Government policy on electric vans is short-sighted and in a mess, according to the commercial vehicle division of the National Franchised Dealers Association. Last week, NFDA’s Commercial Vehicle division wrote to the Department of Transport highlighting key regulatory issues that are holding back the Electric Van market. Since 2018 the government have been aware of the need for a smooth … [Read more...]
Driving your career in automotive
With A-Level and GCSE results announced, the National Franchised Dealers Association is launching a new campaign, #chooseautomotive, aimed at highlighting the rewarding career paths within the automotive sector. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the NFDA, said, “Our industry has often been underestimated, yet it offers a wide range of diverse and exciting career avenues that promise a rewarding … [Read more...]
Mixed reactions to car sales incentives
The motor trade has seen little improvement in business since Covid restrictions and components shortages ended almost exactly 12 months ago, they have told their trade body. “New car sales have now seen 12 consecutive months of recovery since the pandemic related supply chain shortages. NFDA conducted a flash poll of its members and found that retailers have seen little change in the business … [Read more...]
EV toll-tax opposed to encourage greener motoring
More than half of motorists are against a new proposal to make electric vehicle drivers pay six pence per mile to counter a tax shortfall compared to petrol and diesel cars. July’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 55% believe such a move would not be fair while 40% say that EV tax should be kept low by the government in order to encourage take-up. Also, 22% don’t like the idea of road pricing for … [Read more...]
Buyers better protected from 31 July
The new FCA Consumer Duty will come into force on 31 July. The Financial Conduct Authority intends for the new Duty to increase levels of consumer protection in retail financial services markets, whilst aiming to promote a healthy environment for firms to thrive. The new Duty will not be a tick-box exercise or be about introducing new processes and paperwork but about a cultural change within … [Read more...]
Car sales slowly rising again
The momentum in new vehicle sales has continued with strong growth across electric vehicles, hybrids and petrol vehicles and is expected to continue through the summer months, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. In May, a total of 145,204 new cars were registered, an increase of 16.7% from the same period last year, according to the Society of Motor … [Read more...]
ZEV Mandate is unrealistic, say dealers
The UK Government must slow down its drive towards a totally electric car and van deadline, said a car dealers' pressure group. Politicians and green lobbyists are expecting 'too much too soon' and the demand among van owners is particularly weak as they struggle with a scattered charging network, rising costs and efficiencies, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised … [Read more...]
Retailers driving job opportunities
A recruitment drive is underway in motor dealerships around Britain. The retail side of the automotive industry employs nearly 600,000 people and is one of the biggest and most varied sectors. There are automotive dealerships all over the UK and your local one might have the right opportunity for you to kick-start and develop your professional career. Drive My Career, powered by The National … [Read more...]
Bank Rate rise is challenge to traders
The decision by the Bank of England to raise their interest rates by 0.25%, to 4.5%, will inevitably have implications on the motor trade, according the car dealers' body. The Bank of England has confirmed that interest rates will rise by 0.25%, from 4.25% to 4.5%, the twelfth consecutive rise since December 2021. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 April
New research reveals that of the 20 million drivers who regularly use their car for journeys of between one to two miles, some 6.9 million (34%) want to switch to other travel methods. Almost one in seven car owners (13%) said they want to cycle on more of these trips, while 6% want to make more use of an electric bike. The study has been carried out for Kwik Fit, which has launched a new … [Read more...]
