Fleets could consider increased support of UK-produced vehicles, FleetCheck is suggesting, as Nissan questioned the future of its Sunderland plant. Peter Golding, managing director at the leading fleet management software specialist said businesses that bought vehicles could have an impact on local manufacturing saying, "UK motor manufacturing has already lost Honda in recent years, electric MINI … [Read more...]
Finance
Newslines 20 February
Following the positive feedback on the one-off presented in summer 2022, MINI is going ahead with a small series of all-electric MINI Convertible (power consumption combined: 17.2 kWh/62 miles according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, Energy Consumption – 3.6 miles/kWh), representing another big step in the direction of electric mobility. "Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, … [Read more...]
Government push back from new extended MoT deadline
The Independent Garage Association and Scottish Motor Trade Association conducted a meeting with the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to discuss the current consultation on MOT frequency and enhancements. During the meeting, the DfT were asked why such a large and complex consultation covering 27 areas within the MOT test was published with only a six-week response … [Read more...]
Government support is needed for used EVs
As prices for used EVs have collapsed across the UK, the motor trade is calling for Government intervention and support to encourage private buyers. Support for the used electric vehicle market should be a feature of next month’s Spring Budget, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The trade body believes there is an imbalance in government incentives between new and used EVs, and that more … [Read more...]
New tech puts brakes on longer deals
British drivers are pulling back from long leases as technology improves. A third of British motorists (32%) said they are far less likely to replace their existing car by committing to a three-year lease than they were 12 months ago. Mobility provider SOGO researched attitudes towards personal financial commitments and car ownership. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said around … [Read more...]
Row erupts over axed Welsh roads
Axing plans for a third bridge between Anglesey and the mainland is an "insult" to islanders, said an MS. A roads review has recommended the scheme is parked, despite acknowledging congestion and delays made Anglesey less attractive to investors. Ynys Mon MS Rhun Ap Iorwerth said another Menai Strait crossing was "desperately needed" while residents have been left … [Read more...]
Garages move to keep MoT test for safety reasons
The Independent Garage Association has written to Louise Haigh MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, seeking support to oppose any changes to the current MOT structure. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said, “Our current MOT testing system ensures that the UK roads are amongst the safest in the world. The Department for Transport cites taking away a financial burden from motorists, … [Read more...]
Electrical apprenticeships lead to some of best careers
A new guide published by the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has highlighted the fact that electrical apprenticeships can offer some of the best career prospects for young people. ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs Andrew Eldred said, “This endorsement from the Department for Education and IfATE confirms what we in industry already … [Read more...]
EU laws reform must protect logistics and supply chains
Business group Logistics UK is urging the government to prioritise the needs of the logistics industry, as Parliament continues to debate the Retained EU Law bill. As Kate Jennings, the group’s policy director, explains, while regulatory simplification has its benefits, the scale of the task ahead of the government must not be underestimated if the UK’s highly-interconnected supply chain is to … [Read more...]
Mercedes-Benz Agency launches amid court claim
Mercedes-Benz UK has lauched its new Agency scheme for selling cars with a reduced role for traditional dealers. It says the programmes creates a new way to purchase a new car, providing customers with a contemporary and luxury buying experience. In the week before it introduced its Agency scheme, the car maker was in the High Court where preliminary hearings were outlining an estimated 300,000 … [Read more...]