Archive for May, 2010
New Advisory Fuel Rates published
HM Revenue and Customs has published new Advisory Fuel Rates, which employers use to reimburse employees for business travel in their company cars, or when they require employees to repay the cost of fuel used for private travel. They provide a range of rates based on engine size and fuel type and when used, are deemed to be tax-free. The [...]
Electric vehicles ‘will not solve’ UK’s emissions problems
Swapping ‘gas guzzling’ cars for zero emission electric vehicles will not solve the UK’s carbon emissions problems on its own, according to a new report from the Royal Academy of Engineering. Electric vehicles are only as ‘green’ as the electricity that charges their batteries, according to the report ‘Electric Vehicles: Charged [...]
Fees to rise under planned London congestion charge shake-up
The Western Extension of the London congestion charging zone could be axed by Christmas and simultaneously there are plans for a 25% increase in the daily charge - including that for fleets - introduction of an ‘auto pay’ scheme and the launch of a new ‘green’ vehicle discount. Transport for London (TfL) has begun a public consultation [...]
Toyota makes revisions to RAV4
Toyota has made a series of changes to the RAV4 with the new-look 2010 model available to order now and on sale from June 1. The new model features revised styling and higher equipment levels and the current 2.2 D-4D diesel engine is featured in a new entry-point model in the range, with two-wheel drive and six-speed manual [...]
Arval encourages businesses to help kick drink-driving into touch
World Cup football fever will grip the nation during June and July prompting fleet and fuel management company Arval to warn of a potential increase in drink-drive related incidents affecting staff and companies alike. Whilst it is a time of excitement and an opportunity for community viewing of England’s matches in South Africa at work, the [...]
Winter demand leads to national windscreen shortage
The high demand for replacement windscreens at the beginning of the year, following the UK’s worst winter in 30 years, has led to a national shortage of windscreens, according to Auto Windscreens. Automotive glazing companies throughout the UK are struggling to get hold of parts leading to long delays for windscreen replacement for vehicle [...]
AA predicts halt in petrol price rises
UK petrol prices that have been hitting new record highs almost every day since the end of March should at least level off in the coming days - albeit temporarily, says the AA. Wholesale petrol prices have fallen at least 2p a litre in the past week, and would have fallen 3p had the pound not weakened in the wake of the general election. The [...]
Audi to raise prices by average 2% on 2011 model year range
Audi is increasing 2011 model year range prices by an average 2% due to currency exchange rates, although the company says that in a number of cases the rise is offset by enhanced equipment levels. With effect from Tuesday, May 25, prices for most models within the UK Audi range will, although recently announced prices for A1, RS 5, A8 and R8 [...]
Toyota gears up for UK production of Auris Hybrid
UK production of the Toyota Auris Hybrid will start at the manufacturer’s UK plant at Burnaston this month, the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle to be built in Europe. The company says that in investing in Toyota Manufacturing (UK) to build the new full C-segment hybrid hatchback, it has signalled its confidence in its UK operations - [...]
SMMT increases car and van registration forecasts
Forecasts for 2010 full year car and van registrations have been increased by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders following a better than anticipated first quarter. The SMMT is now predicting that 107,000 more cars and almost 15,000 more light commercial vehicles will be registered since the last projection was made in January this [...]