Peter Vosper: New car, new registration, new powertrain?

With September’s new 75 plates arriving there are many challenges as consumers look to upgrade their car.

For those who feel an electric car may make sense you may have to wait a little longer to find out whether the car you want is under £37,000, and if so, whether it is eligible for the £3,750 grant, the £1500 grant or nothing at all.

Manufacturers are working hard to get the information required by the government, which because of the lack of consultation before the announcement, was not clear when the announcement was made. According to the website GOV.UK there are still no cars eligible for the £3750 but manufacturers are still submitting evidence, and we must try and remain optimistic this will change over the next week. 

Ther growth in the electric car market in this part of the country is in the plug-in hybrids, which can provide the answer to congestion or ULEZ charges in the big cities and at the same time reduce the vehicle excise payments and remove range anxiety and inconvenience for those who do not have a wall box at home.

If you are not ready for the change to electric there are already some attractive offers for the month of September. There are many desirable two-, three-, and four-year-old popular cars which dealers are looking for, as used car demand and sales continue to grow. This is because the difference between what many PCP drivers are paying now and what they have been asked to pay is making them think there is better value in the used car.

The challenge for the manufacturers and dealers is to narrow that gap so that the new technology and the manufacturers’ warranty become the better choice. Motability new car customers will find more choice and minimal deposit requirements on a wide range of products and decisions may be difficult to make.

Small business will be looking to see the best buys in electric (the grants may be the deciding factor), and hoping the manufacturers will need to make their electric targets in what could be the biggest month of the year. The big fleets will be hoping to get their deals on volume purchases to help manufacturers reduce stocks before the winter.

The motor industry has always been a volatile business but has survived through the peaks and troughs and the consumer has usually responded to marketing actions which meet their requirements. Look out for the September offers which save money for you in the long term and gives you peace of mind on your most important method of transport in these challenging times. Costs are not just your monthly payment but running costs including fuel, servicing and necessary maintenance.

There is also the advantage of the latest technology which may add to your and your passengers’ safety as well as help to make your journey less stressful. Whatever happens to the new vehicle market more used car product will become available in September and this market will continue to grow.