How Driverless Vehicles Will Soon Deliver Your Shopping

21 Sep 2021

Supermarkets have long delivered but imagine having your groceries ferried to you by way of a self-driving car. Never mind crowds, this would remove all human interaction from the weekly shop…to the delight of agoraphobics and despairing dads everywhere.

Aston's Are Forever: The Story Behind James Bond's Newest Car

10 Aug 2021

“Now pay attention 007…” was for decades the cue that Q - James Bond’s faithful quartermaster - was about to provide a detailed rundown on our favourite secret agent’s newest car… ejector seat and all.

Eurac Secure Electric Forklift Trucks

9 Aug 2021

The Steering Wheel Made For Real and Virtual Racing

12 Jul 2021

Racing and gaming have long been two of man’s greatest passions. The latter is seen as the next best thing for millions of boy racers who dream of getting behind the wheel of a supercar. But what if those two loves could be combined?

A New Era For Classic Cars?

12 Jul 2021

The classic car market is still worth a staggering £5 billion a year. That eye-watering figure is proof, were it needed, that a passion for vintage motors remains undiminished. The question is whether that will still be the case if they become undrivable?

MAT Machining Europe Increase Output With New IoT Solution

7 Jun 2021

Can Vertically Mounted Batteries Increase The Range of Electric Vehicles?

7 Jun 2021

What Would An Apple Car Mean For The Automotive Industry?

11 Mai 2021

An exclusive story published in the Korea Times this month has left many of the world’s leading automakers quaking in their boots.

Which Carmaker Will Have The Best Sounding EV?

11 Mai 2021

There’s something sacred about the roar of an engine. The sound of a sports car moving through the gears and gathering speed is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

The T.50s: Gordon Murray's Supercar Tribute to Niki Lauda

14 Apr 2021

Automotive Components: Ductile Iron vs. Grey Iron

13 Apr 2021

The MAT Foundry Group is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of cast and machined components for the automotive sector.

And it may surprise you to learn a great many of those are still forged from iron.

MAT Foundry Group Green Initiatives (INFOGRAPHIC)

22 Mar 2021

The MAT Foundry Group is committed to reducing our environmental impacts year-on-year. Learn more about the measures that help us improve efficiency, reduce waste and recycle materials.

Is The Engineering Gender Gap Closing?

10 Mar 2021

International Women’s Day 2021 was dominated by one woman in particular.

While the eyes of the world were trained on an explosive TV interview, there were a smattering of headlines that spoke of something far more important, at least in our eyes.

How Will The Aptera Solar Power Car Work?

10 Mar 2021

16 years ago a small start-up company from California set out to launch a three wheeled car powered by solar energy.

An ambitious and apparently unrealistic project, the Aperta 2e soon lacked for finance and meaningful progress. Alas, the concept was ultimately shut down, along with its parent company in 2011.

How Do Foundry Pouring Units Work?

10 Mar 2021

Pouring is fundamental to the output and success of any foundry.

It’s from such sites that metal castings originate, but not without state-of-the-art equipment and a trusted process. Eurac Poole can count on both.

ExPlore: Transforming Cars Into A Third Living Space

9 Feb 2021

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show was a pared down event, for obvious reasons. While Coronavirus may have deprived the annual showcase of crowds, there was, as ever, no shortage of astonishing tech debuted.

What Is Regenerative Braking and How Does It Work?

9 Feb 2021

As the UK moves towards full electrification, we can expect to hear a lot more about regenerative braking. Defined as the ‘recovery of kinetic energy’ whilst slowing a car, it’s one of the obvious benefits of electric vehicles, which most of us will be driving from 2030 onwards.

What Is Double Clutching? [INFOGRAPHIC]

25 Jan 2021

Double clutching is an old school driving technique used to shift down through gears. Our infographic depicts how and asks whether drivers need to.

Coming Soon: Road Cameras That Target Tailgaters

12 Jan 2021

As New Year’s resolutions go Highway England’s bid to end tailgating is surely one of the more ambitious.

A problem as old as motorways themselves, it’s hoped modern technology could provide a crucial breakthrough, reducing incidents and accidents alike.

VW Prepare To Launch Mobile Charging Robot For Electric Vehicles

12 Jan 2021

Ardent critics of electric vehicles often point to range, or a lack thereof, as one of the primary reasons for staunch and continued opposition.

As the UK moves towards full electrification within the next decade, improving infrastructure nationwide will be a priority for this and successive governments.

How The Chameleon Became Europe's First 3D Printed EV

10 Dez 2020

Covid-19 may have put paid to production lines across the world in 2020 but no pandemic can stifle creativity, nor inspired feats of engineering. Europe’s first 3D-printed electric vehicle is proof of that.

Formula 1's Halo: The Safety Device That Saved Grosjean's Life

10 Dez 2020

Formula 1 is still reeling from the horror crash involving Haas driver Romain Grosjean.

Seconds into November’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Swiss driver collided with rival Daniil Kyvaat’s Alpha Tauri, before hurtling into a nearby crash barrier at a speed of 137mph.

Could Our Phones Soon Identify Car Faults?

12 Nov 2020

Could motorists soon have the ability to diagnose car faults themselves, without the input of a mechanic? That future has moved a step closer thanks to a recent announcement from Skoda.

The Battle To Become The Fastest Production Car In The World

12 Nov 2020

For the third time in as many years the world record for the fastest production car on earth has been broken. Or has it?

In a twist akin to a presidential election, Shelby Super Cars’ Tuatara hybrid claimed victory, only to see its triumphant runs first disputed, then expunged from the history books.

What Is The New Grading System for Self-Driving Cars?

15 Okt 2020

The results of the world’s first independent test of driver assistance systems make for interesting reading, particularly for one Elon Musk.

The Walking Car Will Change Everything

15 Okt 2020

At what point does a car cease to be a car?

For many it’s the second four wheels leave the ground, hence the somewhat mixed response to the Pal-V. However, what if the vehicle sprouts legs and begins roaming roads?

The Future of Roads - E-Highways

21 Sep 2020

A concerted effort to increase safety and decrease pollution means our roads are changing beyond recognition. If Smart Motorways signalled the start of a new era, E-Highways reveal the direction of travel. Literally.

How Alcolocks Will Stop Drink Driving

21 Sep 2020

Drink driving has long been described as a plague of British motoring and in light of new, alarming figures, ways to combat the scourge are being fast-tracked. Of the many ideas mooted, the introduction of Alcolocks seems to carry most support. 

How To Keep Your Car Clean (and Roadworthy) During The Coronavirus

30 Apr 2020

Few of us are taking to the roads right now and for good reason. As the Coronavius approaches a much feared peak, lockdown measures ensure all but essential travel is outlawed.

These restrictions are both important and justified but could have an adverse effect on a great many of our cars.

That’s why tending to your vehicle, in as far as you can, will be vital in the coming weeks.

Will Cars Soon Talk To Traffic Lights?

30 Apr 2020

The Coronavirus has cut a swath across Europe and left a trail of destruction in its wake. 

As governments across the world seek to contain the spread and reduce pressure on their respective healthcare providers, it’s perhaps no surprise to learn product launches have been thin on the ground.

Spanish automakers SEAT have though moved to provide a welcome distraction.

Jaguar Land Rover's Driverless Pod

14 Apr 2020

Regular readers may remember a piece we wrote in May of last year previewing smart wallets. A novel concept it formed part of Jaguar Land Rover’s wider ambition to improve road safety.

This project was given a name, Destination Zero, and a mission: to bring about zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion.

Goodyear Unveil The Self-Repairing Tyre

12 Mar 2020

Tyres have a limited lifespan. If you’re lucky a good set may span three to four years (or 12,000 – 15,000 miles) before inevitable wear and tear necessitates change. We know, it seems like only yesterday you were in that very position!

Worse still, there’s every chance you’ll suffer a puncture in the interim, bringing about yet further expense.

Yes, replacing wheels is one of driving’s costlier downsides. And let’s face it, there’s a few to choose from.

Types of Differential and How They Work [INFOGRAPHIC]

13 Feb 2020

A differential is a simple piece of gearing that has been refined over many years. It allows wheels mounted to the same axle to rotate independently. Early auto mobiles failed to master the process and instead powered one wheel on an independent axle. This caused underpowering and problems with traction on anything but firm, level ground.

Smart Motorways... Where Did It Go So Wrong?

12 Feb 2020

Back in 2018 we launched a series on the future of roads, previewing new technology and legislation set to modernise and improve our highways. One article focused on smart motorways, then set to grow in number following a successful trial in Birmingham. It’s fair to the say the subsequent rollout has not been without controversy.

How Did The Nissan Leaf Drive Itself 230 Miles?

12 Feb 2020

If you happened to be driving along the M1 last November, there’s every chance you passed a self-driving car. Not that you’d have noticed. That’s because the longest autonomous journey ever completed in the UK passed without incident. That was the plan. In fact until earlier this month, only a select few even knew of the experiment. That’s all changed now, as this victory lap promises to transform our roads.

The Sony Car... Game-Changer or PR Stunt?

13 Jan 2020

In April 2019 it was announced the mythical PlayStation 5 would soon become a reality, news that melted minds of gamers the world over. Those able to peel themselves from their bedroom ceilings were expecting a preview of sorts at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, an event in which makers Sony deliver a keynote presentation.

The Apprentice Finalist Campaigning For More Female Engineers

13 Jan 2020

The latest series of hit BBC show The Apprentice concluded just before Christmas and in doing so shone a light on women in engineering.

What is Engine Braking? And Why you Should do it [INFOGRAPHIC]

20 Dez 2019

Engine braking restricts airflow when a driver releases the accelerator. This creates a high manifold vacuum that cylinders are made to work against. Energy is sapped from the engine, causing a drop in power and speed.

What Are Laser Beam Wipers and Will They Work?

10 Dez 2019

The motoring industry is by its very nature fast paced.

New technology continually alters our perceptions and expectations of what can be achieved on four wheels. Yet while a great many car features have evolved - some beyond recognition - others have remained largely untouched.

The Flying Car Is Here and It WILL Change Everything

10 Dez 2019

Two years ago we wrote about the flying car and asked whether us mere mortals could ever hope to replicate the likes of Doc Brown and take to the skies via our wheels.

We’ll be honest in admitting we felt this idea was farfetched at the time and (light) years away. As it happens, we and a great many sceptics were wrong. That’s because the future we spoke of is here, at least according to one Dutch automaker.

How Do Brake Discs Work?

22 Nov 2019

The electric revolution may still be in its infancy, but it’s undeniable that fossil fuel-based engines are on borrowed time. However, whether they’re battery powered or fuel cell-based engines, the future greener vehicles will still need to prioritise passenger safety for any commercial or mass produced vehicles. We can then safely assume that the braking system will be unchanged for the foreseeable future, until a more revolutionary system can be produced of course.

Bloodhound's 1000mph Land Speed Record Attempt - What Happened Next?

13 Nov 2019

Two years ago we wrote about a car turned rocket ship that promised to break the land speed record and inspire a new generation of engineers. Big plans however quickly gave way to big problems and after much fanfare the very future of the Bloodhound project soon hung in the balance.

Now it's returned from the brink and we’ve taken a look at how. What went wrong and why, from near extinction, are things suddenly back on track? Could the sacred 1,000mph barrier be reached after all?

What Is The Best Looking Car In The World?

13 Nov 2019

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but also an ancient mathematical equation, apparently.

The Golden Ratio principle garnered much attention last year when it was used to crown George Clooney the ‘most beautiful man in the world’. A beauty king needs a beauty queen of course and soon after the same formula anointed model Belle Hadid to this make-believe throne.

Eurac Poole & GridBeyond win at the Decentralised Energy Awards 2019

8 Nov 2019

MAT Foundry Group is pleased to announce that our Eurac Poole plant and GridBeyond have been named winners of the Industrial Award 2019 at the Decentralised Energy Awards 2019. The award was in recognition for their work on an innovative and pioneering approach to energy management, through the world’s first hybrid Tesla battery and demand network.

Should You Change To Winter Tyres?

14 Okt 2019

In case you hadn’t noticed it’s getting cold out there. The British summer was short-lived and not altogether tropical, though we did at least soak up the hottest July day on record!

Now however the days are getting shorter and there is an undeniable chill in the air. Soon attention will turn to log fires and gift buying, but before then motorists may want to brace themselves for Christmas another way.

Why Do Electric Vehicles Need To Make Sound?

14 Okt 2019

When electric vehicles first came to prominence, sound, or a lack thereof, was held up as both a defining and appealing feature. Soon heralded as ‘quieter cars’, EVs certainly packed less of a sonic boom, particularly at speeds lower than 20mph.

Fast forward two decades however and motoring authorities want to crank up the volume. And as stage handler’s set-up a rock concert, the National Highway Traffic Society pass laws. The end result, they hope, is the same – things are about to get pretty loud.

Road Cameras Set To Catch Drivers Using Their Phones

14 Okt 2019

Handling a mobile phone – or any electronic device for that matter – whilst at the wheel, has long been outlawed in the UK. Cracking down on those that flout the clearest of rules however has proven difficult, sometimes with grave consequences.

Pioneering technology in Australia could be about to change that and make serial offenders think twice about sending a sly (and illegal) text.

Bugatti Breaks Sacred 300mph Barrier

10 Sep 2019

It’s certainly been an eventful few weeks for Bugatti. First the high-performance automakers realised a long-held ambition, only to bow out of a quite fascinating arms race just as quickly. What do they say about going out on top?

Let’s look back on an unforgettable month…