Tips, advice and news from Future Vehicle Leasing http://109.228.4.40/blog http://backend.userland.com/rss GoshMedia v1.0 Number six in our series of blogs on the new rules of the Low Emission Zone looks at which vehicles are exempt or entitled to a discount. In addition to the 'early adopters' mentioned in previous blogs whose engines meet the new standards for particulate matter, some other types of vehicle are able to avoid the daily LEZ charge despite being, on the face of it, 'too old' or 'too polluting'. Exemptions The exempt vehicles include 'historic' vehicles built before 1 January 1973, vehicles operated by the Ministry of Defence and specialist vehicles designed for off-road use but which may use the road on a limited basis... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/classic-car-drivers-escape-the-lez.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/classic-car-drivers-escape-the-lez.html This is my fourth in a series of blogs on alternatives to fuel- powered vehicles, covering electric and hybrid vehicles; this fourth blog will look at two of the newest most innovative electric vehicles on the market. Plug-in Hybrid Volkswagen Golf The Volkswagen gold is expected to be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this year, it is the next generation and will feature new powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid version... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/recently-revealed-electric-vehicles.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/recently-revealed-electric-vehicles.html This is my third in a series of blogs on alternatives to fuel-powered vehicles, covering electric and hybrid vehicles; this blog will discuss the cost of electric vehicles and if it is worth it or not. Cost to Buy Electric cars have been criticized for being expensive cars to buy. The standard base price is often almost twice as much as buying a petrol-powered car but, with the cost of petrol rising, in the long run it could be a cheaper alternative... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/cost-electric-cars-worthwhile.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/cost-electric-cars-worthwhile.html This is my second in a series of blogs on alternatives to fuel-powered vehicles, covering electric and hybrid vehicles; this second blog will look at the specific alternatives to fuel-powered vehicles. For more than 100 years, the engine of choice has been the internal combustion engine, but now four main types of electric cars exist. Hybrid Electric Vehicles These vehicles use a small electric battery to complement a standard car engine, with an increased fuel efficiency of around 25% compared to normal vehicles... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/hybrid-electric-vehicles-powered.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/hybrid-electric-vehicles-powered.html This is my first in a series of blogs on alternatives to fuel- powered vehicles, covering electric and hybrid vehicles; this first blog will focus on the newer, most innovative vehicles on the market. Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius Hybrid vehicle can go very far and very quickly on electricity alone. It was the first of the Toyota hybrid vehicles and auto reviews have described the vehicle as a leader in the green car industry... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/best-hybrids-available-market.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/best-hybrids-available-market.html The fifth in our series of blogs on London's Low Emission Zone examines the impact of recent changes on medium-sized vehicles such as vans, minibuses and pick-ups. Under the tighter rules of the LEZ, which came into effect on 3 January this year, a number of medium-sized vehicles are required to meet the Euro III standard for particulate matter (ie exhaust emissions) in order to drive within the zone without paying a daily charge... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/drive-older-pick-up-beware-lez.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/drive-older-pick-up-beware-lez.html The fourth in our series of blogs on the capital's Low Emission Zone looks at the effect of recent LEZ changes on heavy vehicles. The more stringent rules of the Low Emission Zone , implemented from 3 January 2012, require lorries, buses, coaches and other heavy vehicles to meet the Euro IV standard - rather than the previous Euro III - for particulate matter (PM) in order to drive within the zone without paying a daily charge... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/lez-pushes-heavy-vehicles-euro-iv.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/lez-pushes-heavy-vehicles-euro-iv.html For the third in our series of blogs on London's Low Emission Zone (LEZ), we explain the changes that were implemented on 3 January 2012. Many Londoners remain oblivious to the fact that the scope of the capital's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) - launched back in 2008 to encourage the most polluting diesel vehicles driving in London to become cleaner - was extended on 3 January this year. Covering an area that mirrors almost exactly the Greater London Authority, the LEZ requires vehicles driving within the zone to meet certain emissions standards - limiting the amount of particulate matter coming from their exhausts - in order avoid paying a daily charge... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/lez-3-january-2012-changes.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/lez-3-january-2012-changes.html In our series of blogs on London's Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which began with clean air or dirty tax? We take a look at the nuts and bolts of the scheme - where it operates, when it applies and how it is implemented. Introduced in 2008, the LEZ is designed to encourage the most polluting diesel vehicles driving in London to become cleaner. In order to drive within the LEZ without paying a daily charge, certain types of vehicles must meet the required emissions standards, which limit the amount of particulate matter coming from their exhaust systems... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/the-lez-where-when-how.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/the-lez-where-when-how.html Here at Future Vehicle Leasing, we want to keep you up-to-date with government initiatives that affect the cost of motoring and in fact everything that's relevant to drivers today. This blog post is the first in a series examining London's Low Emission Zone in which we'll be looking at how the scheme operates, how you might be affected and what you can do to minimise your costs. The media, companies, charities and many individual Londoners are finally waking up to the realities posed by the more stringent rules of the capital's Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which come into force on 3 January 2012 ... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/low-emission-zone-clean-air-dirty-tax.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/low-emission-zone-clean-air-dirty-tax.html Image courtesy of blogspot.com The ace Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 Sound 5dr can be leased and drive away today for only £175 per month. Fiat have built a formidable reputation over the last decade for brilliantly styled vehicles, combined with high build quality and reliability - this car is no exception. The Grande Punto is neatly styled, great fun to drive, and has a frugal petrol engine under the bonnet... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/fiat-grande-punto-175-a-month.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/fiat-grande-punto-175-a-month.html Speed limits on UK roads have been a contentious issue for years, with calls for the limits on our motorways to be increased. Well it seems that this may finally happen. Speed limits increased to 80mph Image courtesy of wikimedia.org Transport secretary Philip Hammond is rumoured to announce that the speed limit will increase from 70mph to 80mph at the Conservative party conference in Manchester... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/faster-roads-more-productivity.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/faster-roads-more-productivity.html Image courtesy of wordpress.com The dependable Fiat Sedici Diesel Hatchback 1.9 MultiJet Eleganza 5dr is now available for only £321 per month. Sedici is '16' in Italian, in reference to its 4x4 set-up. It is a small-ish family vehicle, built for practicality, yet still has the great Italian styling, whilst also capable of off-roading. This makes it suitable for almost everyone! On offer for £321 per month... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/fiat-sedici-321-a-month.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/fiat-sedici-321-a-month.html A partnership has been struck between entrepreneur Vincent Bollore, and the Mayor of Paris, Betrand Delonoe. This will lead to the development of a bubble car, named the Bluecar. It will be an EV, and will become an important feature of the city of love from October onwards, providing tourists with green transportation means. Start of something huge for EV? Image courtesy of popularmechanics.com This move can be compared to the Velib bicycle scheme, launched in 2007, and was met with huge success... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/paris-very-own-sightseeing-ev.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/paris-very-own-sightseeing-ev.html A new electric concept vehicle has been released by French automaker Renault. The Frendzy has been used by Renault to show off its new innovations and developments in the electric vehicle industry. Frendzy is a multi-faceted friend Image courtesy of motortorque.com The fourteen foot long Frendzy is powered by the same system as that of the Renault Kangoo Z.E. Although the range of the battery was not issued, the manufacturer claims the vehicle powers up to eighty mph... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/frendzy-concept-released-by-renault.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/frendzy-concept-released-by-renault.html Image courtesy of motortorque.com The huge Hyundai I800 Estate 2.5 CRDi Style 5dr is now ready to be leased for just £313 a month. Ideal for large families, or for businesses needing to transport up to eight people. The sliding side doors give easy access for all. The engine gives good performance, even when the car's fully laden. Most importantly, the MPV is cheap to run, which sets it apart from many rivals... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/hyundai-i800-2-5-crdi-313-a-month.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/hyundai-i800-2-5-crdi-313-a-month.html Image courtesy of blogspot.com The stylish Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Zetec 5dr is now available for only £180 per month. You really can't fault this supermini - it comes with a great roster of equipment, great to drive and delivers superb economy and emissions. It also looks great too. A good deal for any small family, professional, or first-time driver today for £180 per month. http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/ford-fiesta-180-a-month.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/ford-fiesta-180-a-month.html Claimed as "the perfect vehicle for today's urban lifestyle," Seats new city car, the Mii is to be released within the year. The perfect city car? Image courtesy of paultan.org The problems of driving in the city are all solved, apparently, by the Mii. It has been billed to improve practicality, driving fun, efficiency and use innovative technology. First off, parking the thing becomes a great deal easier as it measures just 3.55 metres in length... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/the-new-seat-mii.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/the-new-seat-mii.html Image courtesy of fantasticars.com The family-friendly Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi 140 Titanium 5dr is available for leasing for only £343 per month, truly a lot of car for your money. The Galaxy is more fun to drive than most large MPVs, yet remains refined and comfortable. Inside, it is roomy and versatile and is very well equipped. The Titanium package has Bluetooth, cruise control, DAB radio, and ipod connectivity... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/ford-galaxy-343-a-month.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/ford-galaxy-343-a-month.html This October has been designated as Tyre Safety Month by road safety charity TyreSafe. To help promote this cause, and to give advice over tyre safety, they have created a list of top tips, named the "Magnificent 7" have compiled a top seven list of tyre safety tips. Cold weather impacts heavily on tyres Image courtesy of honestjohn.co.uk The "Magnificent 7" have been named as such, because there are 7 tips, but also because of the importance of the tips in cold weather - tyres problems become more frequent in temperatures under 7 degrees... http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/tyre-safety-month.html http://www.futurevehicleleasing.co.uk/blog/tyre-safety-month.html