Britain now has more vehicles on its roads than ever before. The total fleet rose by 1.4% to 42,549,649 vehicles in 2025, according to new Motorparc data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The number of cars in use rose by more than half a million – or 1.4% – to 36,676,185, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth and the second … [Read more...]
European car maker facing end of the road
Six in 10 used car dealers believe at least one existing major European car maker will be driven out of business in the next 10 years. Likely causes reported in April’s Startline Used Car Tracker include the cost of investing in electrification, mentioned by 40% of dealers, and their inability to compete with low-cost vehicles from Chinese new entrants … [Read more...]
Tradelines 22 April
New data has revealed a substantial shift in the British automotive landscape, with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers almost tripling their market share in just four years. Analysis of the latest registration data by car leasing and contract hire specialist LeaseCar shows that Chinese brands now account for around 8% of all licensed plug-in cars … [Read more...]
Businesses optimistic for fleet growth
Businesses are becoming more optimistic about the potential for car and van fleet growth, according to new research. The 2026 Arval Fleet and Mobility Observatory shows 33% are predicting a rise in vehicle numbers during the next three years – up from 28% in 2025. However, there has also been an increase in the percentage who believe their fleet size will … [Read more...]
Government must pull its weight for HGV clean-up
The government must ensure Britain’s heavy goods vehicle operators have access to every available technology to cut carbon emissions. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders made the call at today’s Commercial Vehicle Show, where major OEMs and fleet operators are gathered to display the very latest array of technologies and discuss the future of UK … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Polestar 4 LR DM
If you are coming around to the idea that battery electric vehicles are the new norm, the Polestar 4 SUV possibly will take you back. While the pure EV sector is becoming baffling with its new Chinese entitled brands, the Polestar pedigree goes back a bit further and to a surprising beginning. Polestar Racing was created from the Swedish touring car racing … [Read more...]
Anxiety over Land Rover and Range Rover
Buying a car is typically seen as an exciting milestone but for many drivers, some vehicles come with unexpected emotional cost. The performance car insurance experts at Norton Insurance Brokers analysed hundreds of discussions across Reddit driver communities and the findings have revealed that certain brands and models are associated with ownership … [Read more...]
UK suppliers wanted for British car makers
The UK automotive industry could unlock a £4.6 billion boost to domestic manufacturing by the end of the decade, as car makers ramp up requirements for British-built components amid the transition to electric vehicles, according to new analysis published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It shows demand for UK sourced automotive parts … [Read more...]
Toyota RAV4 newcomers revealed
Toyota has given details of the pricing and model range for the all-new sixth generation RAV4, the latest evolution of its globally successful SUV. Introduced with new Toyota plug-in hybrid technology that will deliver up to 85 miles all-electric driving, the all-new RAV4 emphasises Toyota’s multipath approach towards achieving carbon neutrality, giving … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Fabia 130
Driving enthusiasts of a certain age will fondly remember how Skoda seriously challenged and embarrassed the most expensive works rally teams with its comparatively cheaper Flying Fabias. And in national and club rallies across Europe they can still pull out a few surprises. When skill and low weight combined, the flying Fabias really set the pace for … [Read more...]
