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Expert media appearances
Expert advice and opinion – as seen, heard and read here:
2024
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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Stuart talks to Anita McVeigh about the challenges facing UK car production as new data shows that 2022 was the worst year since 1956.
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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).
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Stuart comments on the 2022 sales success of the British-built Nissan Qashqai – highlighting the benefits of UK car production for the local economy.
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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.
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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.
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