The Budget is likely to have ended the current revival of fleet interest for plug-in hybrid company cars, FleetCheck is predicting. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, pointed out that anyone now paying a 5% benefit in kind on a new PHEV in the current tax year would see a jump to 18% by year four in 2028/29. He said: “We’ve seen a trend develop during the last … [Read more...]
Government sets real challenges for motor businesses, says VRA
The hugely increased burden that the Budget places on remarketing businesses means that Labour’s growth strategy must succeed, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Philip Nothard, VRA chair, said that moves such as the increase in Employers' National Insurance and high minimum wage would have an impact on costs for almost every business involved in the sector. “It’s arguable that people … [Read more...]
Remove tax barriers to safety and save lives, says IAM RoadSmart
The UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is calling on the Chancellor to take steps to both saves lives and reduce the impact of road traffic collisions in her Autumn Budget. By incentivising the take-up of additional road safety courses through the tax system, it will also help save motorists money as the UK emerges from a cost-of-living crisis. With the cost of insurance hitting … [Read more...]
Budget must deliver for transport, says expert
The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation has called for the UK government to provide commitments in the budget on 30 October to ensure we have an effective transport network. Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said, “Transport is politically challenging, and yet it plays a crucial part in our futures. People need an effective transport network to support their economic activity … [Read more...]
Diesels surge as private motorists snub EVs
The UK new car market rose 1.0% in the key ‘74’ plate change month of September, to 275,239 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders with private buyers turning to more diesels than pure electric models.. In what is traditionally a bumper month for new car registrations, second only to March, the performance was the best since 2020, but still -19.8% off pre-Covid … [Read more...]
New car sales slow ahead of new plate change
August signalled the end of two years of growth in the new car market, a disappointing development despite traditionally being a quiet month, according to Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, commenting on the latest SMMT new car registration figures. In August, a total of 84,575 new cars were registered, a decrease of -1.3% from the same period last year. … [Read more...]
Car restoration & reckoning
DIY car restorations have surged by 20% this year alone. With the rising popularity of personalizing vehicles, now is the perfect time to dive into your own restoration project. From sourcing affordable parts to mastering essential techniques, these pro tips will help you transform your car with ease. “The right guidance can turn any car enthusiast into a skilled restorer,” says the … [Read more...]
Newslines 11 March
Controversial 20mph speed limit signs have been cut down in Carmarthenshire. The unauthorised removal of the signs which were part of a £35Million lower-speed limit programme by Welsh Government have been condemned by the local authority which put them up and said they now will be replaced at additional cost to services. It’s very concerning to see delays on our most important roads increasing … [Read more...]
Car sales boom on eve of Budget
February’s figures reinforce the robust performance of the UK automotive sector, maintaining a strong start to 2024 and signalling a nineteenth month of consecutive growth, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, commenting on the latest SMMT new passenger car registration figures. In February, a total of 84,886 new cars were registered, an increase of … [Read more...]
Car makers Budget plan to overcome stalling EV sales
The automotive industry is calling for the Chancellor to use this week's Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane. Research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would … [Read more...]
