SPECIALISTS at Bells Motor Group’s dedicated Business Centre for Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire are giving clients customised support to ensure each has the best deals to get and stay on the road.
Business clients have a direct line through to business sales managers Marc Tilling and Dawn Souster, who have more than 30 years’ combined experience with the Bedford Road dealership.
This experience, backed up by a wealth of specialists, including on-site technicians, is making a real difference to customers looking for their next vehicle from the group which is celebrating 50 years in the automotive industry. For some customers this could be the latest Volvo or one of the latest Kia cars while others will be looking for an approved used car from these trusted brands.
The Business Centre was set up to help clients move smoothly through the process and find a package to meet their needs.
Marc said: “There are so many choices open to customers so we can go through their options and make sure they have the right deal for them and their business. We can support sole traders, businesses looking to extend their fleet or a business owner looking for a car for personal use.
“Issues like costs, including tax implications, often come up and we are able to keep customers up to date with changes in legislation so they can save themselves time and money.”
Strong partnerships with Volvo and Kia mean the motor group’s team can feedback benefits and ensure the latest models are available as soon as possible after key launch dates. Waiting lists for models in demand can be an issue but pre-order systems at Bells Motor Group mean customers can take delivery often within weeks.
Test drives can be arranged including options for up to a week, which gives customers an opportunity to get the real feel for a car.
Dawn said: “We are in touch with the manufacturers and will be aware of what our customers might be looking for and ensure they have all the information and experience to take a decision which is right for them.
“We want them to be happy with their decision in the months and even years to come.”
The experienced delivery team will give the customer a comprehensive handover rather than just handing over the keys.
The service does not stop once the car is delivered. A pick up and drop off service operates across a 25-mile radius covering an extensive area including Corby, Kettering, Rushden, Brackley, Rugby and Daventry. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for a loan car for the day.
The fully trained technicians set high standards of care to ensure each car remains looking and running at its best. State-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive knowledge of each models means the team can identify underlying issues before it becomes a major problem. Only genuine Kia or Volvo parts are used for replacements or repairs which gives each customer the confidence that the work has been carried out to the highest quality and precision.
Other benefits include a smart repair workshop to tackle any bumps, dents, scratches or scuffs and a ‘wear and tear’ review at the end of the lease to try to bring the car back to its original glory to avoid incurring penalties.
Dawn said: “We know time is precious so owners appreciate being able to have their car picked up from where they live or work which means they can get on with their day. It is all part of the service.”
For specialist advice or to arrange a test drive contact the Business Centre on 01604 320693 or email or
VOLVO’S latest model, the XC60 which is built to handle well on all roads and in all weathers will soon be available at the dealership.
Pre-orders are growing for the SUV/Crossover which, after its launch at the Geneva Motor Show, is now heading to the forecourts for July.
Like all Volvo cars it has high levels of standard specification and maintains its focus on comfort and safety. The majority of the Volvo range has received the five-star Euro NCAP rating and the V40 has been confirmed as the world’s safest car; it even includes a pedestrian air-bag as standard.
The practicality and high fuel economy of Kia models makes them excellent company cars – and many of the larger models have generous space for luggage and work equipment.
The seven-year manufacturer warranty and five-star EuroNCAP safety ratings including one of the latest models, the Kia Picanto.
Car leasing normally falls into two main types:
Operating leases (contract hire)
Operating Leases within the car market are generally referred to as contract hire. For a set monthly rental the leasing firm, otherwise known as the lessor, provides a package that normally covers everything (maintenance etc) except fuel and insurance. The agreement typically lasts either two or three years, and at the end of the agreement the car is handed back to the leasing company. Provided the car hasn’t gone over the mileage allowance that was originally agreed and is in a reasonable condition, no more money is due.
Finance Leases
With a finance lease, the monthly rentals tend to be calculated to meet the cash flow needs of the business. At the end of the lease the customer, or the lessee, usually receives the major share of the sales proceeds.
Offset against taxable profits
When it comes to contract hire, the monthly payments the company pays during the year are normally fully offset against its taxable profits, therefore capital allowances can’t be claimed as well. However, the payments can’t be fully offset against its profits if:
* The car has CO2 emissions over 160g/km
* The rentals aren’t evenly spread over the life of the lease, or
* The lease has clauses that may allow the company to eventually own the car.
To encourage the leasing of more environmentally friendly cars, for cars emitting 161g/km or over of CO2 15 per cent of the rental will not get any tax relief. That is, only 85 per cent of the rental can be offset against taxable profits.
Example 1 – Car with CO2 emissions of 160g/km or less:
A company takes out a contract hire agreement for a car with CO2 emissions of 129g/km over three years (we will assume it does it in the first month of its financial year). The contract hire deal is a 6+35, which means six payments upfront followed by 35 monthly payments of £300.
* Year 1
The company pays 17 rentals (six plus 11) 17 x £300 = £5,100 which can be offset against taxable profits. Assuming the company has a 26 per cent tax rate this means it gets tax relief of £1,326 (£5,100 x 26 per cent).
* Year 2 & Year 3
The company pays 12 rentals 12 x £300 = £3,600 each year which can be offset against taxable profits. It gets tax relief of £936 each year (£3,600 x 26 per cent).
Example 2 – Car with CO2 emissions of 161g/km or more:
A company takes out a 6+35 at £300 per month, three-year contract hire agreement on a car that emits 199g/km of CO2.
* Year 1
The company pays 17 rentals (6 plus 11) 17 x £300 = £5,100 of which 85 per cent can be offset against taxable profits. This means the company gets a tax relief of £1,127.10 (£5,100 x 85 per cent x 26 per cent)
* Year 2 & Year 3
The company pays 12 rentals 12 x £300 = £3,600 each year which can be offset against taxable profits. It gets tax relief of £795.60 each year (£3,600 x 85 per cent x 26 per cent).
Capital allowances
With leases, the rentals the company pays during the year tend to be offset against its taxable profits therefore capital allowances can’t be claimed as well.
Reclaiming VAT
Since 1995, businesses that acquire cars wholly for business use may recover the VAT. This change meant that lessors (who never actually use the car at all) can use the extra savings to reduce their lease rentals. Despite the rule restricting the VAT available to the user of leased cars to 50 per cent, the overall effect has seen a huge increase in the amount of leased cars.
If the company is VAT registered if can claim 100 per cent of the VAT back on any maintenance rental.
If in any doubt, a business should seek professional help before committing to a long-term contract.