Technology

The Week In Motoring #8

The Week In Motoring #8 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/featured-8.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Land Rover’s Latest Innovation

Land Rover has revealed that they have developed an innovation that will allow drivers to see through their own bonnets and view the terrain below with the use of augmented technology.

The car giant claims that the new technology will render the bonnet ‘virtually’ invisible from inside the vehicle. Whilst this may not be of significant use to road users, Land Rover do say that it will considerably enhance their vehicles’ off-road ability.

Land Rover’s director of research and technology, Dr. Wolfgang Epple has said of the technology, ‘As our vehicles become more capable and autonomous off-road we will ensure the driver has the confidence to allow the car to continue to progress over any terrain.’ He goes on to exclaim how technology will hold a key part in the future of the motor industry: ‘We believe the next 25 years will be the most exciting and dynamic that the automotive industry has ever experienced. There will be huge strides in environmental innovation in safety and capability.’

The transparent bonnet, along with a whole host of new technologies, is to be showcased at the New York International Motorshow which gets under way on April 16th.

Record First Quarter for Mercedes Vans

The number of Mercedes vans registered in the first quarter of 2014 is 12.5% up on the same period last year. Totalling 6,619 units and marking the fifth consecutive quarter that Mercedes has experienced growth for their vans, this sets a record high for the German manufacturer.

Additionally, parts, 24hour roadside recovery and sales of service contracts have all also experienced very solid first quarters, with the latter achieving 178% of its targets.

The managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Steve Bridge, attributes the record breaking start to 2014 to the “hard work and commitment of a fantastic team.”

Ultra-Low Emission Zone to Arrive in London

London is to become the first city in the world to have an ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) which would encompass all types of vehicles. The zone will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is expected to cover an area of central London similar to the current Congestion Charge zone.

Transport for London are currently gaining stakeholders’ views on the proposal before publishing the consultation document next year and a ULEZ order next year (2015). This would then allow fleets 5 years to change their transport operations to ensure that their vehicles comply with new rules before the ULEZ takes effect in 2020.

The new Euro 6 compliance standards for mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) is expected to be the key entry requirement into the ULEZ. With over 25% of road NOx emissions in central London being accounted for by cars and vans, the Euro 6 compliance standards are seen as vitally important to aiding the reduction of bad emissions by reducing NOx by up to 70%.

Autocar raise the valid point that it’s “another step towards banning older diesel and petrol-powered private cars from the city centre” posing sigificant financial implications for many ordinary Londoners.

Faced with such changes to legislation and regulations, it’s no wonder leasing is fast becoming a preferred means of motoring, offering not just flexibility, but reassurance and compliance too. Call us on 01753 851561 to discuss how leasing can be of benefit to you.

Car of the Week

Our car of the week this week is this super Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2VVTi 5Dr Hatch – available to lease, or purchase:

Year / Reg 2013
Mileage 190
Engine 1.2L
Fuel Petrol
Gearbox Manual
Consumption (combined) 51.4mpg
CO2 emissions 129g/km
0-62mph 13.6 seconds
Engine Power 85bhp
Colour Carbon Flash Black

Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2VVTi 5Dr Hatch

This super runabout is available on 4-year and 3-year lease deals. If you’d like to book a test drive or talk to us out about the options, then don’t hesitate to call on 01753 851561.