Stellantovan Alliance Benz Fordswagen - 28 March 2023

FOLLOW UP: EU REACHES AGREEMENT ON E-FUELS POST 2035After the sudden rejection of the ICE 2035 ban idea, after it was agreed to take it to formal vote, the EU has reached an agreement to amend the proposal to include the allowance of carbon neutral e-fuels to power ICE vehicles after 2035. The details of how this can work are to be established but there is much anger this was allowed. We have several articles to help explain the situation as well as how this was reported during the last few weeks. To read what has been agreed, click this Autocar link here. Automotive News, click the link here, reported this whilst the renegotiations were under way.The outlet Politico reported on the upheaval the sudden stance by Germany and Italy caused. You can read that by clicking this link here. FOLLOW UP: 3G SWITCH OFF RAMIFICATIONSFollowing last week’s request regarding the implications for the 3G switch off in the UK, Ken Tindell did come back. The main impact for vehicles is switching off previous generation emergency call/location services. This has hit a large number of cars in the US, which will be replicated here. Additionally, things like car park ticket machines will stop working and councils are deciding to replace these with apps, but that disadvantages those without smart phones, particularly the elderly, which is unacceptable. Click here to read the StokeOnTrentLive article for an example of this. FOLLOW UP: MERCEDES MUST PAY IF IT USED DEFEAT DEVICESThe European Court of Justice has confirmed that if Mercedes did use defeat devices on their vehicles, which is what is claimed they are when they alter the engine’s emissions at certain ambient temperatures, and the owner has suffered damages, then they are liable for compensation. Mercedes reject such protection to the engine is a defeat device and that even if it is ruled as such owners have suffered no damages. Click here for an Autocar article to learn more. MCLAREN SECURES FURTHER INVESTMENTMcLaren has raised £70 million in investment to allow it to move to an electrified future. This was raised from existing shareholders. Alan adds further context to what seems like constant funding seeking, which makes a lot of sense. Click here to read the Carscoops article on this story. PROPOSAL TO TRIAL 30MPH ON M8 IN GLASGOWA proposal is being put forward to trial and monitor a section of the M8 with a new speed limit of 30mph. The idea is to see what happens to the air quality and if it does improve ask to expand the ULEZ to include the motorway. This is still at a very early stage and not imminent. We also suggest and hope if it does occur there are other factors monitored and logged. To read more, click this link to the Glasgow Evening Times article. LEICESTER EV BUS FLEET GETS A TOP UPFirst Bus has secured even more...