Data released today by Kwik Fit, the country’s largest MOT tester, reveals that the number of drivers missing their MOT expiry date by more than three weeks tripled in the last six months, compared to the equivalent period the previous year.
One in eleven drivers (9%) booking their MOT test in the last half year only did so three or more weeks after their current MOT had run out. This compares with a figure of just 3% in the whole of 2019.
These drivers are in danger of incurring the wrath of their fellow motorists. Research for Kwik Fit has found that 26% of car owners think the authorities should have the powers to impound a car if it is being driven without a valid MOT. This figure rises to more than a third (35%) of people in Yorkshire and the Humber. 14% of UK motorists think that those stopped in a car with an expired MOT should face a driving ban of at least six months, while 12% think that the courts should be able to impose fines of up to £2000.
The government introduced six month MOT extensions in the early stages of the first lockdown and this shifted the pattern of when many cars’ MOTs become due. However, not only has this changed the time of year when drivers need to get their car MOTed, there has also been a significant change in when drivers book their MOTs in relation to their expiry date.
As well as the number of drivers taking much longer to get their MOT carried out, and driving illegally as a result, there has been a similar increase in the number of drivers planning ahead. Kwik Fit has seen the number of drivers booking their test five or more weeks in advance of their expiry date also triple.
Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, says: “It may be a result of the MOT extension or people having greater flexibility of when to book their MOT but the booking pattern has become much more spread out. We are seeing many more drivers plan in advance, and get their MOT sorted well ahead of its expiry, which is great news.
“Unfortunately, we are also seeing a big increase in owners not getting their car tested until three or more weeks after it has become illegal to drive. This is especially dangerous at the moment as people will not have been driving their cars as much over the last year. As a result, any safety issues may not be as apparent to them as they would be with more frequent use of their car.”
Kwik Fit reminds those delaying their MOT that they can have their car tested up to one month (minus a day) before their expiry date to maintain the same anniversary and are therefore not losing any time from their previous valid MOT. Drivers should book as far in advance as possible, rather than hoping to get an appointment at the last minute. Kwik Fit is the UK’s biggest MOT tester and has expanded its online booking service to provide even more options to drivers.
THE TWO YORKSHIRE COMPANIES ENHANCE ALREADY SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP
British motorsport brand Ginetta has agreed to a heightened technical partnership with Millers Oils, the Yorkshire-based independent blender of premium oils and lubricants.
The success of the partnership, which has been in place for a number of years, allows for both British companies to deepen their existing working relationship over the next three years. One of the key elements within the collaboration is the use of technical products, including a bespoke, high-performance engine oil, Ginetta Tech by Millers Oils, exclusively across Ginetta’s entire range of racing cars across the globe.
The extended partnership will see Millers Oils continue as title sponsor of Ginetta’s flagship championship, the GT4 SuperCup. The eight-weekend series races on the same circuits as the British Touring Car Championship and is seen as an instrumental path for drivers looking to progress into international, multi-marque GT racing.
Millers Oils branding will now also encompass the whole of the Ginetta Group, including the Want2Race track day brand, the Blyton Park circuit and SIMTrack, Ginetta’s state-of-the-art simulator.
Ben Hyland, Ginetta Group Marketing Director, said: “I’m delighted that Ginetta is strengthening its partnership with another Yorkshire giant in Millers Oils. We have enjoyed a successful relationship together and it is testament to this that we have made a three-year commitment covering the whole of the Ginetta Group for the first time.”
Ginetta has a proud record of helping young, aspiring racers forge a career in motorsport, with star alumni including McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris, 2019 W Series champion Jamie Chadwick and British Touring Car Championship racer Tom Ingram. Millers Oils will help Ginetta nurture the next generation of drivers by sponsoring a Ginetta Junior Scholarship car, driven by Maurice Henry and Robert de Haan, in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship.
Ginetta will also welcome guests of Millers Oils to British Touring Car Championship events, where they can enjoy the action from Ginetta’s newly improved hospitality units. In addition, Want2Race, part of the Ginetta Group, will facilitate its popular corporate on-track events, where guests can get behind the wheel of a purpose-built Ginetta racing car at the brand’s own fast and flowing Blyton Park circuit.
Tony Lowe, Managing Director, Millers Oils, said: “Extending our technical partnership with Ginetta until 2024 has been a great achievement for Millers Oils and emphasises our desire to continue our fantastic growth in the motorsport world. Ginetta provides the best series of motorsport racing in the UK on the undercard of the British Touring Car Championship and having the Millers Oils name associated with this is something I am very proud of. With over 190 combined years of motorsport experience, Millers Oils & Ginetta have a clear ambition to continue growing together and everyone at Millers Oils is looking forward to the next three years of the partnership.”
Ginetta was established over 60 years ago as a British racing car company. Since current owner Lawrence Tomlinson took over the company in 2005, it has been transformed into a global motorsport brand, right from the heart of Yorkshire. It offers a range of cars for drivers of all abilities and experience levels and a championship racing ladder that can take someone seeking to make a career in motorsport, or an enthusiast seeking to race, all the way from their first steps in the sport to a Le Mans Prototype.
Millers Oils produces highly innovative products which offer outstanding friction reduction properties in competition racing oils for engines and gearboxes, as well as high performance hydraulic and brake fluids.
A study from the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that 60 per cent of motorists consider the growing ability of vehicles to drive themselves as a serious threat to road safety.
While female drivers (66 per cent) and drivers over the age of 70 (64 per cent) had even higher concerns.
This is despite well-documented evidence that most road incidents are actually caused by human error, suggesting that giving greater control to the vehicles themselves in the future might actually reduce the number of collisions.
However, while automated vehicle technology could have the power to improve road safety, this will only happen if the new systems are used correctly, including through driver training to understand their capabilities and limitations, believes the road safety charity.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “Autonomous and automated vehicle technology is becoming an integral part of everyday motoring and while it does have the capacity to improve road safety, its capabilities must be fully understood to ensure we don’t over rely on them.
“Over reliance on these systems, and a lack of training on how to use them, could have a negative effect, with potentially worrying results for motorists and pedestrians alike.
“As an ever-increasing number of vehicle systems take on the tasks that drivers used to perform, IAM RoadSmart is calling for an understanding of automated features to be included in the UK driving test.”
According to government projections, 40 per cent of UK new car sales could have self-driving capabilities in less than 15 years.
Meanwhile, advocates for a push towards autonomous vehicle technology also highlight the financial benefits to the UK economy, possibly almost worth £42 billion by 2035 together with the creation of nearly 40,000 British jobs.
Concerns still remain however around the high cost of research and development, making autonomous vehicles too expensive for some, together with possible malfunctions, data security issues and moral dilemmas as to what the vehicle should be programmed to protect.
Neil added: “Our research clearly shows that many motorists remain to be convinced about the safety of self-driving vehicles. While we wait for completely autonomous cars to take over from human drivers driver training will be paramount in ensuring that increasingly automated vehicles are an asset rather than a drawback.”
There are just two days to go until Classic Car Auctions first sale of 2021.
Their catalogue is closed with some significant examples of Land Rovers and Range Rovers from over the decades. There are just one more day left to book your virtual viewing appointment; to reserve your slot please contact the Classic Car Auction team on 01926 640888.
One Land Rover in their catalogue is this 1949 Land Rover Series I. It is presented in this beautiful Bronze Green with a new interior and khaki canvas tilt and ready for its next adventure! This is amongst the earliest Land Rovers built and is bought from leading marque specialists John Brown 4×4 of Yorkshire in 2015. Classic Car Auctions are offering this superb Land Rover in their sale this Friday and it is estimated at £25,000 – £30,000.
Another car included within their sale is this fantastic looking 2012 Land Rover Defender 110 TD XS Crew Cab. This highly sought-after XS model is freshly MOT’d, 39,245 miles indicated and is increasingly in demand. The 5-seater is finished in Aintree Green with upgraded Bowler wheels and tyres – with the launch of the new Defender, late examples of its predecessor, particularly in this condition – it is estimated at (£): £30,000 – £35,000.
Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “We are so excited for Friday and the amount of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in this sale is exceptional once again. We can’t wait for a weekend of online celebrations of classic cars with our sister company, Silverstone Auctions, to host our forthcoming sales on consecutive days”.
Classic Car Auctions are also offering this 1991 Range Rover ‘CSK’. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Range Rover, this is number 39 of 1 of only 200 made in 1991. The CSK was the first sports Range Rover and is finished in Beluga Black and luxuriously equipped with bespoke leather and American Walnut Trim. The car has been with Classic Car Auctions vendor for the past three years and has a fresh MOT and will be going under the hammer Friday 26th March with an estimate of £30,000 – £35,000.
The last of four cars to be previewed from the catalogue is this originally Bronze Green soft top, 1958 Land Rover Series 2 Station Wagon. This example has been retained by Land Rover, and is understood by Classic Car Auctions that the Chassis 002 is the oldest production Series 2 in existence. With unique features, a full restoration in 2011 and accompanied by a large history file, this lovely Station Wagon has been rebuilt on new galvanised chassis with a total work of £12,500. Estimated at £18,000 – £22,000.
To register to bid before Friday 26th March 2021, you will be able to do this online with either Proxibid or The Saleroom, on the phone or via commission. Classic Car Auctions recommend that you complete the process as early as possible.
Forthcoming Auctions Friday 26th March – The Spring Live Online Auction Friday 11th – Sunday 13th June – The Practical Classics Classic Car And Restoration Show Saturday 25th September – The Autumn Sale Saturday 11th December – The December Sale
About Classic Car Auctions (CCA) Classic Car Auctions (CCA) is a specialist auction house for the sale of ‘Everyman’ classic cars; offering enthusiasts the opportunity to buy an impressive selection of iconic classic cars from across the eras.
Created in 2015 by the highly respected team from Silverstone Auctions and now an established business itself; we have a consistent sales rate of over 75% for the last three years and have proudly sold over £15,000,000 worth of cars during the same period.
The majority of our sales are held at our home from home, The Warwickshire Event Centre, Leamington Spa. Here our sales average a total of £1.5 million, with hundreds of dedicated buyers attending the one-day sale of approximately 150 cars each time. We are also established at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show which is held annually at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, where we have been the official auction partner for the last three years.
At CCA our aim is to make buying and selling a classic car as easy and as straight-forward as possible. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable classic car specialists will provide sellers with honest and realistic estimates, combined with worldwide marketing and well-presented sale days which will help your car achieve a great price. We offer buyers a fantastic selection of affordable classic cars presented with extensive information and detailed condition reports along with low buyer’s fees.
If you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic car with Classic Car Auctions, call us today on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk.
Nissan continues to bring its electrification strategy to life by extending its commitment to Formula E into the Gen3 era
Nissan today announced its long-term commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship racing through to the end of season twelve 2025-2026 of the all-electric racing series.
Nissan joined the series in season five as the only Japanese manufacturer.
The Gen3 era of the championship begins in season nine — the 2022-23 season — and will feature even more powerful and faster cars.
Nissan races in this world championship to bring the excitement and fun of zero- emission electric vehicles to a global audience. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify all-new Nissan vehicle offerings by the early 2030s. Nissan aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the race track and road for better electric vehicles for customers.
“Nissan’s vision for cars goes far beyond simply modes of transport,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer. “We aim to design and build electric vehicles that transform the way communities connect and move, and inspire us all to work towards a sustainable society. For Nissan, Formula E helps us bring excitement, energy and the environment to the forefront as we deliver this vision of the future to an ever-growing, new, young and diverse audience.”
As the team races in the current 2020-2021 season seven and looks toward the Gen3 era from season nine, it embarks on “Phase Two – track-to-road” of its technology transfer goals, where the technically fast-moving championship will help Nissan showcase features that aim to encourage consumer adoption of its EVs.
“We’ve achieved great results during our first two seasons and renewing our long-term commitment to Formula E is a key step,” said Tommaso Volpe, Nissan’s global motorsport director. “We entered the sport with a “road-to-track” technical transfer approach, and by extending our racing program through the Gen3 era, we have the opportunity to close the circle with “track-to-road” technical transfer. We believe that, as one of the most global manufacturers involved in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, this sport is the perfect platform to promote our expertise in electrification and demonstrate our commitment to more sustainable mobility solutions.”
The first races of the 2021 season took place in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, as a double- header event at the end of February, where Formula E raced for the first time as an FIA World Championship. It was also Formula E’s first night race, with the cars racing under floodlights. Nissan e.dams took 14 team championship points away from the event.
Olivier and Gregory Driot, team principals of Nissan e.dams, added this joint statement: “Nissan’s commitment to the Gen3 era of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship shows the strength of the all-electric racing series and its pursuit of success in the next phase. The new Gen3 cars will be faster and more powerful, and this constant evolution of racing performance that we continue to see in Formula E is great for the fans and the sport.”
Round three of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place on Apr. 10 in Rome.
The trend-setting Mini Cooper will be celebrating its 60th anniversary at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb in June alongside the Jaguar E-type as part of a spectacular weekend paying tribute to both game-changing British icons.
The Mini, in all its forms, will feature throughout the fun-packed weekend, from exciting racing action, star cars, demonstrations and movie-scene reinactments to music, op art, films, fashion and more!
First launched in 1959, the ground-breaking Mini not only revolutionised small car design forever, but became a British style icon of the Swinging Sixties. No other car has become such a huge part of the fabric of our society, fashion, popular culture and film in the way that the Mini has. From scene-stealing lead roles in The Italian Job to boasting the likes of the Beatles and Peter Sellers as ardent owners, the Mini has enjoyed unrivalled success.
In motorsport, the Mini Cooper shot to fame winning countless trophies in the hands of legends such as John Fitzpatrick, Sir John Whitmore, Paddy Hopkirk, Rauno Aaltonen and Timo Mäkinen. Six decades later, it continues to be a popular competition car thanks to its diminutive size and its ability to be tuned to make the most of its handling qualities.
Philip Porter said: ‘We are delighted that rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk will be joining us along with former racer John Fitzpatrick. The E-type 60 weekend will celebrate both the Mini and the Jaguar E-type anniversaries with a super display of historic and special cars. Add to that some great 60s music from tribute band The High Tones, hillclimb action on both days, Mods and Rockers scooter fun, top-notch specialist exhibitors, fashion, dancing and much more… we are gearing up to having one hell of a celebration.’
Paddy Hopkirk said: ‘I know that I’m not the only one who holds the Mini in great affection, and I hope you will join me in raising a glass to a true motoring icon’.
Mini mayhem on the hill – want to take part? Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motorsport venue in the world still using its original course, and is considered the jewel in the crown of hillclimbing.
On Saturday 12 June, there will be an action-packed day of Mini mayhem on the hill, with practice sessions in the morning and timed runs in the afternoon, plus Mini demos throughout the weekend.
Notable entries already include a 1964 Austin Cooper S that was taken to victory at the Snetterton 500 in 1965 by British saloon-car legend Gerry Marshall. The car has recently been beautifully restored to its original 1964 Aurora Gear Racing colours. There will also be a delightful Mini van affectionately known as ‘Miss March’ – the first commercial vehicle to race competitively since the 1960s.
Visiting Mini car clubs welcome Mini car clubs are actively encouraged to take part in the 60th anniversary celebrations.
All registered car clubs can reserve their own designated club display area right in the heart of the event and brand as their own.
“Hang on, lads – I’ve got a great idea” The cult movie The Italian Job will be fondly remembered with a recreation of the robbery scene. The ‘getaway run’ will feature red, white and blue Mini Coopers, a coach, a police car and the original Jaguar E-type Roadster ‘848 CRY’, which played a starring role in THAT scene with a digger and a mountainside!
The High Tones to play at ‘Swinging 60s Shelsley’ As seen in Liverpool’s Cavern Club – the birthplace of the Beatles! The four-piece band The High Tones will pay homage to the fab groove of the greatest musical decade, performing countless hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Monkees, Van Morrison, The Hollies and The Small Faces to name but a few. The show is guaranteed to take you on a magical, melodic journey through the Swinging Sixties.
In addition, there will be a fashion competition for the best and most authentic vintage outfit. Why not don that Mary Quant-inspired outfit or flower-power clothes, and visit the on-site hair salon and beautician for a period makeover.
Charity partner The event is actively supporting charity partner ‘Hope for Tomorrow’, dedicated to bringing cancer care closer to patients’ homes via Mobile Cancer Care Units that they provide to NHS Trusts across the country.
