The society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders had urged the government to consider the pressures on car dealerships and workshops in the forthcoming budget
In a point-by-point itinerary sent to the Chancellor, the organisation calls for measures to encourage recovery, assist business growth and boost consumer confidence.
Included in the list are a number of points that the SMMT believe would directly help garage owners and the wider motor industry. These include a call to review business rates and to ‘provide greater clarity on how environmental taxes and commitments are applied to businesses to retain competitiveness.'
There are also a number of requests to help motorists in general, such as a call to freeze fuel duty and a request to remove the need for road tax in the first year of owning a new car. The group also urges the government to consider changing the road tax system on commercial vehicles and replacing it with one that takes into consideration the age and emissions of vans and trucks.
SMMT Chief Executive, Paul Everitt said: "This Budget comes at a critical time for UK automotive and we're urging government to deliver the right mix of supportive policies to secure sustainable growth and strengthen the role of the UK as leading developer, producer and exporter of automotive products.