Six out of 10 dealers (61%) say repairing minor dents is the cosmetic fix most likely to increase the showroom appeal of a used car, according to new research. May’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows other repairs considered important were scratches (55%), minor rips in fabric (37%) and chips in windows (35%). Also mentioned were bumper scuffs (34%), … [Read more...]
Finance News
Specialist gangs stealing cars to order
QuestGates, the UK’s largest owner-managed loss adjusting and claims solutions group, has contributed to an international report on the criminal supply chains for vehicles stolen in the UK and EU. Published in April 2026 by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, the Theft For Export study was led by anti-corruption expert Dr Liam … [Read more...]
From tap to train
Transport for Wales has launched contactless pay as you go rail travel in North East Wales and borders, making journeys simpler and more flexible for customers across the region. Passengers travelling on TfW rail services can now tap in and tap out using a contactless card or smart device at 15 stations in North East Wales and borders. The service … [Read more...]
Widest choice ever for BEVs
Brits have more opportunity than ever to go electric, with the choice, capability and breadth of battery electric vehicles on offer transformed over the past decade. Once limited by modest range and cult appeal, electric cars are now mainstream, accounting for two in five (40.9%) of available models. In 2016, battery electric cars were still a niche … [Read more...]
Tradelines 20 May
Mazda Motor Europe has joined Drive Sustainability, an automotive industry initiative focused on promoting ethical, responsible and environmentally friendly practices across global supply chains. By joining the collaboration, Mazda is advocating business integrity and enhancing its ability to apply common sustainability standards and guidelines throughout … [Read more...]
Iran War fuels switch to EVs
More than nine out of 10 dealers (92%) say events such as the war in Iran make more car buyers think about switching to electric. May’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 67% believe potential buyers are aware fuelling an electric car is potentially much cheaper than petrol or diesel, 57% that the sheer speed of fuel price rises is a factor and 21% that the … [Read more...]
BEN puts the numbers into wellbeing and support
Automotive industry charity Ben published its latest Year in Numbers, highlighting the growing demand for health, wellbeing and financial support across the automotive industry between April 2025 and March 2026. Over the year, Ben responded to 14,377 enquiries for support, highlighting the growing pressures faced by people working in the automotive … [Read more...]
Call for Government to invest more into EV policies
Almost nine in ten EV drivers (88%) believe the Government is failing to do enough to support the UK’s transition to net zero, according to new research from Zenith, the UK’s leading fleet management and vehicle leasing specialist. While government-backed incentives, such as benefit-in-kind, have proven incredibly effective in encouraging uptake, recent … [Read more...]
Politicians get bumpy ride over potholes
Almost three out of four motorists (72%) say the state of UK roads make them less likely to keep local and national politicians in power, new research shows. May’s Startline Used Car Tracker indicates that 48% think potholes are a constant source of irritation when driving, 36% that the state of UK roads is embarrassing and 32% are worried about resulting … [Read more...]
Golden oldies beating depreciation trend
While the average UK car loses value each year regardless of use, new analysis from Carwow reveals that certain models are bucking the trend—selling for significantly more than their estimated worth due to strong demand. Depreciation remains the highest cost of car ownership, averaging £3,851 per year (around 9.17% annually), with overall costs such as tax … [Read more...]
