Fuel freeze extension provides much-needed stability and respite for drivers who have been grappling with rising living costs and fuel prices. By maintaining the current fuel duty rates, the Chancellor has effectively alleviated some of the financial burdens on households and businesses alike.
From July, double-cab pick-ups will be considered cars as they don’t have a primarily commercial function. Professional Pick-up said the changes will be significant - a driver using a Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 as a company vehicle will, if taking delivery after 1 July 2024, face a company car tax bill of around £290 a month, rising to around £580 a month for a higher rate taxpayer — an increase of 340% over the existing figures.
Move towards hydrogen is largely being prompted by the difficulties surrounding the adoption of electric vans in their current form. Some fleets in some applications are finding that the range and payload of the electric vans available so far remain unsuitable for their needs. There are also operational issues ranging from poor towing ability through to practical difficulties such as charging out of hours.
Recent Red Sea attacks have created cause for concern, with fears that fuel prices will rise should shortages emerge amid disrupted supply chains. Nonetheless, commentators have suggested that oil market disruptions are unlikely to be overly impactful, as other sources of supply are keeping up with demand. Road freight operators will be optimistic that fuel prices will continue to fall, however such relief might be short-lived if the crisis escalates.
We’re at a moment in time when, having largely completed electrification of their car fleets, many businesses are looking to their light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and wanting to complete a similar transformation. However, for some, the current e-van choices available present some operational issues for their needs, especially around range and payload capabilities.
Using audible and visual nudge psychology, developed in association with the University of Bath, Lightfoot’s in-cab device keeps drivers in the sweet spot of their engine, guiding them toward their weekly target of becoming Elite Drivers, which unlocks access to a host of weekly prize draws.
It is available in two trim levels, Prime and Pro, and with electric and diesel powertrains, with the latter offering a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. Both versions of the new Combo are available in two lengths, with a choice of two or three front seats. The new Combo is additionally offered as a five-seat Crew Cab.
Businesses need to take into consideration how their vehicles are used, including the working environment and the payload of the goods and equipment they are carrying. Crucially, these need to be considered prior to any conversion. Organisations also need to make sure staff are equipped with the knowledge they need to operate the vehicle and the on-board equipment
The past year has seen a record-breaking 34% surge in average quoted premiums, with the last quarter alone witnessing a 14.3% jump. This drastic uptick, the largest since the tracking of such data began in October 2013, could potentially jeopardise road safety, especially among younger motorists.
Are you looking for a new car to meet your expanding business or personal needs? While acquiring a brand-new van may appear to be the logical choice, it is worthwhile to consider purchasing a used van. Used vans offer a range of advantages, including cost savings and a wide selection of models. However, there are certain potential disadvantages to be [...]
While e-fuels are not available or affordable for general use today, there is a potential that it could be a viable longer-term option – even by 2035 when we have been led to expect that the combustion engine will disappear from sale in Europe
This is the first of a series of operator trials that will continue for the rest of the year with other blue-chip UK-based fleets. Mileage accumulation is enabling First Hydrogen to gather performance data, including information on fuel consumption, to validate different vehicle operating parameters.
Demand for electric vans is on the rise. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders, January 2023 saw a significant increase in demand for Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) vans , as new registrations rose to 993 units last month, compared to 647 units in January 2022 – a 53.5% increase. Registrations for BEV vans grew by 31.2% throughout 2022, with its UK market outlook forecasting a 60.7%rise in 2023.
Unplanned vehicle off road (VOR) rates are a subject that is moving higher up the agenda as production shortages mean that fleets are operating ever older cars, vans and trucks. These inevitably are more difficult to keep roadworthy, breaking down more often.
ICR Leasing, which has a risk fleet of around 600 cars and vans, was formed from the sale of the Wayside dealer group in 2011 and as such is fully self-funded. It sees salary sacrifice as a new growth opportunity, partially because of the very attractive low rates of Benefit-in-Kind tax that electric cars currently attract, for its customers in the UK and globally, including new start-ups and companies that require specialised tailored contracts.
