“With the upcoming ’25 number plate change, NFDA offers essential guidance and outlines key steps for consumers purchasing new vehicles” said Sue Robinson , Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealership Association (NFDA) , which represents franchised dealerships across the UK. NUMBER PLATE GUIDANCE The number plate system currently used in Great Britain has been in place since 2001. All new cars registered from 1 March 2025 onwards, will display the new ‘ 25 ’ plate. The UK’s number plate system operates as follows: Location Indicators : The first two letters are known as a memory tag and indicate the location where the car is registered. For example, a car registered in the London region would have ‘L’ as the first letter, followed by any letter from A to Y. Registration Period : The next two digits reflect the six-month period when the car was registered: 25 for registrations starting in March 2025 and 75 for those from September 2025. 26 for registrations beginning in March 2026 and 76 for those from September 2026. Unique Identifiers : After a space, three randomly assigned letters follow. The letters I and Q are excluded to avoid confusion with 1 and 0. Please note that Northern Ireland number plates follow a different format. Sue Robinson , continued: “At your franchised dealership, you can seek advice on various models, ensuring you choose a vehicle that matches your daily driving needs and personal preferences”. PRE-PURCHASE Before purchasing your vehicle, consider key points including your budget and the type of vehicle that fits your budget, while also taking into consideration expenses such as vehicle excise duty and the first registration fee. Factors to consider regarding the type of vehicle should include: Purpose : Do you have children? How many doors are needed? Does it need to be used multiple times a day? Will the vehicle be used to transport goods? Will you require automatic or manual? Vehicle type: Hatchback, saloon, sports, estate, SUV (sports utility vehicle), MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), coupe, convertible? Electric Vehicle (EV): Is there a viable way to charge your vehicle if you choose electric? Are you prepared to pay certain taxes soon to affect EVs? Are you conscious of EV mandates set by the government? On EVs, Sue Robinson noted: “As the government works towards its net-zero goals, electric vehicles will become increasingly common on UK roads, particularly with the Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate quota rising to 28% this year for new cars and 16% for new vans. “Those intending on purchasing an EV should consider visiting an NFDA Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) dealership. “These dealers are certified experts in UK electric vehicle sales. The EVA scheme, backed by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), offers EV-specific certification to dealerships. “Currently, over 500 franchised dealer locations in the UK have received this certification, and the scheme continues to gather pace. EVA certified retailers provide comprehensive information about EV purchases and offer after-sales support with highly trained EV technicians to support your aftersales needs. “Anyone purchasing an EV should be aware that, starting in April 2025, EVs will be subject to Vehicle Excise Duty. ” For more information and to find your local NFDA EVA Certified dealer, please visit the EVA website at: https://evapproved.co.uk/ TEST DRIVE Test drives are important for assessing a potential new car. When test driving a vehicle, consider comfort, seatbelt safety and road handling including brakes and steering. FINALISING YOUR PURCHASE Before purchasing, decide how you pay for the vehicle: Upfront Payment : You can pay in full by bank transfer or a credit card. Some deals offer payments in instalments over several years, after which you can trade or keep the vehicle. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) : If you prefer not to buy the vehicle outright, consider leasing it through PCP. This involves paying a deposit followed by a number of fixed monthly payments. At the end of the term, you can either return the car, pay a final settlement to keep it, or use it as a trade-in for a new vehicle. Hire Purchase (HP) : This option requires a deposit upfront and spreads the cost over a fixed period. You do not own the vehicle until the final payment is made. Monthly payments are typically higher than those under a PCP plan. Personal Contract Hire (PCH) : Suitable for long-term rentals, PCH allows you to lease the car for an agreed period with fixed monthly payments. At the end of the contract, you simply return the car. Sue Robinson concludes: “Buying a car is only the start of your ownership journey. Regular maintenance is essential once you begin driving your new vehicle. It is important to find a trusted dealership for servicing. Franchised dealers provide expert guidance on recommended care, helping to prevent small problems from turning into expensive repairs.”