Motoring: Some new car availability returns - Peter Vosper

As some production of vital components improves more new car stocks are arriving in dealer showrooms.

Replacement cars for Motability customers are getting back on track, which is good news for those who have been waiting for deliveries.

Fleet and business cars are also being replaced and while the offers are far short of pre-Covid there is definitely flexibility from the manufacturers as production increases.

This, in turn, will bring in more part-exchanges to provide the used car market with new and increased numbers to meet demand and stabilise prices.

Additionally, we are beginning to see new entrants in the electric market with better range batteries and some additional charging facilities.

There are new entrants in the small- and medium-size cars as European manufacturers step up their pace to meet the new Chinese models already here or planned during the next two years.

Some Chinese brands are already following the success of MG and several dealers have been appointed to represent Ora, BYD, and Chery, with more brands to follow in due course. The Europeans see this as a major threat and are challenging the UK government to cut tariffs in conjunction with Europe to ensure no additional penalties for production and component movement.

There is ongoing pressure to move to electric and more cities are making it clear they want vehicles out of the city centres.

Where people live in high-rise flats and apartments this makes sense as charging would be difficult but some new house builds are not providing off- road parking and are also not allowing street parking.

There are more 20mph areas arriving and councils are actively looking to provide more cycle lanes to encourage motorists to park the car and jump on a bike in built-up areas.

Certainly, in some countries in Europe this has worked well with cycle lanes in some countries as large as car lanes and cyclists being given rights of way, for example, on roundabouts. There are proposals to register electric bikes, which can do up to 30mph, to ensure safety for the riders and other road users as well as pedestrians.

This is a greater challenge in the UK where there are more cars in confined spaces and lack of a comprehensive local rail or bus services at reasonable rates.

These changes will take many years to make and there is increased scepticism that electric cars will turn out to be the environmental panacea it’s claimed to be.

Many drivers have adopted a 'wait and see' approach and see no reason to rush into buying an electric car, at least until charging facilities and range have dramatically improved.

The electric van for local deliveries is however, presenting a different story. With a range of up to 200 miles - more realistically reaching 150 miles - there are real benefits for those determined to make them work.

I spoke to two owners at the Royal Cornwall Show who deliver to local businesses on a daily basis, covering around 100 miles.

In one case, the owner has solar panels at his business and told me his fuel costs were now nil. This stop-start activity is also much cleaner in electric mode and meets council’s requirements for the future.

As we approach 2030, look out for more interesting developments.

Written by Peter Vosper, Chairman of the Vosper Group