The automotive industry is going through a lot of change with the arrival of new brands, the switch from petrol and diesel to electric, and the increase in new technology designed to improve our safety on the roads. Independent motoring expert Richard Aucock explains all.
New car availability is returning to normal after years of disruption due to the pandemic. Shortages of key parts, such as computer chips, meant production levels at car factories fell. This had knock-on effects on new car choice and waiting times for everyone, including the Motability Scheme customers. The selection of cars available is improving meaning things should return to how they were before the pandemic.
These improvements coincide with a great amount of change for the car industry. The introduction of significant new regulations means both the technology in cars, and what powers them, is improving. These regulations have been put in place to improve road safety and outline a legal framework for automated and fully driverless vehicles. The official outline of these regulations can be found on the European Commission website.
Alongside the big manufacturer brands we all recognise, there are also some new brands arriving in the UK. These new brands are quickly introducing models which will compete with familiar models that people have driven for decades.
It all means the car industry is transforming. To help you understand the changing landscape, and what it may mean for your next car with the Motability Scheme, I thought I’d highlight some of the headlines facing the car industry in 2024.
The increasing switch to electric vehicles (EVs)
I’ve previously explained the government’s new ZEV Mandate. This requires all car makers to sell a minimum number of electric cars each year. The proportion of EVs will increase every year between now and 2030. This year, 22% of all new cars sold must be electric. By 2030, the proportion rises to 80%. You can read the full update on this on the UK Government website.
This will see the new car market increasingly switch to electric car choices. Alongside familiar petrol and diesel cars, more and more electric cars, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), will become available. This could imply that there will be fewer options for petrol and diesel cars, but we can anticipate that new electric models will make up for it.
As the years progress, the pressure on car makers to sell more and more electric cars will increase. This could even result in some once-popular petrol and diesel cars being withdrawn from sale entirely. This will be challenging for some, but your dealer will help draw up new options for you to ensure you find an EV that suits you.
And if you are thinking about making the switch to an electric car, there’s never been a better time to do so. The driving range of EVs is increasing all the time and the public charging network is growing by the day.
Did you know?
Customers on the Scheme can choose from two convenient ways to charge their electric car. With your first EV, you can get a home chargepoint included with the Motability Scheme partner, Ohme, once your application has been approved and given you have the correct permissions. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a chargepoint at home.
There’s also a public charging alternative, called Motability Go Charge. You’ll get this as part of your worry-free package when you get a new electric car on the Scheme. It gives you access to more than 45,000 public chargers, including 70% of all rapid chargepoints.
New brands and changing prices
An interesting trend for 2024 and beyond will be the arrival of new electric car brands. Lots of these will come from China, but there are also fast-growing new car companies from Vietnam, Japan and America.
The likes of BYD, the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, and GWM ORA are already here and available on the Motability Scheme. Other car brands to have on your radar include Omoda, Jaecoo, Seres, VinFast, and Fisker. Do not be surprised if one of these new brands spring up at a dealer near you soon.
Did you know?
Every three months, the Motability Scheme renegotiates prices so they can offer the best deals from each manufacturer. The best way to keep up to speed with the new cars available can be found on the Motability Scheme Price List which is updated every three months. The next price list will be released on 1 April.
Remember, prices can go up as well as down. But the good news with improving supply is that the Scheme can offer more models from a broader range of makes, with a selection of them offering low or even no Advance Payment.
New technology delivering safer cars
New cars have more safety features than ever. This gives you peace of mind when driving the newest models, as you know you’ll have the best protection in place.
Newly launched cars from 2024 will benefit from additional safety features, under what’s known as GSR2 rules. This stands for General Safety Regulations and is an EU-wide initiative. These include a driver drowsiness system, which uses an infra-red camera to monitor the driver’s attention levels. There’s a clever speed limit assist too that knows the legal limits of the road being driven on and will play a warning sound if it’s being exceeded. The regulations also enhance features such as lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.
The safety suite must be fitted to all new cars, including the smallest and most accessible models. The idea is to serve as an always-on backup ‘co-driver’, acting as extra support for the driver. They can be particularly useful in supporting those with mobility issues. Many find the ‘safety blanket’ of such systems very reassuring, as the car is always looking out for them.
In summary, there are plenty of changes underway in 2024 can create some challenges. But there has rarely been a more exciting time to be in the market for a new car. The choice is broader than ever, and some of the latest new models are high-tech masterpieces that really are fun to drive.
About the Scheme
The Motability Scheme makes leasing a car an easy, hassle-free experience. With the Scheme, you can exchange part or all of your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new vehicle of your choice. Insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and maintenance are already arranged and included in the price you pay, so you can enjoy the freedom that comes with a worry-free lease.
- Learn about the types of vehicle available to lease on the Scheme
- Check if you’re eligible to join the Scheme
- Request a free information pack to learn more about the Scheme
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