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The Business Motoring Week, December 08 2017

From company car mileage rates to updated Transit, the editor’s guide to the automotive business world in The Business Motoring Week December 08 2017
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8 December 2017

Lamborghini Urus Super SUV
Hardly pc, but utterly fabulous all the same: Lamborghini’s new Urus super SUV

Outrageous – but fabulous

The launch of the Lamborghini Urus elevates SUVs into supercar territory – or as Lamborghini puts it: the super SUV. Check this out: a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 not only delivering a massive 650hp but an earth-shrinking 850Nm of torque. Oh, and 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds. Hold on for an epic ride here.

 

Diesel image for Diesel sales drop but UK government going to court on air quality

Diesel sales drop but UK government going to court on air quality

DIESEL car sales may have dropped dramatically last month as drivers decide not to take up cleaner diesels. But air quality remains a real issue with older diesels still choking the atmosphere – see our report Government blamed as 27,000-car diesel dive drives down November registrations.

And it’s that very lack of clarity on a way forward to clean the air that ClientEarth is taking the UK government to court for a third time over illegal and harmful levels of air pollution in the country, after Mr Justice Nicklin ruled the government had a case to answer.

ClientEarth CEO James Thornton said: “We’re not surprised that the judge has ruled that the government has a case to answer here.”

ClientEarth’s case rests on:

  • The latest plan backtracks on previous commitments to order five cities to introduce clean air zones by 2020;
  • The plan does not require any action in 45 local authorities in England, despite them having illegal levels of air pollution.
  • The plan does not require any action by Wales to bring down air pollution as quickly as possible.

LEVC TX outside Battersea power stationStill, there is some welcome relief for London’s choking air: the London EV Company’s new TX range extender electric taxi was fully certified to carry fare-paying passengers in London this week (pictured left); unlike beleaguered ride hailing firm Uber which lost its licence to operate in Sheffield.

 

Ford Transit Custom 2018
Redesigned twin bonnet stripes and exterior body kit are just part of the updates to Ford Transit Custom 2018

Ford Transit Custom gets a makeover for 2018

To be honest, I’d hardly credit this brilliant van needed any tinkering. It’s great to drive, looks terrific and delivers the goods out of the rear doors – for more than 47,000 users this year. But Ford thought otherwise. For 2018, the van market leaders have given the Ford Transit Custom a freshen up. Read our review to find out what Ford has done.

 

Mercedes-Benz E-Class in city

Are you claiming the correct company car mileage rates?

Hurrah! Some relief for company car drivers – HMRC has recognized that the price of fuel has risen and altered the advisory fuel rates (AFRs) – aka company car mileage rates – to suit. So don’t miss out – make sure you are claiming the correct amount for your business mileage. You won’t get it back if you don’t.

 

Andy Alderson - ceo of Vanarama which entered Sunday Times Top 100
Andy Alderson – fast tracking van leasing firm Vanarama

Vanarama shoots into Sunday Times Fast Track 100

2017 Fast Track 100 logoVan leasing specialists Vanarama are on a real roll at the moment. Well known for the company’s sponsorship of the National League football, the company has recently launched a new insurance product, introduced its very own AI chat bot iVan, introduced the brand to the States, and now it’s entered the influential Sunday Times Fast Track 100 under founder Andy Alderson’s guidance. Busy year Andy? Find out more here.

 

BMW M3 CSThe Steve Oliver interview – BMW’s commitment to a diesel future

Steve Oliver BMWI had the chance to catch up with Steve Oliver (left) now fully one year into the role as head of BMW’s corporate sales operation. This covers everything from negotiating leasing deals with the contract hire companies to ensuring BMW’s small business programme – Business Partnership – is up to scratch for SME small fleets. I also had the chance to ask him about his famous statement that diesel is the fuel of the future: it seemed to fly in the face of current opinion. Apparently not. Find out why here.

Audi A5 Sportback in Moonlight blue

Kind of blue

To be honest, you’re more than likely to find Mile Davis playing in my Audi A5 Sportback. But aside from my musical leanings, blue is becoming the colour of choice for your car. Automotive paint specialists PPG has released some research showing that while white remains Europe’s number one colour preference, blue is on the rise. Check out the colour palettes to stay bang on trend – including my Audi’s ‘Moonlight blue’.

 

 

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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