Despite the challenges currently facing the automobile industry, the auction market is in a positive state. Supply and demand have been stable for the last month, with summer soon to draw to an end. "We are expecting that September will see a steady surge as customers return from holidays, boosting the market”, commented Paul Hill, National Association of Motor Auctions spokesman, after a … [Read more...]
Finance News
Tradelines 31 August
Nearly half of motorists planning to buy a car in the next year would be prepared to pay more to skip waiting lists caused by supply chain problems, according to research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. It follows a fifth consecutive month of decline in registrations in August, which the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders attributes to ongoing global supply chain issues, predominantly … [Read more...]
Most JLR models on stop in September
Jaguar Land Rover is facing assembly problems at its plants in September. No Land Rover Discovery, Evoque and Velar models will be built through September due to parts shortages but some production continues with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender. Jaguar XE, XF and F-Pace models are also on stop but F-Type will still be assembled. Ironically, its only full electric model, the … [Read more...]
Electricity rise new threat to fuel pump prices
The Petrol Retailers Association has warned that electricity rises will affect their costs and possibly lead to further increases in pump prices. It is extremely concerned about rising energy costs and their implication as costs associated with operating a forecourt will triple, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, who has urged Government action to stem the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus UX 300e Premium Plus
Lexus has always been the quiet executive car brand and reaches a new level of refinement with its UX 300e pure battery version of the existing hybrid SUV. Some 15 years experience building hybrid cars were brought to bear when it created the UX 300e and it lacks nothing its stablemates have but adds 2020s propulsion, safety and communications technology. There are four versions with the … [Read more...]
Car production improves but issues remain
Though the outlook is beginning to look more positive as production levels rise for the third month in a row and the industry shows signs of recovery, persistent issues will continue to cause turbulence in the coming months, said Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine means the well-documented semiconductor shortage is continuing to cause … [Read more...]
Damning skills shortage must be addressed, says IMI
The IMI predicts a 160,000 shortfall of workers in the UK automotive sector by 2031 based on figures from its Automotive Sector Employment report. "We’re trying to turn the tide. We’re lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector to invest in addressing the shortage of qualified EV technicians, and the majority have stepped up to the challenge. But our latest report … [Read more...]
As the 72-plate looms, take advice on getting a good deal
The 1 September sees the second vehicle plate change of 2022 in England, Wales and Scotland, with the arrival of the new “72” vehicle registration. A car is often the second most significant purchase after buying a property and The Motor Ombudsman dedicated to the automotive sector is highlighting ten handy tips for motorists when looking to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle. Shop around … [Read more...]
Fleets see savings in EVs
Cost advantages and lower environmental impact head the list of reasons why UK businesses are electrifying their company cars, suggests research from the latest Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer. The factors mentioned by fleet and mobility decision makers in the research were topped by reduced fuel expenses (66% of those questioned – up from 54% in 2021) and, in second place, tax incentives … [Read more...]
Suzuki SX4 is a best buy
The average value of a used car has rocketed in just two years according to Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. When compared to pre-pandemic June 2019, a used car has seen a typical increase in value of a whopping £4,100. That’s the findings from Auto Trader’s monthly Retail Price Index, which is based on daily pricing analysis of circa 900,000 vehicles and is set to be used … [Read more...]