Sinclair Finance & Leasing

Do biofuels have a future?

The publication of an independent review of the government's biofuel plans have caused the future of biofuels to be thrown further into doubt.

The review found that the government's target that 10% of all transport fuels must be biofuel by 2012 is too ambitious and needs to be reconsidered.

Fleet managers concern for environment grows

"85% of organisations surveyed found reducing overall environmental impact to be a concern, yet 41% of respondents still so not include an environmental strategy in their fleet policy."

Fewer car users as credit crunch bites

A poll has shown that rising costs are forcing people out of their cars.

The poll for Abbey Mortgages has shown that people are tightening their belts because of rising prices, and it's having a major impact on how much we drive.

Government has back-tracked on planned fuel duty hike

Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced that the proposed 2p/litre fuel duty rise will not take place in October as planned.

"The global credit crunch and sharp rise in world oil prices have pushed up prices at the pump," said Darling. "Today's decision will help motorists and businesses get through what is a difficult time for everyone." (You'd never guess there was an important by-election coming up)

What Van? Awards 2007

The What Van? Awards 2007 announced two major manufacturers as winners of their two prestige awards.

The Editor's Choice award for 2007 was the Volkswagen Caddy DSG with the Van of the Year award 2007 going to Iveco's Daily.

What Van? Live 2008

Europe's biggest LCV ride and drive event is back in September 2008. A must-attend event for small business owners and fleet managers who want to put the latest commercial vehicles to the test. With a Series of exciting van test-drive debuts, What Van? Live 2008 promises to be a jam-packed event. This year's What Van? Live all-action driving event is appearing at an exciting new venue. It's taking place at the British International Motor Show, to be held at London's ExCel exhibition centre from 23 July to 3 August.

Fantastic Summer Savings at Sinclair Direct

Sinclair Direct have reduced over 25% of their used car stock, offering customers some amazing summer savings on high quality vehicles, only available at the two used car sites in Bridgend and Newport, South Wales, with brands including; Audi, BMW, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Saab, Vauxhall plus many more.                                                                                                                              

A sample of the fantastic offers on the pre-owned and ex company cars can be seen below (Click on Continue Reading):

Hydrogen Transit hits the roads

A high-performance panel van is set to show fleet operators how they could save money with vehicles running on hydrogen.

The 2.3-litre supercharged Ford Transit has been built to promote breakthrough technology to allow businesses and utilities generate their own alternative to traditional fuels.

Developed by Roush Technologies, the Transit will take to the road next month to prove how a new ‘home hydrogen station’ finally makes on-site refuelling viable for back-to-base transport operations.

Smoking in your car costs at re-sale time

One year on from the introduction of the smoking ban and businesses have been warned that drivers who smoke in their vehicles could end up costing the company more than a fine.

"Presentation is one of the strongest price factors in the used market and becomes even more important when used vehicle values are under pressure, as they are now,” Tim Naylor, PR manager at BCA, said.

“Presentation is not just about how it looks, but how it smells.

Stress avoiding satellite navigation system available within two years

Researchers are developing a new navigation system that alerts motorists to traffic jams ahead and advises of the best avoiding route before they reach the congestion.

The Congestion Avoidance Dynamic Routing Engine (CADRE) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret live traffic information shared between vehicles fitted with a special GPS.