Over 1.4M new vehicles have been lost to production shutdowns across Europe as the Coronavirus develops. Factory shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 crisis have resulted in lost production amounting to 1,465,415 said the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. This figure – covering passenger cars, trucks, vans, buses and coaches – is up from 1.2 million units compared to one week … [Read more...]
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Warnings to drivers of furloughed EVs
Electric vehicle drivers may need to unplug their cars and vans during the coronavirus lockdown in order to reduce the risk of battery damage, Arval UK has suggested. David Watts, consultant at the fleet management and leasing company, explained that leaving an EV permanently on charge while the vehicle was hardly being used could cause issues. He explained: “General manufacturer advice is that … [Read more...]
Guidance for garages seeking rates relief
The Independent Garage Association has released guidance for members on how they can appeal business rate relief from their local council. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said,“We have spoken with many garages throughout the escalation of the coronavirus pandemic, and access to this rate relief makes a difference to the length of time their business can survive with reduced or no income, … [Read more...]
Lockdown security warning to businesses
Security of used cars and vans without access to formal storage facilities could be a growing problem for the remarketing sector over the course of the coronavirus lockdown, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The body, which represents organisations involved in the remarketing of 1.5m cars and vans every year, said that large numbers of vehicles left largely unattended in storage could … [Read more...]
Fleets welcome Clean Air Zone moratorium
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Associatio has welcomed the Government’s decision to postpone the implementation of Clean Air Zones until 2021. BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said, “This is a very sensible decision in the current circumstances. It gives some temporary respite for businesses and individuals trying to come to terms with the current health crisis and gives the … [Read more...]
Cleaner and greener higher tech Insignia signs in
Vauxhall’s new Insignia is on sale from £23,120 and it's very good news for business drivers. With best in class CO2s and economy, the new-look Insignia uses a new range of fuel-efficient powertrains, revised technology and a bold and attractive exterior design. Vauxhall’s new Insignia consumes up to 18 per cent less fuel than the outgoing model thanks to powerful new high-efficiency engines. A … [Read more...]
Safety checks remain vital despite MoT extension
Following the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s decision to issue a six-month exemption period for MOTs that expire after 30 March, insurethebox is helping its customers make sure their vehicles remain safe during this time. While the government has allowed garages to remain open, social distancing advises against such appointments. As a result, insurethebox is reminding drivers that it is … [Read more...]
Massive compensation claim underway against VW
Lawyers for 70,000 UK motorists have won the first stage of a High Court action against Volkswagen UK over the installation of emissions cheating devices in its diesel vehicles. In December the court was asked to rule whether software installed in the cars was a "defeat device" under EU rules and in a judgement on Monday, Mr Justice Waksman ruled that it was. Volkswagen said it was … [Read more...]
New car sales slump to lowest in generation – for some
Car sales in Britain have crashed 44% to their lowest in a generation. Despite the introduction of the new 20-plate, registrations were effectively wiped out from the middle of March onwards after the UK Government ordered the shutdown in non-essential businesses for an unspecified period. Those dealers who secured advance orders and were able to deliver cars did better than their rivals and in … [Read more...]
Fuel prices collapse but there’s a warning as well
Amid exceptional circumstances, UK petrol prices fell by their largest margin in 12 years in March, triggered by a complete collapse in the world oil price, says the latest RAC Fuel Watch report. While the price of a barrel of crude oil began the month above $50, by the end of March it had plummeted by 66% to under $18, its lowest level in 18 years. This was due to a combination of plunging … [Read more...]