European car market has hit a nine-year high with a strong performance in July, as a total of 1.31 million cars were registered, the highest monthly volume since July 2009 when 1.29m million cars were registered. The market was boosted by increased demand in Spain and France, as well as double-digit growth in midsize markets like the Netherlands, Austria and Poland. UK registrations went into … [Read more...]
Retail News
Newslines 31 August
Aston Martin is preparing to sell shares in its business, which includes the new car assembly plant in St Athan, west of Cardiff. After years of sustained losses, Aston Martin is expected to float on the London Stock Exchange in a few weeks and analysts say it could be valued at £5 Billion. Cardiff and Vale College is offering a series of auto-repair and maintenance courses for light and … [Read more...]
Audi on demand heading to Wales
Cardiff is being considered for a new type of Audi daily-rental scheme backed by the German manufacturer. Working with Cardiff-franchise holder Mon Motors, the Audi on demand service is being rolled out to selected locations after a highly successful pilot programme in Oldham & Manchester. It asks drivers to sign up for the scheme which covers most of their range and provides cars for an … [Read more...]
UK fleet turnover fastest in Europe, says Arval
UK fleets are keeping their cars and vans almost two years less than the European average, according to authoritative new research from Arval. Here, the average time before a vehicle is replaced is 3.9 years but, across a basket of 12 other European countries, it is 5.7. The finding comes from the 2018 edition of Arval’s long-established Corporate Vehicle Observatory Barometer, research … [Read more...]
VW opens books for traders buying online
A new series of online car and van auctions for dealers is being launched by Volkswagen Financial Services UK. Taking place 9am-3pm every other Thursday through epyx’s 1link Disposal Network platform - Sales will be made up of stock unsold through previous online channels and are offered with a competitive start price. Called “Last Chance to Buy” sales, they will be unique among VWFS online … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 August
Nearly 60 years after it was launched, the Jaguar E-Type will be reborn as an electric car. Jaguar has given the go-ahead for a specialist restorer to produce the model for the summer of 2020, 59 years after the stunning sleek sports car went on sale before it was discontinued in 1975. The Audi PB18 e-tron is a concept all electric wirelessly charged sports car shown in California. It … [Read more...]
Option packs on cars to be hit in tax move
Individual options are unlikely to increase tax liabilities on new cars under the new WLTP regime, but commonly selected combinations of options will have emissions and tax impacts. This is likely to accelerate manufacturer initiatives to streamline their vehicle ranges and option packages, says Autovista Group, Europe’s leading pan-European automotive pricing experts. “NEDC emissions … [Read more...]
Insurance fraud is found every minute in UK
Every minute in Britain an insurance fraud is detected, according to industry figures. Over 562,000 insurance frauds were uncovered last year, said the Association of British Insurers. About 113,000 were dishonest claims, valued at £1.3bn and while the number of dishonest claims fell 8%, the value of those claims rose 1%. Organised frauds such as staged "crash for cash" motor accidents … [Read more...]
Company car is just the job
The company car still rules the road for incentives. When looking to find fresh talent, it seems that company cars are still the best bet for businesses, according to new research by OSV. It shows 49% of interviewees would even consider accepting a job that didn’t otherwise appeal, if a car that they couldn’t afford privately came as part of the package. In spite of this, more than half … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 August
The new 12-model Jeep Renegade range of 4WD models will be in dealerships from the end of this month. Jeep say they will cost from £19,200 to £30.805 and come with a choice of three new petrol engines and two updated diesel units, with six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmissions. In a stunning new film, Lotus Cars celebrates its anniversary in manufacturing outstanding sports … [Read more...]