Latest news with #MOTORS
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Busy Dublin road set to close this weekend due to ‘gas works' with diversions in place
A BUSY road in the capital is set to close this weekend due to "gas works" with diversions in place. Dublin City Council has alerted about the temporary closure on their website. Advertisement 1 A major road in Dublin is set to close all weekend Credit: Google Earth Windsor Terrace in The closure is taking place from 8am to 8pm between Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. And The council stated: 'Windsor Terrace (from Bloomfield Avenue to Longwood Avenue), Dublin 8. Advertisement READ MORE IN MOTORS 'Date – Saturday 12th July 2025 to Sunday 13th July 2025.' Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the closure, and local access to and from Longwood Avenue will be facilitated at all times. Traffic marshals will be on-site at closure points to assist with traffic management and ensure access where needed. For Advertisement Most read in Motors This includes those at the junction with Longwood Avenue, directing vehicles via South Circular Road, Bloomfield Avenue and onto Portobello Road. Clear signage will be installed to direct motorists and road users are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during this period. TEST CHECK I'm an Irish driving instructor and here's exactly what your tester is looking for on the day The council added: 'Pedestrian access will be facilitated at all times.' Meanwhile, a busy Dublin street is set to close to traffic in days as a new rule change comes in. Advertisement It is believed that up to 23,000 people pass through the street on a daily basis. ROAD TRANSFORMATION This new measure will permanently close the space to It will also provide green and public seating. Advertisement The council said: "This space will provide an attractive north-south pedestrian and It will link with Capel Street as well as between the east and west areas of Temple Bar. In May 2025, 90 per cent of respondents to a survey said they were in favour of enhancing public space and enabling two-way cycle lanes. The presentation to the South East Area committee showed a positive reaction, as the majority said they had a desire for fewer Advertisement People referenced the success of Capel Street as an example, citing the increased vibrancy, improved atmosphere and greater foot traffic as positives for local businesses. SAFER AREA They mentioned that the proposed measures would make the area safer and more pleasant to walk and cycle through. It would also encourage families and
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
‘Disaster waiting to happen', people cry as 4 drivers fined over ‘ignorant' move in Irish seaside town
FOUR drivers have been fined for what people have blasted as "ignorant" parking in a seaside town in Co Wexford. Gardai on the beat in Cahore, a small fishing village in North Wexford, handed out the fines after spotting four cars illegally blocking the slipway. Advertisement The slipway is a vital access point for Inshore Rescue Boats responding to But people have said parked cars blocking the access point "happens more frequently than you think" as others blasted the drivers for the move. This is despite there being "ample parking" available for those who want to head to the nearby Cahore beach. Advertisement READ MORE IN MOTORS Motorists can also be hit with fines and prosecutions. Gardai said: 'Last weekend, four cars illegally blocked this slipway at Cahore, a vital access point for Inshore Rescue Boats responding to emergencies on the water. 'While fines were issued, the real danger is the risk of rescue crews being delayed — or completely blocked — from reaching someone in life-threatening difficulty. 'Emergency access routes must always remain clear. Vehicles found obstructing them can be towed and prosecutions may follow. Advertisement Most read in Motors 'Wexford County Council has provided ample free parking less than 100 metres from the beach. Our picturesque seaside town is being ruined by tourists driving their expensive cars and getting them stuck on the beach 'Please park responsibly. Don't be the reason help doesn't arrive in time.' People took to the comments on social media to share their thoughts on the issue. One person said: 'Happens more frequently than you think. Advertisement "Greystones slip, always blocked. It's a disaster waiting to happen.' Another said: 'Actually dreadful that this has to be highlighted. "It's just pure ignorance to block emergency services.' While another added: 'Some people have no respect for man or beast. So long as they are OK. Advertisement 'And no matter what you say to them, it doesn't seem to sink in? Except a good hefty fine.' DUBLIN FINES Meanwhile, in Dublin two drivers were hit with €150 Gardai issued the fines to the motorists at Dollymount Beach in Clontarf over the weekend. When gardai quizzed one of the drivers, they replied: "I'll move when someone with a disabled permit wants to park." Advertisement A garda spokesperson said: 'Gardai down at Dollymount Beach in Clontarf over the weekend issued both these drivers with fines for using the disabled parking bay without a permit. Please respect disabled parking bays.' It's an offence to park a vehicle in a disabled parking space unless the driver has a valid card. This increases to €225 if it's not paid within 28 days. The fixed charge amount for misusing a disabled parking badge is €200 and this also hiked to €300 if you do not pay within 28 days. Advertisement Traffic wardens and gardai have the power to request and inspect a parking card to ensure it is not being misused. 1 Four drivers were fined for parking in a vital access point for emergency services Credit: An Garda Siochana Wexford
India Today
07-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Chennai startup wins Rs 3 lakh for safety tech in old buildings at IIT Madras event
A startup developing fibre-optic sensors to monitor ageing infrastructure has bagged the top prize of 3 lakh at Sangam 2025, the annual global innovation and alumni summit hosted by IIT Madras and its alumni Sensing emerged as the winner at the startup pitchfest, held on July 4 in Bengaluru, where 20 deep tech and AI startups pitched their ideas to a gathering of over 250 investors and venture firm's product uses fibre-optic sensing systems for real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure, offering a scalable solution to detect structural gaps in bridges, buildings, and industrial facilities. The technology is poised to transform infrastructure safety, particularly in ageing urban environments.Q-AXIS MOTORS AND ZENTOR MEDTECH WINNERS TOO The second prize went to Q-axis Motors, a startup that has developed India's first sub-100rad precision gimbals, designed for use in defence, drone, and surveillance systems. Their high-precision motion control devices offer vital improvements in stability and targeting for unmanned systems and aerial third place was Zentor Medtech, which has created the world's first patented solid-state laser technology for eye surgery. The innovation promises to enhance the precision and safety of ophthalmic procedures, offering an alternative to conventional laser equipment with solid-state AI, INNOVATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIPHeld on July 4 and 5 in Bengaluru, Sangam 2025 brought together over 500 participants, including entrepreneurs, faculty, alumni, and investors. The theme revolved around Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing IIT Madras's position as a national leader in deep tech research and commercialisation. (L_R) Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Prof V Kamakoti, Shri Piyush Goyal, Shyamala Rajaram at Sangam 2025 Event in Bangalore on 5th July 2025 Speaking at the event, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said: 'I have seen the passion, the enthusiasm, the bright ideas and the willingness to explore the unknown, the spirit of inquiry that all of you have demonstrated, it truly makes all of us proud of your work so much that now, having committed the entire first tranche of 'Fund of Funds' of Rs. 10,000 Crore in the last budget, now another Rs. 10,000 Crore has now been provided as Tranche 2.'He further shared that the Cabinet has approved a $12 billion (Rs 1 lakh crore) interest-free loan to the Department of Science and Technology, aimed at supporting new technologies through flexible funding models that can be reinvested as innovations MADRAS PUSHES FOR 'VIKSIT BHARAT 2047'advertisementSpeaking earlier, Prof. V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, 'IIT Madras is committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. At the forefront of its agenda are innovation and entrepreneurship, which are key drivers for National progress. The upcoming 'Sangam 2025' event embodies this vision, with a series of thoughtfully curated events designed to empower India to emerge as a nation of entrepreneurs and a global leader in product innovation.'The event was also addressed by other eminent personalities, including Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures & Co-founder of Infosys, Dr S Somanath, Vikram Sarabhai Professor and Former Chairman of ISRO -- both distinguished alumni of IIT Madras -- and Shri Tejasvi Surya, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Bengaluru event also featured high-profile sessions with Aparna Chennapragada (Microsoft), Srinivas Narayanan (OpenAI), Tarun Mehta (Ather Energy), Kris Gopalakrishnan (Infosys), and Dr S Somanath (former ISRO Chairman) -- all IIT Madras STARTUPS TO GLOBAL IMPACTThe Pitchfest showcased innovations across AI, health, biotech, quantum computing, logistics, and climate tech. All selected startups will now receive support from the IIT Madras Innovation Ecosystem, which has already nurtured over 500 startups in the last Shyamala Rajaram, President of the IIT Madras Alumni Association, said: 'Sangam 2025 is the powerful confluence of IIT Madras and its global alumni -- sparking bold conversations on innovation and entrepreneurship.'With initiatives like these, IIT Madras continues to strengthen its role as a global hub for technology-driven transformation and economic progress.- Ends
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
UK used car market stable in June 2025 as hybrids lead
The UK used car market remained steady in June, supported by strong consumer demand, growing interest in alternatively fuelled vehicles, and stable dealer activity, according to the latest analysis from Percayso Vehicle Intelligence, MOTORS, and Auto Trader. Retail values for popular three-year-old models dipped by just 0.94% last month, according to Percayso, highlighting a market holding firm despite seasonal fluctuations and broader economic caution. Automotive analyst Derren Martin attributed the resilience to 'low volumes of three-year-old cars due to reduced registrations in 2022' and sustained demand. Hybrid models stood out in Percayso's findings, with values falling just 0.5%, making them the most stable fuel type. This compares to declines of 1.35% for petrol, 0.9% for diesel, and 0.8% for EVs. The data suggests that consumers are increasingly favouring hybrid vehicles as a transitional choice that balances affordability with environmental considerations. Meanwhile, data from MOTORS indicated that used car sales volumes rose year-on-year, with average days to sell holding at 31. Dealer inventory levels increased, particularly among franchised dealers and car supermarkets, both up 11% year-on-year. Hybrid and electric vehicles also continued to gain ground, now accounting for 18% of dealer stock, with hybrids making up 11% and EVs 7%. Despite rising stock, price sensitivity remains a factor. MOTORS reported that the average used car price in June stood at £17,167, slightly down month-on-month and 2.4% lower than in January. Lucy Tugby, Marketing Director at MOTORS, said that dealers 'fought hard to attract buyers with competitive prices,' while smart stocking strategies helped retailers maintain turnover. Auto Trader echoed the sentiment of a healthy market, noting that used cars are currently selling in an average of just 29 days — faster than the same period last year (30 days) and in 2023 (32 days). The MG HS (petrol, under one year old) was June's fastest-selling car, taking just 15 days to leave forecourts — two weeks quicker than average. While SUVs made up 60% of Auto Trader's top 10 fastest-selling models, convertibles and hatchbacks were the quickest-selling body types overall, both averaging 28 days to sell. Petrol remained the fastest-selling fuel type overall, averaging 28 days, followed closely by hybrids and diesels at 31 days. EVs, while still the slowest, improved to 32 days, down from 35 in May. Notably, plug-in hybrid vehicles aged 3–5 years were the quickest to sell across all segments, averaging just 26 days on the market. 'Car buyers are still attracted by great value,' said Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insight at Auto Trader. 'The speed at which used cars sell is a strong barometer of market health, and our data shows the market remains in robust shape heading into summer.' Used cars aged 5–10 years also sold fastest across all age brackets, averaging just 27 days, while nearly new cars (under 12 months old) were the slowest, at 36 days. This suggests that value-driven buyers are targeting slightly older vehicles offering more attractive price points. Across the board, analysts from all three platforms agree that hybrids, well-priced stock, and strong consumer interest are helping to maintain market momentum. While price competition is growing, and summer holidays may temporarily slow activity, the overall outlook remains one of stability in the used car sector. "UK used car market stable in June 2025 as hybrids lead" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Toyota & Lexus new cars for 2025 revealed including rugged RAV4 update, hybrid Aygo and sharp-looking ES saloon
'IF you want to catch a lot of fish, set out many fishing rods,' a wise man in the motor industry once said. Toyota is definitely following that advice. 5 Toyota will relaunch its baby Aygo X as a hybrid instead of pure-petrol at the end of the year Credit: Supplied 5 The C-HR+, looks, and is, different from the C-HR hybrid Credit: Toyota 5 The small pure battery Urban Cruiser, on sale shortly Credit: Supplied So any potential customer swimming into a Toyota dealership will find a huge range of cars ready to hook them. It's working. Sales of Toyota and its posher Lexus arm keep growing. A cascade of new cars and updates will likely keep the momentum going into next year. READ MORE IN MOTORS The RAV4 family SUV is a massive seller and returns next year as a plug-in hybrid only. It should be economical when running on petrol alone. But if you can find somewhere to plug in, the electric range is now a very handy 62 milles. The angular new body has a proper rugged look to it, standing out from the crop of softy crossovers it competes against. Toyota keeps driving down the cost of hybrids. Most read in Motors At the end of the year it will relaunch its baby That will have the lowest consumption and CO2 rating of any car without a plug. Toyota offers $25k discount off brand new model until June 2 – but the rebate depends on where shoppers live So the hybrid system is still a massive part of Toyota's success. When hybrid arrived here in the Prius at the turn of the millennium, it was a minority sport. Gradually it went mainstream, spreading across nearly all Toyota and Lexus models. So much so that the company took flak for not jumping from there on to the full-electric car bandwagon. Now that caution looks wise. The speed of changeover to EVs is softening, and the legal push to ban hybrids is paused five years to 2035. Shifting predictions for EVs are affecting Toyota-Lexus too. 5 For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover Credit: Supplied For some years, the plan was to build standalone electric cars, wholly different from the hybrids. But that's going to change. Andrea Carlucci, European marketing boss, told me the plan now is to build cars that you can buy as either full-electric or hybrid. Selling completely separate hybrid and EV models, he says, 'causes a complexity challenge', confusing buyers and choking dealerships. 'We should simplify the number of silhouettes.' So Lexus is launching its sharp-looking new luxury saloon, the ES, in both a hybrid and a 330-mile electric. In the UK the plan is we'll get the electric only, but no doubt that could alter if the politics of EVs change again. For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover Inside, it's luxurious but with a clean Japanese-garden feel. The door trim looks like back-illuminated bamboo. But despite the new plan for dual-powertrain cars, there are still a bunch of pure battery cars in the launch phase. The small one is the Urban Cruiser, on sale shortly. It'll be followed by the C-HR+, which looks, and is, different from the C-HR hybrid. All those two share is a general theme: both are compact coupe-crossovers. For families wanting more space as well as battery power, Toyota will add a Touring estate version to the bZ4X electric crossover. That's spring next year. The all-electric Lexus RZ gets an update next year, including steer-by-wire using an aircraft-style yoke instead of a steering wheel, plus fake 'gearbox' effects to make driving a single-speed EV feel more interesting. More like a petrol car, in other words. 5 The RAV4 family SUV is a massive seller and returns next year as a plug-in hybrid only Credit: Supplied Ten things YOU should know as a car owner To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle: When is your MOT due? When is your car tax due? Find out here Is it illegal to drive barefoot? What do Is it illegal to drive without road tax? Can you be fined for breaking the highway code? How to What does Is it illegal to
