New Motability Fees; Exclusive Cullinan Edition; May Settles Out of Court
The latest round of transport and motoring news brings cost changes, corporate retreats, and bespoke luxury commissions. Markets, industry risks, and legal matters also featured prominently. Filmogaz.com summarises the key developments.
Motability scheme adjusts costs
The Motability scheme will introduce New Motability Fees to recoup £300 million in new taxes. Changes include revised mileage allowances and extra charges for excess miles.
Customers may also face fees when taking vehicles abroad. Advance payments at the start of new leases could rise by as much as £400.
Manufacturers shift strategy
Sony Honda Mobility drops Afeela 1
Sony Honda Mobility has halted development of the Afeela 1 electric saloon. The car had been pitched with a claimed range of up to 300 miles.
Honda also scaled back its ‘0’ Series electrification plan. The 0 Saloon and 0 SUV projects were affected.
Rolls-Royce launches Exclusive Cullinan Edition
Rolls-Royce unveiled four Cullinan Yachting commissions inspired by cardinal points. Each bespoke Cullinan carries a unique colour scheme and nautical detailing.
The four cars are named North, East, South and West. Finishes include Crystal over Light Blue and Dark Silk Teal.
All models wear 22-inch fully polished wheels. The maker says the wheels echo polished deck fittings on modern yachts.
Markets and industry warnings
London stocks fell as oil prices rose amid doubts over US-Iran discussions. The FTSE 100 closed down 134.67 points at 9,972.17.
The FTSE 250 ended down 179.38 points at 21,296.07. Paris’s Cac 40 dropped 1.0%, while Frankfurt’s Dax 40 fell 1.5%.
Dealers face fraud threats from convincing fake HMRC letters. Scammers aim to steal VAT and Government Gateway credentials.
Keyloop reported that 94% of dealers suffer from disconnected systems. That inefficiency can cost a large site up to £800,000 each year.
HMRC published a ‘name and shame’ list after levying £324,000 in fines. The fines relate to deliberate tax defaults totalling £593,765.
Staff at Big Motoring World say they feel unsupported during a redundancy consultation. The company is reviewing roles after a warranty overhaul.
Warranty Solutions Group highlighted the importance of a strong warranty experience. Poor service can damage a dealer’s reputation.
Legal and political updates
Former Top Gear presenter James May reached a settlement to avoid trial. May Settles Out of Court after a DVLA prosecution over a motorcycle insurance matter.
The case involved a 50-year-old orange Suzuki. He attended Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court by motorcycle, wearing orange attire.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he regrets appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. He said he “beat himself up” over the decision.
Documents revealed warnings about reputational risks tied to Mr Mandelson’s associations. Questions remain over the appointment process.
Weather outlook
The UK faces a wet and unsettled day. Southern areas will see rain with highs near 11–12 °C.
The Midlands will be cloudy with frequent showers. Northern England and Scotland should expect persistent rain and cooler temperatures around 9–10 °C.
- For ongoing coverage and analysis, visit Filmogaz.com.
