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Expert media appearances
Expert advice and opinion – as seen, heard and read here:








































































2025
The world’s second-largest car company had a difficult year in 2024, and its prospects for 2025 are no better. Stuart talks to Sally Bundock about the company’s challenges, including high costs, slowing sales in China, and a global tariff war.
Watch here
As one of the biggest expenses in modern life, it’s crucial to get the most for your money when buying a car. Stuart talks to Gabriel Nussbaum on FUBAR’s That Money Show about different types of finance and what to consider when buying a car.
Listen here
The UK car finance sector is heading for a crunch hearing in the Supreme Court about commission disclosures, with the repercussions likely to be enormous. Stuart talks to Chris Warbuton on the Radio 5 Live drivetime show about what it’s all likely to mean for consumers.
Listen here
Tesla sales have been up and down in recent months, and more down than up in many markets. Stuart talks to Chris Welch about the challenges facing Tesla, mainly from increased competition on all fronts.
Read here
The Telegraph: Chinese car brands on their way to the UK
A number of new Chinese car manufacturers are lining up to sell new cars in the UK. Stuart talks to Joe Wright about which brands are on their way and whether their cars are worth your money.
Read here
The year-long car finance mis-selling scandal continues to rumble on. Stuart talks to Winifred Robinson on BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about the current state of the Supreme Court appeal and FCA investigation.
Listen here
The chancellor has applied to enter the upcoming supreme court hearing on car finance mis-selling, expressing the government’s concern that enormous compensation payments could damage the UK’s banking reputation. GB News quotes previous comments Stuart made about the potential impact of industry-wide compensation for mis-sold car finance.
Read here
There’s been a reported rise in the number of Ford Fiestas being stolen in Yorkshire, with police urging owners to stay vigilant. Stuart talks to Leanne Brown about the Fiesta’s ongoing popularity with car thieves, with most vehicles being broken up for parts to be sold on the black market.
Read here
Finance Monthly has been updating its readers on what’s going on with the FCA’s car finance mis-selling investigation, using insight and data from The Car Expert’s own regular coverage of the car finance sector.
Read here
BT has abandoned a plan to turn disused phone street cabinets into EV charging points after building only one working example in Scotland. While disappointing, Stuart explains to Imran Rahman-Jones that BT’s planned pivot to improving wi-fi infrastructure could end up making life easier for people trying to connect to charging apps.
Read here
The Daily Mail and This is Money report on SUVs becoming the most popular style of new car in the UK for the first time in 2024. Stuart talks to Rob Hull about why car buyers love SUVs and whether their popularity is likely to keep growing.
Read here
2024
From April 2025, electric cars will have to start paying road tax for the first time – and new EVs over £40,000 will also be hit with hefty ‘lucury car tax’ payments for their first six years. Stuart explains to Felix Reeves how it will work and who will be affected.
Read here
Electric vehicles will have to start paying roax tax (VED) in 2025, and most will also fall foul of the government’s luxury car tax threshold of £40,000. The Independent picks up Stuart’s (misquoted) comments to the Telegraph from yesterday to highlight the effect that an additional £2,000 of tax could have on EV adoption.
Read here
Jaguar’s new concept car, new logo and new image have provoked fierce reactions. Stuart talks to Rick Edwards on the Radio 5 Live breakfast show about whether Jaguar can translate this into a sucessful future.
Listen here
BBC News: Jaguar's bold reimagining
Jaguar has been generating plenty of headlines in recent days with its complete brand relaunch. In an early-morning TV interview, Stuart talks about the risks behind all the bravado as Jaguar makes its last roll of the dice.
The Telegraph looks at the potential impact of EVs having to pay both road tax and, for most models, an additional luxury car tax. Stuart talks to Mattie Brignal about whether this will deter potential customers, while the Telegraph (as usual) takes most of Stuart’s comments out of context to fuel its anti-EV agenda…
Read here
Used EV sales are growing, but many people are still reluctant to take the plunge. Stuart talks to Jonathan Vernon-Smith about the issues that are holding people back, like vehicle cost and concerns about charging infrastructure.
Listen here
The Telegraph looks at how car buyers can save a fortune on a new EV if they have access to a salary sacrifice scheme, instead of using traditional car finance. Stuart talks to Joe Wright about how sal-sac works and who can benefit.
Read here
The Times looks at the case of a couple who rejected their leaking car under the Consumer Rights Act but then ran into trouble with their finance company. Stuart explains the ins and outs of rejecting a car to Katherine Denham, especially when it’s under finance.
Read here
The switch from fossil fuels to electric power is the biggest change in the history of the car industry. Stuart talks to Joe Harker about how EVs are effectively ‘car industry 2.0’.
Read here
Several lenders have paused new car finance agreements and debates about customer compensation are ramping up after this week’s court ruling. Stuart talks to Connie Mclaughlin on the Radio 5 Live breakfast show about what exactly is going on, and what it will mean for customers.
Listen here
The new Chancellor has continued the previous government’s freeze on fuel duty, saving everyone about 5p on every litre of fuel. Stuart talks to Tina Daheley on the Jeremy Vine show about the implications of the ongoing freeze, both positive and negative.
Listen here
The UK Court of Appeal has come down clearly on the side of consumers in a benchmark ruling about the requirement for car finance lenders to disclose commission paid to car dealers. GB News takes key comments from Stuart to help explain a complex situation.
Read here
The Daily Express continues its coverage of The Car Expert’s analysis of UK vehicle recalls, noting that the DVSA is now going to start including vehicle recall data on MOT certificates to help raise awareness.
Read here
BBC Breakfast: EV running costs set to increase
From April 2025, electric cars and other low-emission vehicles will have to start paying road tax after years of being exempt. Stuart talks to BBC Breakfast TV to explain what the changes will mean for current and prospective EV owners.
There’s good news for car owners this week with fuel prices falling to their lowest levels in the last three years. Stuart talks to Claire Summers about the factors that influence petrol prices and what we can expect to see in coming months.
Listen here
GB News, Motor 1 and many more: Vehicle recalls
BBC Look North: 20mph speed limits
A village in East Yorkshire is contemplating widespread installation of 20mph ‘advisory speed limits’. Stuart talks to Peter Levy about the pros and cons of lower speed limits and advisory guides that can’t legally be enforced.
The Daily Mail and This is Money lead widespread coverage of The Car Expert’s investigation of vehicle recalls in the UK over the last 30 years. Rob Hull echoes Stuart’s advice for owners to check the government website to see if their car is affected.
Read here
Debate about re-testing older drivers has intensified in Lincolnshire after a 96-year-old woman was responsible for causing the death of another driver. Stuart talks to Frances Finn about the merits of regularly testing all drivers.
Listen here
Taking the time do do your homework could save you thousands of pounds when buying a car. Stuart explains to Jacob Jaffa that buyers get so caught up in the excitement of buying a car that they overspend by a huge amount.
Read and watch here
Growing levels of car thefts are driving up car insurance prices. Stuart talks to Eddie Nestor about what car owners can do to prevent theft and help keep insurance premiums down.
Listen here
Thefts of über-expensive supercars and luxury cars have increased significantly over the last couple of years. Stuart explains to Andy RObinson that many of these vehicles are taken out of the UK and end up in the Russian black market.
Read here
There’s a push to force older drivers to take driving re-tests once they reach a certain age. Stuart talks to Ian Hunt about a general lack of re-testing for drivers of all ages, and how governments are loath to impose tougher standards on car drivers.
Listen here
Councils in the Midlands are looking at blanket 20mph speed limit zones across urban areas. Stuart talks to Jonathan Vernon-Smith about the experiences of similar zones in Wales and how they’re now being rolled back.
Listen here
Once again, people have questions about electric cars and they’re looking for answers. Stuart talks to Trisha Goddard about the state of the new car market, costs, pros and cons, and offers some key tips for car buyers (starts at about 1hr37min).
Watch here
BBC Breakfast: Car finance investigation update
The FCA report on whether millions of car finance customers could be owed compensation has been pushed back until May 2025. Stuart talks to BBC Breakfast TV to advise what customers need to do.
The Daily Mail and This is Money look at the EU’s new Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems, which became legally required in July 2024. We’ll get them in the UK as well, thanks to shared vehicle regulations despite Brexit. Stuart talks to Lucy Evans about whether or not they’ll make roads safer.
Read here
Private new car sales are on a downward spiral in 2024. Although The Telegraph is desperate to blame EVs, Stuart explains to Joe Wright that sales have been sliding for nearly a decade, with no end in sight.
Read here
A new EU rule that makes speed warnings compulsory in all new cars will affect UK car buyers as well. Stuart talks to Brenna Cooper about how ISA (intelligent speed assist) systems work and what it means for drivers.
Read here
The Times looks at the case of a reader whose car failed an MOT test due to a known fault with his car. Stuart explains the ins and outs of vehicle recalls in the UK to Katherine Denham, and how they can be different from the rules in other countries.
Read here
As we close in on the 2024 general election, the major parties have released their manifestos. Stuart talks to Jeremy Vine about what each party is offering motorists, from potholes to EV infrastructure and taxes.
Listen here
Car theft, especially for luxury cars like Range Rovers, are at record levels and it’s making some models almost uninsurable. Stuart talks to Mike Graham about what’s going on and what car owners can do (starts at about 1hr4min).
Watch here
BBC News: Toyota's hybrid highs
Toyota has announced a massive profit increase for the last 12 months, on the back of growing hybrid sales and a weak yen. Stuart talks to Ben Thompson on the Business Today TV programme about the sales of hybrid and electric cars in 2024.
Local councils are charging diesel car owners up to £250/year more to park compared to other cars. Stuart talks to Jonathan Vernon-Smith about the current state of taxes and charges for car drivers, and what it means for consumers.
Listen here
A campaign by car rental and subscription company Sixt looked at the real-world running costs of some of the most famous cars from the movies. Stuart crunched some numbers to try and work how much it would really cost to run cars like the Batmobile, DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Ghostbusters’ Ectomobile and more.
Read here and here (and in dozens of other titles as well)
The Times reports on the increasing problem of car cloning. Stuart explains to Lucy Alderson how thieves copy your number plates onto another car, then rack up all sorts of speeding and parking fines in your name – even if you’re hundreds of miles away.
Read here
The Telegraph looks at how car buyers can save a fortune on a new EV if they have access to a salary sacrifice scheme, instead of using traditional car finance. Stuart talks to Joe Wright about how sal-sac works and who can benefit.
Read here
Dramatic footage of a patient transport ambulance exploding in Staffordshire has been doing the media rounds. Some outlets were quick to imply that the ambulance was an EV, but Stuart points out that it was diesel-powered and that there are other examples of this particular model going up in flames.
Read here
BBC Newsnight: EV sales slump – blip or bigger problem?
New electric car sales have got off to a rocky start in 2024. Stuart talks to Kirsty Wark on BBC Two’s flagship current affairs programme Newsnight about the issues facing consumers, governments and the car industry as the transition from fossil fuels to electricity progresses.
Watch here
The 2024 car finance mis-selling scandal continues to generate discussion. Stuart talks to Paul Lewis on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme about what’s currently going on, and what people can do if they want to find out more.
Listen here
There have now been several high-profile incidences of Jaguar I-Pace cars suddenly accelerating and being unable to stop. The Daily Mail seems intent on turning this into another EV hit piece, but Stuart points out that there are a million EVs on UK roads and this is the only model that appears to have a systemic problem.
Read here
BBC Look North: Keyless car thefts on the rise
A spate of car thefts in the last week have prompted concern about the security of new cars. Stuart talks to Leanne Brown about how car thieves are getting more sophisticated in their methods.
It’s easy to make a mistake or three when selling your car, which could reduce the amount of money you can get for it. Stuart talks to Bhvishya Patel about how to maximise your car’s sale price.
Read here
There’s more and more news in the media about the potential car finance mis-selling scandal that’s brewing. Stuart talks to Petrie Hosken about what’s going on, who’s likely to be affected and what’s likely to happen (starts at about 1hr5min).
Watch here
The Telegraph: Can you exploit a car finance loophole?
The Telegraph looks at your consumer rights when cancelling a car finance contract but still keeping any discount on the car. Stuart talks to Joe Wright about how this works, and who can benefit from this little-known right.
Read here
Most drivers don’t really think about their braking too much, but it can help you save money on your fuel bill, as well as the costs of replacing brake pads and tyres. Stuart talks to Ollie Cooper about how to drive smarter – and safer.
Read here
BBC World News: Electric car sales figures across Europe
Electric car sales are still growing, but the rate of growth is slowing. Stuart talks to Ben Thompson on the BBC World Service about the current state of new and used EV sales in the UK and across Europe.
The Daily Mail and its finance spin-off, This is Money, continue their coverage of the FCA’s investigation of car finance interest rates. Stuart talks to Harry Wise about whether we’re going to see another PPI-style scandal and massive compensation payouts.
Read here
BBC Breakfast: Car insurance premiums skyrocketing
Most UK car owners have found their car insurance premiums skyrocketing over the last year. Stuart joins the sofa on BBC Breakfast TV to help explain what’s going on and what consumers can do about it.
Young drivers are often only able to get car insurance if they agree to have a ‘black box’ recording device fitted to their car. Stuart talks to Lucy Alderson about how these black boxes work and whether they can save you money on your car insurance.
Read here
The Telegraph looks at the how electric car prices have been falling, and asks whether 2024 will be the year to buy a used EV. Stuart talks to Tom Haynes about the balance of supply and demand for electric cars, and what to expect this year.
Read here
Which?
Which attempts to discuss the FCA announcement on car finance interest rates, using research and analysis from The Car Expert – but without providing due credit and backlink, which is pretty poor for a consumer organisation.
The Times reports on the FCA’s investigation into abuse of car finance interest rates, using data and reporting from The Car Expert’s long-running analysis of the car finance sector.
Read here
BBC Breakfast: Car finance compensation on the way?
The Financial Conduct Authority is investigating whether millions of car finance customers could be owed compensation due to the way car dealers sold car finance products. Stuart decodes the jargon for BBC Breakfast TV to explain what it all means.
BBC South West: EV charging infrastructure in Cornwall
Cornwall Council is investing millions of pounds in new EV charging points, but is it enough? Stuart talks to Victoria Graham on BBC South West’s Spotlight TV news programme about the challenges of ensuring Britain has enough EV charging to meet demand.
This is Money (the finance section of the Daily Mail) reports on the Financial Conduct Authority’s investigation of car finance interest rates. Stuart talks to Mike Sheen about what the investigation entails and what it could mean for customers.
Read here
2023
The Daily Express provides comprehensive coverage of The Car Expert’s Car of the Year 2024 awards. Luke Chillingsworth went through all the winners to help customers choose the best new cars to buy in 2024.
Read here
The Telegraph looks at increasing number of car finance complaints being made to the Financial Ombudsman. Stuart explains to Laura Almeida that households are being squeezed hard by cost-of-living increases, and it’s putting the finances under pressure.
Read here
In a debate published in The Times, Stuart argues that the car industry doesn’t need government tax breaks to make EVs cheaper. What’s needed is a real acceleration in the roll-out of charging infrastructure.
Read here
A scary situation occurred in Manchester when a Jaguar I-Pace suddenly accelerated and crashed into two other vehicles, with other I-Pace owners describing similar incidents. Stuart talks to Olivia Day about what could cause these unintended acceleration incidents.
Read here
The Telegraph explores the different car finance options available to car buyers today. Although the article is mistake-riddled and poorly written, it does at least reference The Car Expert’s decade-long analysis on car finance uptake.
Read here
In the wake of a devastating car park fire at Luton Airport (started by a diesel car), Stuart goes head-to-head with Nigel Farage to dispel myths around how the fire started (it wasn’t an EV) and how the roll-out of electric cars is progressing across the UK.
Watch here
The Telegraph looks at the ongoing growth of car finance and the ever-increasing amount of debt that goes with it. Stuart explains to Noah Eastwood that the cost-of-living crisis could have a significant affect on both car buyers and car manufacturers.
Read here
Good Housekeeping has updated its guide to car finance. Stuart explains the ins and outs of the personal contract purchase (PCP) to Jo Dunbar, as well as looking at some of the other finance options that may be more suitable.
Read here
Despite the government u-turning on the deadline for the end of new petrol and diesel car sales, there are plenty of good reasons to consider an EV for your next car. Stuart talks to Lucy Alderson about the rapidly closing price gap between petrol cars and EVs, and whether you should switch now or hold on for a bit longer.
Read here
The Telegraph points out that used cars will be unaffected by the UK’s watering down of the shift to electric cars. Stuart explains to Noah Eastwood that 90% of provate car sales are used, not new, and you’ll be able to buy a used petrol or diesel car for decades to come.
Read here
The car industry reacted with dismay to the prime minister’s decision to u-turn on the 2030 deadline for selling new petrol and diesel cars. Stuart talkes to Ian Hunt about the fallout from Rishi Sunak’s decision.
Listen here
Stuart chats to Sandra Haurant with some useful tips for buying a used car, covering everything from mileage, MOTs, finance, haggling and what to do with your old car.
Read here
The Sun has dug out a very old article from The Car Expert with handy tips for cleaning your car. Proving that good advice never loses its value, Stuart’s tips are as valuable today as they were ten years ago!
Read here
A Transport Committee Report recommends that the government moves more quickly to legislate for driverless cars, to help secure ongoing investment into the UK. Stuart talks to Christian Fraser on the BBC News flagship prime-time show, The Context, about what’s needed.
Self-driving cars are not just very complex to create, but equally complex to bring into law. Stuart talks to Good Morning Ulster about the issues in legislating for autonomous vehicles following the publication of a Transport C0mmittee Report.
Listen here
After steadily falling for the last 12 months, petrol prices suddenly jumped in late August. Steph McGovern invited Stuart onto her lunchtime programme to talk about all the ways to save money on your weekly fuel bill.
Watch here
The Telegraph highlighted The Car Expert’s analysis of August new car registration data, which shows that private new car sales were the lowest for the month in more than a decade.
Read here
This is Money (the finance section of the Daily Mail) reports on The Car Expert’s independent analysis of August’s new car registrations, which shows that private new car sales were at the lowest level since 2012.
Read here
Stuart talks to Lily Russell-Jones about how the rapid growth in new electric car sales over the last few years is making more used EVs available, helping to drive prices down and make them more affordable for more potential buyers.
Read here
The Mayor of London’s punitive new emissions taxes are affecting the poorest residents of London and surrounding areas. Stuart talks to Noah Eastwood about how ULEZ is pushing the price of compliant used cars up and non-compliant cars down.
Read here
A number of Conservative MPs have expressed concerns that higher interest rates and cost-of-living problems could lead to more people defaulting on their car finance loans. Stuart talks to Tom Scotson about how PCP car finance has rocketed upwards over the last decade.
Read here
GB News: Diesel or electric trucks? One council makes a difficult call
Stuart appears on the ‘Esther and Phil’ Saturday morning TV show to discuss Cardiff Council’s decision to eschew electric refue collection trucks in favour of diesels due to a shortage of available vehicles and difficulties installing charging points at the depot.
BBC One Midlands Today: Car parts theft continues
Birmingham’s car stripping and theft problem seems to be getting worse, with professional criminal gangs roaming local neighbourhoods to find suitable cars to strip right under the noses of residents.
Stuart talks to Leah Milner about the pros and cons of selling your car to a buying site compared to part-exchanging it with a dealer or selling it privately.
Read here
BBC WM: Air-conditioning or windows?
Stuart helps to answer a listener’s question about whether using a car’s air-conditioning system increases fuel consumption, and how this compares to simply opening the windows.
Falling new electric car prices have had an inevitable knock-on effect on used EV pricing – great if you’re looking to buy a used EV, not so much if you’re trying to sell one. Stuart talks to Tom Haynes about the changing marketplace.
Read here
Stuart appears on an (unintentionally) hilarious GB News TV ‘debate’ to talk about electric cars. Unfortunately, it was mainly some old bloke ranting for two minutes solid about how much he doesn’t like EVs, including a load of ‘facts’ that he simply made up…
Watch here
BBC WM: Jaguar Land Rover invests in the West Midlands
Stuart talks to the BBC West Midlands breakfast team about the exciting news that Jaguar Land Rover is investing heavily in upgrading its UK production facilities in the West Midlands to build a new generation of electric models.
BBC CWR: Jaguar Land Rover's big £15 billion investment
Stuart talks to Phil Upton about Jaguar Land Rover’s announcement of a £15 billion investment to drive its conversion to electric vehicles, with money being used to upgrade its four UK manufacturing facilities and design a new range of cars here in the UK.
GB News: Safe driving tips for this week's blizzards
Stuart appears on GB News TV to talk to Isabel and Eamonn about the dangers of driving in the snowy and icy conditions across the UK this week.
This is Money (the finance section of the Daily Mail) reports on The Car Expert’s analysis of 2022 car finance data, which shows that new borrowing reached a record £41 billion.
Read more
Stuart talks to Trish Adudu about media reports that Jaguar Land Rover is demanding £500 million from the UK government to build a battery factory, under threat of moving its car production to Spain.
Listen here
Last year was a record for car finance, but things may be changing as we shift to electric cars. The Evening Standard reports on The Car Expert’s analysis of the UK car finance market and increasing popularity of salary sacrifice for EV buyers.
Read here
BBC News: Ford to cut 1,300 UK jobs
Stuart talks to Lukwesa Burak about Ford’s announcement that it will shed nearly 4,000 staff across Europe, including 1,300 here in the UK, as it restructures to develop electric vehicles. (Note – interview ended early due to BBC technical issues)
Watch here
Birmingham has been suffering from a spate of brazen car parts theft in recent months, where thieves have been stealing parts from vehicles parked in public car parts.
Watch here
Stuart talks to Elliott Webb about that sinking feeling when you get back to where you think you parked your car and it’s not there.
Listen here
The London Evening Standard consults Stuart on what to expect in the electric vehicle market for 2023, with several new names set to appear on UK roads.
Read here
Stuart talks to Tammy Gooding about the falling number of cars built in the UK. Does car manufacturing have a future in this country or are we destined to simply import cars from overseas?
Listen here
Stuart talks to Anita McVeigh about the challenges facing UK car production as new data shows that 2022 was the worst year since 1956.
Watch here
Daily Express: Government's new MOT test consultation
The government is looking for feedback about proposed changed to the annual MOT testing requirements. Stuart explains to Kris Boratyn why change is necessary to make sure the MOT test is still relevant to modern cars.
Read here
BBC World Business Report: European Car of the Year 2023
Stuart talks to Aaron Heslehurst about the results of the European Car of the Year Award, which was won by the all-new Jeep Avenger. What will it mean for Jeep sales in 2023?
(No link available in UK)
Stuart talks to Miles Brignall about how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting car finance customers, and explains how voluntary termination allows them to exit an agreement (under certain circumstances).
Read here
Stuart comments on the 2022 sales success of the British-built Nissan Qashqai – highlighting the benefits of UK car production for the local economy.
Read here
2022
Stuart talks to Abigail Donoghue about the risks of applying hot water – either directly or in a bag – to an iced-up windscreen in winter.
Read here
GB News: Staying safe (and legal) in wintry conditions
Stuart appears on GB News TV to talk to Isabel and Martin about how to make sure you’re staying safe and legal if you’re heading out on the roads during the current cold snap.
The Telegraph and The Sun both report on The Car Expert’s research into car finance ,as people across the UK are struggling to continue making their car finance payments as the cost-of-living crisis grips households.
The Telegraph, The Sun
As costs of living soar, consumers may regret expensive finance loans. Stuart talks to Claer Barrett about the state of the car finance market.
Read here
Stuart talks to Peter White about how used car pricing – why they’re so high and how soon they’ll start to come down.
Listen here
Increasing cost-of-living pressures could lead to thousands of drivers defaulting on their car finance payments. Stuart talks to Tom Haynes about the risks for borrowers.
Read here
Stuart talks to David Byers about how rising interest rates are pushing up car finance payments, and suggests some ways to trade down to save money.
Read here
With new cars being in short supply, used car values are much higher than normal. Stuart talks to Tom Haynes about the impact for both buyers and sellers.
Read here
Rob Hull, writing for the ‘This is Money’ section of the Daily Mail, covers The Car Expert’s investigation into car finance debt and concerns over household budgets.
Read here
Rachel Moss pulls together a list of tips for how to manage as interest rates keep on rising, including car finance advice from The Car Expert
Read here
Industry analysts at AM-Online reported on The Car Expert’s research into soaring car finance debt, which has now hit more than £40bn a year.
Read here
Stuart talks to Elliott Webb about the growing number of EV chargers on the streets, and what to expect as we get ever-closer to the 2030 cut-off for new petrol cars.
Listen here
The New Statesman looks back at the history of the Ford Fiesta, including data from The Car Expert’s exclusive analysis of what went wrong for the UK’s favourite car.
Read here
Stuart talks to Peter White about how car finance payments are now much more expensive than they have been in the past.
Listen here
Stuart talks to Roberto Perrone about Ford’s announcement that the Fiesta small car is being axed after 46 years of production.
Listen here
A poll on the Express website has shown that car buyers don’t want to make the switch to electric or plug-in hybrid cars just yet.
Read here
Many titles, including The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post, NationalWorld and others report on The Car Expert’s investigation into the UK’s car finance debt.
The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post, NationalWorld and many others
Stuart talks to Roberto Perrone about the increasing rates of car theft from new cars with ‘keyless’ entry technology. Even the president of the AA had his car stolen!
Listen here
Drivers are turning away from oversized diesels and to smaller or electric vehicles, said Stuart to the Daily Express. Value brands like Dacia and MG are gaining market share and more affordable models dominate the top-10 sellers.
Read here
Stuart talks to Chris Golds about the state of the new car market, with supply heavily restricted and some models not even available to order.
Read here
Daily Mail and The Sun: Electric car owners short-changed by short cables
The Daily Mail and The Sun both report on The Car Expert’s research into EV charging cable length, with short cables making it tricky for owners to charge their cars.
Daily Mail, The Sun
Stuart talks to Babs Michel about the current high prices of used cars, and offers some tips for used car buyers to avoid being ripped off by car dealers.
Read here
The Daily Record looks at soaring petrol and diesel prices, with more drivers considering an electric car to replace their current vehicle. Stuart comments on the government’s promise to fund more on-street charging points.
Read here
The London Evening Standard launches an EV adoption campaign called Plug It In, consulting Stuart on the best new EVs for different types of car buyers and predicting what London will look like ‘beyond petrol’.
Read here
The Sun reports on The Car Expert’s analysis of new car buying trends in 2022, showing that UK buyers are looking for cars that are smaller, cheaper and greener.
Read here
Stuart explains the ins and outs of the personal contract purchase (PCP) to Jo Dunbar, what to look out for and what other sort of finance options may also be suitable.
Read here
Stuart talks to Rebecca Flood about a viral video doing the rounds on TikTok that shows a woman appearing to open a locked car window using nothing but sticky tape. Does it actually work?
Read here
The Daily Mail wonders where Britain ranks in the global car manufacturing league, so it turns to our Expert Rating Index for the definitive rankings.
Read here
Stuart gives Tom Hussey some top tips on buying a second-hand car, for both buying online and in person at a dealership.
Read here
2021
Stuart talks to Babs Michel about record second-hand car prices, whether it’s a good time to buy a car and what to look for in a used car.
Listen here
An outage for a Tesla app has left hundreds of Tesla car owners unable to unlock or start their cars. Stuart explains how reliance on convenience technology can catch owners out.
Read here.
Also reported in the UK at The Guardian, The Independent, Mail+ and The Express, and on many other news sites around the world.
Stuart talks to Verity Cowley about the current boom in second-had car prices, and whether it’s a good time to be buying a car or selling your current vehicle.
Listen here
Stuart joins the BBC Defenders UK team to reveal how easy it can be for a fraudulent car dealer to falsify a used car’s service history. The dodgy dealer in question also promised used car warranties that turned out to be completely worthless.
Electric cars aren’t cheap to buy, but they do cost a lot less to run than a petrol car. Stuart talks about the progress being made in charging infrastructure and battery range for electric cars.
Read here
The country’s biggest electric car charging provider, BP Pulse, has been heavily criticised for failures with installations and smart charging apps. Stuart talks to Matt Allwright about what’s going wrong and what needs to be done.
Watch here
There are more options than ever for selling your car. Moneyweek reports on our advice to consumers, with Andrew Charman warning car owners to be wary of car buying services that try to haggle prices down from their initial offer.
Read here
High demand and a shortage of new car supplies have lead to soaring prices for used cars. Stuart talks to Roberto Perrone about what this means for anyone looking to buy a car (or sell their current car!).
Listen here
Investment is pouring into EV infrastructure in the UK as we head towards 2030, but there’s still a long way to go. Stuart talks to Benji Hyer about the progress is being made and the hurdles that need to be overcome.
Watch here
Theft of catalytic converters has skyrocketed over the last year, as thieves target them for their valuable precious metals. Stuart talks to Jim White about why hybrid cars are particularly vulnerable and what owners can do to protect their cars.
Listen here
The electric car will ultimately kill off the manual gearbox, but its demise has been coming for a long time anyway. Stuart talks to Thomas Grose at US News about the shift from manual to automatic gearboxes.
Read here
A rare Aston Martin DB5 Volante with several celebrity owners is coming up for auction. Stuart chats to Christo Foufas about British car manufacturing and the best British cars of all time.
Listen here
New rules will mean that car insurance companies will not be able to charge existing customers more than new customers, a practice known as ‘price walking’. Stuart talks to Roberto Perrone about what this means for car owners.
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BBC Essex: Personalised number plates
Personalised number plates remain as popular as ever, and Stuart talks to Sonia Watson about why car buyers can’t get enough of customised plates that send a message to the world.
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Another piece looking at the growth of online used car buying over the last year. Stuart explains the benefits of consumer rights protection for any purchase made online. We’re not taking responsibility for the car finance tips provided, though, which contained several inaccuracies and didn’t come from The Car Expert!
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China is the world’s largest producer of electric cars, so is the growth in electric vehicles simply playing into China’s hands? Stuart talks to Winifred Robinson about global car production and what it means for consumers.
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Are taxpayers going to be forced to pay for EV charging points to be installed all over the countryside? Stuart talks to Sadie Nine about what’s needed and where the money to pay for it all will be coming from.
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The coronavirus has led to a rapid increase in the number of people buying new cars online. Stuart explains why you actually have more rights when buying online than in a showroom.
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Two of the world’s largest car companies have merged into one huge conglomerate. Stuart talks to Rob Young about the implications of Groupe PSA (Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall, etc) merging with FCA (Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, etc).
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2020
Following a government announcement to bring forward the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales to 2030, Stuart talks to John Bevir about the implications for the UK’s transition to an electrified new car market over the next decade.
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Stuart talks to Andy Whittaker about the government’s announcement that new petrol and diesel car sales will be banned from 2030, and what it means for car buyers.
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Electric vehicles are in the news a lot at the moment. Stuart talks to Dave Monk about electric cars, answering questions and dispelling myths about the future of driving.
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PCP car finance is still misunderstood by many car buyers. Stuart explains the full implications of what you’re borrowing and what to look out for.
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Main dealer, independent garage or private sale? Stuart provides some top tips about what to look for when buying a used car – even if you have zero mechanical knowledge.
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Stuart appears on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme to talk about used car warranties. Are they more than just a waste of money?
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Stuart spoke to BBC News and Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about the growing number of drivers who are choosing to take their driving test in an automatic and not bother to learn to change gears.
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Stuart appears on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme to talk about consumer rights when handing back your car on a PCP finance agreement.
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New keyless entry technology make life convenient, but they can make your car very easy to steal. Stuart explains how to keep your car secure.
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Stuart explains some of the risks with having a dealer sell your car on consignment if you don’t have a clearly-written agreement to protect yourself.
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Stuart talks to Winifred Robinson about car dealers reporting strong sales in their first two weeks after re-opening post-lockdown.
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As car dealers re-open, there are thousands of new cars ready to be delivered to their new owners. But how much new business is set to be done in coming months?
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Stuart talks to Jamie Doward about what car buyers can expect as dealerships start to re-open after lockdown thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Stuart talks to Ben Carter from BBC Radio 4’s Money Box in a special podcast that explores lots of different aspects of car finance, with lots of advice for car buyers during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Car Dealer Magazine: Are car finance lenders in trouble?
The car finance industry could be on the brink of collapse as thousands of consumers risk defaulting on loans because of coronavirus. Stuart suggests the government needs to offer similar help to that given to mortgage lenders.
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Stuart talks to Paul Lewis on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme about how car finance has been impacted by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, and what options customers have if they hit financial difficulties.
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Stuart explains how PCP car finance has been kicking problems down the road for the car finance sector, and how the coronavirus epidemic could bring the whole industry crashing down.
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Stuart discusses the potential ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic for the car finance sector and the automotive industry overall, with millions of car owners currently locked into PCP agreements.
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Stuart talks to Olly Barratt for CNA (Channel NewsAsia) about the challenges facing the UK car manufacturing industry after Brexit finally goes ahead.
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2019
Stuart talks to Louise Cooper on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box Live programme about what to watch out for when buying a car on finance, and why you should always read the small print.
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Stuart talks to Peter White on BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours programme about car scrappage schemes, and why other countries are far more generous than the UK with incentives to get polluting older cars off our roads.
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Stuart talks to Sarah Arnold about the challenges facing a nationwide adoption of electric cars, such as a lack of public charging facilities.
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Stuart talks to Ruth Alexander on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme about proposed new changes to car finance regulations and how they will benefit car buyers.
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Stuart talks to Winifred Robinson on BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours programme about the changing face of car dealerships and the financial struggles many of them are having at the moment.
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Fewer than 50% of people pass their driving test on their first attempt, and there are often many things to blame. Stuart describes some of the reasons why drivers fail their test.
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Stuart appears on the BBC News Ask This programme, talking about the realities of living with an electric car and what needs to change to increase sales of EVs beyond the current 1% of market share. Watch here
Stuart talks to Chris Warbuton about new regulations that require electric cars to make a noise at low speeds to alert pedestrians of their presence.
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Following on from the Money Box programme, the BBC News website reports on the increasing number of consumers complaining about car finance practices.
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Stuart talks to Paul Lewis on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme about the increasing number of car finance complaints received by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
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Stuart talks to Mark Dennison about a climate committee recommendation to bring forward the ban on purely petrol or diesel cars from 2040 to 2030.
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Stuart talks to Eddie Nestor about the Financial Conduct Authority’s report into the car finance sector, and what it means for car buyers.
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Stuart talks to Oliver Hides about the issues facing the UK car industry in 2019, and the latest round of job cuts announced by Jaguar Land Rover.
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2018
Stuart talks to Jessica Lindsay about what the future of autonomous cars will mean for the average driver, and whether it will mean more car sex for everyone!
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Stuart talks to Laura Shannon about why PCP deals are so popular with dealers, and why they may not necessarily be the best solution for car buyers.
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Stuart talks to Elliott Webb on BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester about the latest new car reliability surveys, looking at the best and worst cars on sale today.
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Stuart talks to Winifred Robinson on BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours programme about what happens to your car finance agreement if you should die before it finishes.
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Coventry has seen its fair share of new car production during the past 100 years. But Stuart says the Jaguar Land Rover Classic operation is building new cars unlike pretty much anything attempted in the area before. Read here
Love Sport Radio: Top car buying tips
Nothing to do with football! Stuart shares his top car buying tips, and discusses diesel and depreciation, with Ed Bowsher on Love Sport Radio’s current affairs programme.
2017
Stuart talks to Paul Lewis on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme about how rising new car prices and falling used car values may affect your PCP car finance deal.
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Channel 4 Dispatches: PCP car finance
Stuart assists a Channel 4 investigation into dodgy car finance selling practices, offering advice and information about how PCP car finance works.
Stuart joins Martin Bamford on an Informed Choice Radio podcast to explain the core principles of car finance and help listeners to understand what to expect when they take out a car finance agreement.
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Stuart talks to Paul Lewis on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme about the problems of car dealers mis-selling PCP car finance and shares tips on how to avoid being stitched up.
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Stuart appears on TRT World’s Insight programme, talking to Martin Stanford about the potential for hydrogen fuel cell cars to become economically viable with Dr Anna Ploszajski from UCL.
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Stuart talks to Winifred Robinson on BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours programme about MPs’ concerns on PCP car finance and used car values. Should we all be worried?
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Stuart talks to Paul Lewis on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme about the pros and cons of buying a new car using PCP car finance, and what you need to look out for.
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Stuart talks to Georgie Frost on Share Radio’s morning programme, discussing the highlights and big talking points of the 2017 Geneva motor show.
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2016
Stuart shares his car buying advice with Nationwide building society. What to look out for, and the importance of understanding the different finance options available.
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The classic car market is continuing to grow. Stuart writes for Classic Trader about the pros and cons of investing in a classic car.
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2015
NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland: Buying a car
Stuart starred in a campaign for NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland on car finance. The programme consisted of four informational videos, a live Twitter Q&A and writing several advice articles for the NatWest and RBS websites.
Watch here and here and here and here
Mail on Sunday: Volkswagen emissions scandal
The damning revelations of Volkswagen’s emissions cheating has rocked confidence in the brand and the car industry in general. Stuart suggests that savvy car buyers can use this to their advantage.
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Sky News: Electric cars – battery or hydrogen fuel cell?
Stuart appears on Sky News to talk about the differences between batteries and hydrogen fuel cells to power electric vehicles.
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LV Car Insurance: An owner's guide to classic car investment
Owning a classic car definitely has its pros and cons. Stuart writes about his experiences with Big Red, his own 1973 Jaguar XJ6.
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2014
StepChange Money Aware: Five tips to make your fuel go further
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in running a car. Stuart explains five easy ways that any driver in any car can save money on their fuel bill.
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FHM: The power of brands
Stuart discusses why supercars cost more than your house, and how the same pile of parts go into a SEAT, Volkswagen and an Audi – for three very different prices.
Contact us
Are you looking for comment on the latest events in the automotive industry? Stuart Masson, editor of The Car Expert, can provide clear, concise, plain-English expert opinion for television, radio, web or print media.
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