The decision by the Bank of England to raise their interest rates by 0.25%, to 4.5%, will inevitably have implications on the motor trade, according the car dealers' body. The Bank of England has confirmed that interest rates will rise by 0.25%, from 4.25% to 4.5%, the twelfth consecutive rise since December 2021. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association … [Read more...]
Industry
Parts, people and processes are slowing repairs
Service, maintenance and repair issues mean that fleets are facing excessive vehicle off-road time, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. Paul Hollick, chair, said AFP members buying SMR were regularly reporting a range of problems. Some of these, such as parts supply, were felt to be outside the control of suppliers - but others, including levels of communication, were more … [Read more...]
Tradelines 10 May
Responding to feedback from members, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has added a new EV Practical Fault-Finding course to its suite of high-quality, cost-effective skills training. The one-day course will focus on real-world faults that have been identified by IGA members as frequently affecting their customers’ vehicles and will be delivered at various RMI training locations, with the … [Read more...]
Self-driving cars steer cautious welcome
More than two-thirds of motorists (67%) are ready to start using self-driving cars, new research shows, in the same month that the UK’s first hands-free driving technology has been launched. Following approval for Ford’s Mustang Mach-E to use BlueCruise driver assistance, May’s Startline Used Car Tracker reports that 43% say autonomous technology would make journeys more relaxing and 36% believe … [Read more...]
Certified Recycled parts see booming demand
Motorists in the UK saved £99 million in 2022 by opting for used parts and accessories instead of brand-new replacements, according to research by eBay. The online marketplace revealed the impact of second-hand parts as it relaunched its Certified Recycled programme, which sells recycled vehicle parts from 81 certified sellers. Certified Recycled parts can be up to 70% cheaper compared to OEM … [Read more...]
Dangers of beer goggles and road rage
Good weather, the Coronation, and a rise in staycations are all likely to increase the practice opportunities – and challenges – for learner drivers this May, with many introduced to ‘holiday traffic for the first time this weekend. There are expected to be jams on the M4 at Newport, Port Talbot and the end of the motorway at Pont Abraham with busy traffic over the Brecon Beacons, around the … [Read more...]
Scale up charging or face consequences, Governments told
EV sales are rising across Europe but Governments must do more to provide an extensive public charging network to for travellers, said car makers body, the ACEA. Recent ACEA data confirmed that market share rose to 13.9% for battery electric cars and 24.3% for hybrid models. While China is currently ahead of Europe and the US in the electrification of the car market, the European market will … [Read more...]
Car makers push fleet & business sales
The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, with an 11.6% increase to reach 132,990 registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The performance marks the best April since 2021’s 141,583 units but remains -17.4% down on 2019 volumes. Large fleet registrations grew by a third (33.1%) to 68,537 units as the … [Read more...]
New law’s threat to UK supply chain & businesses
Business group Logistics UK has raised concerns about the government’s proposed Retained EU Law Bill currently making its way through Parliament and the risks which its adoption will pose to UK businesses and the nation’s supply chain. In a letter to PM Rishi Sunak, Logistics UK’s Chief Executive David Wells OBE has highlighted the industry’s concerns about the Bill, which is due to be … [Read more...]
Secure your van and livelihood
Builders, roofers, landscapers and the like will be ferrying specialist equipment in their vans to sites across the UK as spring arrives and work comes in. It’s kit that’s essential to someone’s livelihood. And that’s why it’s so important for tradesmen to ensure they’re protected from theft. With that in mind, Select Car Leasing ha provided tips on how to keep your van - and its content secure … [Read more...]