Company car and van fleets are markedly more optimistic about growth than before the pandemic, according to new research in the 2021 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer. When asked whether they expected the number of vehicles they operate to increase or decrease in the next three years, the response was eight percentage points higher than 2020’s survey. However, larger fleets appear to be … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 April
The new Fiat 500 electric model coming in a few weeks from £19,995 will self-regulate its battery use. Its range of up to 199 miles includes a monitoring system to cut down secondary power use and provide maximum range when it has about 30 miles left and it can be substantially recharged in 35 mins with a rapid box. The changing working arrangements mean some motorists could get back money from … [Read more...]
Covid-19 polarises buyers around the nation
Covid-19 has polarised the world, and the nation – including car buyers. According to research from episode one of the annual Britain Under the Bonnet report, from Close Brothers Motor Finance, some 38% of drivers are more likely to delay buying a car due to the economic uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and Brexit, while 12% have brought forward their plans. The fifth edition of the report, which … [Read more...]
Tradelines 7 April
While the pandemic has taken a toll on many people’s finances, others are emerging with a nest egg after months of lockdown living and this could ensure the car industry, along with the wider economy, bounces back quicker than originally anticipated, said James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars. He was speaking after the SMMT released March car sales figures showing a dramatic rise compared to the last … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 March
Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its unstoppable and award-winning 4x4 family. The new 525HP Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition use engines made at the Ford Bridgend Plant before it shut down last autumn to provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of … [Read more...]
Chiller thriller for WRC crews this week
Three days of Arctic WRC action puts drivers’ skills to the test this week. The plans are for the Rovaniemi round of the WRC to be driven as a three-day event: the action starts on Friday 26 February with a shakedown in the morning. The first special stages of the rally proper will be driven on Friday evening and the competition continues on Saturday 27 February with three stages that will all … [Read more...]
Motor industry at cross-roads, suggests global survey
Car buyers around the world have different opinions on their next vehicle choice, according to an international survey by Arthur D Little researchers. The report entitled ‘The Future Of Automotive Mobility’ based on a survey of over 8,500 end customers in 13 countries shows that global automotive markets are currently at crossroads. While the study identifies that the internal combustion engine … [Read more...]
Lenders optimistic for 2021 despite sales slowdown
The Q1 2021 Industry Outlook Survey by the Finance & Leasing Association shows that the asset finance, consumer finance and motor finance industry see opportunities for growth over the next year despite the heightened uncertainty caused by the latest restrictions to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK's lowest January registrations for 50 years. Respondents were divided on the outlook … [Read more...]
UK car making lowest in generation
UK car making slumped last year to the lowest since 1984, hit by Covid-19 interruptions and a collapse in demand for most of the year. The car makers' body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief Mike Hawes said it was a "dreadful year" but added that a comprehensive vaccination programme might restore buying and production. Output was 920,928 vehicles, a 29.3% fall on … [Read more...]
Tradelines 27 January
Bucking the UK trend in falling sales, the UK’s fastest-growing car brand shows no signs of slowing down as MG Motor gears up to increase its network to at least 130 dealers by the end of 2021. With a range now encompassing six models and a rapidly growing reputation for offering affordable EVs for everyone, the brand has seen 28 new sites join its network in the past 12 months. Bentley … [Read more...]