6:50 am, September 4, 2026
Uber and AI firm Wayve launch first self-driving robotaxis in London
Uber has launched the UK’s first robotaxis across London after partnering with British AI technology firm Wayve.
Londoners can hail autonomous vehicles through Uber, although each vehicle will still have a human safety driver who can take the wheel if needed.
The companies said they are operating a ‘small fleet’ of all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with the Wayve AI driving technology.
Bank of England’s top economist calls for ‘prompt’ interest rate hike
The Bank of England’s chief economist has said interest rates should be raised to tackle threats to inflation sparked by the Middle East energy shock, saying he was uncomfortable with a ‘wait-and-see’ approach of fellow policymakers.
Huw Pill reiterated his concerns about the risks of leaving interest rates unchanged while waiting for clearer signs of how the Iran war has affected inflationary dynamics in the UK economy.
He was one of two members on the nine-person Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to vote to raise interest rates in July, meaning he was outvoted by a majority preferring to keep rates at 3.75%, including governor Andrew Bailey.
Lepas L8 arrives priced from £34,900
The new Lepas L8 has gone on sale in the UK, priced from £34,900.
Lepas is one of several new Chinese brands to arrive in the UK recently, and does so under the wider Chery umbrella alongside existing manufacturers Omoda and Jaecoo.
The new L8 is a large SUV which uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It brings together a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and battery which, Lepas says, will return up to 53 miles of electric-only range. Vehicle-to-load technology means that external devices, such as air pumps or kettles, can be powered using the car’s battery.
The markets
The FTSE 100 closed higher on Thursday as bond yields cooled and data showed that UK services activity grew at its fastest pace in four months in August.
The FTSE 100 index closed up 75.07 points, 0.7%, at 10,831.52. The FTSE 250 ended up 172.07 points, 0.7%, at 24,496.13, and the AIM all-share closed up 9.80 points, 1.2%, at 799.81.
In European equities on Thursday, the Cac 40 in Paris closed up 0.1%, while the Dax 40 in Frankfurt ended 0.6% higher.
Thursday on Car Dealer
Eight build slots, four chassis and 6,000 hours: How do you sell the world’s rarest cars?
Car Dealer’s Rebecca Chaplin has been to Salon Privé to see behind the scenes of the most exclusive corner of the motor trade. We found ultra-low production runs, eye-watering prices and bespoke cars where scarcity isn’t a problem – it’s the entire selling point.
Polestar says new 4 SUV will widen appeal of its best-selling model
Polestar UK director Kim Palmer, says the new 4 SUV broadens the appeal of the brand’s best-selling model by adding practicality, while continuing targeting premium customers through events such as Salon Privé.
Car dealers among 660 firms named and shamed for failing to pay National Minimum Wage
The government has named and shamed automotive firms among around 660 employers found to have underpaid staff the National Minimum Wage. Advance Vauxhall owed the most at £7,014.98, while ministers said £4m had been repaid to more than 27,000 workers.
DVLA bans more than 500 ‘76’ number plates for being too rude or offensive for the road
The DVLA has blocked more than 500 ‘76’ registrations from being issued after deeming them offensive, embarrassing or in poor taste. The latest banned list includes combinations referencing sex, drugs, weapons, war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Vertu Motors relocates Sheffield Mazda dealership into state-of-the-art new car showroom
Vertu Motors has relocated its Sheffield Mazda operation to a new Attercliffe Road site, providing improved facilities, a larger used-car selection and space to showcase Mazda’s expanding range. Bosses welcomed the move as a boost for customers and the brand.
Reform reported to police over claims of funding rules breach
Reform UK has been reported to the police over allegations it breached political donation rules by having polling paid for by an overseas company.
Nigel Farage’s party took funding from a US firm for three polls it commissioned earlier this year costing £32,500, Channel 4 News reported.
The purported donors were in fact undercover reporters from investigative group Verbatim posing as an American financier and his UK-based son.
Coming tonight: Channel 4 News and @Verbatim_Media reveal an undercover investigation inside Reform UK.
Watch at 7pm on Channel 4 or YouTube. pic.twitter.com/WNqIVfmDes
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) September 3, 2026
Zack Polanski says he intends to stand in by-election to replace Keir Starmer
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said he intends to stand as a candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, triggered by Sir Keir Starmer’s exit from Parliament.
Mr Polanski announced his hope to contest the seat and win a place in Parliament to the Camden New Journal.
His intervention in the contest could provide an early test of Andy Burnham’s popularity with the public, as voters in the seat have moved away from Labour towards Green and independent candidates in recent years.
Weather outlook
Northern Scotland and Northern Ireland will be very windy with sunshine and showers, while northern England sees similar conditions.
Wales and the Midlands will be breezy with rain clearing to brighter spells; southern England starts wet before turning brighter.
Overall, today looks windy and cooler across the UK.