What’s New in the Market, Vehicles Worth Considering This Spring
As we move into April and (hopefully) some better weather, it’s a good time to take a look at what’s coming through in the vehicle market and what’s actually worth considering for your fleet.
Despite all the noise around interest rates, fuel costs and general uncertainty, manufacturers are still pushing forward with new models, updated specs and improved efficiency. The key is knowing what genuinely works for your business, rather than just what looks good on paper.
Plug-in Hybrids Still Leading the Way
We’re continuing to see strong demand for plug-in hybrids, and it’s not hard to see why.
They offer a nice middle ground, lower running costs for shorter journeys, but without the range anxiety that still comes with full electric for some businesses.
Vehicles like the Toyota C-HR PHEV, Chery Tiggo 7 and even some of the newer Range Rover models are proving popular, especially for company car drivers where BIK is still a big factor. However, it is worth noting that from April 2028 PHEV BIK rates will surge, with most vehicles emitting 1-50g/km CO2 facing a new flat rate of 18% regardless of electric range!
Electric is Improving, But Not One-Size-Fits-All
Electric vehicles are continuing to improve, both in range and availability, and for the right application they work really well.
But (and it’s an important but), they’re not the perfect fit for every business yet.
If your vehicles are doing predictable daily mileage and returning to base, EVs can make a lot of sense. However, for more demanding operations or where charging infrastructure isn’t quite there, they can still create challenges.
We’re seeing more customers take a mixed approach here, blending EVs into the fleet where it works, rather than forcing a full switch.
Vans Practicality Still King
On the van side, it’s still all about reliability and usability.
The Ford Transit Custom continues to be a go-to choice, now with newer hybrid options coming into play. The Toyota Proace range also remains a strong contender, offering good spec and dependability.
Electric vans are improving, but again it comes down to usage. For city work they can be spot on, but for longer or more unpredictable routes, diesel still holds its place for now.
Spec vs Cost, Finding the Balance
One thing we are seeing more of is customers being much more conscious of specification.
It’s no longer just about getting the cheapest monthly price, it’s about getting the right vehicle that keeps drivers comfortable, productive and on the road.
Small upgrades like better infotainment, parking aids or improved comfort can make a bigger difference day-to-day than people expect, especially for high-mileage drivers.
Availability Is Still Key
While things have improved, lead times haven’t completely disappeared.
Some vehicles are readily available; others still require forward planning. If you’ve got vehicles coming up for replacement later this year, now is a good time to start having those conversations rather than leaving it too late.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of choice in the market right now, which is great… but it can also make decision-making a bit more difficult.
The reality is there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best fleets we see are the ones that take a balanced, practical approach, choosing the right vehicle for the job, not just following trends.
If you’re reviewing your fleet this spring or just want to sense-check what’s out there, feel free to give us a shout. As always, we’re happy to help.
By Megan Hall