Cardiff may be the first UK city to introduce a parking surcharge for larger vehicles, but Autotrader’s latest data suggests Welsh drivers aren’t ready to give up their SUVs just yet. By comparing their data for most-enquired cars in Wales before and after the parking charge was approved by the local council, car selling specialist Autotrader reveals that … [Read more...]
Finance News
Anxiety over car repairs is diminishing
The percentage of motorists who would be “anxious and financially stressed” by an expensive, unexpected car repair bill is falling, shows research carried out for the RAC Dealer Network. Those who would feel this way about having to spend £1,000 at a garage to keep their car on the road is now 33% compared to 46% when the same question was asked in 2023 and … [Read more...]
Learners & older drivers facing changes
Consultations have started on a big shake up to Britain's driving laws. Learner drivers in England and Wales may face a minimum period of up to six months between sitting their theory and practical tests with lessons counting from qualified instructors and friends or family drivers. The new policies were unveiled today. A lower drink-driving limit in … [Read more...]
Sharing and saving for fleet evs
Sharing the charging infrastructure of local businesses could answer the needs of fleets whose drivers lack off-road parking, so can't install their own charger, believes the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair, AFP, says such facilities, available out-of-hours, can often be found near to employee’s terraced homes and apartments. “In … [Read more...]
Car registrations rise amid warnings
Last year's new cars registration in Britain passed two million for the first time since the pandemic. But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it was only due to makers' incentives estimated at £11,000 per electric vehicle which is an unsustainable figure and they want more Government support and buyers' encouragement. One in four of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 January
Diesels are dying in Europe. Latest registration figures analysed by GlogalData show October's European share of diesel engines was 10.4% but in November it dropped to 10% while BEV and Hybrid cars surged and are expected to accelerate this year after Germany introduces an ev-incentive. China's BYD brand is now outselling America's Tesla range. Combined … [Read more...]
Ford reverse ev plans and will build more hybrids
Ford says its ev-strategy was misdirected and will now spend millions of dollars to adjust production plans. Ford plans to allocate $19.5bn in special items as it reshapes its EV strategy, pulling back from some larger battery models and shifting investment towards hybrids, and extended-range vehicles. It is throwing in its development plans with Renault to … [Read more...]
eVED plan is fraught with problems, say fleet professionals
Fleet engagement with the new government consultation on Electric Vehicle Excise Duty is “essential” to highlight a wide range of potential problems, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair, said that the industry body’s members broadly accepted the need for the government to recover revenue lost from petrol and diesel fuel duty but … [Read more...]
EU lawmakers pushing back on EV deadline
Widely expected relaxations to the European Union’s 2035 ban on internal combustion engined (ICE) vehicles will place “huge pressure” on the UK government to take similar steps, says FleetCheck. Yesterday, the EU decided it would bow to car makers' pressure and reduce the zero emissions mandate. Under the European Commission's new plan, 90% of new cars sold … [Read more...]
DVLA issues anti-fraud advice
Latest figures show that in 2024, almost 20,000 customers called DVLA’s contact centre to report fraudulent activity. Now, the DVLA is reminding motorists how they can keep themselves safe from vehicle and driving licence scams.The DVLA has been criticised for being too lax in checking out applicants for duplicate V5C forms and allowing cloned cars to be … [Read more...]
