Car buyers and sellers will be operating in a new world and new order when they are again allowed to go out and into showrooms as early as monday 1 June in England but at dates to be decided in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, writes Robin Roberts. One of the biggest changes in doing business post-Covid-19 will be seen in Suzuki dealerships where the … [Read more...]
Lockdown pupils invited to show their rally-art
With schools closed for the foreseeable future, Wales Rally GB is launching an innovative competition to entertain, incite and, potentially, reward pre-University students currently learning from home. In partnership with Toyota GB, the UK’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship has introduced a special ‘Design a Rally Car Livery’ initiative open to all … [Read more...]
Dealers plea for Government help
Six in ten car dealers want prolonged support with grants and loans from Government. New research from Close Brothers Motor Finance reveals the priorities across the motor industry as they call for further Government support in light of Covid-19. The sector has been hit particularly hard by the UK lockdown, with new car sales plunging 97% year-on-year in … [Read more...]
Buyers looking for dearer models after lockdown
Data from the online car marketplace BuyaCar.co.uk reveals that the average price of cars being reserved for purchase when lockdown is eased has shot up to a record level. Average prices paid on BuyaCar.co.uk fell to a three-year low of £11,366 during April this year - down from £13,590 paid during April 2019. But the first week in May has seen the average … [Read more...]
Drivers tell RAC they’re on the road again
RAC data confirms car use is rising despite the lockdown. Figures show a steady increase in breakdowns and average miles driven per day while more than a third of drivers say they are using their vehicles more for food shopping as well as trips to DIY stores Ahead of this weekend’s announcement on how the UK might begin to ease the current lockdown … [Read more...]
Garages call for continuing support after lockdown
The Independent Garage Association has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, requesting an enhancement to the furlough scheme so that employees can partially return to work as the country prepares for the next phase of lockdown restrictions. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said, “As businesses ready themselves for the next stage of … [Read more...]
Speeders monitored by trackers
While there has been a considerable drop in the number of drivers on UK roads, insurethebox, the UK’s telematics insurance pioneer, recorded a 24% increase in speeding propensity between February and March. As a result, the firm has sustained its award-winning pro-active communication strategy with persistent speeders, with a very clear message that … [Read more...]
Speeders fines and lockdown after lockdown
As police forces report a dramatic rise in speeding on the UK’s deserted roads, GoCompare Car Insurance warns that in addition to posing a serious risk to other road users and increasing the pressure on emergency services, drivers caught speeding face much higher insurance premiums or a driving ban. Government advice to stay at home to combat the … [Read more...]
More business to go digital
The lockdown is leading to a rapid expansion in the digitisation of fleet services, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Co-chair Paul Hollick explained that the trend could be seen right across the spectrum of the industry, from service providers to how employers communicated with drivers. He said: “Much of this trend has been prompted by the … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 April
The Welsh Government has effectively made it illegal to visit second homes in Wales under the latest lockdown legislation. It has moved beyond the UK Government and made it unlawful to remain away from your normal home without good reason, so owners and tenants cannot use casual accommodation. Renault is seeking €600M from the French Government to protect … [Read more...]
