‘Did you hear that?’ Astronomers stunned by strange but persistent ‘heartbeat’ from far-off galaxy July 13, 2022 A strange and persistent radio signal from a far-off galaxy that appears to be flashing in a pattern similar to a heartbeat has been detected by astronomers. It has been classified as a fast radio burst (FRB) – an intensely strong burst of radio waves of unknown astrophysical origin that typically lasts for a few [...]
Forklift maker Manitou infringed JCB’s patent, UK High Court rules July 5, 2022 French forklift manufacturer Manitou infringed JCB’s intellectual property rights through its use of patented stability control systems in its “telehandler” machines, a UK High Court has said. The British heavy vehicle manufacturer is now seeking costs and damages from Manitou, after the court said the French firm infringed JCB’s patent by using patented safety control [...]
UK automotive industry takes another hit as new car registrations drop to worst June since 1996 July 5, 2022 Registrations of new cars fell by around 24 per cent last month compared with June 2021, according to preliminary figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) this morning. This means the UK automotive industry suffered its worst June for new car sales since 1996. In fact, only around 800,000 new cars were [...]
Car industry sounds alarm bells: UK vehicle makers face staggering 50 per cent jump in energy bills June 28, 2022 British car makers face a 50 per cent increase in energy costs this year, an industry body warned this a.m. Analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) stated that the sector’s annual energy bill – which is already £50m more than its European Union rivals – will rise by £90m in 2022. [...]
British manufacturers beg Treasury for more support to weather ‘the immediate storm’ June 20, 2022 British manufacturers have called on the Treasury to offer more support amid a poor economic outlook to help “weather the immediate storm”. Make UK, trade body for manufacturers, and consultancy BDO found that costs are continuing to rise and output opportunities have been stifled. A survey revealed that two thirds of companies (67.8 per cent) [...]
Insurance giant Axa calls for clarity on self-driving cars June 16, 2022 French insurer Axa has called on the government to offer greater clarity around autonomous vehicles to support the rollout of self-driving cars. The French insurance firm called on the government to put in place laws that enable the deployment of self-driving vehicles, as it said lawmakers should work with the insurance sector to “pave the [...]
Car industry in shock and fuel prices climb as government scraps all grants for electric vehicles June 14, 2022 There is widespread shock and surprise in the car industry this morning as the DfT said all grants for new EVs have been scrapped.
China lockdowns are exacerbating supply chain crisis, warn manufacturers May 27, 2022 Covid outbreaks in China are worsening a supply chain crisis being endured by manufacturing companies, with an on-going lockdown in Shanghai particularly hitting exports of parts and components, according to a leading trade body. Make UK senior economist Fhaheen Khan said: “What we’ve found from our own members, particularly not just the automotive sector, but [...]
Lifting off from the Highlands: Scotland to be launchpad for Europe’s first-ever microlauncher rocket May 11, 2022 Europe’s very first microlauncher rocket will be launched in Scotland. Lifting off from Space Hub Sutherland, in the Highlands, the Prime orbital space rocket has been unveiled by Orbex, a spaceflight company. The firm will now press ahead with testing, allowing “dress rehearsals” of rocket launches and the development of launch procedures. Orbex recently revealed [...]
F1 test systems firm AB Dynamics weathers supply chain pressures with price increases on new orders April 27, 2022 AB Dynamics, manufacturer of driving robots and simulators used by the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team, had £37m in revenue in the six months up to February, more than £10m more than the previous year. The company had £5.7m in operating profit, a 63 per cent increase on 2021, while net cash was down 16 [...]
