Author: Aimee Turner

Stricter European standards are expected to reshape demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), forcing fleet buyers and company automotive users to reassess their cost-effectiveness. Under the brand new Euro 6e-bis emissions rules, PHEVs will undergo stricter emissions testing in 2025 to offer more accurate real-world data, potentially reducing their appeal as company cars because of increased taxation. Currently, PHEVs emitting lower than 50g/km of CO2 are categorised into bands based on their electric-only range, attracting a benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax rate of 5%, 8%, or 12%. Nevertheless, under the revised testing standards, PHEVs that exceed the 50g/km threshold will face a…

Kia’s UK chief has welcomed the review of ZEV mandate regulations that may guide the industry until 2035 but cautions that the UK government has no intention of walking away from its proposed trajectory.Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander launched the consultation in late December, asking for industry views on the Government’s restoration of the 2030 petrol and diesel recent automobile ban. Elements of the consultation include gathering views on which full hybrid and plug-in hybrids may very well be sold still alongside zero emission vehicles, and what approach must be taken for vans and low volume OEMs.Chatting with AM, Kia UK…

KGM Motors has added family-run Ryders of Warrington to its dealer network which has rebranded as Ryders KGM. The brand new franchise point continues KGM’s strategic growth plan to ascertain a nationwide dealer network which stood at 80 locations at the top of 2024. Scott Ryder, dealer principal at Ryders KGM, said: “For over three a long time, our hands-on approach together with the strong relationships we’ve nurtured with our customers have set us apart. We look ahead to bringing this tradition to the KGM family and offering much more to our loyal customers while welcoming latest ones. It’s an exciting…

The redesigned Škoda Octavia Estate offers thoughtful engineering and design, proving that family cars may be as stylish as they’re practical. Whether tackling every day commutes or long road trips, the Octavia Estate delivers a refined driving experience with all of the smart features modern drivers demand. Its spacious interior outclasses rivals just like the Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf, while the premium cabin design and practical boot space make it a standout selection for families. Skoda continues to impress with its 2024 Octavia Estate Special Edition 1.5 TSI e-TEC, with the top-tier Sportline variant of the recently redesigned range priced…

Tech firm MAD Devs has launched a brand new digital aftersales department as a part of its cloud-based iStoreDOCS document management system to streamline service and repair processes for dealerships. The brand new module offers dealerships comprehensive control over service-related documents and processes. By centralising all documentation, the platform allows service teams to securely access records anytime. Dan Rea, sales director at MAD Devs, highlighted the potential of the service module: “The iStoreDOCS service module centralises all documentation for vehicle service and repairs, allowing teams to access documents anytime, anywhere securely. “With iStoreDOCS’ customer portal, dealerships can inform clients of…

Japan’s manufacturing heavyweights Honda and Nissan are set to start merger talks as they battle mounting competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, reports the Nikkei. As Japan’s second and third largest automobile makers after Toyota, each have seen market share erode, particularly in China, where EV sales hit 1.27 million units in November – nearly 70% of the worldwide total. In 2023, Honda and Nissan sold a combined 7.4 million vehicles worldwide but are grappling to maintain pace as those rivals surge ahead. The 2 corporations had already been strengthening ties: in March, they agreed to collaborate on EVs, and by…

AM100 dealership group Hendy Group will officially open its all-new, state-of-the-art automotive dealership on Kingstanding Way in Tunbridge Wells in January. The brand new dealership, positioned next to the Kingstanding Retail Park off the A21, will sell, as an authorised dealer, recent and used Ford, Mazda and Kia cars and Ford business vehicles, in addition to being an authorised repair centre, providing customers with comprehensive service, maintenance and repair support. Hendy Group has invested greater than £6 million within the disused brownfield location, which was formerly occupied by John Lewis and has been vacant since April 2021. The Kingstanding Way…

Used automobile sales proceed to point out robust demand and improving pricing trends, based on the newest Auto Trader Retail Price Index. The common price of a used automobile in November was £16,492, reflecting a modest month-on-month dip of 0.6%, aligning with historic seasonal trends. This marks the fifth consecutive month of improving year-on-year pricing trends, signalling sustained retail demand. Vehicles sold two days faster in November in comparison with 2023, with a mean of 31 days on forecourts. Electric vehicles sold even quicker at 28 days, with three-to-five-year-old EVs turning over in only 22 days. Despite this, Auto Trader…

The Toyota Yaris has clinched the title of probably the most reliable supermini, boasting a guaranty claim rate of just 3.6%, in keeping with Warranty Solutions Group (WSG). The highest three commonest warranty claims were the wheel bearings (averaging £271.00), concentric slave cylinder (£313.32) and air con condenser (£420.07). Known for its urban agility and impressive motorway performance, WSG said the fourth-generation Yaris combines reliability with fuel efficiency, making it a top alternative in its class – despite its relatively high price, limited rear passenger space, a small boot, and somewhat plain interior. The Toyota Aygo got here an in…

Vauxhall is to shut its van manufacturing plant in Luton, a move that might impact 1,100 jobs.Parent company Stellantis said it now plans to transfer van production from Luton, Bedfordshire, to its factory in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, citing the UK’s difficult economic conditions and the federal government’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate as key aspects behind the choice.This recent development signals a shift in Stellantis’s strategy because it consolidates UK light business vehicle manufacturing on one site and follows Ford’s decision to chop 4,000 jobs across Europe, including 800 within the UK. Login to proceed reading Or register with AM-online to maintain up so far with…