RMIF working for motor industry December 2008

‘The ongoing worldwide economic downturn has had a major impact on the motor industry in the UK. The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) has been working behind the scenes with the Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) for some time, in order to put the case for business support measures that will aid the motor sector,’ said RMIF Director Sue Robinson.

RMIF Chairman Paul Williams met with Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise, and Regulatory Reform in November. At the meeting Paul Williams outlined the need to enact the following measures, with progress as indicated:

Abolition of VED refund changes due to come into force on 1 January 2009.
The Department for Business, Enterprise, and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) has requested more information from the RMIF on the likely impact of the changes.

Introduction of a Scrappage Scheme that would encourage owners to dispose of older and more polluting vehicles, in favour of newer vehicles.
The RMIF will shortly be presenting a paper to Government that puts the case for a Scrappage Scheme in the UK that mirrors those successfully adopted in other EU states. This RMIF initiative is gathering momentum.

Higher and more realistic Business Rate Relief on empty business premises.
The RMIF is continuing to lobby Government to persuade them to significantly increase the rate. This is currently being considered by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), who we are pursuing weekly for a response.

100 per cent First Year Capital Allowances on all new commercial vehicle purchases.
Again, this is being considered by HMRC, who we are pursuing weekly for a response.

Subsequently, Sue Robinson and Paul Williams have also met a number of other figures in Government, along with those in the Opposition, including Peter Luff MP, Chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee, and Justine Greening MP, Conservative Shadow Treasury Minister.

Robinson adds: ‘The RMIF will continue to work with Government and other industry stakeholders as we go into 2009.’