Fleet use of independent garages is around a quarter higher for company cars and vans aged four years old compared to their one year old counterparts, shows research. New data from epyx shows that buying of service, maintenance and repair (SMR) shifts from 30% independent garage and 70% franchise dealer at 1-2 years old to 35%/65% at 2-3 years old, 40%/60% at 3-4 years old and 38%/62% at four … [Read more...]
Parts, people and processes are slowing repairs
Service, maintenance and repair issues mean that fleets are facing excessive vehicle off-road time, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. Paul Hollick, chair, said AFP members buying SMR were regularly reporting a range of problems. Some of these, such as parts supply, were felt to be outside the control of suppliers - but others, including levels of communication, were more … [Read more...]
Welsh drivers trying to save money
More than a third of young drivers putting off car repairs in attempt to save money. Drivers of older vehicles, as well as those living in cities, also much more likely to delay repairs. More than a third of drivers aged 17 to 24 (37%) are putting off necessary repairs to their vehicles in an attempt to cut their outgoings as the cost-of-living crisis bites, research from the 2022 RAC Report … [Read more...]
M4 & A470 tolling plan by Welsh Government
Welsh Government is considering tolling parts of the M4 and A470 to discourage older vehicles emitting harmful nitrogen dioxide. It has surveyed users and asked how their travel plans could change if cars were charged between £3 and £8 and light vans £6 to £12.50 with lorries up to £50 a day to use the M4 around Newport and A470 at Upper Boat where 50mph limits have been introduced to slow … [Read more...]
Scrappage deals are piling up to boost sales
More manufacturers are piling into the scrappage schemes to boost flagging sales this year. Volkswagen Group is launching a scrappage scheme for older diesels in the UK. Buyers can get incentives of between £1,800 and £6,000 for a new VW vehicle form any of its family of marques if they trade in an older vehicle with a pre-Euro5 diesel engine registered before 2010. Renault UK has also come … [Read more...]