London mayor Boris Johnson took the motor industry another step down the low-emission path this week when his consultation document for the London congestion charge included the plan for cars under 101g/km to be given an exemption from the new £10 per day charge from the beginning of next year.
We’ve had a look at the huge range of cars available at the 100g/km or below CO2 point, as well as those models that offer alternatives under 111g/km and 121g/km. Manufacturers have, almost universally, made such spectacular progress in the offering of low-emission cars that even the 100g/km and below sector now has real desirable choice for staff up to a certain grade, while below 121g/km, for the current lowest benefit-in-kind tax band, there’s something to suit every company car requirement up to director level if a company felt so inclined.
But that 100g/km sector is the one that’s going to become increasingly crucial – as Boris’s actions prove – because of the 2012 benefit-in-kind changes that see the bands shift downwards.
Tax-conscious drivers will need to, at that point, be in a car under 101g/km to take advantage of the lowest BIK banding, while the percentage taxed on every other emission level will rise. That’s close enough to be impacting on decisions being made now, and I’m sensing the penny is yet to drop with many fleets and, more importantly, their drivers.
Paul Barker, Editor
BusinessCar