In many ways I thought Chancellor Hammond was brilliantly skilful in the way he tiptoed through the minefields and political debris of the previous night’s vote on Brexit.
It was certainly one of those jobs for someone else.
And the thing that really resonated with me was when the Chancellor announced that “We are addressing the environmental challenges facing our planet.”
It really stuck in my throat. Not because I didn’t think he genuinely meant it. But because it’s only a half-truth. A polishing of veracity. A slither of fidelity.
Where, just where, was the information fleet drivers need on company car tax? I’m not being parochial here, stuck in my own silo, the one marked fleet.
I’m not. Not at all.
It’s vital that if the fleet industry is going to deliver on cleaner cars, then both drivers and companies need to know what the benefit in kind taxation rules will be. What should they be choosing? Will they get penalised for selecting the wrong car? Open to future taxation that’s opaque, potentially punishing.
It’s nothing short of scandalous that we are still waiting. Still waiting to find what they might be beyond 2020-21.
The fleet industry is leading the way in introducing cleaner cars, whether these are clean diesels, hybrids, plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles. It is part of the government’s Road to Zero.
And our efforts are constantly undermined by a government that talks the environmental story – but only the soundbites they want you to hear.
It’s a scandal. And an environmental one at that.
In many ways I thought Chancellor Hammond was brilliantly skilful in the way he tiptoed through the minefields and political debris of the previous night’s vote on Brexit. It was certainly one of those jobs for someone else. And the thing that really resonated with me was when the Chancellor announced that “We are addressing … Continued
How do you improve on excellence? What’s the driver to keep on improving? It’s a good question. Take tennis player Roger Federer, for example. The 37-year-old Swiss player, a veteran of 19 years in the sport, has just taken his 100th title. At that age – with younger players continually challenging him – and with … Continued
A bit of scene-setting first before I hit the afterburners. Because this has been aggravating me for some time. Personal contract hire – or PCH – has seen a surge in growth over the last few years. And this is to be welcomed. According to figures from the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), … Continued
Over the air updates to increase performance? Or, perhaps, to provide new features? Nowhere has car-met-tech so obviously as in the Tesla Model S. Little wonder it is often referred to as a computer on wheels. Certainly, much of Tesla’s appeal and elegance is down to its seamless integration of electronics within the car’s overall … Continued
Have you seen the media reaction to the latest car sales figures? Such is the negative spin you might wonder why we’re still in business; bothering to get up in the morning; or, at the very least, why we’re not working out a quick exit strategy. But you would be wrong. Wrong to believe the … Continued
As we step into the brave new world of 2019, I thought a fleet almanac of sorts might be in order. So, to greet 2019, here are 19 issues or products that will be facing fleet this year. So let’s go. And in no particular order… 1. Leasing becomes more attractive. Why? From the new tax … Continued
It’s not often you see an automotive headline that takes you aback. But in the last fortnight we’ve had two: the arrest of Carlos Ghosn, the infamous ‘Le cost cutter’ chief at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and one of the most significant automotive players in the world. And, closer to home, the announcement by Volkswagen and … Continued
The government has done its best to give the company car a good duffing. A bit of a sort out. Show who’s boss. That sort of thing. With its gloves laced with a bit of extra lead for additional follow-through, here are some of the highlights: 4% surcharge on diesel cars – boof! Withdrawal of … Continued
Earlier this year we announced that as a result of our relationship and investment with AquAid Water Coolers and the Africa Trust we were given the opportunity to have our very own water pump installed on our behalf in Africa. With each purchase at AquAid Water Coolers an automatic donation is made to the Africa … Continued
OK, so this might sound slightly contradictory; after all, how can company cars – any sort of car – be good for the environment? Good point. They are instruments of pollution. No? Well, yes of course, to a point. But we all need them to live life, make sure business happens and so on. Private … Continued