News

Heywood tells court Uber “made mistakes” as licence renewal case rumbles on

17 September 2020, 09:25

Uber’s European head Jamie Heywood has admitted that the company made mistakes in London as part of his plea to a judge at Westminster Magistrates Court to renew Uber’s London private hire operator’s licence. In a statement to the court, Heywood (pictured) said: “We…

Ford provides TfL-approved safety screens for Addison Lee Ford Galaxy fleet

17 September 2020, 09:24

Addison Lee is fitting safety screens to 1,000 Ford Galaxy vehicles after the screens, developed by Ford, passed comprehensive testing to meet all Transport for London’s private hire regulations. Ford’s designers have used a material that complies with all regulations set out by TfL.…

Uber establishes electric car partnership with Renault and Nissan in Europe

16 September 2020, 17:56

Uber is looking to accelerate plans to convert its entire European fleet to electric power by 2040 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Renault-Nissan alliance to source electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf (pictured) for its drivers at discounted rates. Uber…

Uber launches London licence appeal with claim that it makes the capital a safer place, court hears

16 September 2020, 17:55

Uber’s appeal hearing against the loss of its London licence has started, with the ride-hailing app claiming in court that London is a “safer place” with Uber operating. Transport for London has twice refused to issue a new operating licence to Uber, citing passenger…

Kia secures big increase in e-Niro electric car supplies

11 September 2020, 09:07

Kia Motors (UK) has secured extra supplies of its strong-selling e-Niro electric car. Supplies of the car were extremely scarce in 2019, with just 800 vehicles imported. But production in Korea has been ramped up, and as a result, KMUK sold more e-Niros in…

Darlington Council considers specific shade of red for taxis

10 September 2020, 09:06

With the taxi trade struggling to survive the loss of trade resulting from the Covid-19 epidemic, Darlington Borough Council is threatening to add further costs to operators by insisting that taxis are sprayed or wrapped in a particular shade of red. As part of…

Clean Air Zones on hold in UK cities as Covid-19 keeps commuters off the roads

8 September 2020, 09:04

There are few positives from the Coronavirus crisis as far as the taxi and private hire trade is concerned. But one might be the delay – perhaps indefinitely – of Clean Air Zones around the UK. While a cleaner environment is something everyone wants,…

Parker boss Polley quits LPHCA and launches stinging attack on Uber’s “parasitic wasp” Autocab deal

7 September 2020, 17:52

Parker Car Service managing director Joe Polley has issued a strongly worded response to Uber’s acquisition of dispatch systems provider Autocab, accusing the ride-hailing app of acting like a “parasitic wasp” on the private hire trade. Polley has also resigned from the LPHCA over…

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Uber’s takeover of Autocab marks the start of a new approach for the ride-hailing giant, says its European head Jamie Heywood

4 September 2020, 08:52

Uber has always considered itself a disrupter, and the company’s announcement that it had acquired dispatch systems provider Autocab has certainly disrupted the equilibrium of the fragile, taxi and private hire business. In a sector weakened by the ongoing effects of Covid-19, the deal…

Mercedes reveals all-new S-Class, with major upgrades to computing power, and electric versions to follow

4 September 2020, 08:50

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its all-new S-Class, including major upgrades in technology and safety. The new range, which will go on sale in the UK in December, will include a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model with an electric range of 60 miles, with an all-electric EQS…