Fleets need to check new entrant Chinese manufacturers for credibility before committing to buying their vehicles, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet management software company, said that electric vehicle manufacturers from China were undergoing a period of rapid consolidation, and that some were likely to export simply as a survival strategy. “The Financial … [Read more...]
First drive: Vauxhall Astra GSe
As it slips into middle-age, the Vauxhall Astra has been given a modern make-over. Launched in 1980, the Astra has been the bedrock of the company’s offering in the small family car sector as it moved through eight generations. This year it was given a mechanical boost with hybrid technology adding to the petrol power in a bid to lower emissions and better compete with younger rivals, … [Read more...]
We’re keeping our cars for longer
A survey finds that almost half of drivers (45%) are holding onto their cars for longer than usual because they are unsure whether to buy a petrol, diesel or electric car, rising to 56% of under 34s, compared to 36% of over 65s. The survey of 2,000 drivers carried out by Opinium on behalf of InsuretheGap.com also finds that just over two fifths of drivers (42%) say that if they were buying a new … [Read more...]
EV vans confusion needs clarification
Ongoing confusion over regulations surrounding 4.25 tonne electric vans mean that the Association of Fleet Professionals is urging fleets to “step up” lobbying of the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles and the Driver Vehicle Standards Authority. In 2019, a special concession was created by the Department of Transport (DFT) for electric vans. Normally, an individual with a standard B licence would … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 October
In the week prior to Rishi Sunak’s announcement that the ban would be pushed back from 2030 to 2035, 42% of drivers planning to buy a new car said they expected it to be a low emissions either fully electric or hybrid. Following the announcement, Kwik Fit’s researchers asked the nation’s drivers the same question and found that the proportion planning to opt for a low emissions vehicle has now … [Read more...]
Green motoring u-turn is sickening says industry
Applying the brakes to the 2030 electrification deadline by the Government is a poor and insincere reflection on the needs of business and the environment, according to the head of Britain’s fleet professionals. Paul Hollick, chair of the AFP, said, “This is a crucial subject where massive investments have been made and is not just something that should be politicked in the expectation of … [Read more...]
Makers dropping small cars pick up criticisms
Carmakers are prioritising the production, marketing and sale of larger vehicles like SUVs and e-SUVs over more affordable, smaller EVs. Smaller EVs could help those on lower incomes gain from the benefits of using EVs as well as more efficient use of critical raw materials essential in efforts to achieve net zero. The arrival of more affordable, smaller electric cars would hasten the uptake … [Read more...]
Ark Zero electric quadracycle launched under £6K
Two adults and a dog maybe an unusual way to pitch a new car sale, but that’s the practicality of the new Ark Zero quadracycle city car from £5,995. It costs less than a pound to charge the lithium-ion battery for its 50.3 miles claimed range at up to 28mph. The aluminium two-door body and chassis has a slim design, a centrally positioned driving seat with a small bench behind for one person … [Read more...]
Usership replacing ownership among motorists
Traditional car financing could be past its peak as personal leasing, salary sacrifice schemes, and subscriptions rise in popularity along with a growth in electric car sales. The UK’s car finance bubble is on the brink of bursting as demand for new car finance deals slows down dramatically compared to new car sales, according to analysis by The Car Expert. Data from the Finance and Leasing … [Read more...]
Showroom prices slide in pre-September sales
There are new car bargains to be had as dealers report manufacturers are dropping prices and supporting lower rate finance deals to lift sales. The traditional slow August sales before the new registration plate arrives on 1 September has been followed by an unseasonally slack demand for new models arriving from today. Rising new car prices and higher interest rates have combined to stall demand … [Read more...]