News & Reviews from within the Motor Trade

  • Why Ute-Style Pickups Are Dominating the UK Workhorse Market

    If you work in the motor trade, you will have noticed how ute-style pickups have moved from niche to normal on UK forecourts. Once the preserve of farmers and utility companies, these trucks are now everyday stock for dealers, bodyshops and independent garages handling commercial fleets and lifestyle buyers alike.

    UK dealership forecourt showcasing modern ute-style pickups ready for trade buyers

    What is driving demand for ute-style pickups?

    The surge in popularity of ute-style pickups is not an accident. It is the result of a perfect storm of practicality, tax advantages and changing customer expectations. Operators who once ran medium vans are now looking for vehicles that can tow heavy plant, carry a decent payload and still double as family transport at the weekend.

    Modern double-cab designs give car-like cabins, ISOFIX points, proper infotainment and respectable refinement, while retaining leaf springs and ladder frames where it counts. For many small businesses, one vehicle now has to do it all, and a well-specced truck ticks more boxes than a panel van ever could.

    Key advantages of ute-style pickups for UK operators

    From a workshop and sales perspective, the appeal is easy to understand. Towing capacities around 3.5 tonnes are becoming the norm, letting operators move trailers, diggers and plant without stepping up to a 7.5-tonner. Payloads regularly exceed a tonne, which keeps them within HMRC definitions that still offer attractive benefit-in-kind treatment for company drivers.

    Ground clearance and four-wheel drive make them ideal for construction sites, farms and utilities work. At the same time, manufacturers have finally understood that drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, so we see heated seats, advanced driver assistance systems and high-grade interiors that would not look out of place in a family SUV.

    How the used pickup market is evolving

    On the trade side, the used market for these trucks has become one of the most closely watched segments. Residuals remain strong for reputable models with full service history, especially where there is evidence of careful use rather than hard site work. Dealers are increasingly selective, avoiding heavily modified or overworked examples that can become comeback magnets for their workshops.

    Specialist breakers and parts suppliers have also stepped up, with strong availability of components for popular models and generations. Where fleets once feared downtime, they now know that everything from body panels to driveline components and even niche items like Toyota Hilux spares can be sourced quickly from dedicated trade partners.

    Workshop considerations when maintaining modern pickups

    For independent garages and auto electricians, these vehicles are both an opportunity and a challenge. Drivetrains are typically robust, but the mix of heavy-duty mechanicals with increasingly complex electronics means technicians need to be comfortable working on both. AdBlue systems, diesel particulate filters and advanced stability control all feature heavily, especially on newer Euro 6 models.

    Regular underbody inspections are critical. Trucks that spend their lives on building sites or farms will see accelerated wear on suspension bushes, steering joints and brake lines. Corrosion protection has improved, but stone chips and mud traps can still cause long-term issues if not addressed early. Smart operators are now booking in pre-winter and post-winter checks as standard practice.

    Where the market is heading next

    Looking ahead, the big story is electrification and hybridisation of pickups. While pure electric trucks are still rare in the UK, manufacturers are openly trialling plug-in hybrid drivetrains, 48-volt systems and more efficient diesel engines to keep running costs in check. Expect greater use of lightweight materials and more sophisticated driver assistance as fleets demand safer, cleaner workhorses.

    For the motor trade, that means investing in training, tooling and diagnostic capability now, rather than waiting until these vehicles become mainstream. Workshops and dealers who understand ute-style pickups inside out will be best placed to capture both fleet contracts and retail customers as the segment continues to grow.

    Whether you are selling, maintaining or refurbishing these trucks, it is clear that they are no passing fad. Ute-style pickups have become a cornerstone of the UK workhorse market, and the businesses that treat them as such will be the ones that stay ahead of the curve.

    Mechanic carrying out underbody inspection on ute-style pickups in a workshop
    Ute-style pickups towing equipment on a UK road highlighting workhorse capability

    Ute-style pickups FAQs

    Are ute-style pickups classed as cars or vans for tax in the UK?

    Most double-cab ute-style pickups that can carry a payload of at least one tonne are treated as vans for benefit-in-kind purposes in the UK. That usually means a fixed-rate benefit charge rather than the percentage-of-list-price calculation applied to cars. However, exact tax treatment can vary with specification and payload, so operators should always confirm details with their accountant or HMRC guidance before making purchasing decisions.

    Do ute-style pickups cost more to maintain than medium vans?

    Maintenance costs for ute-style pickups can be slightly higher than for many medium vans, largely due to heavier-duty suspension, larger tyres and more complex four-wheel-drive systems. However, robust drivetrains and strong parts availability help keep them manageable, especially when servicing is carried out on time and underbody components are inspected regularly if the vehicle works off-road or on construction sites.

    What should traders look for when buying used ute-style pickups for stock?

    Traders should prioritise full service history, evidence of sensible use and clean underbody condition when buying used ute-style pickups. Check for signs of heavy towing, excessive off-road abuse, poorly executed modifications and corrosion around chassis, load bed and suspension mounts. Electronic systems and driver aids should be tested thoroughly, as repairs can be costly. Well-maintained examples with honest mileage typically sell quickly and hold margins better.

  • What Clean Air Zones Really Mean For Everyday Drivers

    If you drive in or around a major UK city, you have probably already felt the impact of new emissions rules. With Clean Air Zones explained in more detail, it becomes clear that they are reshaping how motorists choose, maintain and even think about their vehicles.

    City drivers approaching an emissions control sign with mixed vehicles, illustrating Clean Air Zones explained for everyday motorists.

    These schemes are not a niche concern for city-centre commuters any more. They affect delivery fleets, small garages, traders in older stock, and enthusiasts who run ageing diesels or performance petrols. Understanding how they work is now part of basic road sense.

    Clean Air Zones explained for UK motorists

    At their core, Clean Air Zones are areas where the local authority uses charges or restrictions to push high-emission vehicles off the road or into cleaner replacements. Most schemes use Euro emissions standards as the cut-off. Typically, that means Euro 4 or newer for petrol and Euro 6 or newer for diesel to avoid daily charges.

    Unlike a simple toll road, the rules vary by city. Some zones only target buses, HGVs and coaches, while others include vans and private cars. The result is a patchwork that confuses drivers, especially traders moving stock or delivering across several regions in one day.

    How Clean Air Zones are changing buying habits

    With more Clean Air Zones explained in the media, buyers are starting to look beyond mileage and service history. They now ask whether a car is compliant and what it will cost to drive into certain cities. This is hitting older diesels hardest, particularly family SUVs and workhorse estates that would once have sold easily.

    Traders are already adjusting their stock. There is more interest in small petrols, mild hybrids and Euro 6 compliant diesels with solid paperwork. At the same time, very old or non-compliant vehicles are drifting towards rural buyers, export, or the breaker’s yard. Residual values are starting to split along emissions lines, and that will only sharpen as more zones go live.

    Impact on garages, MOT stations and specialists

    Workshops are feeling the shift as well. Non-compliant cars are often run on a tighter budget, with owners weighing up every repair against the risk of future charges or bans. Some will scrap earlier rather than invest in big-ticket jobs like DPF replacements or timing belt kits.

    On the flip side, there is growing demand for accurate emissions diagnostics, DPF cleaning, and advice on whether a vehicle is likely to pass local rules. Garages that can talk customers through Clean Air Zones explained in plain English, and back it up with a proper emissions test and printout, are winning trust and repeat business.

    Scrappage schemes, 4x4s and the future of older metal

    Local scrappage schemes have added another twist. Some drivers are being paid to retire otherwise serviceable vehicles, especially larger 4x4s and older diesels. That is tightening supply of clean, rust-free examples and creating a two-tier market: cherished, compliant cars rising in value, and everything else being run into the ground or stripped for parts.

    Owners of specific models, such as older Mitsubishi 4x4s, need targeted advice on how scrappage and emissions rules interact with their vehicles. A good starting point is this detailed guide on ULEZ scrappage and what it means for certain models.

    Practical steps drivers can take now

    With so many Clean Air Zones explained differently from city to city, the first step is to check your registration on the relevant council or government site before you travel. Do not assume that because you are fine in one city, you are fine in all of them.

    Next, keep on top of basic maintenance. A healthy engine, clean intake and correctly functioning emissions system stand a better chance of staying compliant for longer. Regular oil changes, proper spec low-ash oil for DPF-equipped diesels, and fixing warning lights promptly all help.

    Finally, if you are changing vehicles, think ahead. Look at where you drive now and where you might drive in a few years. Ask the seller to show you the Euro standard, V5 details and any evidence of emissions-related work. In a market where regulations move faster than most people change cars, doing your homework is now just as important as kicking the tyres.

    Mechanic advising a customer in a workshop with diagnostic tools, showing Clean Air Zones explained through practical emissions checks.
    Used car forecourt where buyers discuss vehicle choices, with Clean Air Zones explained influencing which models they consider.

    Clean Air Zones explained FAQs

    How do I know if my car will be charged in a Clean Air Zone?

    Most UK schemes provide an online checker where you can enter your registration number to see if your vehicle is compliant. These tools usually base their answer on Euro emissions standards recorded against your number plate. Always check the specific city you plan to visit, as rules and classes of vehicle covered can differ between locations.

    Are petrol cars affected as much as diesels?

    In most cases, older diesels are hit hardest because they tend to produce more NOx and particulates. Many zones set a stricter cut-off for diesel, often requiring Euro 6 to avoid charges, while petrol cars may be allowed from Euro 4 upwards. That said, very old petrol vehicles can still be affected, so it is important not to assume that any petrol is automatically safe.

    Can regular servicing help my car stay compliant?

    Good maintenance will not change the official Euro standard of your vehicle, but it can keep emissions equipment working properly and avoid unnecessary failures. Regular oil and filter changes, the correct grade of low-ash oil for DPF-equipped diesels, prompt repair of engine management faults and keeping the exhaust system in good order all help keep emissions as low as the vehicle was designed to produce.