A new type of penalty charge notice appears to have emerged and is being sent to members of the Association of Fleet Professionals. Issued by a company called Forecourt Eye, the PCNs are being used to recover amounts owed when a company vehicle drives away without paying for fuel. Paul Hollick, chair at the industry body, said several members of the … [Read more...]
Latest technology pushes up repair costs and premiums
Drivers across the UK are being told that car insurance premiums are falling, yet many are opening their renewal notices only to find they're paying more than last year. The confusion comes as interest in vehicle technology continues to rise. Analysis of Google search data by GM Direct Hire found searches for "ADAS in car" have increased by 87% over the … [Read more...]
Big getaway jams expected this weekend
RAC predicts highest number of getaway trips in four years as school’s out for summer Number of leisure trips highest in four years, surpassed only by 2022 when the country emerged from COVID lockdown More than 14m drivers will make their getaway this weekend as schools across the country close for the summer, according to new data released by the … [Read more...]
Value retention improving for some EVs
Chinese EVs are holding their value well against comparable mainstream models, suggesting consumer trust and confidence in newer brands is continuing to grow. New research by car leasing and contract hire specialist, LeaseCar, analysed a selection of popular Chinese EVs alongside similar mainstream models and found that across the vehicles analysed, Chinese … [Read more...]
Interest and values of used EVs are rising
Used electric cars are at a tipping point where both consumer interest and values are increasing rapidly, delegates heard at the Annual General Meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Fraser Brown, director at specialist used electric vehicle (EV) dealer Browns of Richmond and motor retail consultancy Motorvise, said the market had grown by 32% in … [Read more...]
Terrifying speeds recorded by police, say RAC
Seven-in-10 police forces caught drivers travelling at twice the speed limit or more on 30mph roads last year, the RAC has found. Findings from a Freedom of Information request made to the UK’s police forces show the truly terrifying speeds some people are prepared to drive at that put everybody at risk. One driver was caught at 89mph on a 20mph stretch of … [Read more...]
Wales’ automotive strength lies in diversity, Welsh forum told
SMMT analysis published today reveals the scale of Wales’ contribution to UK Automotive, with the sector directly supporting 7,000 jobs – representing one in 20 UK automotive workers – sustaining skilled livelihoods and generating £477 million for the economy. The findings come as senior leaders from industry, Welsh Government and the defence sector gather … [Read more...]
Skywell collapse is warning to fleets
The collapse of Skywell’s UK importer this week is further evidence of the risk to fleets of acquiring cars and vans from new entrants, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, CEO at the fleet software company, said it was very difficult for vehicle operators to assess which manufacturers would maintain a presence in the longer term. “The risk can arise at … [Read more...]
Businesses cut choices as costs rise
Fleets are reducing the length of their company car choice lists in response to a renewed focus on costs, reports Arval UK. Ben Edwards, senior consultant at the vehicle leasing and mobility specialist, said earlier in the 2020s, businesses expanded the selection of models available to employees to make electrification more attractive but now wanted to … [Read more...]
Grenadier fit for police service
The Grenadier range has been deemed fit for duty with the Metropolitan Police after passing the force’s stringent testing process. The seal of approval clears both commercial (N1) and passenger (M1) variants to enter blue light service with the UK’s largest police service, and acts as a benchmark for other forces and services too. The Met Police evaluation … [Read more...]
