Welcome to Business Car Manager
The slight respite in the price of fuel has been welcome. But the cost is still an issue. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says that fuel prices are actually hampering small business growth and hitting jobs. Nevertheless, cost constraints require intelligent answers. And businesses are responding. National Car Rental says companies have reduced their rental mileage by 19% and are more careful about choosing the right car for the right job – see the story here.
The manufacturers are responding, too. Ford has launched its low-emission and fuel-efficient ECOnetic model which we test in this issue. And then there’s super-frugal new superminis such as the new Ka and the new Honda Jazz. And, of course, the all-new Golf with its tax-efficient new diesel. It means we have more cost-efficient business cars to choose from. And more choice in the way we run them, as our feature on personal leasing explains.
Ralph Morton - editor
HEADLINE NEWS
The Volkswagen Golf – the iconic family hatchback car – is back for more with an all-new, higher quality Mk6 model. And a 13% tax rated diesel engine. Details here.
ALSO IN THE NEWS
It’s been 12 years coming, but the new Ford Ka looks worth it. Ford is promising an exuberant driving experience. Will city motoring be the same again?
Confusion over car age number plate identifiers costs money. Get it wrong and you could be at least £900 out of pocket. Are you one of the 30% at risk?
Honda’s stylish new supermini is sounding the right note with a new look, a range of tax-friendly engines, a spacious interior, and greater practicality. Tune in here.
ROAD TESTS
The Focus ECOnetic, Ford’s greenest Focus. Emissions are just 115g/m, the tax band is only 13%, but has Ford gone frugal and taken out the fun? Sam Hardy finds out.
At the other end of the Focus ECOnetic scale is the epic Aston Martin DB9, with its V12 powerhouse and horizon-grabbing performance. Sam Hardy buckles up.
ADVICE CENTRE
The choice of car funding methods is expanding, particularly with Personal Contract Hire. So what should you know about a personal lease? Paul Bulloch explains.
Business Car Manager Ltd, 95 Station Road, Hampton, Middx TW12 2BD. Registered as a company in England and Wales 5581943, and a member of the Federation of Small Businesses.
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