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Car use has fallen by more than a fifth in the UK during the latest lockdown – nowhere near the decline seen in March – new data from the RAC shows.

During the first week of the latest lockdown, data from RAC Black Box Insurance customers shows a 22% year-on-year reduction in car use, which puts traffic volumes are at a similar level to the middle of last May.

It was May when restrictions first started to be eased, with people encouraged to return to workplaces if they were unable to work from home.

The quietest week for traffic since the start of the coronavirus pandemic was the second week of the first coronavirus lockdown (w/c March 30), when RAC data showed a 41% reduction in car usage compared to normal.

This contrasts with the first full week of September (w/c September 7) when the RAC recorded its highest levels of car use of the year as schools in England returned after the summer holidays, with traffic back to normal levels.

Rod Dennis from the RAC said: “The feel of this latest nationwide lockdown is very different to that which was first imposed in 2020, with greater numbers of people working in Covid-secure workplaces, more shops offering click-and-collect services, and more children of keyworkers attending schools.

“In addition, with so many avoiding public transport, there will inevitably be far more people opting for the safer environment of the car. Together, these differences help account for the busier roads.”

A further sign that vehicles are being used more during this latest lockdown is the extremely high number of breakdowns attended by RAC patrols so far this year.

Incredibly, the RAC had its busiest start to a New Year on record with 8% more breakdowns handled over the first four days of January compared to the same period in previous years.

While the cold weather and the fact cars were used even less than normal over Christmas as a result of the coronavirus will both have been major factors, the data confirms that drivers are still deeming it necessary to use their vehicles for essential trips in 2021.

Dennis said: “It’s vital drivers think carefully before using their vehicles and ensure they’re only venturing out for essential trips as specified by government guidelines.

“Every unnecessary journey increases the chances of a breakdown, or worse a road traffic collision, and risks adding to the pressures being experienced by our emergency and healthcare workers.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Here Technologies has unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) routing feature aimed at delivering drivers the most optimal route, including charging time.

The new EV Routing feature takes into account topography, road geometry, real-time traffic information and traffic patterns, while planning trips.

Here Technologies says It can be synced to the consumption model of the vehicle and can be adjusted to different driving styles, loads or weather conditions.

Jussi Koski, VP product management at Here Technologies, said: “EV Routing does more than show you the way to a charging station.

“It provides the most optimal route, including charging times, while taking into account static and dynamic data such as charging speed or real-time traffic conditions.

“Not only is EV Routing based on a wide range of parameters, it can also be customised. With EV Routing, Here goes beyond removing range anxiety and makes EV driving a truly personalised experience.”

EV Routing leverages Here EV Charge Points, a database that includes vehicle brand, real-time availability of charging stations, subscription and pricing information. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The Volkswagen e-Golf has achieved the strongest residual value in the electric car market, according to a study by CompareTheMarket.

The electric version of the Golf was ranked the top EV with the lowest depreciation of £7,778 (25.1%) after three years, with used models selling for an average price of £23,248 – three quarters of its new price three years ago.

It is followed by two Teslas, the Model S 75 (26.7% depreciation) and Model X 75D (27.5%)

The research reveals how much electric and hybrid cars deprecate in value by comparing ‘new’ prices for the most common plug-in and hybrid vehicles to their used prices to reveal the vehicles which hold their value the most.

As Teslas are among the most expensive EVs and benefit from regular software updates, it could help the models retain their value, CompareTheMarket said.

According to the research, the models that were ‘the worst’ at holding their values were the Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE, which has a depreciation of £13,682 (46.7%), Renault Zoe Signature Nav, which has a depreciation of £11,674 (46.8%) and the Renault Zoe Dynamique Nav which depreciates by £10,633 (46.9%).

Find out about the latest EVs and plug-in hybrids coming to market in 2021 in our latest digital edition of Fleet News.

When looking at plug-in hybrids, the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid was found to have ‘the best’ resale value over the last three years, with depreciation of 21%.

This is followed by Mini’s hybrid offering, the Countryman Cooper SE (31.5%) and another version of the VW Golf, the GTE Advance (36.3%).

The hybrids found to have the highest depreciation were the Kia Optima, which depreciates by £18,708 (53.2%), the Mercedes-Benz E350e (53.1%), Mercedes-Benz C5350e (51.5%), BMW 225xe Active Tourer (50.1%) and the Audi A3 e-tron (49.4%).

CompareTheMarket said, ‘the worst’ performing hybrids lose more of their value than electric cars, whereas ‘the best’ performing electric cars do not hold their value as well as hybrids.

Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance at CompareTheMarket, said: “EVs are becoming increasingly popular, and now that they have been in circulation for a while we are seeing them come onto the second-hand market, which is great news for people wanting to buy an EV or hybrid at a lower price.

“As the technology improves and cars become cheaper, we are sure to see greater adoption, which is the greener step forward that we need.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Tariffs on new cars and vans may have been avoided, but a lack of detail in the Brexit deal could still lead to disruption in the market, the remarketing industry has warned.

The Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) says that several key points surrounding the future of manufacturing and cross-border movement of vehicles remain vague or undefined.

Sam Watkins, chair at the VRA, said: “Let’s be clear on this – any deal is good news because it avoids the kind of tariffs that would’ve been attached to no deal. It is something that should be a huge cause for relief.

“However, the deal that we now have raises as many questions as it answers. It is generally being described as ‘thin’ and that is accurate in that there are several areas where there is very little detail for the motor industry or remarketing.

“We are probably entering into a process now where those points are going to be worked through, but it seems that some will be easier to resolve than others.”

As a result, Watkins expects disruption to car and van supply. “It’s quite difficult to separate the negative effects of the pandemic and Brexit but getting hold of a number of popular new models is almost certainly going to be tricky in 2021,” she said.

“For a motor industry that has finished last year around 30% down in new car sales compared to 2019, this is not good news, and there will be knock-on effects for the used sector that will persist into the medium term.”

Watkins believes that the reduced numbers of vehicles entering the market will mean that getting hold of the used stock will remain difficult. “The situation may even worsen compared to the last few months,” she said.

“However, if 2020 has underlined anything, it is that the used car sector is incredibly flexible and innovative, and that people will continue to want to buy despite substantial practical barriers in their way.”

She continued: “The threat of motor manufacturing in the UK potentially unravelling overnight has been removed, and this should mean that there is no immediate question mark over UK factories and supply chains.

“However, looking ahead, substantial costs have been added in terms of the new customs arrangements, and the regulatory background against which car makers operate is unclear in several important areas.

“Presumably, these will be clarified in the coming months and years but it does perpetuate an effect that has been present ever since the Brexit referendum – that it is difficult to make plans and for investment decisions to be finalised without all of the facts available. There remains a lot of uncertainty.”

Notably, there were special difficulties surrounding the rules of origin arrangements, claims Watkins, that could have implications for EV manufacturing in the UK.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Tesla expanded its UK dealer network to 25 sites during 2020 and plans further network growth in 2021.

It represents a U-turn on company founder Elon Musk’s 2019 declaration that Tesla would close all its showrooms in favour of an online-only sales model.

The latest strategy follows reports of Tesla’s value reaching a record £516 billion, making it worth more than Toyota, VW, Hyundai, GM and Ford combined.

Six new Tesla locations were opened across the UK in 2020, with new showrooms appearing in Newcastle, Winchester, Gatwick, Belfast, Birmingham and Chelmsford.

A new site in Glasgow is also poised to open this year.

The Californian car maker says it has boosted its aftersales operation significantly and now has 15 service locations across the country, with more than 300 service team members.

This has led to a 130% increase in available service appointments and a 60% reduction in waiting times for appointments, according to the brand.

Tesla says it can reduce the time vehicles need to be in a workshop using remote diagnosis and can perform a service four times faster than conventional garages, enabling it to operate with a smaller footprint.

The brand achieved almost 25,000 registrations during the year, outperforming established brands such as Fiat, Mazda, Porsche and Suzuki.

Its Model 3 topped UK monthly sales charts twice during the year – once in April and then in December.

The vast majority of sales are the Tesla Model 3 – Tesla insiders suggest the Model 3 accounts for approximately 90% of UK Tesla sales YTD. That makes the Model 3 the UK’s best-selling battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the UK’s second best-selling compact executive model behind the BMW 3 Series.

Tesla’s UK Supercharger network also grew during 2020 with the addition of 180 new chargers in 20 locations, bringing the total to more than 600 chargers in 70 locations. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

I don’t think that it would surprise anybody that new car registrations were drastically down in 2020 but the interesting statistic is the split of cars. Private registrations suffered the least with the larger fleets doing slightly better but the business registrations were down 43.3% (see chart below).

However, I would suggest that whilst these figures look dreadful many customers, both corporate and consumer extended lease contracts last year and those that had to change their cars decided to go down the used car route as there was a grave lack of new car stock available.

Here is the report and breakdown of the figures for 2020:

Fleet and business registrations fell by 32% in 2020, with 400,000 fewer company cars registered compared to 2019, but fleets were behind a massive increase in the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs).

The new figures, published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show overall demand in the new car market fell to the lowest level since 1992.

They also reveal the continuing decline of diesel, with 55% fewer diesel cars registered in 2020 compared to 2019.

The SMMT sales figures show there were 883,557 cars registered to fleet and business during 2020, compared to almost 1.3 million vehicles the previous year.

However, the latest sales data also reveals that in December, fleet and business registrations were only 9% down compared to December 2019.

It suggests a recovering company car market, with 85,489 fleet and business registrations, equating to 64% market share.

Overall, the UK new car market fell by almost a third (29%) in 2020, with annual registrations dropping to 1,631,064 units.

Against a backdrop of Covid-19, the industry suffered a total turnover loss of some £20.4 billion, with private vehicle demand falling by 27% overall, amounting to a £1.9bn loss of VAT to the Exchequer, says the SMMT.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, says that 2020 will be seen as a “lost year” for automotive, with the sector under “pandemic-enforced shutdown” for much of the year and uncertainty over future trading conditions taking their toll.

However, he said: “With the rollout of vaccines and clarity over our new relationship with the EU, we must make 2021 a year of recovery.

“With manufacturers bringing record numbers of electrified vehicles to market over the coming months, we will work with Government to encourage drivers to make the switch, while promoting investment in our globally-renowned manufacturing base – recharging the market, industry and economy.”

Demand fell across all segments bar specialist sports, which grew by 7%, although Britain’s most popular class of car remained the supermini, retaining a 31% market share despite a 26% decline in registrations.

Meanwhile, although falling by a combined 33%, petrol and mild hybrid (MHEV) petrol cars made up 63% of registrations, while diesel and MHEV diesels, down 48%, comprised almost a fifth of the market.

Fleets adopt more electric vehicles

Battery and plug-in hybrid electric cars accounted for more than one in 10 registrations – up from around one in 30 in 2019.

Demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) grew by 186% to 108,205 units, while registrations of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) rose 91% to 66,877.

Most of these registrations (68%) were for company cars. Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), says that 2020 has been a “tipping point” for EV uptake and demonstrates what can be achieved when Government works closely with fleets to develop a set of powerful grants and tax incentives and invest in a robust public charging network.

“While only a handful of EVs were on sale in 2011, there are now more than 100 models available.” Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low

“The latest BVRLA data shows that the fleet sector continues to lead the charge towards zero emission motoring, with battery electric vehicles responsible for 21% of company car registrations in the three months to October 2020.”

With so much uncertainty surrounding the impact of EU Exit, coronavirus and the economic downturn, Keaney says that the Government must do everything it can to support the vehicle buyers that underpin the UK’s new car market.

“With the next Budget just weeks away, the Chancellor must continue to ring-fence the long-term grants and tax incentives that make electric vehicles affordable,” he said.

“He must also resist the urge to pile more motoring tax increases on fleets and drivers that have yet to make the transition to zero emission motoring.

“Many of these businesses and individuals are struggling financially and can’t yet find an electric vehicle that meets their needs or budget.” 

More than 100 plug-in car models are now available to UK buyers, and manufacturers are scheduled to bring more than 35 to market in 2021 – more than the number of either petrol or diesel new models planned for the year.

Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, believes that in the context of the new car market, 2020 will be remembered as the breakthrough year for EVs.

“After a ninth successive year of growth in EV registrations, we’ve now seen market share rise to 10.7%,” she said.

“This has been made possible, in large part, by the Government’s ongoing support and long-term vision, combined with the automotive industry’s commitment to developing a wide range of zero-emissions vehicles that are clearly convincing the public with their performance, financial and environmental credentials.

“While only a handful of EVs were on sale in 2011, there are now more than 100 models available.”

When will the market get ‘back on its feet?

Ashley Barnett, head of consultancy at Lex Autolease, said that the 29% year-on-year drop really “hammers home” just how challenging the coronavirus pandemic has been for the motor industry.

“The market will take some time to get back on its feet,” he said. “How long that is remains to be seen.”

He added: “The growth in EVs is comforting but ultimately is from an extremely low base – only 6.6% of vehicles on the roads are EVs (including PHEVs).

“All eyes will be firmly on the spring Budget and the rumoured plans for a road pricing scheme which may go some way to recoup lost tax revenue when EVs begin to overtake conventional ICE models.

“The Chancellor has an opportunity to reassure would-be EV drivers that fiscal incentives will remain on the table and incentivise them to take the first step into alternatively-fuelled vehicles.”

Jon Lawes, managing director of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, expects economic uncertainties to continue into the first quarter of 2021, while the pandemic dampens consumer confidence.

However, he said: “The UK’s long negotiated tariff-free trade agreement with the EU should provide a welcome boost for the motor industry to lay the foundations to support a recovery in the sector.

“Similarly, the positive trend in EV uptake demonstrates that the transition to electric will gather momentum in the months ahead heightened by the wide range of new EV models coming to market in 2021 and growing consumer demand.”

By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News & SMMT

A £120,000 Range Rover Autobiography was stolen from a supermarket carpark in Walthamstow, London, in just 80 seconds by thieves taking advantage of weaknesses in the keyless entry system.

Keyless car thefts are increasingly common, as criminal groups reverse-engineer the latest manufacturer security tech to steal valuable vehicles quickly and discreetly.

The vehicle was recovered by the Metropolitan Police within 12 hours, thanks to the fitment of a tracking device.

Clive Wain, head of Police liaison for Tracker, said: “It is believed that this vehicle was stolen by professional criminals who followed the owner to the supermarket from her home, waiting for an opportunity to steal the prestige model.

“At home, the valuable car was always well protected on the driveway, with a wheel clamp fitted and a van parked across the driveway entrance to prevent any chance of theft. CCTV footage of the supermarket carpark clearly shows the thieves breaking into the car and driving away in less than two minutes, in an undisputable case of organised crime and keyless car theft.”

The car’s owner, Mrs Syuleyman, initially did not believe the car would ever be recovered. She said: “I know the risk of theft is high for such a valuable car, particularly as it has had some additional modifications. That is why we always protect the car so carefully when it is parked at home. I never imagined it could be stolen so quickly and easily from a public carpark while I was shopping a few metres away.

In 2019, 92% of the cars Tracker recovered were taken without using the keys, up from 88% in 2018 and 26% higher than four years earlier.

Wain continued: “When Mrs Syuleyman’s car was recovered, it appeared that the thieves had searched it for tracking devices before leaving it parked unaccompanied to see if the police would track its whereabouts.  Because the Tracker device was professionally installed, the thieves were unable to find it, leaving the police to quickly track its location. Without a Tracker installed, it is unlikely this story would have had a happy ending.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Highways England could be charged with manslaughter following the death of a 62-year-old woman on a stretch of smart motorway.

A coroner investigating the death has said she may refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider if the charges are appropriate.

Nargis Begum, from Sheffield, was killed on the M1 in South Yorkshire in September 2018 when another vehicle collided with her husband’s Nissan Qashqai, which had broken down.

Begum had exited the Nissan, which was stranded in a live lane, and was waiting for help when the incident happened.

The smart motorway section had no hard shoulder.

More than 16 minutes elapsed between the Nissan breaking down and the collision, plus a further six minutes before warning signs telling other drivers not to use the lane in which the Nissan was located were activated

At a pre-inquest review Mundy said: “I want to know why, essentially, it’s as simple as that.”

The case, at Doncaster Coroner’s Court, was adjourned until February 11 to allow Government lawyers time to prepare a response

The CPS has decided against prosecuting the driver who hit the Nissan.

Mundy added that she was also considering whether to refer this decision back to the CPS based on the evidence she had seen.

Almost 40 people have been killed on smart motorways in the last five years.

In March, the Government announced a series of measures to improve the safety of smart motorways, following a review commissioned by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Analysis commissioned by the Transport Secretary reportedly found that “in most ways”, smart motorways are as safe as, or safer than, conventional ones.

There was also an admission that some risks are higher than on conventional motorways, for example the risk of a collision between a moving and stationary vehicle. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

SUV Sales Across Europe Drop For First Time In 6 Years

The growth in demand for SUVs across Europe has slowed for the first time in six years as smaller, electrified models start to claw back sales.

Between January 2016 and January 2020, the market share of SUVs grew significantly – from 25% to 40%.

For the majority of the year, the market share of SUVs remained stable – between 40% to 41%. However, their registrations fell by 13% in November, and 21% YTD when compared to 2019.

Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics, said: “The market has benefitted hugely from a wider SUV offering provided this year. But with the impact of Covid-19 still in full force, demand is no longer growing in parallel to new product launches, nor at such a fast pace.”

Conversely, B and C cars experienced declines below the overall average, in fact, their market share increased in November due to new arrivals and a more competitive electrified offering.

Overall, Europe registered 1,045,129 new cars – 13% less than for the same period in 2019. November 2020 has recorded the lowest volume since 2014, when just 989,500 units were registered.

Year-to-date figures continue to point to a downward trend, with YTD volume dropping by 26%. European consumers registered 10.71 million units between January and November – the lowest YTD figures so far this century.

Munoz added: “The global pandemic and its impact on mobility has been extremely painful for the automotive industry, indeed more painful than any other economic crisis that has hit Europe over the last two decades.”

The overall ranking by models in November confirms that the Volkswagen Golf (pictured) kept its position as the most popular car in Europe. The hatchback registered 24,800 units in November – just short of 255,000 units since January.

Only two SUVs made it into the top 10 – the Peugeot 2008, followed by the Renault Captur. Further down the ranking, Ford Puma, Volvo XC40, Audi A3, Renault Zoe, Volkswagen ID3, Kia Niro, Mercedes GLA, Skoda Kamiq, Jeep Compass, Mercedes GLB, Nissan Juke, Audi Q3 Sportback, Kia Xceed, Suzuki Ignis, and BMW 2-Series, all posted healthy results.

By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Police already have the powers to not only force drivers to replace their number plates if they don’t conform to strict regulations but if you have to be warned twice they can get the DVLA to issue a new random number.

This will affect those who have a plate that they have modified in order to make a word without adhering to the spacing rules. The plate will be rescinded by the DVLA and a new number allocated.

Between 2015 and May 2020 only 109 plates were rescinded putting pressure on police forces to exercise their powers as these illegal number plates are being missed by number plate recognition technology as drivers avoid paying tax and insurance or commit other crimes using these undetected cars.

In addition to the above number plate offenders who use fake designs to break common motoring laws such as speeding could soon face tougher penalties as a new bill is brought to the Commons.

Number plate offenders could soon be issued penalty points in a bid to crack down on an existing loophole which drivers get away with just a simple fine. Non-compliant plates are also being challenged as part of the new legislation which could affect thousands of road users.

These non-compliant designs are likely to include plates which are covered by dirt or mud which could see many caught unawares.

The Vehicle Registration Offences Penalty Points Bill passed its first step in the Commons at the end of November and is set for a second reading.

Speaking in the Commons, Conservative MP Andrew Griffith said the new changes would close a loophole in the law.

He warned that current rules allow anti-social road users to “defy” speeding rules and number plate cameras.

Mr Griffith said: “Despite an increase in police numbers the police simply can’t be everywhere all of the time.

“Cameras play a vital role in extending their eyes and this is where today’s bill will help. It does this by closing a loophole in the law as it stands today.

“Currently whilst speeding offences are endorsable, that is they result in points on the offenders driving licence.

“The offence of displaying a non-compliant or even displaying no number plate at all carries only a fine.

“This enables anti-social drivers on our roads, especially in rural areas to defy both speed and number plate recognition cameras with relative impunity.”

Those caught breaking the rules and using illegal plates will likely be issued a £100 non-endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice.

In extreme cases, costs can rise to £1,000 and plates could be revoked by the DVLA but this is less likely.

Mr Griffith added that paying the simple fine was often cheaper than booking onto a trackday where road users could speed legally.

He feels that the penalty did not act as a large enough deterrent for road offenders with the new bill set to benefit local residents in many rural locations.

He said: “This is particularly true for owners of high-performance bikes costing tens of thousands of pounds.

“A £100 fine for infringing the law on public roads is far less than the cost of admission to a private and regulated track day.

“More points means substantially higher insurance premiums as multiple offences make the loss of a licence a real consideration.

“Unlike a fine, penalty points are a real sanction and are more likely to change behaviour.”

Experts at the AA said more police was needed to catch those using illegal number plates on UK roads.

However, they raised fears that innocent road users could be penalised for simply uncovering the crime despite not breaking any laws themselves.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA said: “There are multiple areas that need to be addressed with this Bill.

“Most importantly, we need more cops in cars to catch these drivers with illegal plates in the first place. Often the cars are involved in other crimes.

“Registration plates can be stolen from the cars of innocent drivers or bought online without any ownership checks.

“Likewise, plates can be made with illegal fonts and sizes. More must be done here to stop the ease with which plates can be cloned and printed.

“All too often, it is those innocent drivers who uncover the crime and then take the rap for other offences they haven’t committed – when they start receiving fines for those offences.” By Graham Hill thanks to The Express