Looks count for everything.

Especially when it comes to selling used business vehicles.

For small businesses, with just a few vehicles, vehicle condition is crucial.

This ensures depreciation has the minimum impact on the bottom line.

British Car Auctions (BCA) says the July 01 ban on smoking in public places could be damaging for businesses – if drivers light up in their business car or business van instead.

“If business drivers find it increasingly difficult to find a place to have a cigarette, they may be tempted to smoke in their car or van,” said BCA’s Tim Naylor.

“This is bad news for the vehicle owner. When it is time for it to be sold, a smoker’s vehicle is much less appealing to buyers.”

When the new no-smoking legislation comes into force, many company vehicles will be subject to the smoking ban. It is the employer’s duty to enforce the smoking ban.

“Smoking in a vehicle reduces its value. As the vehicle owner, any business has a right to protect the value of the assets it operates,” added Naylor.

Further information

• For more on how the new smoking regulations affect the operation of business cars and vans, read our Special Report at www.businessmotoring.co.uk.