Leading electrotechnical and engineering services body ECA said the King’s speech had little to offer the sector, despite it being a driving force in the transition to Net Zero carbon. The association, which represents over 60,000 professionals, welcomed the prospect of accelerated investment in renewables and grid connections. However, it sees additional oil and gas licensing as an unnecessary … [Read more...]
Sleeker Toyota C-HR announced
The sleekly styled latest generation Toyota C-HR is now on sale with deliveries beginning in January. The new model presents an even more dramatic rendering of the coupe-like design that set the original Toyota C-HR apart from the SUV mainstream. It also raises the bar in terms of equipment features, with seamless connectivity, responsive and powerful multimedia functions, fully digital and … [Read more...]
20mph limit opposed outside Wales
Seven out of 10 motorists say that the 20mph speed limit imposed in Wales in September shouldn’t spread across the rest of the UK. Research from Startline’s November Used Car Tracker shows that 20% think that it is “just too slow” while 15% also say that too few drivers would stick to the new limit. Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “It’s fair to say that there is relatively … [Read more...]
Tradelines 8 November
Almost a quarter of fleets (23%) say they expect to lengthen their company car lease contracts because of growth in home working, according to new research. The 2023 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer found that the move towards contract extensions is more pronounced among larger companies with more than 1,000 employees (38%) compared to the smallest with fewer than 10 (24%). Fleets and … [Read more...]
Aging fleets create service boost for independents
Fleet use of independent garages is around a quarter higher for company cars and vans aged four years old compared to their one year old counterparts, shows research. New data from epyx shows that buying of service, maintenance and repair (SMR) shifts from 30% independent garage and 70% franchise dealer at 1-2 years old to 35%/65% at 2-3 years old, 40%/60% at 3-4 years old and 38%/62% at four … [Read more...]
Governments must support car makers supply chain
European automotive suppliers are making their supply chains more sustainable, but they face the challenge of financing these efforts from existing operations and industry sentiment is not very optimistic. Policymakers should take the necessary steps to provide support, but industry will also need to work harder to stay ahead. CLEPA’s research on sustainability reports reveals that suppliers … [Read more...]
EVs gaining ground for some journeys but not all
Petrol and diesel vans are likely to be used by fleets for rural journeys and motorways but business car users are most likely to rely on evs for any trip. Few businesses are considering the type of journeys being taken, for example – rural, urban and motorway – when electrifying their company car fleets, according to new research. The 2023 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows that among … [Read more...]
Fleet discounts driving slight rise in new car registrations
October’s new car market grew by 14.3% to reach 153,529 registrations, 7.2% above pre-pandemic levels and marking the best performance for the month since 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The 15th month of consecutive growth was driven almost entirely by large fleet registrations, which grew 28.8% to reach 87,479 units. Private demand was stable at 62,915 … [Read more...]
Financial squeeze is cutting used car choice
The financial squeeze is starting to hurt car buyers. AA Finance said motorists are borrowing 5% less for used car purchases this year as the cost-of-living crisis bites. This time last year, the average loan would be enough to buy seven of the 10 most popular used cars but only four would be affordable after price rises were taken into account this year. The average amount financed last year … [Read more...]
Global warming needs new fuel approach to crisis
The world cannot wait for alternative fuel sources and needs to take action now to cut the impact of fossil fuels, said a leading international fuel tech company. New analysis has revealed that human fossil fuel emissions are threatening the key 1.5C climate threshold twice as quickly as previously thought. Researchers say the limit could be continually breached as early as 2029, rather than the … [Read more...]