The 24-plate change boosted new-car registrations in March, according to SMMT figures. But private buyers have put the brakes on pure electric purchases and the car makers want Government incentives to be increased to meet emissions targets.. March signals a twentieth month of consecutive growth for the automotive sector, a remarkable milestone for the industry, said Sue Robinson, Chief … [Read more...]
Company car drivers need convincing of EV benefits
It's becoming a grind convincing company car drivers to switch to electric models, admits Paul Hollick, chairman of the Association of Fleet Professionals. Pushing back against “scare stories” about electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming a key task for fleet managers, he said and pointed to a flood of misinformation appearing in both traditional and social media. “Sadly, it seems to have become … [Read more...]
EV prices are stabilising after steep fall
Falling electric vehicle values are stabilising once they reach price parity with their internal combustion engine equivalents, March’s meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association was told. Andy Shields, global business unit director, of Indicata, presented data for a variety of EVs that showed this trend, following on from the dramatic price falls seen in 2023. “This effect appears to have … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 April
UK car production rose again in February, up 14.6% to 79,907 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It was the sixth consecutive month of growth and best February performance since 2021,with nearly all volume manufacturers posting uplifts, driven by output for the domestic market which grew 58.0% to 20,658 units, an increase of 7,585. Greenpower Park, a UK … [Read more...]
Tradelines 27 March
Nissan will launch 14 new petrol engined models to meet demand where electrification is not in great demand, it said announcing its business plan for the the next three years. Nissan revealed a new broad-based product offensive in the next three years, including thirty new models of which 16 would be electrified, plus 14 new internal combustion engine models to “meet the diversified customer … [Read more...]
Welsh Ministers cover 280,000 miles in chauffered cars
Labour Ministers have racked up nearly 280,000 miles in ministerial cars over the past 2 years. The fleet of mostly non-electric cars covered 278,969 miles Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Shadow Climate Change Minister, was told in a written reply by the First Minister. Afterwards she said, “This revelation undermines Labour’s green credentials and their hypocrisy is plain to see. “It is beyond … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 March
Labour and Plaid Cymru politicians in the Senedd have voted to introduce toll charging on Welsh roads. The Infrastructure (Wales) Bill passed last week follows a decision to allow councils to introduce road congestion charging if they want at some point in the future but Welsh Conservatives secured amendments requiring the specific tolling and charging plans must be discussed by AMs before … [Read more...]
New Government challenged over fuel and roads
Fairer petrol and diesel pricing (68%) and fewer potholes (66%) are the two areas where motorists most want to see action from 2024’s new government, according to the latest research. Also, 45% would like to see moves made to reduce insurance premiums and 32% want to see traffic congestion tackled, shows March’s new monthly Used Car Tracker from Startline Motor Finance. Paul Burgess, CEO at … [Read more...]
Fleet professionals calling the shots
Details have been confirmed for this year’s annual conference from the Association of Fleet Professionals, with the main themes chosen by members. Taking place at The British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on Wednesday 15 May, it is expected to attract around 250 members and is sponsored by Enterprise Mobility. Subjects covered have been nominated by AFP fleet managers and include new manufacturer … [Read more...]
Shocking depreciation of EVs worries trade
The steep depreciation on some EV models has made dealers wary of buying them for stock, according to new research by HonkHonk.co.uk. HonkHonk is the trading platform that brings motorists together with dealers who want to buy their cars and is now warning EV drivers to expect little enthusiasm when they offer theirs for sale. More than one in three used car dealers report that they are 'much … [Read more...]