Cars get cheaper but vans stay the same
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Why Peter Lawton
The UK's biggest motor manufacturer has cut the prices of its cars—but its generosity does not extend to commercial vehicles.
Ford has been closely followed by Rover and Toyota in the latest round of cuts, some of which are worth thousands of pounds per vehicle, but there will be no reduction in the list price of existing CV lines.
Ford adds that new Transit prices were set in anticipation of last week's car price cuts. A spokesman explains: We feel our CV prices are very good value for money right now."
Toyota admits that It has not brought down the cost of its CVs because the commercial market was not mentioned in the Competition Commissions April report into UK car pricing. When the commission found cars cost about 10% more in the UK than they do in the rest of Europe, Secretary of State Stephen Byers ordered manufacturers to take action and bring down their cost in the UK.
Manufacturers responded quickly, cutting the list price of their cars by up to £14,600. Apart from £700 off the list price of a Daihatsu Hijet, the CV market has Seen no reductions.
Toyota adds that if other manufacturers adjust their CV prices, it would be forced to realign its own to remain competitive.
Rob Halloway, spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, says CV buyers can still rely on a culture of deal making to ensure lower prices: The deals are out there—transaction prices are much lower than the list price."
• Citroen is running zero and low-finance deals on its vans, as well as cashback offers worth up to E1,000, until 30 November. Contact your local dealer for more information.