those missing their targets for cars alone. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “We need an urgent review of the automotive market and the regulation intended to drive it. Not because we want to water down any commitments, but because delivery matters more than notional targets. The UK Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate targets EV share numbers and will fine OEMs for non-compliance. Manufacturers that fail to meet the compliance levels or do not sell enough ZEVs face penalties of GBP15,000 for every non-ZEV unit sold over their mandated allowance. While the UK Government has said their could be some flexibility in its application to help the industry – it has also said it wants to keep to the overall targets as part of the UK’s net zero commitments and to maintain the phasing out of ICE only vehicle sales by 2030. #Department for Infrastructure and Transport #ZEVmandate #BEVslowdwon

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Design for #circularity is one of THE ways to #netzero and #sustainability. Application of Circular Economy is only going to grow exponentially across all industries and value chains.

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Is this a self-fulfilling prophecy as we are told that BEV sales are faltering? A decrease of year-on-year new sales growth in 2023 maybe be partly associated with an (unexpected?) increase in new petrol sales, whilst HEV and PHEV continued to grow as expected. We need consistent central government policy to demonstrate leadership and commitment – a transition away from carbon-intensive fuels is part of the solution to existential threat and it cannot be left up to lobbyists and marketing spin to decide our future.

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Paywalled, but the headline is fairly self-explanatory; the expected flattening of used ICE value in response to supply and recognition of less desirability of older BEV technology. This is what the EV 'revolution' is all about, as older vehicles become established in the market we learn how to adapt to using them; as with mobile phones, they might not be the new-and-shiny, but can be perfectly functional. - How do manufacturers support these older models software, and does it matter; possibly increasingly so with the latest models and subscription features? - Does decreasing range really matter, and how is this reflected in the value? Although a used ICE can still travel as far as it did when new, they tend to travel less, but older EVs may restrict a subset of owners who do need access to this capability. - How does the availability of models affect the nuance in demand and retention - looking at the traditional, large-engined estate cars that are possibly making a come-back to replace SUVs? My biggest question is going to be whether the technology determines annual mileage, or will we see more homogonisation and nuance in how vehicles are used as the stock biases increasing towards electrified, and then electric?

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