SMMT PBR welcome
December 9th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
SMMT chief Paul Everett has welcomed the Chancellor’s support of new eco car technology.
However, he is now seeking clarity on ‘unclear’ details in the rest of the Pre-Budget Report.
‘2010 is set to be another extremely difficult year for the UK motor industry, as increased VAT and first year VED rates directly impact on consumer demand,’ he said.
This presents an opportunity, ‘to take advantage of the transition to low carbon vehicles, with new incentives for company car drivers and van buyers, as well as extra resources for collaborative research and development.’
Investment into the UK will be driven by low-CO2 tech, reckons the Chancellor, and Everett said this is something the car industry agrees with.
Green incentives ‘give company car drivers the option of paying 0 percent benefit-in-kind tax by opting for an electric car’ – which, with the added incentives for green vans, should aid the take-up of eco technology.
However, not everything is as clear-cut, added Everett. ‘Investment in small and medium enterprises (SME) is essential as industry is built on the foundation of these companies.
‘During the past year, it has been unclear how businesses can access this support, so with the Chancellor’s renewed backing for SME assistance, SMMT hopes for greater clarity.’
Pre-Budget Report 2009: Follow it here!
Tags: Budget, Chancellor, pbr, SMMT