Unobtanium - 5 July 2022

Motoring Podcast - News Show

HYUNDAI AND KIA RAIDED IN GERMANY

German officials have raised the offices of Hyundai, Kia and Bosch over the possibility of a defeat device being fitted to their diesel engines. Details are scant so far, and the chaps will be keeping an eye out for any updates. To read more, click the Autocar article here.

EUROPE CONFIRMS 2035 NEW ICE SALE BAN

The EU has voted in favour of banning the sale of new combustion engined cars and vans, from 2035. There is a glimmer of hope though, left for e-fuels, which have been given more time to demonstrate if they can be made both environmentally friendly and economically. To read about the ICE ban, click here for the Reuters article link. To read about e-fuels, click the Autocar link here.

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES INCIDENT INVESTIGATION BRANCH

The first ever road incident investigation branch has now been formed, by the Government, following a campaign and consultation to create such an organisation. They will independently investigate incidents and use their findings to make recommendations to changes in all aspects of road usage. For more, click the Government’s own link here.

NOTTINGHAM TRIALS WIRELESS TAXI CHARGING

Nottingham Council has secured funding to undertake a trial of wireless charging technology, using taxis, to establish if it is viable. Wireless technology promises a cleaner street, with less visible infrastructure and associated hazards of trying to use and get around. To learn more about this, click the Wireless Charging of Electric Taxis link here.

YORK OPENS FIRST COUNCIL HYPERHUB

York Council has opened the first of four “HyperHubs” which it will run, in the city. They will have a range of chargers and aim to help local residents and visitors. This is part of a scheme to help transition people to electric vehicles. Read more about this, by clicking this MoveElectric link here.

SWARCO SIGNS DEAL WITH CORNWALL COUNCIL

SWARCO will supply and run a number of council charging points, that are to be installed over the next four years. The idea is to improve the infrastructure for Cornwall. To read more, click the ZapMap link here.

NEW HOME CHARGING RULES IN FORCE

The new home charging rules have come into force, but there is still a lot of confusion as to what they mean to consumers. myenergi boss Jordan Brompton helps clarify costs and what they actually mean for us in this article on Transport+Energy, which you can read by clicking here.

ASTON MARTIN SEEKS NEW FUNDING BUT NO NEED TO PANIC

Following the exclusive story from Autocar, stating Aston Martin was seeking further investment, they had to come out and say everything was fine with their order books, which isn’t quite the same as “we don’t need cash”. To read the Bloomberg article on all this, click here.

GERMAN COURT RULES SUV OWNER TO BE PENALISED MORE

A German court has ruled that due to the driver being in a SUV, they can and should be penalised harder thanks to potential danger, extra weight and poor visibility. This is of note, because other jurisdictions may well follow suit, but targeting weight brings more than SUVs into the picture. Click here to read the Jalopnik article.

CATERHAM HAVE NEW CEO

Caterham’s CEO, Graham MacDonald is retiring after 10 years in charge, he will be replaced by Bob Laishley. Laishley was the head of Nissan sports cars. As we all know, the change in the car industry is almost unparalleled and smaller, niche companies such as Caterham are at risk, therefore his hands will be full in helping the company transition. For more, click the Autocar article link here.

SELF-DRIVING CARS INQUIRY OPENS

The Transport Committee has opened a public inquiry for self-driving cars, asking for evidence and comment regarding how best to legislate for them. We all must make our voice heard on this matter, so click the link to directly respond to this invitation. ——————————————————————————-

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BLOODHOUND LSR

Following a chance meeting, the current CEO of the Bloodhound LSR project spoke to Will Iron regarding the whole thing and its future. Click The Sunday Times Driving article link here, to learn all about the hope for the future.

LUNCHTIME READ: HOW TO DESIGN A CAR PART 2 - FRONT GRILLES

OvPart two of EVO’s series with Peter Stevens moves to a subject we in the car corner of the internet like to get exercised about, front grilles. Click the link here to read about them, which may help you understand why some look like they do.

LIST OF THE WEEK: THE 19 VANS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU WANTED

Listen to Andrew and Alex wax lyrical about vans, click this Top Gear link here, to read more and see if you agree. Don’t forget to let them know if you think they were right or not.

AND FINALLY: DRIVING UP A MOUNTAIN IN A CLOUD, FAST

We round the show out with raw, onboard footage of the winning Pikes Peak run, by Robin Shute, in The Sendy Club’s car. Click here to send just over ten minutes transfixed.