Car and van lease contracts and warranties should be extended to align with the new real world fleet replacement cycles that have emerged following the pandemic, reports FleetCheck. The fleet management software specialist says that cars across its user base are now generally being operated for close to five years compared to 3-4 previously, while vans have moved from around 5-6 to up to … [Read more...]
Makers dropping small cars pick up criticisms
Carmakers are prioritising the production, marketing and sale of larger vehicles like SUVs and e-SUVs over more affordable, smaller EVs. Smaller EVs could help those on lower incomes gain from the benefits of using EVs as well as more efficient use of critical raw materials essential in efforts to achieve net zero. The arrival of more affordable, smaller electric cars would hasten the uptake … [Read more...]
Businesses are paying too much for EVs
VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol a world leader in energy, finds a significant proportion of fleets currently undergoing electrification have ‘over-specced’ when it comes to their charging infrastructure needs. The problem is largely down to fleets embarking on electrification themselves for the first time. The transition will involve multiple providers and stakeholders, and … [Read more...]
Servicing boost follows ageing cars and vans
ATS Euromaster has seen a significant increase in the volume of SMR work it is now completing, with work on brake changes up 27%, commercial vehicle servicing up 41% and the number of MOTs completed increasing by 8%. The tyre and maintenance provider believes a combination of factors is behind the increased SMR workload and is seeking about 100 employees on a rolling basis until the posts have … [Read more...]
Welsh new car sales leap over 26%
The new car market grew 24.4% in August with 85,657 new vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. While August is typically a quieter month with many buyers choosing to wait until the September numberplate change, an increase of 16,799 units means the sector is now entering a second year of growth. Despite this improved performance, … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 September
The fifth generation, all-electric MINI Cooper will be unveiled at the German Motor Show in Munich this week. It will be available in E or SE grades with 190 or 250 miles range and priced from £30,000 next Spring. EDF’s small and medium-sized enterprise business customers can now save up to 40% on the cost of an electric vehicle through DriveElectric’s salary sacrifice scheme. Building upon … [Read more...]
Showroom prices slide in pre-September sales
There are new car bargains to be had as dealers report manufacturers are dropping prices and supporting lower rate finance deals to lift sales. The traditional slow August sales before the new registration plate arrives on 1 September has been followed by an unseasonally slack demand for new models arriving from today. Rising new car prices and higher interest rates have combined to stall demand … [Read more...]
Costing & comparing evs to traditional fleets
A new project from the Association of Fleet Professionals aims to create the “definitive picture” when it comes to comparing electric vehicle service, maintenance and repair costs to their internal combustion engine equivalents. Paul Hollick chair at the AFP, said that much of the current data and information surrounding the subject was incomplete, inconsistent or contradictory – and that the … [Read more...]
Newcomers 21 August
Bentley has added 18-cms to the wheelbase of its Bentayga SUV to create the 180mph Extended Wheelbase Mulliner model now on sale. It features sustainable materials for the seats and trimmings, has distinctive grille and wheels, and is fitted with the familiar 550ps Bentley 4.0V8 petrol engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive. … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X1 xDrive2.3i M Sport
As the motor industry increasingly turns in on itself and concentrates on niche models it’s good to see the BMW X1 arrive, genuinely offering something for everyone. Sport, xLine and M Sport trim levels span seven models including three or four cylinder petrol-hybrid units, four-cylinder diesels and an electric version to ensure there is something for every requirement or preference. To that … [Read more...]