Welcome to Business Car Manager

Without a glimmer of irony, the government slipped additional tax on our fuel – on April Fool’s Day. The rise, of 1.84p a litre, might not sound too much. But put it into ‘old money’, add the VAT, and you have nearly 10p extra a gallon – an additional £1.40 to fill the fuel tank on my Audi A4. There’s another rise in fuel duty slated for next year. One thing is crystal clear: fuel-efficient cars will save you more money in tax. If your business hasn’t focused on the CO2 issue, now might be a good time. Before the government fingers more of your hard-earned cash.

If the government is taking more money out of our private pockets and business bank accounts, then one way to relieve cash flow issues is a sale & leaseback agreement. Brian Rogerson, our expert writer on motor finance, has been looking at the appeal of sale & leaseback to small businesses. It’s the first in a monthly series of car finance articles, supported by leasing broker Fleet Alliance, that I hope you will find useful and informative. The other issue of the moment is the use of hands-free mobiles. This follows business director Lynne-Marie Howden’s successful prosecution. Dr Will Murray has some sound advice.

Ralph Morton - editor

HEADLINE NEWS

Recession grows sale & leaseback appeal

As the recession bites, moving car assets into cash through a sale & leaseback agreement has growing interest from small businesses. Brian Rogerson reports.

ALSO IN THE NEWS

Vauxhall launches Insignia Sports Tourer

The Vauxhall Insignia range grows with the introduction of the new Sports Tourer estate. Prices start below £18k for the elegant, business-spec Exclusiv model.

The hot hatch king blasts in

Form an orderly queue: the new Golf GTI is on its way. Boasting a 210PS engine, and sophisticated electronics to ensure its smooth delivery, the GTI arrives May.

ROAD TESTS

Honda Accord Type S: high-power Honda diesel

Honda has injected a dose of magic into the Accord with a new high power diesel variant: the Type S. It’s transformed the Accord reckons editor Ralph Morton.

Fiat 500: retro look is low-tax magic

Here’s how to drive in style yet pay as little as £16 in company car tax. The Fiat 500 not only looks cool, it takes the heat off running costs.

ADVICE CENTRE

Mobile phones in cars: review policy

The prosecution of business director Lynne-Marie Howden has caused a fundamental re-evaluation of mobile use in cars. Dr Will Murray suggests businesses follow 3m’s lead.

Photocard driving licences: is yours still valid?

Many aren’t says road traffic solicitor Sean Joyce, because they need renewing every 10 years. And the fine for forgetfulness could be as high as £1000. Stay legal here.

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