FleetTrends’ Post

#NewCarRegistrations decreased by 0.2% in December year-on-year, but increased by 2.6% year-to-date. That’s according to the latest figures announced today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Our Managing Director of Sales, John Cassidy, has commented: “Despite a slight dip in December’s new registrations, there's hope that sales will remain stable as we begin the new year.   “Manufacturers and dealers will be mindful of a number of factors which could stifle growth. We’ve recently seen high discounting levels boost sales which is unsustainable in the long-term, and fleet data continues to skew growth in electric vehicle registrations.    “As we look to the year ahead, a couple of focus points will be crucial to the future plans of manufacturers and car buyers alike. There will be hope that the recently-launched consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which has been causing headaches for manufacturers, will lead to more realistic targets for car makers - as well as fully considering the implication of a 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.    “As a greater variety of electric vehicles enter the market at more reasonable price points, motorists will be hoping the government provides the necessary investment to ensure the UK has adequate charging infrastructure, which will be key to encouraging buyers to make the switch to electric. This will be especially important following the removal of key incentives - such as the end of vehicle excise duty for electric vehicles - which end in April this year.” To read the full release, visit: https://lnkd.in/d6yxFgm #SMMT

NEW: UK carmakers successfully complied with the country's ZEV mandate last year, resulting in a growing UK EV market and cheaper EVs for consumers to go electric. Despite alarmist claims from the auto industry about potential fines last year, new analysis from T&E shows that no carmakers will pay penalties on 2024 sales and just one, Suzuki, will need to purchase compliance credits underscoring a strong first year of the mandate The ZEV mandate accelerated electric car (BEV) market share to a record 19.6% in 2024, below the headline target of 22% but exceeding the 18% required for compliance when flexibilities in the law are counted. The success of last year’s sales shows that carmakers are on track to going electric and the government needs to hold firm on the ZEV mandate. Backtracking now would endanger the £23 billion in EV investments that has been committed to the UK, which are vital for driving economic growth and safeguarding high-quality UK automotive jobs, as well as £6 billion committed by the charging industry. Instead the government needs to focus on delivering a robust industrial strategy for the auto sector. Read the report at the link in our comments. #ZEVMandate

New registrations for electric vehicles in the EU plunged 44 per cent in August compared with a year earlier with Germany suffering a 69 per cent drop, according to latest figures released by Acea, the European car industry body. In light of the sharp decline, Berlin is discussing new tax incentives to spur consumer demand for EVs.

🔋 🚗 ⚡ 🇬🇧 🤷♂️ UK Dealers Gloomy Amid Market Uncertainty UK Car dealerships are facing significant headwinds. The 28% 2025 ZEV target for EVs looks to be a real challenge in the current environment. (ZEV Target graph image below 👇 ) ● Dealer Pessimism: A staggering 71% of dealers are pessimistic about the trading environment for 2025 ● Cost Barriers: 87% of dealers cite cost as a key barrier to EV adoption, which is tied with concerns about the availability of charging infrastructure ● Government Support: Dealers are urgently calling for greater government support, including incentives, grants, and infrastructure investments. ● Financial Pressures: Running costs, business rates, and increased employer's National Insurance are the top concerns for dealers. The rise in Employer's National Insurance from 13.8% to 15% in April 2025 adds to the financial pressures that dealers are already facing. The introduction of Vehicle Excise Duty on EVs is also set to impact dealerships and their customers. ● Increased Incentives: 50% of dealers have noted an increase in discounts on EVs in the past six months, and 57% are offering customer incentives such as free home charger installation. The electric future is now, with winners and losers - can key strategic partnerships be the way through this? Source: AM Online https://lnkd.in/ei2CQdbP

The UK's new-car market continued its slowdown in June, recording only marginal growth for a third consecutive month. 179,263 new cars were registered, a 1.1% improvement on June 2023. Growth was once again driven by electrified vehicles and by fleets, as private sales and internal-combustion engine deliveries decreased. Phil Curry explores the situation using the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). https://lnkd.in/eifnnjVq #uk #car #market

Canada never got the ID.3, will likely never get the ID.2 and now no ID.7! Any thoughts on the following.... Canada will spend around $16.3 billion on the Volkswagen battery plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. This includes:  Manufacturing tax credits: Up to $13.2 billion through 2032 Federal grant: $700 million Taxes: $2.8 billion to offset taxes Volkswagen will pay on the federal production support Furthermore, as of September 2024, Volkswagen has sold 20,602 ID.4s in Canada. This includes all ID.4s sold in the country since 2021. Sources: AI Overview https://lnkd.in/gR5n9Uf8

The 2024 BC General Election saw the NDP secure a narrow majority, with affordability dominating campaign concerns. The New Car Dealers Association congratulates the new Cabinet and urges immediate action on key issues, including more flexible Zero-Emission Vehicle Act policies, restored EV incentives, expanded charging infrastructure, a raised luxury tax threshold, and increased investments in post-secondary automotive education. Read more: https://loom.ly/ChLCmZ8

UK dealers welcome ZEV Mandate consultation 🚗🔋 The government's launch of the ZEV Mandate consultation is a crucial milestone for our transition to zero-emission vehicles. As a recruiter in the automotive sector, I see firsthand how this could shape the road ahead. Sue Robinson, chief executive of the NFDA, highlighted the need for demand-side incentives to boost market stimulation. Regional disparities, like the lag in electric vehicle infrastructure in Northern Ireland, must also be tackled. As Mike Hawes from the SMMT emphasised, this review is vital for an industry navigating global challenges while aiming to decarbonise. If you require support with your recruitment needs get in touch or visit www.cb-recruitment.co.uk #ZEVMandate #Automotive #ElectricVehicles

An important reminder for auto dealers to raise with today's car buyers? Buying an #EV can come with incentives. 💰 In this video, Holman Director of Energy & Connectivity, Emily Graham, speaks to the value of educating car buyers on federal and state tax incentives that they may not know about. More clips from our expert led EV webinar panel here: http://aizgo.co/6047YmVT1

The dramatic nature of the developments at #Volkswagen cannot be categorised drastically enough...🧙♂️ 'Head of the Works Council Daniela Cavallo explained: "Of course, we on the Works Council are also aware of the current situation. It is serious in the entire industry. We have serious problems." There is no difference when it comes to analysing the problems. "But miles apart when it comes to responding to the problems." Specifically, Cavallo criticises the fact that the Group does not have an affordable electric car in its range. The ID.2 and ID.1 entry-level models planned from 2026 would come too late. In addition, there is still too much duplication of work between the Group brands. Major savings are possible here' The fact that the Works Council & Mrs Cavallo were also on the Supervisory Board when the vehicle range was decided ... no problem. And the reference to 'duplication of work' means having to go to resources/locations & personnel in order to reduce them ... or is there a state subsidy for VW-cars in the room, which would not become cheaper cars but would merely support the existence of the VW Group with taxpayers' money? https://lnkd.in/dPAr5PMj 🔥