PG Carz World

Continent ‘sleepwalking’ into series of economic and national security problems due to over-dependence Europe is “sleepwalking” into a series of economic and national security problems because of an over-reliance on Chinese green technology, according to experts. A report co-authored by Michael Collins, a former deputy head of national security strategy at the UK Cabinet Office, described the risks of depending on China for green tech as “serious”. Continue reading...

Peter Mandelson’s walkies | Farage and Trump | EV charger issues | Bard brutality | Pay your taxes I was interested to read that Peter Mandelson was seen going to the park to walk his dog “like a weekending solicitor on his way to an egg and spoon race” ( Walking the dog and braving the paps, 25 April ). Are there other professions known for their love of children’s games? Maybe a retired GP going to play musical chairs, or a pair of award-winning architects en route to a three-legged race? Lesley Warner Ilford, London • Re Graham Head’s point about Nigel Farage ( Letters, 23 April ), if the job of the US ambassador is to be an obsequious boot-licker at the court of King Donald, Farage was eminently qualified. If he’d been appointed, he wouldn’t be where he is now. And we wouldn’t be where we are now either. James Wilkinson Shrewsbury, Shropshire Continue reading...

Secondhand car buyers urged to carefully inspect vehicles, while owners told to beware tests that are suspiciously quick Rise of the ‘ghost owner’: 18,000 UK vehicles in use without proper records You have just bought a secondhand car. It was older than you wanted, but were reassured because it had recently passed its MOT. Within a few days, you notice a problem with the steering and take it into a garage to be checked. As well as that issue, they find the tread depth of the tyres is so low it should not have passed the test. Continue reading...

As domestic sales slow, manufacturers are investing in AI and seeking growth in technology and in overseas markets At the world’s biggest car fair, which opened in Beijing on Friday, there were hundreds of manufacturers, more than 1,000 vehicles, hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts – and hardly anyone behind a wheel. China’s car companies have cornered the domestic electric vehicle market, and are increasingly visible on the global stage . Now they are turning their attention to what they are betting is the future of mobility: autonomous driving. Continue reading...

Donald Trump’s conflict with Iran could speed the EU’s green revolution – if panicking governments can hold their nerve on clean energy • Don’t get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up here A surge in demand for electric vehicles across Europe may be evidence of what George Monbiot greeted as the silver lining of the Iran war. Sales of electric cars in continental Europe rose by 51% in March. The International Energy Agency has called the disruption in the strait of Hormuz the “biggest energy crisis in history”, but it appears, on one level, to be accelerating Europe’s green revolution. Yet, even if car-owners are rushing to the EV showrooms, some European governments, facing a groundswell of anger over soaring petrol and gas prices , are at risk of sending the clean energy transition into reverse. Continue reading...

HMRC confirms it will fight London tax tribunal’s finding that it has been overcharging for years under the law EV charging shake-up looks to help UK households solve off-street parking problem The UK’s tax authorities have decided to fight against a ruling that would cut VAT across all public electric car chargers, despite a judge finding they have been overcharging for years under the law. Charge My Street, a not-for-profit charging company, last month argued successfully that VAT should have been charged at 5%, rather than 20%, in a case at a London tax tribunal that could have a significant impact on electric car drivers’ costs. HM Revenue and Customs on Tuesday confirmed it will appeal against the ruling. Continue reading...