All articles by Alejandro Gonzalez

FCA extends complaint deadline for motor finance firms in ongoing DCA probe

City regulator extends deadline for motor finance firms to respond to customer complaints regarding DCAs until December 2025.

HiQ Tyres & Autocare and Carsa announce UK strategic partnership

HiQ Tyres & Autocare and Carsa have partnered to open two new automotive centres in the West Midlands, with plans for a national rollout.

Close Brothers sells wealth management unit to Oaktree for £200m amid motor finance probe

Close Brothers has agreed to sell its wealth management unit to Oaktree in a £200mn deal as it seeks to strengthen its capital position ahead of a regulatory investigation into motor finance practices.

Lease Group partners with Siemens FS

Partnership will enable rapid credit decisions in seconds, allowing businesses faster access to essential equipment and technology, the companies said.

Leasing could soften the blow as EVs face ‘expensive car supplement’ from April 2025 in the UK

From April 2025, electric cars priced over £40,000 will face the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) for the first time. However, leasing options could help drivers manage the added cost.

EV skills shortage threatens Europe’s green transport revolution

As EV registrations decline, the European automotive sector faces a technician shortage, risking missed opportunities for mechanics and higher costs for consumers. Closing this skills gap is crucial for sustainable EV growth, says Marc Russell, CCO at FixMyCar.

Volvo suspends vehicle subscription service across US and Europe

Volvo has halted its Care by Volvo subscription programme, allowing current members to complete their terms but shifting focus to core offerings and new product launches in a cost-cutting move.

Survival of the fittest: How captives are adapting to a new era of mobility

Captive finance companies like VWFS and Daimler FS are transitioning from traditional vehicle financing to mobility ecosystems, offering services beyond loans and leases. As AI and digital disruptors reshape the market, these captives must evolve or risk falling behind.

Automotive firms failing to identify vulnerable customers: Comentis

EV adoption faces market hurdles: declining values and misinformation

Auto Trader’s James Standing discusses the unexpected challenges of the electric vehicle transition, from declining residual values to shifting consumer preferences.