Wider Berth of Bath - 6 April 2021

NEW CAR REGISTRATION FIGURES MARCH 2021We will now start seeing the effect of national lockdowns on the annual comparison figures, which is why many of the headlines abut March’s figures were quite silly. Due to the difference in the lockdown restrictions, the monthly numbers were up on last year. To read more, click here for the SMMT article and data. As ever, we also include a link to Tristan Young’s tweets on the figures and type of fuel used, to see that data click here. CATERHAM FIND JAPANESE BUYERCaterham has been bought by their Japanese importer, VT Holdings, with a commitment to continuing the Seven model, in line with legislation. As for future development of the brand there is no news yet available. To read more, click the Autocar article here. CYBER SECURITY TYPE APPROVAL TO BE REQUIREDWith cars becoming more connected to the internet, than ever before, manufacturers will be required to go through type approval for their cyber security efforts. They must protect the vehicle for it’s entire lifecycle, according to the regulations. To read more, click the Autocar article here. GOOGLE MAPS TO INDICATE MOST ECONOMICAL ROUTEStarting in the US, Google Maps will show the most economical route for a car to take, as part of the options. Along with this, new information such as Clean Air Zones will also be indicated. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here. However, the inherent issues with digital route services was highlighted on this news, to find out more click here for the Ben Wagner Twitter thread explaining what is the problem with such services. _____________________________________________If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST——————————————————————————-FORMULA E: ROME EPRIX STILL ONThe lead up to the Rome ePrix has been very quiet, for a change, and will still be taking place even though Italy is going into a stricter lockdown. To find out how you can watch the races where you are, click the link here. NEW CAR NEWSWelcome to the new, regular, segment about new cars. Up to now the podcast has avoided mentioning new car news on the weekly show, saving it up for Special Editions. However, this gap in our curation has now been closed and we will discuss the most interesting, influential and important new car information as the chaps come across it. First up, we start with a car, that on paper, sounds like it should be a proper treat. Click here to learn more about the GR86, from Toyota’s own press release.Note, this segment will get slicker, the more we do it! LUNCHTIME READ: WE FOUND FORD’S INCREDIBLE, TURBINE-POWERED SEMI-TRUCK ‘BIG RED’ THAT’S BEEN LOST FOR DECADESThis week is the multi media extravaganza that is the story behind the purchase, restoration and secrecy of Big Red. To find out more, click the Drive article here. LIST OF THE WEEK: WILLIAM HAS HAD ENOUGH OF THESE TOP TEN LISTS William Dickey, has had enough of some Top Ten lists, especially the lazy and click-baitey ones. To read more, click this link here for more information from PetrolBlog. AND FINALLY: TOYOTA GETS WHO APPROVAL TO TRANSPORT VACCINESToyota is the first to receive clearance to transport vaccines, to help take the fight against Covid19 to remote locations. To read more, click the Motoring Research article here.AND FINALLY: ZOOM ZOOMERSThe monthly Zoom Zoomers livestream took place on Monday 5 April, Alan was once again in attendance. To watch Alan and the other excellent participants, click the YouTube link here.