The WLTP Deadline Is Approaching Which Could lead To Some Massive Bargains
Friday, 18. May 2018
The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is causing all sorts of problems in the industry. As we get closer to 1st September, after which all cars registered must meet the WLTP (real world) emissions tests, there is a fear that there will be a large number of cars that don’t meet the tests and will need to be scrapped.
The chances are that cars that are not sold and in stock will be pre-registered and sold at highly discounted prices. The real concern for manufacturers is cars that are delayed in transit as a result of cars now being built all over the world now.
Most other European countries have allowed a period of grace to avoid this situation but the UK Government has not announced any allowance so far. Whilst this is likely to be good news for those taking cars in September that have been pre-registered in August, we are suffering from a lack of cars available in the meantime.
If they believe that their cars may fail the emissions tests manufacturers are holding back production until their cars have been approved in case modifications need to be carried out before they can start production again. Whilst it may be tempting to hold back in order to ‘bag a bargain’ in August/September there is no guarantee that there will be cars about that manufacturers will want to heavily discount.
Especially if the deadline is extended taking away the pressure to pre-register. My advice is to take a car now if you see a deal that you like rather than take the risk. A bird in the hand and all that. By Graham Hill
