News

EV Fleet Show 2012
A Kenny

Senior fleet decision makers are being targeted by a low carbon event at the world-famous Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire, which will feature a wide range of electric, hybrid and other low-carbon vehicles.

The EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show on Wednesday, April 18 is a unique one-day event providing fleet decision makers and other fleet industry executives with all the latest information, advice and guidance on low-carbon strategies.

Fleet decision makers attending will be able to drive the very latest electric models from leading motor manufacturers, as well as the newest low-carbon vehicles from their current model ranges, including those with the latest hybrid technology.

Organised by Fleet World magazine in association with the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association - the trade association of the UK’s leasing and rental industries - the event provides a platform from which motor manufacturers, fleet service companies, infrastructure suppliers and others can explain their products, services and emission control initiatives.

The show will be based in the glittering new state-of-the-art Silverstone Wing conference and event facility. Situated in the heart of the world famous Grand Prix Circuit.

The EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show will allow visitors to:

• Test drive the latest petrol-electric hybrids, diesel-electric hybrids, fuel-cell hybrids and electric range-extenders, as well as the latest low-emission petrol and diesel engine vehicles
• Discuss future drivetrain strategies with leading motor manufacturers
• Find out more about low-emission light commercial vehicles
• Talk to charging point suppliers and recharging infrastructure providers
• Discuss low-carbon vehicle supply with leading leasing suppliers.

The day will also include an interesting and informative seminar session presented by some of the best minds within the automotive arena, including leading academics and top company executives. Full details will be announced nearer the event.

There will also be a Question Time-style debate and panel discussion chaired by BVRLA Chief Executive, John Lewis, at which fleet decision makers can challenge and discuss some of the topics discussed earlier in the day.

All test-driving of electric, hybrid and other low-CO2 vehicles will take place on the Stowe Circuit, a separate infield circuit with its own facilities. All test drives will be accompanied by a motor manufacturer representative and will include two to three laps of the Stowe circuit.

There will be provision for visitors to book provisional test drives in advance directly with the relevant motor manufacturer, although all bookings will be at the manufacturer’s discretion.

For more details please phone 01727 739160 or see http://www.evfleetshow.co.uk

Plug-in grant for vans
R Russell

Buyers of plug-in vans will be able to receive a grant up to the lower of 20% of the list price or £8000,the Transport Minister Norman Baker and Business Minister Mark Prisk announced today. This is an extension of the Plug-In Car Grant which offers 25% - up to £5000 – to motorists buying a new plug-in car. Ministers have also re-confirmed there is funding secured for this grant until 2015. The purpose of the consumer grant is to enable the purchase of ultra-low carbon vehicles which could otherwise have been unaffordable.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Electric vehicles are the arrowhead for a low carbon revolution in motoring and as more models come to market we’ll begin to see sales gather pace. “Car buyers have had a year to take advantage of our grant and now it’s time for van buyers to get their chance to go electric. This is great news for businesses given the lower running costs of these vehicles – fleet buyers tell us that this is one of the most important factor influencing their decision on what to buy.

“It is radical initiatives like these which will allow us to create a transport system that both cuts carbon and is an engine for economic growth.”

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "Supporting ultra-low carbon technology in vans makes sense. An upfront purchase grant, when combined with lower running costs and tax benefits, can make switching to an ultra-low carbon van an attractive choice for businesses. “The technology also fits well with a large portion of the van market that rely on short urban trips to and from base.”

From today ultra-low carbon van manufacturers will be able to apply to be part of the Plug-In Van Grant - which will help to improve local air quality in cities, reduce carbon emissions and meet Government carbon reduction targets.

To be eligible for the scheme, vans will have to meet performance criteria to ensure safety, range, and ultra-low tailpipe emissions. Consumers, both business and private will receive the discount at the point of purchase.

There are currently 10 cars eligible for the Plug-In Car Grant – 5 of which came onto the market in 2011, with the other half expected to be available to purchase this year. During the first year of the scheme, over 1000 eligible vehicles were registered and, up to 31 December 2011, 892 applications were made for the Plug-In Car Grant.

Comment The above DfT press release does not go into detail to explain the 20% calculation but, on the basis of a telephone call it will apply to the full list price including VAT. A purchaser who can reclaim VAT would then effectively get a grant which works out at 24% of the net capital cost. This then comes close to the 25% grant which can be claimed on plug-in cars.The maximum capped limit of £8,000 is less likely to come into play than for cars because the cap is £3,000 higher.

Ecovelocity Motoring Festival 2012

Ecovelocity Motoring Festival 2012
A Kenny
May 2012

Following the successful launch of the UK’s first eco motor show Ecovelocity in 2011, the organisers of the ground-breaking show IGME have announced details for year two - the show will move from its inaugural launch location of Battersea Power Station to ExCeL, London and will run from May 10th through to the 13th 2012.

EcoVelocity 2012 will see car makers show their ever growing green car models including electric, hybrid and very low carbon derivitaves. The car makers will allow visitors to get up close and personal by offering test drives on a special test drive circuit.

More details of the event will be available on www.ecovelocity.co.uk

Autumn Statement 2011
R Russell
November 2011
No changes to company car taxation were announced. The Chancellor did appear to take note of the recent petition to curb rises in fuel duty and, to support motorists and businesses, declared that the 3.02 pence per litre (ppl) fuel duty increase planned for 1st January 2012 will be deferred to 1st August 2012. The inflation increase of around 1.92ppl due on 1st August 2012 is cancelled. The fair fuel stabiliser is still being planned and details will be published with the 2012 Budget.

Peugeot 3008

Diesel Electric hybrid tax position
R Russell
The diesel-electric hybrid had not been invented when the UK tax authorities set up the last lot of legislation to deal with the calculation of benefit-in-kind (BIK) on cars according to fuel type. So how will the new Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 be taxed? The scrapping of discounts for petrol/electric hybrids (such as the Prius) from April 2011 meant that most observers expected diesel hybrids to be taxed simply as diesels. This was also the view of HMRC until recently, when they re-interpreted the legislation to give prominence to the fact that hybrids of whatever primary fuel should be classified alongside petrol cars as a type A for P11D purposes. So for now the 3008 HYbrid4 is NOT subject to the 3% diesel penalty.

CV Show 2012

Commercial Vehicle Show 2012
A Kenny
April 2012

The Commercial Vehicle Show 2012 specialises in road freight transport and the logistics industry. You can expect to find a stand covering pretty much all associated areas from vehicle emission control to load handling solutions to vehicle cleaning. A number of the manufacturers are also likely to be present so you will be able to compare and review which vehicles are right for you under the same roof.

The CV Show will be held at Birmingham's NEC from 24th to 26th April 2012.

Ecovelocity Motoring Festival

Ecovelocity Motoring Festival
A Kenny
September 2011

8 – 11th September

Set in the iconic grounds of Battersea Power Station, EcoVelocity is not your usual motor show. This outdoor motoring festival will bring to life a new world of motoring for prospective buyers that are keen to experience the latest in eco-transport or just a great fun and interactive day out for those that just fancy coming along for the ride.

Festival visitors will be able to:

• Test drive the latest low-carbon cars and motorcycles around a specially designed track
• Get up close and personal with the amazing green supercars of the future
• Let the kids loose with two driving experiences for 5-11 and 11-17 year olds
• Experience the winners of the auspicious What Car? Green Awards in daily track parades
• Relax, unwind and be entertained at an iconic venue in our unique food and entertainment zone

In the absence of the British Motor Show in 2011, EcoVelocity will be one of the most important and unmissable motoring events of the year.

To buy your tickets now click here







Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011

Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011
A Kenny
October 2011


With the caravan industry exhibiting at only one Show at the NEC from the 11th-16th October this year, the Motorhome & Caravan Show will be the only exhibition in the Midlands, where you will see all the new 2012 caravan, motorhome, holiday home, trailer tent, folding camper and folding caravan models from the leading UK and European manufacturers.

There’s plenty of activities and attractions from cookery demonstrations, towing lessons, motorhome manoeuvring courses and advice from the experts to games for the kids, a crèche, celebrity appearances, competitions and more!

Tickets start from only £7.00 in advance (plus £1.00 transaction fee), include parking and a show guide and kids go FREE! So why not visit with friends and family and enjoy a great-value day out. Group tickets are also available.

To book your tickets online click here







Motorhome Caravan and Camping Show 2012

Motorhome Caravan and Camping Show 2012
A Kenny
February 2012


February 2012 will see the launch of a new spring Motorhome, Caravan and Camping show at London’s premiere exhibition venue, ExCeL London.

The February show, run by the industry's exhibition company, NCC Events, will be the only exhibition taking place in the spring where the major caravan and motorhome manufacturers will be displaying their latest season’s models.

If you would like more information on how your company can get face-to-face with new and existing customers, showcase and demonstrate your products, get immediate customer feedback and generate unrivalled selling opportunities, please contact: 0844 809 4694. Alternatively complete your details here and one of their sales representatives will contact you.

To be kept up-to-date with all the latest show news, including ticket offers and when you can purchase your tickets, you should complete your details here






Low Carbon Vehicle 2011 Event

LCV 2011 - Low Carbon Vehicle Event
A Kenny
September 2011


Cenex will host their 4th annual Low Carbon Vehicle event on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th September 2011 at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby, Northamptonshire. LCV aims to help promote a strong industry led economic recovery by bringing together the key automotive industry stakeholders to showcase their capabilities in the field of low carbon vehicles and fleet carbon reduction and by stimulating market demand through building fleet operator and consumer awareness and confidence in accessible or near market products for future procurement.

Exhibitors and visitors are expected from:

• Vehicle manufactures
• The low carbon vehicle supply chain
• Lightweight vehicle structure producers
• High efficiency internal combustion engine and power-train developers
• High technology manufacturing providers
• Alternative fuel manufacturers
• Infrastructure providers
• Low carbon vehicle technology providers
• Public and private fleet operators and early adopters
• Research organisations, Academia

And will be joined by regional, national and international policy-makers in a truly hands on B2B event.

Expectations are that 3000+ participants will attend LCV over the 2 days of the event.

If you are interested in attending then go here to register.