Over half of UK dealers (53%) plan to stock alternative fuel vehicles in the next five years, according to research from Close Brothers Motor Finance’s Dealer Satisfaction Survey.
Positively, almost three in ten (29%) car dealers already stock AFVs. And for those who already have stock, two thirds (64%) plan to increase it and a quarter (24%) plan to maintain their current level. Just 2% of dealers want to decrease their current stock.
For dealers who do not currently stock AFVs, three in ten (29%) plan to do so within the next year.
With the UK expecting a ban on all emissions-vehicles by 2035, dealers are experiencing a shift in the expectations to stock more electric and low-emission cars. However, some dealers remain unconvinced, with just under a fifth (18%) admitting that they don’t stock AFVs and don’t intend to anytime soon.
Seán Kemple, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said, “Dealers are on the front line as the UK moves closer towards an emissions-free industry. So it’s encouraging to see more dealers building up their stock and planning to do so over the next few years.
Fastned, the fast charging company that is building a European network of fast charging stations, had its strongest quarter to date with revenues related to charging increased by 102% compared to the first quarter of 2019.
January and February volumes (before Covid-19 impact) were up 155%.
