The cost-of-living crisis is causing a drop in demand for electric vehicles as these cars are typically more expensive than petrol equivalents, according to Compare the Market comparison site. Sales of new electric cars have declined by 17.1% year-on-year in November according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Upcoming tax increases may also make … [Read more...]
Finance News
Car makers want more EV incentives for private buyers
The UK new car market has recorded its best year since the pandemic as a strong December up 9.8%, wrapped up the 17th month of consecutive growth. Some 1.903 million new cars reached the road during 2023 – an increase of 17.9%, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. In Wales last year, registrations reached 66,761, a rise of nearly 16% over 2022 and … [Read more...]
Fuel prices fall could be greater, says RAC
The average price of petrol across the UK reduced by 6p a litre in December to under 147p (146.69p), making for two consecutive monthly falls, shows data from RAC Fuel Watch. The drop means a full 55-litre tank now costs £77.32, down £3.40 in the month. Diesel also came down by 5p to 149.18p, saving almost £3 (£2.86) on a fill-up (£82.05). Unleaded is now back to a price last seen in early … [Read more...]
Sell evs or pay penalties, makers and dealers told
Expect a big drive by dealers and manufacturers to sell electric models from today or face £15,000 fines for each model above statutory limits laid down by the Government. The rules mandating the minimum number of new pure electric cars and vans that have to be sold in the UK have come into force. From today, (Jan 3) at least 22% of new cars sold by carmakers have to be zero-emission and for new … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 January
The RAC is giving drivers the chance to protect themselves against unexpected repair bills by launching a new online-only warranty product. The 12-month warranty has a £2,000 total claim limit which covers the cost of labour and parts needed to fix mechanical or electrical failures at a cost of £300 and it works through approved RAC workshops and the company's mobile mechanics in some … [Read more...]
£11.2 billion tied up in unused cars
UK drivers could be sitting on a staggering £11.2 billion tied up in unused cars, a new study estimates. That’s the equivalent of a festive turkey feast for almost 439 million households or 17 million fully funded Christmases. There are now over three million cars with a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) declaration in the UK with a potential average value of around £3,264 – enough to fund … [Read more...]
Soaring premiums for young drivers – Compare the Market
The cost of car insurance for young drivers aged 17-24 has typically risen by £658 year-on-year, according to new research from Compare the Market. Annual car insurance cover for young drivers now costs £1,929 on average compared to £1,271 in 2022. Most young drivers are concerned that driving is becoming unaffordable. More than seven in ten drivers aged under 25 (73%) are worried about how they … [Read more...]
Tradelines 20 December
We're hanging on to our cars for longer in the face of rising prices and reluctance to go electric, according to research by weekly motor magazine Autocar. It was told by the DVLA that 798,363 used cars met their maker this year and were scrapped for good led by the Focus, Astra and Corsa and was a vast drop in the numbers scrapped compared to 2022 when 857,107 vehicles were removed. Changes to … [Read more...]
Sarn Services slated for ev-charging cost
Sarn Park Services on the M4 north of Bridgend is the most expensive place to charge your electrci car or van, according to the latest national survey by DriveElectric, which has named the best and worst service stations to visit. The study, conducted by electric vehicle experts at DriveElectric, reviewed UK service stations to reveal the best, and worst for EV drivers. The top 10 service … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BYD Seal Design RWD
Now here’s my prediction for 2024: the BYD Seal is going to make a splash in the sporting saloon sector. Up to now, Europe has been the leading provider and market for four-doors with something a little special in the family sector, but that is likely to change over the coming 12 months. China’s BYD (it stands for Build Your Dreams) launched its Atto 3 SUV and Dolphin hatchback in Britain in … [Read more...]