The National Franchise Dealers Association (NFDA) has called on manufacturers to ensure that they communicate timely and accurate information about the potential implications of the new WLTP test regime after a survey showed widespread confusion amongst dealers. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) will come into full effect for all new car registrations from September 2018 and replace the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
The NFDA, which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle dealers in the UK, has been working closely with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and LowCVP. The Partnership recently launched a new guide to WLTP. (See
related news story.)
Sue Robinson, Director of NFDA, said: “It is vital that dealers know what products they are going to be supplied with and their status. We continue to advise our dealer members to talk directly to their manufacturers to find out how many derogated models they will have available over the next twelve months as well as to request detailed information on any non-derogated and, therefore, non-compliant vehicles that they will need to register prior to 31 August 2018."
The LowCVP took part in a seminar organised by the NFDA in early July to help communicate more information about WLTP to dealers.
Meanwhile, research recently carried out by Motor Trader in association with Manheim found that over a third of dealers (35%) are not aware of when WLTP comes in to force. It found that almost two thirds (61%) of dealers are not up-to-speed with the timetable for the roll out and clear on what the new testing means for new cars after the deadline.
The LowCVP has produced a
free guide to answer some of the industry’s questions about the move from NEDC to the new WLTP fuel economy and emission figures; to advise how this new information should be presented to the consumer during the transition period, and to provide clarity on the key advertising and taxation ‘switchover dates’. It has been developed in conjunction with the Department for Transport and the SMMT.