Press Releases

The split between business and private demand for new vehicles is becoming a gulf, with the BVRLA’s latest Leasing Outlook report showing the two market segments moving in opposite directions.

The race against the clock presented by the introduction of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate was top of the agenda when Central Contracts welcomed their local MP to their head office. Forming part of the BVRLA’s Industry Champions programme, the visit (Friday 22 March) saw Central Contracts’ MD, Mike Lloyd host MP Jack Brereton to the Stoke-on-Trent site.

Half of all local authorities now have an electric vehicle charging strategy in place, but only a tiny proportion are talking to fleets about their needs. The latest Fleet Friendly Charging Index from the BVRLA shows that 49% of local authorities have a plan in place, up from 37% last year.

Steve Cocks of Lex Autolease has been named as the latest recipient of the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award. Presented at the BVRLA Annual Dinner, the award recognises an individual leading the way in their support for the industry.

BVRLA response to Spring Budget. The BVRLA has welcomed the extension of full expensing to rental and leasing, but warned that the government has missed a timely opportunity to support the transition to cleaner, greener road transport. The landmark shift in Government tax policy is poised to unlock up to £1bn worth of additional investment in commercial vehicles.

Over three million people are at risk of falling behind in the UK’s zero-emission journey, unless the government takes immediate steps to support the transition to electric vans. That is according to a coalition of industry experts and trade bodies, who have launched the “Zero Emission Van Plan” to highlight where action is needed.

The BVRLA leasing fleet has reached a six-year high, recording 2.2% year-on-year growth to approach levels last seen in Q4 2017. The association’s latest Leasing Outlook Report shows the total lease fleet nudging above 1.9m vehicles thanks to increased demand for leased vans and Business Contract Hire (BCH) cars.

The fleet leasing sector is primed to play a vital role in the UK meeting its electric vehicle targets, in line with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate coming into effect this week. 42% of new cars added to the BVRLA’s leasing fleet in Q3 2023 were battery electric vehicles (BEV), giving a strong foundation for the industry to achieve the 22% target set for total new car sales in 2024.

Nora Leggett is to retire from the BVRLA at the end of December 2023, after more than 26 years serving its members. 

The vehicle rental and leasing sector is feeling positive about 2024. The BVRLA’s latest Industry Outlook report shows members are predicting growth across virtually all market segments, and feeling more confident about business conditions.

The BVRLA has launched a revised version of its Fair Wear and Tear Standard for Commercial Vehicles and Minibuses. The Guide is widely accepted across the industry for setting the bar for vehicle condition, giving a reliable reference point for end-of-contract inspections.

The Government has provided assurances that further solutions are under development to support the van sector’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. Speaking at the BVRLA’s recent Fleets in Charge webinar, Lizzie Culwick, joint head of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) discussed van-specific measures relating to charging infrastructure, user experience, and financial incentives.