News in brief: Vehicle Consulting Solent new appointment; VRA meeting considers finance and insurance changes; Tucson is Silverstone sales winner

Vehicle Consulting Solent appoints new senior consultant

ISLE of Wight based AR Vehicle Consulting Solent has appointed Julian Tomlinson as its new senior consultant for business on the island.

Julian joins Vehicle Consulting Solent after 16 years with Isle of Wight family packaging business Betapack.

He brings a wealth of local business knowledge and experience, as well as advanced business systems and process insights according to managing director Nancy Thorley, who adds: “We feel this will enable him to push forward with our vision of enabling Isle of Wight businesses to reduce their environmental impact through fleet optimisation.”

With over 15 years of project management experience, I am eager to take on this role in the dynamic EV industry, guiding Isle of Wight businesses to optimise their fleets for environmental sustainability and supporting their staff to do the same.

In my previous role, I recognised the benefits of eco-friendly transportation and helped manage the transition to the company’s first electric vans. I’m excited to use this expertise to help transition businesses to both electric vehicles and efficient commercial vans, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Julian Tomlinson, senior consultant, Vehicle Consulting Solent Tweet

First VRA meeting looks at impact of finance and insurance changes

FINANCE and insurance are the themes being explored at the first Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) meeting of 2024, which takes place at the Derby premises of Geldards on Thursday 25 January.

The event will look at the impact of a changing motor finance market and rising premiums on the remarketing sector. There will also be an update on the LCV market and new van grading system, plus an auction discussion panel.

VRA chair Philip Nothard said: “We’ll be taking an in-depth look at the current state of the finance and insurance industries and the impact that they are having on remarketing. Certainly, the availability of motor finance for used cars and rapidly rising insurance premiums are both having an impact on our sector.”

Tucson is Silverstone sales winner but EVs account for over 25% of orders

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE leasing broker Silverstone Leasing reports that the Hyundai Tucson retained its number one position from 2022 as the most ordered vehicle by clients.

But the company added that EV sales were getting stronger with 28% of vehicles coming with a plug and over 20% were full EVs. The Tesla Model Y was the second most popular vehicle after the Tucson

Silverstone Leasing account manager Tom Bailey said: “I think these statistics provide a really interesting view of the year, indicate sales trends and give us a clue as to what to expect in 2024.”