Road safety and motoring body in the UK
Automakers, startups and governments have reshaped electric‑vehicle markets this month. California has unveiled a $270m rebate programme; Slate Auto and other startups have launched low‑cost models and taken large preorder deposits; used‑EV prices and wholesale values have risen on higher gas prices; and some legacy US manufacturers have scaled back EV plans.
A busy bank holiday and Memorial Day weekend are driving record travel demand. UK and US transport bodies warn of heavy traffic, with millions on the roads, rail and air. High fuel prices persist, and border checks at Dover and long border queues are expected due to EES implementation and airport uncertainty.
The Financial Conduct Authority has had parts of its £9.1bn motor‑finance compensation scheme suspended after legal challenges from Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services, Crédit Agricole Auto Finance and consumer group Consumer Voice. The Upper Tribunal has set hearings for December or February; lenders will not need to calculate or pay redress while legal proceedings continue, delaying mass payouts until at least 2027 if the scheme survives.