The new zero per cent benefit-in-kind rate for electric vans that takes effect on 6 April has been “underpublicised” when it should be helping lead to faster, wider adoption, says the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that a key element of success in boosting demand for electric cars over the last year has been the low level of taxation, and that something similar needs to … [Read more...]
Retail
Remobilise for return to normal business
Fleets need to be thinking about how they will “remobilise” their operations as the pandemic ends, says epyx. The company points out that, if the planned vaccination programme now underway is implemented rapidly, something approaching the new normal’s version of business-as-usual could materialise quite quickly. Debbie Fox, commercial director, explained, “Expert views on the speed with which … [Read more...]
Sparks to fly over ev decision making?
An emerging combination of shortages in both new vehicle supply and fleet management skills could lead to “poor decisions” being made as businesses move towards electrification, FleetCheck is warning. Very long lead times – caused by factors including Brexit, the pandemic and slow production ramp-ups in the switch to EVs – were being magnified as a problem thanks to a decrease in available … [Read more...]
AA moves into private car leasing
The AA is launching into the mobility market, beginning with existing members. Drivers can get on the road with a new inclusive personal car lease product in partnership with LeasePlan UK. Smart Lease offers unmatched transparency and certainty, allowing drivers to see the total cost of driving a vehicle over the course of the agreement. As long as the customer meets certain qualifying criteria … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 January
Cardiff Council raked in nearly £1.49M in parking fines last year, despite the lockdown. Almost 50,000 fines were issued and the most were around Windsor Place, Cardiff, but the London Borough of Newham realised over £10.62M from 239,000 drivers, said comparethemarket.com . British digger maker JCB has unveiled a new machine to tackle a national scourge - potholes. The company has launched the … [Read more...]
Welsh premiums dip 10% for motorists
There’s good news for drivers in Wales - the average cost of car insurance has fallen by £68 about 10% year-on-year, according to Confused.com . That's due to the typical driver cutting miles by around 2,000 due to the lockdowns, reduced working and insurers recognising fewer claims coming in so costs have been slashed. Drivers in the region can now expect to pay an average of £644 for … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 January
Bus and train services through Wales have been reduced. The effects of Covid-19 on staffing and a decline in passenger numbers have combined to hit them while more users have also resorted to private transport to make journeys, and people have been urged to check service details before travelling. Ford UK prices have risen and now reflect increases following the exit from the EU and the end of … [Read more...]
Welsh World Cup Rally Hero dies
Washington Grant James 1933 – 2020 Washington James, the last surviving member of a historic and tenacious 1970s Welsh rally team, died peacefully on New Year's Eve in Newcastle Emlyn aged 87. Washington - affectionately known as 'Washy' - from Cenarth in Cardiganshire, was joined on the 1970 World Cup Rally by two friends, renown Cooper S road-rally star Alun Rees from Carmarthen, and … [Read more...]
Carshop Cardiff click & collect is Covid challenger
As First Minister, Mark Drakeford, warned that there is “not much headroom for change” around Wales’ Tier 4 lockdown restrictions many were panicking, but a few local businesses are feeling much calmer this time around. One is CarShop Cardiff, a used car store located on Penarth Road which has been operating for 15 years and reported positive annual sales figures despite the uncertainty … [Read more...]
Tradelines 13 January
From March 2021 production, all Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer PureTech 3-cylinder petrol automatic variants have CO2 emissions reduced by 3g/km. Efficiency gains lead to reduced road tax (VED) charges resulting in an overall on the road price reduction of £285, qualifying models will benefit from a new high-efficiency alternator and an enhanced battery and Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation bands see … [Read more...]