The wheels are turning as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) extends its reach, now encompassing London's outer boroughs including Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, and Hillingdon, as reported on cardealermagazine.co.uk. Motor trade news has been buzzing as used car dealers in the capital reveal their strategies in the wake of this emission-based upheaval.

The extension of ULEZ, effective from Aug 29, means drivers across London are now facing a daily £12.50 charge for non-compliant vehicles, setting the road for a fresh set of challenges and opportunities for car dealers. The implementation comes after a legal challenge, which saw a consortium of Tory councils leading the charge, but alas, it was the High Court's green light that set the wheels in motion.

Reports from the industry trenches indicate a shift in the wind. Some independent retailers are finding non-compliant vehicles sliding down the value slope, mostly sought by buyers trekking from outside the city limits. Conversely, ULEZ compliant vehicles are making a surge in demand, with values revving up for these emission-conscious cars.

Jim McCarthy, director of McCarthy Cars in Croydon, located within the now-expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone, candidly remarked that the diesel stock had become "a real pain" to move. While some units sold off, non ULEZ compliant diesels are proving challenging to shift within the city. McCarthy wryly observes, "The whole thing is a joke."

Ashraf Kassam, owner of Kassam Car Sales in Uxbridge, also sings a tune of transformation. Petrol cars are ascending the value ladder, bringing in better returns for dealers. "Nobody can afford to pay £12.50 a day," says Kassam, shedding light on the phenomenon of non-compliant vehicles now predominantly finding homes beyond the cityscape.

Another dealership echoing the shift is Cottage Car Sales in Hayes, where older vehicles are being exchanged for compliant stock. As Ulez drives change, Auto Trader, the ever-watchful industry guide, reveals the figures. Over 88% of all stock across the nation complies with ULEZ, with affordable choices for every budget.

Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, steps in as the navigational voice of reason, advising vehicle owners to gauge their options. From scrappage schemes to private sales, choices abound. "The greater your budget, the more choices of vehicle you'll have," Plummer nods sagely.

The road ahead for London's used car dealers gleams with both challenges and silver linings, as ULEZ extends its domain. As the capital's streets evolve to embrace emission-consciousness, the motor trade landscape too adapts and evolves, ever watchful of the changing tides of demand and compliance.

You can read the original advert at cardealermagazine.co.uk