Close Brothers Motor Finance highlights the most popular cars to finance in 2025. Zero Emission Vehicle mandate targets, fluctuating demand and changing consumer trends surrounding electric vehicles created a tricky landscape for manufacturers and dealers to contend with over the past 12 months. Ongoing economic uncertainty and concerns around factors such … [Read more...]
Retail
Cardiff & Welsh love affair with SUVs drives on
Cardiff may be the first UK city to introduce a parking surcharge for larger vehicles, but Autotrader’s latest data suggests Welsh drivers aren’t ready to give up their SUVs just yet. By comparing their data for most-enquired cars in Wales before and after the parking charge was approved by the local council, car selling specialist Autotrader reveals that … [Read more...]
Anxiety over car repairs is diminishing
The percentage of motorists who would be “anxious and financially stressed” by an expensive, unexpected car repair bill is falling, shows research carried out for the RAC Dealer Network. Those who would feel this way about having to spend £1,000 at a garage to keep their car on the road is now 33% compared to 46% when the same question was asked in 2023 and … [Read more...]
Learners & older drivers facing changes
Consultations have started on a big shake up to Britain's driving laws. Learner drivers in England and Wales may face a minimum period of up to six months between sitting their theory and practical tests with lessons counting from qualified instructors and friends or family drivers. The new policies were unveiled today. A lower drink-driving limit in … [Read more...]
What to watch in winter
During winter, more than 1.2 million vehicle breakdowns are expected to occur - the equivalent of 9 breakdowns each minute. James Harding, a tyre specialist with 15 years of experience at Blackcircles has revealed the top five most common car issues drivers face during the winter months. 1. Weak or failing batteries “Cold temperatures significantly reduce … [Read more...]
Sharing and saving for fleet evs
Sharing the charging infrastructure of local businesses could answer the needs of fleets whose drivers lack off-road parking, so can't install their own charger, believes the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair, AFP, says such facilities, available out-of-hours, can often be found near to employee’s terraced homes and apartments. “In … [Read more...]
Car registrations rise amid warnings
Last year's new cars registration in Britain passed two million for the first time since the pandemic. But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it was only due to makers' incentives estimated at £11,000 per electric vehicle which is an unsustainable figure and they want more Government support and buyers' encouragement. One in four of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 January
Diesels are dying in Europe. Latest registration figures analysed by GlogalData show October's European share of diesel engines was 10.4% but in November it dropped to 10% while BEV and Hybrid cars surged and are expected to accelerate this year after Germany introduces an ev-incentive. China's BYD brand is now outselling America's Tesla range. Combined … [Read more...]
New Year resolution for learners
Bill Plant Driving School is urging learner drivers to prepare for the recent driving test changes introduced by the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency. The changes, published in a full report this month, are designed to make the system fairer, reduce misuse, and give learner drivers more control. Following a nationwide consultation with driving students, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Haval Jolion Pro Ultra
You may struggle with the name, but the GWM Haval Jolion needs remembering and digesting. Although new to the UK, China's Great Wall Motors brand is distributed by International Motors with its vast experience of Subaru and Isuzu models and it has just announced the return of Mitsubishi in 2026. After launching in Great Britain with the compact hatchback … [Read more...]
