Category Archives: Automotive

Automotive, Driving, EVs and Automotive News, News

Bramble Energy achieves milestone in hydrogen fuel cell production, advancing UK’s electrified automotive future

Cleantech and Hydrogen fuel cell tech specialist completes £1.8 million SuRV project, accelerating the journey to a net zero future in transportation.   

London, UK. 9 MAY 2024: Cleantech and Hydrogen fuel cell technology specialist Bramble Energy has successfully completed a project aimed at accelerating the transition to an electrified automotive industry in the UK, funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC)’s Scale-up Readiness Validation (SuRV) programme.

As part of the Automotive Transformation Fund – a programme created to support large-scale industrialisation – Bramble Energy was awarded £1.8 million in September 2022 to develop an optimised fuel cell stack assembly with the capacity to produce up to 2,000 50 kW stacks/year. This has been accomplished, in less than two years, at the firm’s state of the art HQ and Hydrogen Innovation Hub in Crawley.

The completion of the SuRV project has seen Bramble Energy simplify the fuel cell stack assembly process through the design of its already trademarked Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell (PCBFC™), which includes integrated membrane electrode assembly into unitised PCB modules (cells).

Furthermore, the process has seen the company prove its low cost production roadmap to $100/kW at 2,000 x 50 kW stacks/year (100 MW/year)*.

Bolstering Bramble Energy’s momentum in driving change in the transportation sector, the business also secured funding last year to provide first-of-its-kind fuel cell technology for a new hydrogen-powered double-deck bus. The project, part of the Hydrogen Electric Integrated Drivetrain Initiative (HEIDI), involves partners including Equipmake, Aeristech, and the University of Bath, and is supported by £6.3 million from the APC, matched by industry contributions to total £12.7 million.

 

Dr Tom Mason, CEO Bramble Energy, comments on the firm’s commitments towards a net zero future in transportation: “In our efforts to help both the automotive and public transport industry find a clean, reliable and cost-effective way of powering vehicles, both the SuRV and HEIDI projects have helped us deliver internal efficiency development, refine our build process and create more flexibility with our design. We already have unique production USPs with our fuel cell modules and the PCB industry, so the SuRV project was the perfect way to make advancements internally with delivering the fastest and most efficient build process.

“The UK Government’s aim to halt new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035 influences Bramble Energy’s plans. However, it’s just part of a larger vision. Our focus extends beyond this goal as we work towards creating real-world, commercially viable solutions for the wider transportation sector: a key milestone in this journey is HEIDI, our hydrogen-powered double-deck bus demonstrator.”

 

The significant reduction in the cost of automotive fuel cells – by 70% since 2008 – mirrors the strides made by pioneering technology companies such as Bramble Energy and the wider industry towards more efficient and scalable production processes. This evolution from capital-intensive and slow production cycles to more economical and faster production methods not only enhances the viability of fuel cell technology, but also positions the UK as a potential leader in this field. It’s a shift that promises to bolster the UK’s industrial landscape, while also contributing to a broader global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

 

APC’s Automotive Transformation Director, Julian Hetherington added: “The successful completion of this APC Scale-up Readiness Validation (SuRV) project by Bramble Energy reinforces confidence in large-scale manufacturing investment to build electrified supply chains in the UK. Our aim is to support innovative businesses like Bramble Energy that have the expertise to accelerate change in the automotive sector as it transitions to a net zero future. By advancing fuel cell technology, it brings a viable net-zero transport solution which can scale quickly and be delivered at lower cost.”

Appointments, Automotive, Business, Cardiff, Careers, Economy & Jobs News, HR, Jobs

Industrial electronic repair firm Kontroltek Ltd welcomes new Director of Commercial and HR

One of the UK’s leading providers of industrial electronic repairs has announced the appointment of Catherine Demaid as its new Director of Commercial and HR.

Kontroltek, being the largest independent firm of its type in the UK, covers the whole of the UK, specialising in Industrial Electronic Repairs, working with all sectors of manufacturing and servicing businesses across the UK and globally.

With her extensive experience and expertise, Cath will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic growth initiatives and fostering a culture of excellence.

Cath brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role, having served in various senior leadership positions in the fields of acquisitions, HR and transformational change.

With a proven track record of developing and implementing effective organisational development and growth strategies, Cath is poised to lead Kontroltek’s plans for major expansion in the UK and Europe. Her experience in driving business growth is set to be instrumental in nurturing talent pipelines and fostering a culture of innovation and advancement within the industrial electronics sector.

Commenting on her appointment, Cath said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Kontroltek team and am committed to leveraging my experience to drive the company’s strategic objectives forward.

“I believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and talent development and engagement, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Kontroltek to achieve our goals.”

Andrew Follant, Managing Director, Kontroltek Ltd, added: “We are delighted to welcome Cath to the Kontroltek family as our Director of Commercial and HR. With her extensive background in strategic change, performance initiatives and organisational development, she will play a pivotal role in driving our company’s growth and success.

“Her passion for excellence and commitment to fostering a positive work culture and impressive talent pipelines align perfectly with Kontroltek’s vision. We look forward to her transformational leadership as we continue to expand and innovate in the industrial electronic repair industry.”

Automotive

£27,200 top price at first Shrewsbury Plant and Machinery sale of 2024

A bumper entry of more than 750 lots sold for up to £27,200 at auctioneers Halls’ first Shrewsbury Plant and Machinery auction of the year last Friday.

Top price went to a 2015 Massey Ferguson 5612 Dyna 4 complete with Quickie Loader, while a Richard Weston 16 tonne root trailer complete with flat body made £11,000 and a 1999 Joskins 14000 T S twin axle slurry tanker sold for £6,600.

Halls auctioneer Henry Hyde said the bumper entry of machinery, implements, tools and livestock equipment met with a good trade throughout.

“There was a lot of interest in genuine, off the farm machinery, implements and vehicles from two, small dispersals, with a Land Rover Defender 90, which had more than 165,000 miles on the clock, selling for £4,400,” he added.

“I would encourage farmers who have machinery that they would like to sell to get in touch before our next sale in April. We also have several genuine farm dispersal sales booked for the first half of the year.”

Other leading sale prices were: £8,750 for a Richard Weston 16 tonne root trailer hyd-tailgate and easy sheet, £6,300 for a 2021 Kvernland 863 trailed straw chopper, £5,400 for a K2 Duo 1000 10 tonne rear discharge spreader, £5,000 for a 2016 Slurry Kat complete with 12 metre dribble bar and 1,000 metre Bakpack realer, £4,900 for a Spaldings Flat Lift 12825 cultivator and crumbler bar, £4,150 each for a 2017 Bailey six tonne single axle dropside trailer and a Prattley mobile sheep handling system, £3,800 each for a Lemken four metre power harrow, an Ifor Williams TA150 14 foot tri-axle cattle trailer and a K2 muck spreader, £3,700 for a Major 2,400 gallon tanker with LGP tyres and sprung drawbar £3,400 for a Spaltnecht log splitter SK1200 Pro and Rabaun Fagomatic bundler, £3,200 for an Accord & Moores 3m direct drill, £3,000 each for a Graham Edwards DM14T stock trailer complete with sheep decks, a 2012 Kvernland three metre combination drill and a Brian James car transporter trailer, £2,900 for a Walter Watson 10 foot Hyd-Flat transport roller, £2,800 for a six metre Vaderstad Cambridge rolls complete with front paddles, £2,750 for a Kvernland FRO 280 flail topper, £2,700 for a Lucas Castor 30 feeder bedder,  £2,600 for a Spaldings three leg flatlift and £2,500 for a 2012 Kuhn mower conditioner.

The next Shrewsbury Plant and Machinery sale will be on Friday, April 12 with catalogue entries closing on Monday, April 1. Contact Halls on Tel 01743 462620 or email market@hallsgb.com for more information.

Picture captions:

The 2015 Massey Ferguson 5612 Dyna 4 complete with Quickie Loader which sold for £27,200.

This Richard Weston 16 tonne root trailer sold for £8,750.

This 2021 Kvernland 863 trailed straw chopper sold for £6,300.

Automotive, Awards, Commercial Vehicles, News, Vehicle Finance

Hawkstone Commercials named as “Start-up Entrepreneurs of the Year – Wales” at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023.

Held Monday evening at the iconic Grosvenor Hotel in London with over 1,500 in attendance, Hawkstone Commercials secured the most prestigious business award in the UK in being named at Start-up Entrepreneurs of the Year.

Previous winner James Watt, founder of BrewDog, said that winning was “better than winning the World Cup.” Steven Bartlett has gone as far as to dub the awards as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship,”

With a turnover approaching £20 million in the first eighteen months of trading, 14 fulltime employees on boarded and multiple awards success in 2023, Hawkstone is one of Wales’s trailblazing businesses.

Oliver Lewis, Co-director of Hawkstone Commercials said,

“The past 18 months have been a bit of a whirlwind. With a target of £150,000 and 2 fulltime employees, we have shattered all expectations. To win at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is something we could only have dreamt of a few years ago. Winning this award signifies that we have done something unusual for a start-up, especially in the midst of the most difficult of economic headwinds.”

 

Paul Ricketts, Co-director says,

“As a team we are delighted to have won on Monday evening. However, Monday evening leaves the business at a crossroads. We’re going to take the final few weeks of the year to review the business and exactly where we are. It’s apparent to us that we are well on course to become THE van and commercial vehicle leasing agency in the UK. The question we need to answer is how far we progress; do we look outside of the UK towards Europe or beyond over the coming year or two.” 

With a stellar year behind Hawkstone Commercials and some big decisions on the horizon, 2024 is set to be a crucial year for the business.

 

Automotive, Automotive Tech, Awards, Driving, Driving Tech, Health & Safety

Pocket Box Scoops Northern Ireland Road Safety Award for Fleet Technology Innovation

Pocket Box, the vehicle and driver management software specialist, was a winner at the Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards. The company received the business category for the development of innovative fleet technology applications that are helping vehicle operators to improve road safety, protect drivers and enhance compliance.

“Our cloud-based software is focused on optimising road safety by creating a holistic fleet ecosystem that ensures vehicles are kept road legal and safe, while staff are fit and eligible to drive,” explains Jim Finnegan, CEO of Pocket Box Ltd. “We are delighted to gain this this award from Road Safe NI, which is recognition for the progress we have made this year and the commitment of our entire team.”

 

Pocket Box Fleet is web-and app-based management tool that is designed to streamline fleet-related tasks for both businesses and drivers, providing a simple way to maintain compliance, reduce risk and save time and money. Launched at the end of 2022, the company is on track to reach over 5,000 managed vehicles on the system this year, with an exciting roadmap of future enhancements and integrations with complementary fleet technologies and applications planned.

The Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards, organised by Road Safe NI, took place at Cultra Manor in Holywood. A total of 14 awards were presented to individuals, organisations and special projects from across the voluntary, education, emergency service, public and business sectors, recognising their contribution to helping improve road safety in their communities. This year’s event was hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Frank Mitchell, and supported by headline sponsor, CRASH Services.

 

David Jackson, Chairperson of Road Safe NI, commented: “Pocket Box has made giant strides in the past 12 months, developing safety and compliance tools that are already benefitting many thousands of individual consumers and commercial fleet users. We are thrilled to celebrate their success that is making such a contribution to road safety in Northern Ireland, and which makes this award richly deserved.”

Automotive, Driving

The Unexpected Leaders in the UK’s Second-Hand Luxury Car Market

New analysis of the UK’s luxury automotive market highlights Scotland – specifically Glasgow and Edinburgh – as premier destinations for purchasing second-hand high-end vehicles.

Conducted by Regtransfers, the study analysed the data of online luxury car listings, seeking to unearth the optimal mix of competitive pricing, lower mileage and fewer previous owners – thereby finding the best buying opportunities for savvy car buyers looking for a luxury vehicle.

Researchers assessed the data of a sample market of over 25,000 current vehicle adverts, each within a 20-mile radius of London and the UK’s largest cities. Focusing on luxury models made by brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Tesla and Rolls-Royce, the personalised number plate supplier revealed Glasgow and Edinburgh as boasting the best overall combination of elements which buyers might consider when shopping for a second-hand high-end car.

Overall,the average price for second-hand luxury vehicles in the UK was calculated at £52,452, with an average 39,211 miles on the clock and 5.6 years in age. While recent statistics suggest a UK-wide average of 7,400 miles per year driven, luxury cars within the sample market showed less road use, clocking in at 6,930 miles per year.

Each city was assessed on and ranked by their overall performance across each category of price, mileage, age and number of previous owners, and how competitive they were in the overall market.

Focusing on price alone revealed that neither Glasgow or Edinburgh’s second-hand offerings were the cheapest across the UK. In fact, Bristol ranks as the city with the cheapest second-hand luxury vehicles on sale, with an average price of £47,079 – over £5,000 below the sample market’s national average.

As Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee explains, however, experienced buyers know better than to base their purchasing decisions on price alone.

“It’s natural to be drawn in by the allure of lower prices in places like Bristol, but savvy buyers should pause and consider the broader picture. Exceptionally low prices can often be a red flag, signalling lower quality or hidden costs down the road. True value isn’t just in the initial cost of purchase; it’s in the vehicle’s history, condition, and longevity. In this market, if a deal seems too good to be true, it just might be.”

While Glasgow ranked 7th overall for price (£2,089 above average), the city offers a second-hand market largely populated with newer cars with less previous owners and below-average mileage – ranking first in both categories. Similarly, Edinburgh’s above-average price of £55,275 is offset by a healthier performance in mileage, age and previous owners.

At the other end of the scale, London ranked as the least competitive marketplace for luxury cars. With the highest average price of £59,645 (£7,193 above the average) and the second-highest mileage of 40,885, second-hand luxury cars in the UK capital were more expensive, had more miles on the clock, more previous owners and were generally older – making it a far less desirable location for purchases.

On this, Trimbee is less surprised.

“London’s economy naturally inflates the luxury car market, driving prices upward. What’s fascinating to see here is the contradiction in the data: higher mileage on these luxury vehicles, despite London’s notorious reputation for discouraging driving. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the demands and habits of luxury car owners in the capital.”

Market Share of Luxury Vehicles

While the research sheds light on the thriving market for second-hand luxury vehicles, it also explores the ‘nearly-new’ segment of the market, encompassing vehicles closest to the latest offerings that are between 0-3 years old. This sector caters to buyers seeking newer models with minimal prior ownership, offering a balance between luxury and cost-effectiveness.

It’s unsurprising to see higher numbers when analysing newer cars; Average local prices reach an average of £91,346 in London and £86,195 in Birmingham, which stand as the two most expensive markets. Once again, Bristol tops the list as the cheapest region to buy a newer model, but they are in higher demand; the sample market contained only 570 listings within a 20 mile radius of the city centre. By comparison, Nottingham, Manchester and London were home to close to or above 1,000 newer luxury cars – twice as many.

Most popular Luxury Car Models

When it comes to the most popular luxury models within each analysed brand, familiar names such as the Aston Martin Vantage, Bentley Continental, Lotus Emira and Porsche 911 show clear dominance in their respective spaces, accounting for a third or more of their specific brand’s listings. Brands like Maserati, Lamborghini and Dodge proved a little rarer across the UK, with fewer adverts for these cars appearing in the data.

Electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 stand out in the chart below. The Tesla Model 3 accounts for two thirds of all Tesla cars from the sample market data, while the Polestar 2 has almost 100% of the market share. With electric cars being relatively new to the luxury car market – and with fewer models available by comparison with long-standing giants like Porsche or Bentley – it’s likely that popularity will spread among new models in the future.

“With this data, an interesting question arises as to whether we’re looking at popular or unpopular vehicles”, comments Trimbee. “One could argue the case of fewer adverts indicating a sense of rarity and, therefore, greater popularity. This seems unlikely to be the case, though, as the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Pace are exceptionally popular cars among enthusiasts, and there are plenty up for grabs.”

Assessing the full findings of the study, Trimbee summarises:

“When looking for a new car – luxury or otherwise – it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting the best value for your money; price isn’t everything! If you’re selling, keeping track of market trends is vital for making the best case for your vehicle and selling at the right time to get the maximum return on your investment. Whether buying, selling or just keeping an eye on the market, I hope this information provides useful insights.”

 

Automotive, Automotive Tech

Choosing the Right Vehicle Tracking Solution: Key Factors to Consider

Unlock efficiency with the right vehicle tracking solution. Monitor your fleet in real-time, make informed decisions, and streamline operations.

By implementing the right vehicle tracking system, businesses have the ability to safely monitor their vehicles, improve efficiency, and streamline their operations. However, with such a wide array of options available, selecting the perfect tracking solution can seem like a daunting task.

When looking for the right vehicle tracking solution for your business, it is important to take certain considerations into account before making a final decision. Here’s a list of factors to consider to help you choose the right tracking solution for your business.

Real-Time Vehicle Monitoring

In order to manage your fleet effectively, it is important to keep abreast of any changes as and when they occur in real-time. For this reason, an important factor to consider when selecting the right vehicle tracking solution is how frequently it updates.

Having access to real-time GPS updates enables fleet managers to track vehicles throughout the day, using this data to make timely decisions and proactively address any issues that may arise. As a result, this will lead to better fleet management and increased productivity across the board.

Mapping and Reporting Capabilities

A user-friendly interface with comprehensive mapping and reporting features is crucial for any efficient fleet management system. Look out for a tracking solution that offers clear and intuitive insights, customisable reports, and tools for data visualisation. These features will enable you to track vehicle movements and make informed, data-driven decisions for your fleet.

Ease of Use

Of course, there is no use in purchasing a sophisticated vehicle tracking solution if it is impossible to navigate. For this reason, choosing a solution that is simple and easy to use is essential. For example, the solution from Crystal Ball offers a fully customisable vehicle tracking dashboard in their software, allowing customers to easily view the activity of their fleet with ease and security.

Customer Support

A reputable tracking solution provider should offer customer support and training resources to their customers. By looking for providers with positive reviews that offer comprehensive documentation, training materials, and responsive customer service, this support will ensure that you make the most of your vehicle tracking solution.

Data Protection

Vehicle tracking systems collect and store lots of sensitive data, including real-time location information, driver behaviour, and operational details. By prioritising data security, businesses can prevent unauthorised access, maintain confidentiality, and safeguard their proprietary information. For this reason, it is important you ensure that the provider implements robust security measures, such as data encryption and secure protocols to protect your sensitive fleet information.

Compatibility and Integration

It is important to determine if your tracking solution can integrate with your pre-existing fleet management systems. It’s also important to make sure that it is compatible with your existing technology such as smartphones for app-based vehicle tracking.

Conclusion

Remember: the ideal tracking solution should not just provide accurate and real-time tracking of your vehicles, but it should also provide features that will help to streamline operations, improve driver safety, and enhance overall productivity. By investing time and effort in selecting the right solution, you can gain valuable insights into your fleet’s performance, and ultimately achieve greater success for your business.

Automotive

Choosing a Location for Your Automotive Business

There is a huge amount to think about when starting a motor trade business. One key element that you must not overlook is location as this can have a direct impact on your success. Choosing the location depends on the type of motor trade business that you operate, but there are several key factors to consider.

 

Accessibility

One of the primary factors to consider is accessibility – you won’t have much success with your motor trade business if your customers cannot reach you! You need to think about accessibility in terms of major motorways, roads and public transport (especially if customers will have to leave their cars behind).

 

Market Research

As with any type of business, you need to carry out market research before launching. This will allow you to discover your nearby competitors and if there is room for your type of business in the market. Although too much competition can be an issue, you will find that nearby complementary businesses can attract more customers and create synergy, such as used car dealerships, repair shops and part suppliers.

 

Local Demographics

Your research should also look into local demographics to ensure that your target market aligns with the area. You want to make sure that there will be demand for the type of business you plan on setting up, so you need to look into demographics, income levels and preferences for specific vehicle types in the area. If you find that the local area is not a good match, it is worth looking into a different location.

 

Safety & Security

You also need to consider safety and security both in terms of the area and the specific building that you choose. It is important to research crime rates in the local area (especially car crime) and then look for buildings that have strong exterior lighting, fencing and secure doors and windows.

 

Parking & Storage

As a motor trade business, you need to make sure that your site has ample parking for customers and employees. Storage is another important factor as you may need room for vehicles, parts, tools and equipment that need to be kept out of sight. You are likely to have multiple vehicles on your site at once, which also means that you need to look into insurance. For repair businesses, smart repair insurance can provide comprehensive coverage for financial protection and peace of mind.

 

These are a few of the key factors to think about when looking for a location for your motor trade business. Location is always an important factor when starting a new business, but especially for motor trade businesses as you are likely to have multiple cars coming in and leaving the business each day. Hopefully, this post will help you on your search and help you to find the perfect location for your business.

Automotive, Business Advice, Sustainability

Boost Your Bottom Line: How SME Car Garage Businesses Can Be More Energy-Efficient

Car garage businesses operate in a highly competitive industry that requires them to keep their operational costs low to maintain profitability. One of the biggest expenses for car garage businesses is energy consumption.

These businesses need to keep their lights on for long periods, run powerful machinery, and operate heating and cooling systems to keep customers’ vehicles in prime condition. However, the good news is that, with the right energy-saving tips, these businesses can reduce their energy bills and boost their profits.

In this post, we’ll discuss some practical tips that small car garage businesses can implement to save energy and money while still delivering high-quality service to their customers.

Learn how to rev up your profits by reducing your energy consumption and becoming an eco-friendly garage business.

Understanding how energy consumption affects your Car Garage business

As a small car garage business owner, it is important to understand the impact that energy consumption can have on your profits. Energy consumption is a significant expense for any business, and it is important to get more information about the sector to manage it efficiently.

It’s essential to understand how much energy you consume and where it’s being used. This information can help you identify areas where you can reduce your energy consumption and save money.

By understanding your energy consumption, you can also identify opportunities to improve your operations and reduce your environmental impact. For example, you may find that you can reduce your energy usage by switching to energy-efficient lighting or by using more efficient equipment.

In addition to saving money on energy costs, these changes can also improve the overall efficiency of your business. By understanding how energy consumption affects your business, you can take steps to reduce your energy usage, save money, and improve your environmental impact. This will not only benefit your bottom line but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Tips to reduce energy consumption in a car garage business

Reducing energy consumption is an essential step for small car garage businesses looking to increase their profits.
Here are some tips to help you reduce energy consumption in your car garage business:

1. Use energy-efficient lighting: Switch to LED lights to reduce energy consumption. LED lights use much less energy than traditional fluorescent bulbs and last much longer, saving you money on replacement costs.

2. Insulate your garage doors: Properly insulated garage doors can help to reduce heat loss in the winter and keep the garage cooler in the summer, which can reduce the need for heating and cooling systems.

3. Install programmable thermostats: By installing a programmable thermostat, you can set your heating and cooling systems to operate only when needed, saving energy and money.

4. Use energy-efficient equipment: When it comes to equipment, always choose energy-efficient models. Energy Star-rated equipment uses less energy, which will help you save money on energy bills.

5. Conduct regular maintenance checks: Regular maintenance checks can help identify any issues with your equipment that may be causing energy waste.

Fixing these issues can save money on energy bills in the long run. By implementing these energy-saving tips, small car garage businesses can significantly reduce their energy consumption and increase their profits.

Benefits of Becoming an Eco-Friendly Garage Business

Becoming an eco-friendly garage business has many benefits, both for the environment and for your bottom line.

By implementing energy-saving tips, you can reduce your environmental impact while also saving money on utility bills. You’ll also be able to market your business as eco-friendly, which can be a significant selling point for customers who are conscious of their impact on the environment.

Additionally, implementing sustainable practices can help you meet regulatory requirements and avoid fines. By using energy-efficient lighting, for example, you can save money on electricity costs while also reducing your carbon footprint. Switching to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting, can be a great place to start.

Another energy-saving tip is to use energy-efficient appliances and equipment, such as air compressors, hydraulic lifts, and electric vehicle chargers. These energy-efficient products can save you significant amounts of energy and money over time.

Moreover, reducing your waste can also be an important part of becoming an eco-friendly garage business. By properly disposing of hazardous waste, such as oil and batteries, you can protect the environment and avoid potential legal issues.

You can also consider recycling programs for materials such as metal, plastic, and paper.

Overall, becoming an eco-friendly garage business can help you reduce costs, improve your image, and protect the environment.

By implementing energy-saving tips and sustainable practices, you can make a positive impact on your business and the world around you.

Conclusion

If you’re running a small car garage business, energy-saving tips can be a real game-changer. Not only do they help you save money, but they also help reduce your carbon footprint.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to cut down on your energy bills, increase your profits, and do your part for the environment.

 

Automotive, Driving, Technology

How safe-driving technologies help prevent road accidents 

According to the World Health Organisation, many external factors lead to road accidents, from unsafe road infrastructure to inadequate law enforcement of traffic laws. However, most road traffic crashes are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or being distracted while driving. Unfortunately, these occurrences are the leading causes of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years. 

Authorities mitigate halving the global number of deaths and injuries caused by road traffic accidents by 2030. Regardless of the measures that will be imposed, one efficient method to minimise casualties is introducing more safe-driving technologies into vehicles. This would significantly reduce human error and improve driving.

In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss some of these technologies and learn how they can prevent accidents. 

 

Backup Cameras 

Backup cameras have not been a necessity until recently. In the US, all vehicles are required to have them installed as of 2018. This regulation came as a solution to children and seniors being gravely injured when drivers are backing up. But a backup camera isn’t efficient for that purpose only ― vehicles have blind spots that the review mirrors can’t reach, which can cause accidents when changing lanes, for example. 

Therefore, by improving the field of vision and eliminating any obstructions caused by pillars or seats, backup cameras can substantially reduce the number of accidents. Luckily, there are many backup camera options to choose from that you can find on Amazon, for example.   

 

Lane departure warnings 

Drowsy driving, or falling asleep when driving, is pretty common and leads to a high number of fatal car crashes. People who suffer from sleep deprivation or sleep disorders or take medications that induce sleepiness are prone to causing road accidents. When the drivers lose control of the steering wheel, they leave the travelling lane and become a risk to all other road participants. 

To minimise and avoid accidents caused by drowsy driving, installing lane departure warnings is one of the most efficient solutions. This system emits a loud alert when the driver leaves their lane so that they can avoid accidents. It’s recommended that lane departure warnings are paired with a lane-keeping assist to get the most out of these features. 

 

Forward collision systems 

Another common cause of vehicle accidents is the lack of distance between cars. When the driver in front of you presses the brake suddenly, and you haven’t kept enough space, the accident is imminent. But if the vehicle is equipped with forward collision systems, the system will warn you of any dangerous impending collision because the system detects the distance between you and the two cars ahead. 

Although this type of accident is common and cannot always be avoided, victims can file a personal injury claim. According to legalexpert.co.uk/personal-injury-claims/, every road user owes a duty of care to one another to navigate the roads safely, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Breaching this duty of care that results in serious injuries or loss of earnings allows victims to claim compensation to cover losses. 

 

Adaptive headlights 

The lights included in the car’s system are essential and efficient. However, they don’t provide proper lighting for drivers when going through curves, where accidents are most likely to happen at night. But adaptive headlights provide exactly what you’d expect ―adapting to changing roadway conditions to help better illuminate the path. In other words, these headlights follow the movements of the steering wheel so that you can see what’s in front of you regardless of the direction you’re going towards. 

Another headlight improvement you could have for your car is the auto-dimming feature. This 

feature automatically switches your headlights between regular and high beams, depending on the driving conditions. Depending on the type of technology used, these lights work by scanning the lights of oncoming traffic or ultrasonic sensors to map the road in front of you. 

 

Auto-steering 

Accidents usually happen when the driver loses control of the steering wheel. Luckily, there are solutions for avoiding such occurrences by making auto-steering a standard car feature. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the car will drive itself under any circumstance and be effective. 

We’ve already seen how even Tesla cars fail to detect children on the road. However, auto-steering functions would help drivers better control the steering wheel in specific situations to prevent a collision. This system works concurrently with the braking system so that the vehicle will apply the brakes and steer around potential danger in the car’s path. 

 

Autonomous cruise control

For people who take longer roads by car, it may be tiring to drive for prolonged hours, and this can easily lead to drowsy driving because most people want to arrive at their destination as soon as possible. Therefore, to avoid accidents caused by fatigue on long drives, installing autonomous cruise control in your car is essential. This feature automatically adjusts the speed of your car to help you maintain a safe distance from other vehicles in front of you. So, if you ever feel like you can’t concentrate that much on the road, the autonomous cruise control system will assist you in driving safely until you find a spot to sleep. 

 

Phone suppression technology 

One of the most common causes of road accidents is drivers using their phones while driving. Although it’s reckless behaviour, the truth is that many drivers do this to save time on business calls, for example. Luckily, special apps have been created to help drivers avoid looking at their phones or using them when driving. For instance, Zoom Safer is installed on the headset to screen text messages and calls. The app will announce calls over a speaker, so you won’t have to look at the screen. At the same time, it can block text messages and inform those texting you that you’re currently driving. 

 

Final thoughts 

Cars have been one of the most practical and essential technological advancements. However, if they’re not used properly, they can be the cause of injuries and even deadly accidents. Luckily, as technology improves, so do applications and apps that allow drivers to avoid accidents while making the most out of their driving experience.