In a heartwarming display of support for Ukraine's war effort, London's car dealers are being called upon to consider an alternative fate for non-Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) compliant used cars. The charitable initiative known as Car4Ukraine is appealing to dealerships to contribute diesel 4x4s or pick-up trucks, which could prove invaluable on the frontline, rather than outright refusing them in part exchange.

As reported by Car Dealer, numerous used car dealers in the capital have faced challenges in selling non-Ulez compliant vehicles due to the hefty £12.50 daily charge imposed for driving them within the Ulez. This fee now extends to London's outer boroughs, encompassing areas like Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, and Hillingdon.

Richard Lofthouse, a Londoner and Car4Ukraine volunteer, expressed the organisation's mission, saying, "We are actually working on getting the London Mayor to make a tweak to his controversial Ulez scheme to allow the right vehicles to go to Ukraine rather than get scrapped."

Lofthouse further revealed the charity's interest in acquiring "good value vehicles" whose pricing reflects their less favourable status under Ulez regulations. He highlighted the appeal of "big Chelsea tractors, pick-ups, that sort of thing," and emphasized that some car owners, disgruntled with the scheme, have opted to donate their vehicles directly rather than accept unattractive trade-in deals, knowing their cars might otherwise face disposal.

Last year, Car Dealer spotlighted the Car4Ukraine charity, which adapts cars from the UK and Europe for frontline use. These vehicles are retrofitted with armoured plating and weaponry, serving critical roles in rescuing civilians and countering Russian aggression. Astonishingly, one modified vehicle even successfully downed a Russian cruise missile.

The charity's demand for right-hand drive vehicles is particularly noteworthy, as these vehicles confound Russian snipers who mistakenly target the wrong side of the cars in their attempts to harm the driver.

Lofthouse, who personally delivered a Ford Ranger to Ukraine earlier this year, explained that the Ulez has created a unique opportunity for the charity to acquire cars essential for the war effort. He added, "Several London dealers were refusing trade-ins that they could not easily sell on. Yet there remains a buoyant market for such vehicles far away from the Ulez and especially in Ukraine, where emissions are the last thing they are worrying about right now."

He also mentioned that numerous UK groups, including Jeeps for Peace in Scotland, Driving Ukraine in Oxfordshire, and Car4Ukraine in London, have collectively delivered over 1,500 vehicles, including armoured ambulances, since Russia's invasion last February.

Car4Ukraine's website provides comprehensive information about the charity's work and outlines its need for diesel vehicles like Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, and Ford Ranger models.

In a video interview with Car Dealer Live, Ivan Oleksii of Car4Ukraine emphasised the crucial role these vehicles play, saying, "This is a genuine way people in the UK can help fight the Russian aggressors. These cars are vital and are used for a huge number of roles. Cars are disposable and easy to destroy, so we need a good supply. Dealers may have cars that look tatty, but that doesn't matter for us as long as they drive and are solid underneath. We paint them for the frontline and retrofit all the parts that are needed for active service."

For the full article, please visit cardealermagazine.co.uk.