February’s figures reinforce the robust performance of the UK automotive sector, maintaining a strong start to 2024 and signalling a nineteenth month of consecutive growth, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, commenting on the latest SMMT new passenger car registration figures. In February, a total of 84,886 new cars were registered, an increase of … [Read more...]
Poor reliability & higher costs drive change, says Carwow
Reliability and higher running costs are the top reasons for selling their motor according to a new survey by Carwow, the online car-changing marketplace. Nearly eight out of 10 respondents (78%) cited reliability as the biggest reason for changing their cars, while increased running costs (71%) came a close second on their list for choosing to sell. Despite being a nation of vehicle … [Read more...]
Car makers Budget plan to overcome stalling EV sales
The automotive industry is calling for the Chancellor to use this week's Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane. Research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would … [Read more...]
First drive: KIA EV9 Air RWD
KIA has turned the corner into a new market segment with its EV9 pure electric model. The EV9 seven-seater launches in three trim levels and an additional range-topping six-seat option from £65,025 to £78,775 in rear wheel drive or all-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim with 200bhp single or 378bhp twin motors. That puts it squarely into Mercedes and BMW electric model territory … [Read more...]
Increase taxes on bigger private cars, says T&E
The UK could be using its tax system to discourage the growth of large new SUV sales, which recent T&E analysis found had grown by 23% between 2022 and 2023. With the Budget due next week, the environmental group said that the UK has shown some leadership with its tax system, however as company car drivers in the UK are benefiting from a progressive tax system, otherwise known as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 March
The Cupra Born BEV range has been reduced and prices slashed to shift stock and widen ownership appeal. CUPRA has increased the accessibility of its first fully electric model, CUPRA Born, by reducing prices by £2,350 across the range coupled with a suite of electric vehicle (EV) purchasing incentives. Volkswagen Group United Kingdom has signed an agreement with Ecobat, the global leader in … [Read more...]
Reselling rates for EVs close to petrol and diesel models
Disposal conversion rates for electric vehicles were very close to their petrol and diesel equivalents over the course of 2023 and beat plug-in hybrids, reports epyx. In total, 91% of EVs found buyers when made available through trade sales to dealers, compared to 94% for petrol and diesel, and 87% for PHEVs. However, EVs did sell more slowly - at an average of 12.5 days compared to around 7-8 … [Read more...]
Makers are building the ‘wrong’ cars for ev buyers, says executive
Cheaper electric cars are urgently needed for motorists to accelerate their switch away from petrol and diesel models, says an industry financial expert. Fleets need to be able to buy electric vehicles now that used car buyers will want in four years’ time – but are being hampered by a lack of choice, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software company, said … [Read more...]
Bring back small cars, dealers tell makers
Britain's car dealers are calling on manufactuers to supply them with a new series of small cars. Dealers overwhelmingly back calls for a new class of small cars to be introduced across Europe that attract lower taxes, insurance and parking costs, new research shows. Paris this year moved towards making SUV drivers pay more to park in the French Capital as they take up more space and other cities … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 February
Hyundai Motor Europe has announced the new i20 N Line with an upgraded look. Featuring refreshed design elements both internally and externally, the i20 N Line aims to enhance the driving experience with its sleek and modern appearance and is set to begin production in April but UK specification has not been confirmed. Wrexham Volkswagen has been picked as the importer's top performing used … [Read more...]