As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget tomorrow research from Close Brothers Motor Finance reveals which concerns are front of mind for motorists. It finds that more than half (52%) of drivers want the Chancellor to freeze or reduce fuel duty on petrol and diesel. The ongoing deterioration of the nation's road infrastructure is also a top … [Read more...]
Power price and eVED are roadblocks to market change
More than half (53%) of dealers say the high price of public charging is the biggest threat to expansion of the used electric car market. October’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows that almost as many – 52% – believe the planned introduction of pence per mile Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be an issue. Other factors named include the lack of home … [Read more...]
Momentum mounts with EV registrations
With EV registrations rising and the used market surging, NFDA Electric Vehicle Approved highlighted growing momentum in the UK’s switch to electric, while calling for continued action on affordability, charging and consumer confidence. Developed by National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission … [Read more...]
BEVs best ever August registrations
It has again been a very strong month for BEVs, and Kia has led the way as it prepares to launch its new small EV2 series. The New Automotive Electric Car Count indicates: - Strongest August for BEV registrations: BEVs captured 30% of all new car registrations in August 2026, with sales surging 30% year-on-year - spurred in part by shifting fuel market … [Read more...]
UK automotive slowly recovering, say SMMT
UK vehicle production fell -7.5% in the first half of 2026, with factories turning out 385,979 cars and commercial vehicles, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Despite a challenging start to the year, however, output stabilised in the second quarter, dipping by just 128 units (-0.1%) year on year as exports strengthened and car … [Read more...]
Government must pull its weight for HGV clean-up
The government must ensure Britain’s heavy goods vehicle operators have access to every available technology to cut carbon emissions. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders made the call at today’s Commercial Vehicle Show, where major OEMs and fleet operators are gathered to display the very latest array of technologies and discuss the future of UK … [Read more...]
Mandate can be met, for now – used car dealers
Almost six out of 10 (57%) used car dealers expect the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate for the New Year to be met, according to new research. However, January’s Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 44% of respondents believe the government will soon be forced to revise their targets, and 20% that those for the rest of the decade are … [Read more...]
Understanding EVs is key to growing sales
Helping more drivers understand the benefits of going electric is essential if the UK is to meet its ZEV ambitions so government’s new public campaign launched last week is timely and welcome – helping encourage consumer confidence by cutting through persistent myths while setting out the many advantages that EVs offer. It will highlight the massive vehicle … [Read more...]
Most popular cars financed in 2025
Close Brothers Motor Finance highlights the most popular cars to finance in 2025. Zero Emission Vehicle mandate targets, fluctuating demand and changing consumer trends surrounding electric vehicles created a tricky landscape for manufacturers and dealers to contend with over the past 12 months. Ongoing economic uncertainty and concerns around factors such … [Read more...]
Car registrations rise amid warnings
Last year's new cars registration in Britain passed two million for the first time since the pandemic. But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it was only due to makers' incentives estimated at £11,000 per electric vehicle which is an unsustainable figure and they want more Government support and buyers' encouragement. One in four of the … [Read more...]
