Car and van lease contracts and warranties should be extended to align with the new real world fleet replacement cycles that have emerged following the pandemic, reports FleetCheck. The fleet management software specialist says that cars across its user base are now generally being operated for close to five years compared to 3-4 previously, while vans have moved from around 5-6 to up to … [Read more...]
Finance News
Tradelines 20 September
The British Government should incentivise EV private car purchases, say the car-makers. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the ev market has moved from the early adopter phase with 16% of new registrations but more incentives were needed to push towards the zero emissions target of the Government. A petition in Wales calling for this week's 20mph urban speed limit to be repealed … [Read more...]
Insurers with-hold £47M of claims from motorists
GoCompare car insurance revealed that over £47 million worth of motor insurance claims were unsuccessful during the second half of 2021, the last available period for checking. Using Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) data, the insurance comparison site calculated that more than 14,000 motor insurance claims were rejected between July and December of 2021, equating to millions in missed payouts … [Read more...]
Makers dropping small cars pick up criticisms
Carmakers are prioritising the production, marketing and sale of larger vehicles like SUVs and e-SUVs over more affordable, smaller EVs. Smaller EVs could help those on lower incomes gain from the benefits of using EVs as well as more efficient use of critical raw materials essential in efforts to achieve net zero. The arrival of more affordable, smaller electric cars would hasten the uptake … [Read more...]
Toyota power up for the future of BEVs
Toyota will build a new battery electric vehicle factory that will begin production of new models in 2026 powered by a range of new, advanced batteries. Details of four next generation batteries have been revealed, demonstrating state-of-the-art advances in both liquid and solid electrolytes. Toyota has also previewed further progress with solid electrolyte battery technology. Takero Kato, … [Read more...]
Running costs drive motorists’ buying decisions, says Startline
The effect of rising living costs on which used cars are chosen by consumers has grown strongly in the last six months, according to September’s Startline Used Car Tracker. Running costs are the most important factor now named by 74% of motorists compared to 62% in April, followed by the cost of living, which is now at 65% against 61% over the same period. Similarly, inflation has risen from 26% … [Read more...]
Auto Vivendi exhibit at Salon Privé
A luxury exclusive car club founded by two Welshmen made a "wonderful" debut at this year's most prestigious event for rare cars and supercars, the Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Auto Vivendi, based in London, but with hubs in South and North Wales country houses as well was set up by Maesteg born Richard Thomas and Craig Williams, from Usk. Auto Vivendi expands The UK's most … [Read more...]
Businesses are paying too much for EVs
VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol a world leader in energy, finds a significant proportion of fleets currently undergoing electrification have ‘over-specced’ when it comes to their charging infrastructure needs. The problem is largely down to fleets embarking on electrification themselves for the first time. The transition will involve multiple providers and stakeholders, and … [Read more...]
£600 M investment for MINI evs in UK
The new generation of pure-electric MINI Cooper and Aceman models will be assembled in Plant Oxford in three years time after a £600 Million investment led by BMW. The UK Government is reportedly giving £75 Million towards the cost of reconfiguring the factory and erecting new logistics facilities, it was announced yesterday. The investment will also see the end of petrol and diesel models … [Read more...]
Last ditch attempt to block incoming 20mph speed limit
A last ditch attempt to block the controversial 20mph default speed limit in Wales coming into effect on Sunday will be made on Wednesday by Welsh Conservatives. The Welsh Conservatives have tabled a motion in the Senedd on Wednesday calling for The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 to be repealed. Blanket 20mph speed limits in Wales will cost at least £33 million to … [Read more...]