Sunday, 27. December 2009
More people are taking cars on lease as it saves money and improves cash flow. They are also wising up to the fact that cars have to be returned in a ‘reasonable’ condition which means any damage should be repaired or you could face some serious refurbishment charges if the leasing company assesses the work when the vehicle is returned. As a result many are turning to the cheapest alternative and that is the Read more »
Wednesday, 23. December 2009
Confusion is going to reign over the many issues that will surround the use of electric cars as company vehicles. Already manufacturers are developing their new electric cars with some such as Peugeot already taking reservations on their new cars. But who pays for the fuel? Cars will need to be charged at the driver’s home as well as at work so who foots the bill and how will it be proportioned between business and Read more »
Tuesday, 22. December 2009
I’ve spoken about back problems before and mentioned the potential dangers faced by employers who choose cars for employees, considered unfit for purpose, in my book ‘An Insider Guide To Car Finance.’ However the University of Loughborough, whose research into driver back problems I mentioned recently, have issued some guidance for drivers and employers when selecting cars that will be used for Read more »
Monday, 21. December 2009
It’s been a mixed year for us in the car leasing business. Cars have become more and more difficult to source and lenders have pulled out of the broker market in their droves but we have still managed to find some pretty good deals to keep the interest going. We are all uncertain about next year as we are still in recession and manufacturers are still struggling to meet demand but one thing is for sure, I’ll still be pushing Read more »
Saturday, 19. December 2009
As companies make redundancies it is likely that drivers will have to cover larger territories, drive for longer periods and cover greater distances. The fear is that back problems will increase rapidly and lead to more sickness. With Bluetooth connection and auxiliary power outlets in cars it is now possible for company cars to be used as mobile offices causing more workers to be sitting in them to work. The Read more »
Friday, 18. December 2009
The Government has announced a review into drink and drugs legislation to be reported in March 2010. Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, has appointed Sir Peter North to investigate the issues with a view to considering a reduction in drink drive limits and new drug-driving legislation. There were 430 drink driving related deaths last year. The review will investigate the suggestion that a lower limit Read more »
Thursday, 17. December 2009
We’ve heard that house prices have increased again but that we shouldn’t take this as a sign that the economy is recovering as it is simply a result of supply and demand. Few houses available with more buyers looking. I’m now hoping that the same rationale is being used when leasing companies view the recent drop in used car prices following nearly a year of increases. The improved returns through auction was Read more »
Wednesday, 16. December 2009
There are over 1,100 whiplash claims every day, how incredible is that? Not surprising that next year Ministry of Justice reforms will aim to speed through claims when the claims are between £1,000 and £10,000, reduced down from 60 days to 15 days. As we all know whiplash is one of the most fraudulent claims that motorists make but for those that actually suffer whiplash it can affect mobility for the rest of their life Read more »
Tuesday, 15. December 2009
Contract hire companies are becoming more difficult when it comes to end of lease condition. Also, whilst new cars retain their warranty, when they are serviced at non franchised garages (dealerships), you need to be certain that the servicing meets the manufacturers recommendations. Â So in the case of cars having body repairs carried out you need to know that they are repaired properly to avoid the Read more »
Monday, 14. December 2009
Many large companies now use telematics to assess the efficiency of their drivers, understand how they drive and whether they take the most efficient route when they are out on their travels. Telematics is a sort of extended Tracker system that not only plots the route of the driver but also records all sorts of other data such as speed, acceleration, braking, fuel consumption etc. The fact is that with so much data Read more »