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In recent motor trade news, a significant issue has emerged in the UK's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) scrappage grant scheme. According to cardealermagazine.co.uk , thousands of applicants have faced rejection, leaving over £36 million of the £171 million allocated to the scheme unclaimed. This revelation sheds light on the complexities involved in the application process, with a surprising number of claims being turned down. The main problem seems to revolve around incomplete paperwork, as reported by Transport for London (TfL). Even the smallest missing detail can result in a rejection, leading to a protracted process and potential issues for applicants. For instance, if an applicant chooses not to renew their vehicle's tax, MOT, or insurance while their application is being processed, their claim may be invalidated. One Capita employee, responsible for processing claims for TfL, revealed that missing information, particularly expired MOTs or vehicle tax, is the most co

In recent motor trade news, a significant issue has emerged in the UK's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) scrappage grant scheme. According to cardealermagazine.co.uk , thousands of applicants have faced rejection, leaving over £36 million of the £171 million allocated to the scheme unclaimed. This revelation sheds light on the complexities involved in the application process, with a surprising number of claims being turned down. The main problem seems to revolve around incomplete paperwork, as reported by Transport for London (TfL). Even the smallest missing detail can result in a rejection, leading to a protracted process and potential issues for applicants. For instance, if an applicant chooses not to renew their vehicle's tax, MOT, or insurance while their application is being processed, their claim may be invalidated. One Capita employee, responsible for processing claims for TfL, revealed that missing information, particularly expired MOTs or vehicle tax, is the most co

Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently faced a significant challenge with its innovative Autopilot system. After extensive investigations by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over two million Tesla cars have been recalled. This recall, a substantial setback for the Elon Musk-led company, addresses issues with the partially automated driving system, which has been linked to several collisions. The NHTSA's two-year investigation revealed concerns about the Autopilot’s effectiveness in ensuring driver attention and preventing foreseeable misuse. Consequently, they have mandated an update to the system. This update aims to enhance driver warnings and alerts and restricts the operational areas of basic Autopilot versions. This decision impacts nearly all Tesla models sold in the US, including models Y, S, 3, and X produced between October 5, 2012, and December 7 of the current year. Despite Tesla's reluctance to agree w

2023 has seen a remarkable trend in the automotive industry, with the Ford Focus emerging as the most scrapped used car of the year. A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that an astonishing 798,363 used cars were scrapped in the period from January to the end of October, according to data compiled by Autocar. Despite this high number, it marks a significant decrease from 2022, when 857,107 vehicles were scrapped in the same timeframe. Leading the list, 42,637 Ford Focus models were sent to the scrapyard, making it the year's most frequently discarded vehicle. The Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Corsa followed closely, with 35,578 and 34,405 units scrapped, respectively. The top ten most scrapped used cars of 2023, as sourced from the DVLA and reported by Autocar, also include the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Zafira, Renault Clio, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Polo, and BMW 3 Series. These figures indicate that nearly 80,000 cars are scrapped each month. However, t

In an enlightening piece from cardealermagazine.co.uk , motor traders are encouraged to gear up for a significant surge in used car searches post-Christmas Day, a trend backed by data from Motors. Since 2018, this period has consistently shown a notable increase in consumer interest, a valuable insight for dealers aiming to sell more cars. The data, meticulously analysed by Motors, indicates a lull in used car searches from late November until Christmas Day. However, the festive season's conclusion marks a sharp turnaround. Boxing Day alone witnesses a 38% increase in searches compared to Christmas Day, with a further 20% rise from Christmas Eve's figures. The crescendo of activity peaks on December 27th, with searches skyrocketing to 67% above Christmas Day levels and 46% higher than Christmas Eve. This trend is not just a fleeting post-Christmas phenomenon. The momentum builds steadily through to New Year's Eve, dips briefly, and then resumes its upward trajectory

In a recent turn of events that has grabbed the attention of the motor trade news, the prices of used Jaguar Land Rover models are experiencing a significant downturn. As detailed in an insightful article by cardealermagazine.co.uk , this decline is largely attributed to the 'panic' induced by skyrocketing insurance costs and persistent reliability issues, particularly in London. Phil Johnston, the head of Spencer Flint Automotive, provides a first-hand account of these challenges, underscoring the substantial impact on the car market. Key insights from the article reveal that among the top 25 largest falling used car models in the past six months, eight are Jaguar Land Rover models, with the Range Rover Evoque leading the pack by losing nearly 30.4% of its value. These figures, presented by used car trade valuations experts Cap HPI, paint a concerning picture for the brand, especially considering the theft vulnerability of these models. The situation is so dire that in so

The UK's Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market has seen an 11th consecutive month of growth, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). November witnessed a 12.7% rise in registrations, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with 27,433 vans, pickups, and 4x4s joining Britain's fleets. This uptick reflects a buoyant market, pushing the year-to-date figure to 311,754 units - the highest in two years. However, the landscape of the motor trade is not without its challenges. A surprising downturn has been observed in the Battery-Electric Van (BEV) sector, where registrations fell for the second month. Despite this, the broader trend remains positive with a 15% increase since January, indicating a steady move towards greener technologies. This shift is crucial for the motor trade, aligning with Britain's environmental goals and potentially leading to lower running costs for operators. Yet, the industry faces a looming challenge with the imminent implementa

In the ever-dynamic world of motor trade, November brought with it a notable shift in the UK's used car market. As detailed in a comprehensive analysis by Motors, previously known as Motors.co.uk , there's been a marked increase in customer preference for older, more affordable vehicles. This trend, a direct reflection of the ongoing cost of living crisis, is reshaping how dealers can sell more cars. Delving into Motors' latest Market View report, we find that vehicles priced under £10,000 have become the focal point of consumer interest. Particularly, models listed below £5,000 and those in the £5,000-£9,999 bracket are selling briskly, with an improved turnover rate compared to October. The Vauxhall Corsa, for instance, notably with three-year-old models clocking up to 30,000 miles, has seen a price increase of four per cent, averaging £16,553. In contrast, pricier and younger models are facing a decline. For example, the two to three-year-old Vauxhall Crossland X mo