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The new Passat petrol engines bring reduced OTR pricing as well as emissions from 114g/km.

Low-CO2 petrols for Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat, which had launched with only diesel engines, is now available with a choice of four petrol engines, offered with a full line-up of trim levels and with CO2 emissions from 114g/km.

Said to reduce on-the-road pricing by around £1,900 compared to the nearest equivalent diesel, the petrol line-up comprises 123bhp and 148bhp 1.4-litre TSI engines, the latter with cylinder-deactivation, as well as the 178bhp 1.8 TSI and 217bhp 2.0-litre TSI. At 119g/km, Benefit-in-Kind on the 148bhp 1.4 TSI is said to be lower than the 2.0-litre TDI with the same power output.

The two 1.4-litre TSI engines are also available on the Tiguan, bringing entry-level pricing down to £25,000.

The i30 Fastback goes on sale at the beginning of next year.

Hyundai: 30 new models by 2021, 14 electrified vehicles by 2020

Aiming to become the number one Asian car brand in Europe, Hyundai Motor is planning a large-scale model offensive over the next five years, targeting growth segments and expansion of its eco car line-up.

Speaking at the reveal of the i30 Fastback (pictured), Hyundai Motor Europe’s chief operating officer, Thomas Schmid, said the company would be launching 30 new products by 2021; a mix of replacements and all-new entrants. Among the new launches will be 14 electrified cars; five hybrids, four plug-in hybrids, four electric vehicles – including a version of the Kona crossover in 2019 – and a hydrogen fuel cell SUV, launching in 2018.

FMG says the partnership with Xpress Centres enables it to reduce repair times and enhance its incident management service.

FMG to reduce repair times under Xpress Centres partnership  

Incident management specialist FMG has partnered with Xpress Centres to reduce repair times for drivers.

Xpress Centres specialises in same-day non-structural repair of accident-damaged vehicles and runs a network of repair centres located at Tesco Extra sites across the country. The firm is planning to expand the number of sites to 20 by the end of this year and 100 centres by the end of 2019.

Craig O’Shaughnessy, managing director at Xpress Centres, said: “Our point of difference is the reduced cycle time we bring to FMG, as well as an enhanced customer experience. The car is repaired at the most convenient time and centre to the driver, and most often the repair is completed within half a day.”

Michelin says fleets should look beyond up-front cost for tyre policies and consider all the factors to running a safe and efficient fleet.

Michelin helps ICFM shed light on importance of tyre choice

The ICFM is using Michelin to provide industry insight on the fuel and cost-saving benefits of a premium tyre policy.

Car and LCV fleet managers working towards the ICFM’s Intermediate and Advanced Diploma Certificates are learning more about importance of the right tyre choice. Michelin has also joined the ICFM’s recently launched Corporate Investor Programme and provided advice for the latest ‘Masterclass’ conference.

ICFM director Peter Eldridge said: “Working with major suppliers like Michelin and using its expertise within ICFM events, such as the recent Masterclass on occupational road risk management, means we can offer a level of industry insight and best-practice advice that’s second to none.”

The Nissan JukeCam attaches to the dashboard as well as action sports helmets.

Nissan launches integrated dashcam for Juke

Nissan has unveiled a 360-degree dashcam that can now be specified on the Juke to capture driving footage and provide evidence in the event of a liability dispute.

Dubbed the JukeCam and developed in conjunction with camera manufacturer 360fly, it’s said to be the world’s first integrated multipurpose 360-degree dashcam that transforms in seconds to an action sports camera, and brings an ‘always-on’ recording capacity of three hours along with a battery life up to two hours when detached.