Renault: Electric car grants needed 'for some years' to come
The French manufacturer has just released its sales results for the first half of 2025, with notable gains in sales of both its EV and hybrid line-ups. That has helped the firm to sell 394,278 passenger vehicles in the European region, a rise of 8.4% despite the overall market dipping by 1%.
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South Wales Argus
9 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
When is the best time to go to the supermarket in the UK?
It could be that you're gearing up for a BBQ, doing the weekly shop or already preparing for the back-to-school return. However, for those of us who prefer a less crowded supermarket trip, then the summer chaos can be off-putting. Richard Price, supermarket shopping expert at Britsuperstore, has analysed in-store patterns and shared the best (and worst) times to shop during the summer break. The retail expert has also looked at which days and times are best to shop and what to avoid, including the "danger zones" like bank holidays and sunny Friday afternoons. What is the best time for shopping? Mr Price says that Tuesdays to Thursdays, 7–9am, are the quietest windows, and contrary to popular belief, Sundays aren't always the worst. In fact, late Sunday afternoons can be 'surprisingly calm', especially during hot weekends when families head outdoors. He explained: 'During the school holidays, the usual rhythm of supermarket shopping changes significantly. "Without the structure of school drop-offs and work routines, footfall becomes more unpredictable and often increases in volume. 'Families are more likely to shop together, which can slow down the overall pace in-store, while better weather and spontaneous days out mean more last-minute purchases.' Below, Britsuperstore details the best time to go the supermarket for low crowds during the school holidays: Monday 7-9am Tuesday 7-9am or 7-9pm Wednesday 7-9am or 7-9pm Thursday 7-9am or 7-9pm Friday - avoid after 3pm, early morning if needed Saturday - avoid - busy most of the day Sunday - late afternoon (3-5pm), but limited stock UK Supermarket Rankings 2025 Worst time to go to the supermarket in the UK On the other end of the spectrum is the crowded periods, where families may be stocking up for a weekend getaway or garden party. High-risk times to avoid during the school holidays, according to retail experts: Midday to early afternoon (11 am–2 pm) This is prime time for families heading out to shop after a slow summer morning. Expect queues, buggies, and kids in tow, especially in supermarkets near parks, leisure centres, or popular day-out spots. Late afternoons (3–6 pm) With no school run, this time becomes a key window for after-nap or post-activity shopping. Parents often pop in for dinner bits, and teens on summer break head out for snacks and drinks. Friday evenings and weekends Still peak times for big shops and BBQ/pre-weekend stock-ups. In summer, warm weather adds to the rush as people prep for garden gatherings and last-minute staycations. Recommended Reading: Summer bank holidays (like late August) Expect reduced opening hours, packed aisles, and more people shopping ahead of family events or mini-breaks. The Saturday and Sunday before a bank holiday Monday are especially busy. Mr Price added: 'Planning your food shop around these shifting patterns, rather than sticking to your usual schedule, can help avoid queues, reduce stress, and even lead to fresher stock and better availability.'
The Independent
9 minutes ago
- The Independent
High risk for EU consumers of finding illegal products on Temu, EC reports
Temu is not doing enough to assess the risks of illegal products being sold online and could be in breach of a new digital services law, the European Commission said. The commission said on Monday that there was a 'high risk' of consumers in the EU encountering illegal products on the e-commerce giant's platform. Specifically, analysis of a mystery shopping exercise conducted by the commission found that consumers shopping on Temu were very likely to find non-compliant products, including baby toys and small electronics. The statement is part of an investigation into the e-commerce giant under the commission's Digital Services Act (DSA), a new piece of legislation governing online content in the European Union. It forces companies that run online platforms such as e-commerce websites to assess how likely consumers are to be exposed to dangerous or illegal products, and work to lessen the risk. The commission said according to its analysis, a risk assessment carried out by Temu, which is owned by PDD Holdings, in October 2024 was 'inaccurate' and 'relying on general industry information rather than on specific details about its own marketplace'. Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for 'tech sovereignty, security and democracy', said: 'We shop online because we trust that products sold in our Single Market are safe and comply with our rules. 'In our preliminary view, Temu is far from assessing risks for its users at the standards required by the Digital Services Act. 'Consumers' safety online is not negotiable in the EU – our laws, including the Digital Services Act, are the foundation for a better protection online and a safer and fairer digital Single Market for all Europeans.' The company could face a fine of up to 6% of its annual worldwide turnover if the commission ultimately decides its risk assessment does not meet the companies' obligations under the DSA. The commission said officials would also continue investigating the company over other suspected breaches of the DSA such as using addictive design features and a lack of transparency on its algorithms. The EU is trying to counter what it sees as a glut of cheap and potentially unsafe products from China flooding the single market. Officials also sent a formal warning to Shein in May, saying the company's sales tactics fell foul of EU consumer protection law.
Daily Mail
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Do you own the vehicle that's now most targeted by thieves?
Car thieves are targeting a specific model at the moment - and it isn't Range Rovers. A study has revealed that despite a 4.5 per cent decline in motor thefts recorded last year , there's been an increase in newer vehicles being stolen. The report raises yet more concerns about well-funded theft rings utilising new tech to breach security systems of the latest models - the ones you would assume are best protected against car crime. It says stolen motor records held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show a 6.6 per cent jump in thefts of vehicles less than three years old between 2023 and 2024 - and there's one particular motor that's very much in the sights of organised gangs. Toyota Hilux owners have been put on high alert to take as many security precautions as possible after the theft statistics showed a 549 per cent spike in examples up to three years old being stolen. Some 584 of the pick-ups were reported stolen last year, the DLVA's database shows. Local police forces have been reacting to the increase in reported Hilux thefts over recent months, urging owners - particularly farmers - to invest in vehicle trackers, steering wheel locks and additional CCTV coverage. While the report is more bad news for the Japanese manufacturer - whose sister brand Lexus has been already named the most targeted mainstream car brand by thieves in 2024 - it will be welcomed by Jaguar Land Rover. JLR received praise for its efforts to reduce instances of thefts having invested millions upgrading its vehicle security systems in the last 18 months. The Hilux is widely recognised as one of the most reliable motors on the planet. The workhorse pick-up truck was made famous in the 2003 Top Gear series when an older example proved indestructible, even surviving tumbling from the top of a demolished block of flats. But while the Hilux might have earned a durable reputation, the security systems in the latest generation car - launched in 2016 - are far from impenetrable, according to the data. And there is massive demand for the hard-wearing Toyota in regions where most UK stolen vehicles end up being shipped to. The 4X4 is considered a prized asset particularly in Africa, where its reputation for dependability has made it hugely sought after and prices are inflated due to the high demand for both new and used models. A report published earlier this year by the UK insurance industry's Thatcham Research stated that almost two in five (38.5 per cent) of all pinched motors from Britain are transported to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. Other top destinations listed in the report included the UAE, Cyprus, Jamaica and Georgia, driven by global shortages of car parts, high vehicle desirability and 'geopolitical disruption'. Philip Swift, technical director of motor at QuestGates said: 'The increased targeting of the Toyota Hilux reflects changing criminal behaviour and the perceived value of and demand for specific models. 'We advise affected owners to take immediate steps to secure their vehicles.' Police forces raise the alarm on Hilux thefts QuestGates isn't alone in encouraging Hilux drivers to take extra precaution. Last summer, Bedfordshire Police sounded the alarm for Hilux owners when 11 were snatched overnight from addresses in Luton over a few days. Nottinghamshire Police last year also put out a warning to keepers after seven Hilux pick-ups were stolen from various locations across the country - including Balderton, Farndon, Blyth and Newark - within months. And earlier this year, North Yorkshire Police told Hilux owners - notably farmers and in rural communities - to 'take immediate steps' to secure their vehicles. Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, said in January: 'While no security system is foolproof, taking precautionary measures will significantly reduce the risk of theft or damage to your Toyota Hilux. 'More and more vehicles in our area being protected by trackers and other security systems, making life extremely difficult for thieves. 'By continuing to invest in high-quality crime prevention kit, parking in secure locations, and remaining vigilant, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is as well-protected as possible.' Lund recommended owners install trackers to 'make it far more likely' that police will be able to find a stolen vehicle and well as use 'strong theft deterrents' including steering wheel locks, immobilisers and CCTV systems to ensure the pick-ups aren't an 'easy target'. Kirsty Hyslop, vehicle crime specialist at NFU Mutual, said: 'Pick-ups like the Hilux are essential to farming operations, but their popularity makes them a prime target. 'We've seen both the number and cost of pick-up truck thefts rise in 2025.' West Mercia Police also raised flags about Hilux thefts in the region, but also Ford Ranger pick-up, which have also been targeted by criminals in recent months. Toyota investing £10 million to tackle crimewave This is Money approached Toyota Great Britain for comment about the worrying rise in Hilux thefts. A spokesperson told us: 'For the past few years, there has been an industry-wide issue of vehicle theft in the UK, affecting the most popular models first. 'Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of solutions that help protect cars from theft. These include protective plates, immobilisers, blockers and trackers. 'As a vehicle manufacturer, we can never completely eliminate the risk of vehicle theft and, in order to further reduce the theft risk, we regularly collaborate and share information with insurance associations, police and law enforcement authorities, theft prevention experts and other key stakeholders around the world. This enables us to understand new threats and techniques used by thieves and develop more secured systems. 'When it comes to recovery of stolen vehicles, we conducted a trial last year, in conjunction with vehicle security experts, Tracker. 'At a cost of more than £10 million to Toyota, selected customers were provided with a free tracking service. 'Unfortunately, some of those customers were targeted by criminals and their cars were stolen. As a result of the installation of tracking devices, though, a 96 per cent recovery rate was achieved. 'We are rolling out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models, including Hilux, to help add a level of customer reassurance.' 'Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering. Owners can contact their local dealer to establish whether or not their model would benefit from additional security devices and to discuss options and fitment.' Better news for JLR The QuestGates report heaped praise on JLR after DVLA theft data showed the brand's multi-million-pound investment in its vehicle security systems had paid dividends and seen its motors fall down the pecking order of most-pinched newer models. Britain's biggest car maker last year pumped £15 million into upgrading the anti-theft systems in its vehicles , providing a major software update for all models dating back to 2018 to ensure they had the latest protection to stave off the spike in motor crime. It also handed a further £1 million to police operations around UK ports to help infiltrate well-funded gangs shipping stolen motors out of the country. The massive investment came after a significant jump in thefts of its vehicles, particularly Range Rover, which at one point became uninsurable in London due to the high risk level of these cars. But the new study showed its efforts - and investment - has been fruitful. Thefts of Land Rover models saw 'substantial decreases', QuestGates said. Less than three-year-old Range Rover Evoque thefts were down 77 per cent last year. 'JLR deserve huge credit for security upgrades which are apparently highly effective in deterring the professional criminals who target new cars,' Swift said. 'Fewer thefts mean fewer claims, lower costs and better outcomes for motor insurance policyholders.' Regionally, thefts of vehicles less than three years old increased significantly in Bedfordshire, Essex and Warwickshire, while Greater Manchester recorded a notable 20 per cent reduction, the study revealed.
