The 24-plate change boosted new-car registrations in March, according to SMMT figures. But private buyers have put the brakes on pure electric purchases and the car makers want Government incentives to be increased to meet emissions targets.. March signals a twentieth month of consecutive growth for the automotive sector, a remarkable milestone for the industry, said Sue Robinson, Chief … [Read more...]
EV News
Company car drivers need convincing of EV benefits
It's becoming a grind convincing company car drivers to switch to electric models, admits Paul Hollick, chairman of the Association of Fleet Professionals. Pushing back against “scare stories” about electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming a key task for fleet managers, he said and pointed to a flood of misinformation appearing in both traditional and social media. “Sadly, it seems to have become … [Read more...]
EV prices are stabilising after steep fall
Falling electric vehicle values are stabilising once they reach price parity with their internal combustion engine equivalents, March’s meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association was told. Andy Shields, global business unit director, of Indicata, presented data for a variety of EVs that showed this trend, following on from the dramatic price falls seen in 2023. “This effect appears to have … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 April
UK car production rose again in February, up 14.6% to 79,907 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It was the sixth consecutive month of growth and best February performance since 2021,with nearly all volume manufacturers posting uplifts, driven by output for the domestic market which grew 58.0% to 20,658 units, an increase of 7,585. Greenpower Park, a UK … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 March
Labour and Plaid Cymru politicians in the Senedd have voted to introduce toll charging on Welsh roads. The Infrastructure (Wales) Bill passed last week follows a decision to allow councils to introduce road congestion charging if they want at some point in the future but Welsh Conservatives secured amendments requiring the specific tolling and charging plans must be discussed by AMs before … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Civic e:HEV Advance
Honda has a lot of pride in the Civic, and that's justified. Honda started making Civic models in 1972, nine years after it expanded from motor-bikes into cars with the N360 and then the 1300, and Civic put the brand on the world map for automobiles. So the Civic is the company’s longest established and arguably best known model, which also spurred development of the larger Honda Accord and … [Read more...]
Fleet professionals calling the shots
Details have been confirmed for this year’s annual conference from the Association of Fleet Professionals, with the main themes chosen by members. Taking place at The British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on Wednesday 15 May, it is expected to attract around 250 members and is sponsored by Enterprise Mobility. Subjects covered have been nominated by AFP fleet managers and include new manufacturer … [Read more...]
Shocking depreciation of EVs worries trade
The steep depreciation on some EV models has made dealers wary of buying them for stock, according to new research by HonkHonk.co.uk. HonkHonk is the trading platform that brings motorists together with dealers who want to buy their cars and is now warning EV drivers to expect little enthusiasm when they offer theirs for sale. More than one in three used car dealers report that they are 'much … [Read more...]
MG3 Hybrid+ models can be ordered
The all-new MG3 Hybrid+ supermini has arrived with MG Motor UK announcing pricing and confirming that the MG3 is now available to order. Both the SE and Trophy MG3 Hybrid+ models have state-of-the-art hybrid technology available for a comparable price or less than many petrol superminis presently on sale in the UK. The MG Hybrid+ SE starts from just £18,495 with the even more generously equipped … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 March
A fully-electric BMW iX2 will be introduced for the first time, offering a range of up to 283 miles. It comes as part of the second generation BMW X2 Sports Activity Coupé blends a new dynamic style, cutting edge technology, increased space and exceptional comfort for UK buyers from this month with the BMW X2 range from £40,515 and the all-electric BMW iX2 priced from £51,615. Škoda’s flagship … [Read more...]