Transport for Wales is getting tough on fare dodgers using trains. Penalty Fares will be introduced on the South Wales Mainline from today as part of a range of measures to tackle an estimated £10m in lost revenue each year due to fare evasion and fraud. A three-week period of guidance to customers will begins today, when anyone travelling without a valid ticket or permit to travel for their … [Read more...]
Finance News
Car makers Budget plan to overcome stalling EV sales
The automotive industry is calling for the Chancellor to use this week's Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane. Research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would … [Read more...]
First drive: KIA EV9 Air RWD
KIA has turned the corner into a new market segment with its EV9 pure electric model. The EV9 seven-seater launches in three trim levels and an additional range-topping six-seat option from £65,025 to £78,775 in rear wheel drive or all-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim with 200bhp single or 378bhp twin motors. That puts it squarely into Mercedes and BMW electric model territory … [Read more...]
Big shift expected in 2024 UK car market
The analysis of the average UK monthly search volume for the past six months reveals the Nissan Qashqai as the undisputed champion, attracting a remarkable 815,000 searches in the six months August 2023-Jan 2024. Interestingly, the second-place position goes to the KIA Sportage, likely accumulating 765,000 searches over the last six months due to its new efficient Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid … [Read more...]
Increase taxes on bigger private cars, says T&E
The UK could be using its tax system to discourage the growth of large new SUV sales, which recent T&E analysis found had grown by 23% between 2022 and 2023. With the Budget due next week, the environmental group said that the UK has shown some leadership with its tax system, however as company car drivers in the UK are benefiting from a progressive tax system, otherwise known as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 March
The Cupra Born BEV range has been reduced and prices slashed to shift stock and widen ownership appeal. CUPRA has increased the accessibility of its first fully electric model, CUPRA Born, by reducing prices by £2,350 across the range coupled with a suite of electric vehicle (EV) purchasing incentives. Volkswagen Group United Kingdom has signed an agreement with Ecobat, the global leader in … [Read more...]
£4 Billion ev battery plant confirmed for West Country
Tata has finally confirmed its Agratas subsidiary will build a six-million sq foot car battery plant at a cost of £4 Billion near Bridgewater. The parent company of JLR aims to get it into production inside two years and to eventually build power packs for about 500,000 vehicles annually and provide 4,000 jobs on the lines. It will take up about half the area previously occupied by a Royal … [Read more...]
Reselling rates for EVs close to petrol and diesel models
Disposal conversion rates for electric vehicles were very close to their petrol and diesel equivalents over the course of 2023 and beat plug-in hybrids, reports epyx. In total, 91% of EVs found buyers when made available through trade sales to dealers, compared to 94% for petrol and diesel, and 87% for PHEVs. However, EVs did sell more slowly - at an average of 12.5 days compared to around 7-8 … [Read more...]
Makers are building the ‘wrong’ cars for ev buyers, says executive
Cheaper electric cars are urgently needed for motorists to accelerate their switch away from petrol and diesel models, says an industry financial expert. Fleets need to be able to buy electric vehicles now that used car buyers will want in four years’ time – but are being hampered by a lack of choice, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software company, said … [Read more...]
Bring back small cars, dealers tell makers
Britain's car dealers are calling on manufactuers to supply them with a new series of small cars. Dealers overwhelmingly back calls for a new class of small cars to be introduced across Europe that attract lower taxes, insurance and parking costs, new research shows. Paris this year moved towards making SUV drivers pay more to park in the French Capital as they take up more space and other cities … [Read more...]