An increase in fuel consumption of more than 20% between an unladen panel van and the same vehicle with 75% of its maximum payload has been recorded by Arval. The controlled trials were designed to underline the importance of ensuring that LCVs are only carrying the load needed on any given journey. A popular SWB panel van was driven in controlled conditions over a 49.1 mile course for the … [Read more...]
Finance
New car registrations hit 12-year high
The UK new car market achieved a 12-year high in January, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The total was 174,564 vehicles last month – a 2.9% year-on-year uplift and the highest level since 2005. The alternative fuelled vehicle segment grew 19.9% to take a record 4.2% market share – the first time 4% has been surpassed. Across other fuel types there was a … [Read more...]
Dealers’ positive view of sales prospects this year
The majority of UK car dealerships are positive about their business prospects for 2017, with 65% expecting growth over the next year, say Close Brothers Motor Finance. Despite many industry figures predicting the sector will contract in 2017, the majority of dealers surveyed monthly by Close Brothers Motor Finance remain resolutely positive about the prospects for their own businesses in the … [Read more...]
New MoT plan will be bad for vans, says industry supplier
Concerns over safety mean that vans should be excluded from the Government’s new consultation on extending the first MoT to four years. So believes FleetCheck, one of the UK’s leading fleet software and management companies, which is planning to make an official submission to the Department for Transport The Government has asked for industry feedback on various options listed in its … [Read more...]
Medium term rentals expected to rise in 2017
A growing mood of caution among businesses is likely to lead to a boost in demand for medium term rental during 2017. Phil Jerome, managing director, at Meridian Vehicle Solutions, said that the possibility of an economic downturn would make more flexible arrangements increasingly attractive. He said, “The effects of Brexit are so difficult to forecast that the majority of businesses are … [Read more...]
Shining a light on new golden oldies
Automotive data expert, cap hpi, has produced a shortlist of the new models that will show strong residual value performance. The company provides residual value forecasts for new vehicles up to five years in the future. Its Gold Book team looked at new models launching in 2017 and picked the ‘ones to watch’ for fleet and private buyers. Andrew Mee, senior forecasting editor at cap hpi, … [Read more...]
New Honda Civic promises stronger residual value
Honda UK announced residual values and a full pricing list for the 10th generation Civic coming in late March. Starting from £18,235 on the road for the entry level S grade 129PS VTEC TURBO in manual, the range tops out at £27,480 on the road for the 182PS VTEC TURBO Prestige with a CVT transmission. Metallic paint is an option and adds £525 to the price. With the arrival of the new 10th … [Read more...]
Tradelines 18 January
About 56% of respondents to a recent LeasePlan survey agreed that financial jargon has left them feeling more confused than before they started the conversation. Nearly 40% said they had dropped the purchase or product as a result of not understanding the abbreviations. An Autoglass survey of 250 British fleet managers found worries about the cost of fuel and service and maintenance are at … [Read more...]
Car market is thermometer of UK economy
It has been a year of ups and downs for the economy. The first half of 2016 was dominated by uncertainty in the lead up to the EU Referendum, which caused many businesses to halt investing and hiring until the result of the vote was known. Once the result for Brexit was confirmed, this understandably shook the economy and caused several industries to dip amongst further uncertainty of our … [Read more...]
‘Grey sales’ are bringing colour to UK market
New car registrations are booming but there are doubts over who is actually making sales. The SMMT said yesterday that 2,685,724 new cars were registered last year, a 2.3% increase on the year beforehand and fifth year of growth. But the registrations in Wales, the only part of the country to see a fall, dipped 1.4% to 91,940. That could be due to the fact that few companies are … [Read more...]