Clean Air Zones are unfairly targeting hauliers and pricing trucks off the road and are not the way to reduce emissions, says a coalition of road transport trade bodies. The Road Haulage Association (RHA), British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), Freight Transport Association (FTA) and National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), are concerned that local authorities are … [Read more...]
Retail News
Big drive underway with evs and hybrid cars
A new electric or hybrid car is being registered in Britain every nine minutes. Figures released today by Go Ultra Low reveal that the overall number of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles registered has risen every month so far this year. The first half of 2018 saw 28,054 registered to drivers, a 25% increase on the same period in 2017 – which was the most successful … [Read more...]
Admiral launch “Littlebox” for vans
Welsh-based insurer Admiral has launched a telematics van policy to ‘drive down’ costs for customers and reduce the number of vans that are stolen every year and not recovered. Admiral is first major insurer to introduce telematics for van drivers with the launch of Littlebox for Van. It aims to meet the growing demand for ‘black box’ insurance policies and help to dispel the myths about … [Read more...]
Car makers win fight to water-down emissions law
European car makers have successfully lobbied for a watering down of tougher emissions law, says green group Transport & Environment. MEPs of the European Parliament's transport committee voted in favour of a non-binding opinion supporting the weak Commission proposal on emissions cuts from new cars and vans. Transport & Environment regrets the votes as the Commission proposal will … [Read more...]
Boost for BMW UK engine plant
Engines from BMW Group’s plant near Birmingham will power the company’s latest electrified BMW i8 Roadster on sale in Britain. The Hams Hall, Midlands plant has been producing engines for the BMW i8 Coupe, the world’s best-selling hybrid sports car, since it hit the roads in 2014 and now the plant will power the new BMW i8 Roadster, as well as a new version of the i8 Coupe. Exclusively … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 July
A high number of ex-pcp sourced cars entering the used market has led to a fall in used prices. It’s not just the volume going on sale but the fact many are diesel and hatchbacks or saloons and not the more desirable petrol powered SUV models say analysts at Cazana. Falling prices, steady low interest rates and slowly improving pay are boosting car finance deals. While new car sales are … [Read more...]
Motorists’ deep unhappiness with dealer finance services
A mystery shop of car dealerships has revealed there is nation-wide consumer confusion about car finance, stemming from a lack of transparency and inconsistent sales practices. The research by Confused.com comes ahead of the results of a review by the Financial Conduct Authority into the growing motor finance sector, which will review potential for consumer harm, due in September … [Read more...]
Welsh car sales rise against the tide
Wales bucked the trend as summer burned new car dealers with sales down 3.5% in June, according to figures from the SMMT. The news came on the day that JLR said it would have to reconsider planned UK investment if there is a “bad” Brexit deal, possibly close some British factories and make thousands redundant. Six months ago, JLR announced cuts at Halewood, said it wouldn’t renew contracts … [Read more...]
New-car delivery delays boost nearly-new values
Demand from dealers for nearly new stock is increasing thanks to long waiting times for many new cars, reports Meridian Vehicle Solutions. Phil Jerome, managing director, explained that his company’s medium term rental model meant that it almost exclusively defleeted 6-12-month old prestige and semi-prestige cars, and so had a strong insight into this sector. He said, “We have seen a … [Read more...]
Dealers still dominate car sales over internet searching
Despite the internet becoming the most common source for researching a car, consumers still rely on car dealers when actually making a purchase, according to the second iteration of the Britain Under the Bonnet report produced by Close Brothers Motor Finance. The findings reveal that well over half (57%) of motorists used the internet to help inform their choice of car – a significant increase … [Read more...]