In what has been a turbulent time for the industry, car dealerships across the UK have been desperately trying to claw back car sales. To paint a statistical picture of the downfall, figures for new private car registrations dropped by 98.7% in April, the worst downturn in 70 years. Only 871 cars were registered, compared to 67,873 at the same time in 2019. As the clock moved forward to July, … [Read more...]
Features
Suppliers optimism and caution for 2021
Parts suppliers have started 2021 with mixed feelings of optimism and caution. Optimism, because demand for vehicles and components is picking up more rapidly than expected and the appetite for new, innovative technologies is accelerating. Caution, because the scars from 2020 are deep and the level of uncertainty remains high. Thorsten Muschal (above), member of the management of … [Read more...]
Lockdown deals shaking out car sales
Drivers clambered to offload their small cars for cash during 2020 as the pandemic caused lockdowns across the UK. Sell My Car Direct, previously saw more than a quarter of the cars offered to the car buying service being made up of city cars and superminis (27%). Add hatchbacks and the percentage rises to 40% (2,400 of 5,964), as drivers flocked to sell off their superfluous second vehicles, … [Read more...]
Nissan decision puts pressure on Ellesmere Port investment
Britain is charging up for a battery cars’ future. Nissan said today that its Sunderland car plant is secure for the long term as a result of the trade deal reached between the UK and the EU. It already makes traction batteries next to its Sunderland assembly plant and now says additional battery production will be invested where it has 6,000 direct employees and supports nearly 70,000 jobs in … [Read more...]
Insurance shock looming for latest car owners
Thousands of drivers could see their car insurance rocket if new uncapped data is used by insurers. Since 2009, Thatcham's Group Insurance Rating has placed vehicles into a 1-50 system by using a capped algorithm to help insurers determine the cost of cover. While there are no plans to replace the current process, raw data shared as a result of taking the cap off has seen around 500 cars surge … [Read more...]
Majority drivers now considering ev as next car – survey
Some 63% of drivers are considering an EV for their next car, citing environmental benefits, being able to charge at home and being taxed less on their salary as the top three main reasons. Tusker runs a fleet of almost 20,000 cars, which is being transformed by the green revolution with EVs accounting for 50% of orders in 2020. In turn, its fleet has gone from 3% EV to 20% in just 12 months, … [Read more...]
Ten steps to saving on premiums
Here are some eye-opening ways to scrutinize and save on your car insurance. Moneyshake car leasing has looked at 140 quotes and come up with some tips to tip the premiums in your favour, with a few surprising facts. Moneyshake’s Top Findings: Third-party, fire and theft is 60% more expensive than comprehensive cover Decreasing voluntary excess can actually make your premium 25% … [Read more...]
£100,000 Ford Escorts reborn in Wales
The Welsh car industry has been boosted with the creation of a new manufacturer, MST Cars of North Wales. The motor-sport orientated bespoke builders of Ford Escort Mk1 and Mk2 road, race and rally cars in various specifications from £69,000 to over £100,000 has evolved from its competition parts' business. That was itself a development of its hardware, engineering and automotive … [Read more...]
E-vans benefits not explained say fleets
The new zero per cent benefit-in-kind rate for electric vans that takes effect on 6 April has been “underpublicised” when it should be helping lead to faster, wider adoption, says the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that a key element of success in boosting demand for electric cars over the last year has been the low level of taxation, and that something similar needs to … [Read more...]
Remobilise for return to normal business
Fleets need to be thinking about how they will “remobilise” their operations as the pandemic ends, says epyx. The company points out that, if the planned vaccination programme now underway is implemented rapidly, something approaching the new normal’s version of business-as-usual could materialise quite quickly. Debbie Fox, commercial director, explained, “Expert views on the speed with which … [Read more...]