Welcome to Business Car Manager

Are you finding funding has got more difficult? The Federation of Small Businesses reckons 33% of businesses are having trouble sourcing new finance; and some 20% have seen bank charges go up. For reasons like this, I think now is the time for you and your business to consider leasing. You can do it through the company on contract hire; or privately through a personal lease. But either method has the same benefit: access to a new business car without having to find a big chunk of capital to finance it. And, here’s the real beauty of it: you keep other credit lines open to keep the cash flowing through your business. However difficult the banks are making it.

Talking of leasing, it’s becoming more tax-efficient. Something GE has highlighted regarding the new tax rules. They are all based around CO2. It’s why the emissions figure of 160g/km will become so important – and why we’ll see more cars like the latest Volvo XC60, pictured above, being launched with CO2 levels below that figure. The message is clear. The lower your car’s CO2, the better your fuel consumption: and the less you’ll pay in tax to the Chancellor.

Ralph Morton - editor

HEADLINE NEWS

Lease a car: keep your cash flowing

Now’s the time to switch to leasing argues Ralph Morton. You get a new car for a low monthly outlay. And keep other credit lines open. Should you try it?

ALSO IN THE NEWS

BMW introduces Business Edition 5 Series

Enjoy the benefits of driving business class – there’s leather and integrated satnav – with BMW’s latest Business Edition 5 Series models. More details here.

Audi A4 named Company Car of the Year

The Audi A4 is Company Car of the Year, beating the new Ford Fiesta, new VW Golf and BMW 5 Series in the process. Full run-down of winners here.

Drive down car costs with new tax rules

From April, new tax rules mean businesses and the self-employed can enjoy more tax relief on company cars. But not all cars are equal. Get the full picture now.

How to handle used car values in a recession

Are your used car prices a nightmare? Have you seen values crash through the floor? Actually, it’s not all bad news reports Professor Peter Cooke. Here’s why.

ROAD TESTS

Vauxhall Insignia: join the Elite class

Vauxhall’s top-range Elite model has it all: four-wheel drive, a V6, and adaptive suspension. But is it worth joining the Elite class? Sam Hardy finds out.

ADVICE CENTRE

You and your business: Kia

Kia provides good quality, good value cars – just the right mix for a recession. Sara Pratten explains why Kia and its cars might be good for your business.

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