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Luxury cars removed from Motability scheme ahead of budget
Luxury cars will no longer be available for Motabiltiy recipients, it has been announced, with the government saying more money will also go to British manufacturers under changes.
The announcement comes just days ahead of the budget, although it does not appear that the announcement will have any change to government finances.
https://news.sky.com/story/luxury-cars-removed-from-motability-scheme-ahead-of-budget-13475029
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I can’t find any statement directly from Motability discussing this topic at all. For some reason Alfa Romeo has been “removed” despite only offering the sweet little Junior which is literally just a rebadged 2008, Mokka, Avenger or whatever Stellantis rebadge it as…
How can Reeves be “backing British manufacturers on the scheme” when it’s the impractical MINI hatch, Nissan Juke and Qashqai, the Toyota Corolla and the Stellantis van based MPVs?How can Reeves be “backing British manufacturers on the scheme” when it’s the impractical MINI hatch, Nissan Juke and Qashqai, the Toyota Corolla and the Stellantis van based MPVs?
I don’t think that’s meant as a matter of fact statement.
I’m not happy about it, i do think choice is important and i don’t see why a disabled person shouldn’t be able to order a BMW if he/she so desires (despite the horrendous prices).
That being said… It could be way worse. This way she can claim that the scheme is now “more fit for purpose”, and fend of the bollocks nonsense spouted by the toilet-papers and other usual right-wing suspects. The “more domestic car stuff” is just hot air.
Particularly of note is that there still are plenty of “luxury cars” on the scheme. They didn’t remove “luxury cars” (despite the claim made), they removed a few luxury brands. Cars like the Ioniq 6, Volvo V60 etc are still available. If you want to spend stupid/BMW money, you can also still opt for Polestars.
All in all.. I don’t feel like the scheme functionally has been impacted at all. If that allows her to push back against Badenoch, Farage and all the other ignorant folks, then that’s plenty okay. In my opinion anyway.
Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.What is far right in people wanting transparency?
Too many people get benefits just for claiming they cannot work due their mental state. But they have enough mental state to go on the TV? The whole system must be reshuffled.
If Liebour wanted, they could get out and provide a clear and concise message that Motability scheme offering very expensive car with unlimited AP would be better for the treasury’s coffin. But they’re spineless, led by pro-palestine, pro-trans pro-whatever-you-want but the needs of the majority of the British people.
Sent from a mobile device.
Apologies for briefness and spelling mistakes.Motability Skoda Enyaq SportLine 85x April 2024 (unhappy customer - Ombudsman pending)
Motability Mazda CX-60 July 2023 (unhappy customer - early termination on mechanical grounds)
Motability VW Touran Family Pack May 2019 (happy customer)by promoting british made cars if that means reducing ap’s for the likes of mini,nissan etc i for one will not complain. as thats my shortlist lol. as to the juke being impractical i would disagree. or are we now saying your only disabled if you have to use scooters/wheelchairs and only cars that can easily store such things should be available?
i am borderline needing to use a chair of some discription but i am determined to not do so for as long as possible and if i decide to put up with some pain or inconveniance in order to have another mini thats my decision not the disability police.
personnally i am in the if you can afford the ap you should be able to have whatever car you like camp and stuff the papers and politicians. but also i think your bonkers if your paying over 3k to borrow a car for years.
thats 2 holidays for me even with single supplements lol.
A huge mistake, and in my opinion it is both Disablism and Ableism.
This is essentially saying or restricting people with disabilities to a specific, lower cost section of a store like the Tesco Value aisle or Primark instead of higher end stores like Selfridges regardless of their needs or preference.
My view would be for the Government to have concentrated on the restrictions or removal of vehicles with higher Advanced Payment which included both Premium/Luxury and the less Premium ones, since some of these less Premium brands and models do also have higher AP than the Luxury ones.
The framing of Luxury vehicles does not always align with the monetary value, it’s purely a perception, therefore the distinction between luxury vehicles and non luxury vehicles can be subjective and not always tied to the actual costs involved in the Motability scheme.
More like trying to score political points at the expense of….. you know the rest!
A huge mistake, and in my opinion it is both Disablism and Ableism.
This is essentially saying or restricting people with disabilities to a specific, lower cost section of a store like the Tesco Value aisle or Primark instead of higher end stores like Selfridges regardless of their needs or preference.
My view would be for the Government to have concentrated on the restrictions or removal of vehicles with higher Advanced Payment which included both Premium/Luxury and the less Premium ones, since some of these less Premium brands and models do also have higher AP than the Luxury ones.
The framing of Luxury vehicles does not always align with the monetary value, it’s purely a perception, therefore the distinction between luxury vehicles and non luxury vehicles can be subjective and not always tied to the actual costs involved in the Motability scheme.
More like trying to score political points on the expense of….. you know the rest!
I think this highlights, if there were still any lingering doubt, what a spineless government we currently have.
The problem doesn’t lie with Motability, it lies firmly with the DWP but of course, ‘we’ are the easy target so rather than actually do what needs to be done, they were always going to come after us.
Shameful.
Current car: MG HS Exclusive in nice shiny black. 🙂
I can’t find any statement directly from Motability discussing this topic at all.
It was incorporated in a press release issued yesterday (24th November 2025) by Motability Operations Ltd, albeit in an item headlining about Motability transitioning to more UK built vehicles:
To remove premium brands (which is more accurately what brands like BMW and Mercedes are – ‘luxury’ brands are things like Bentley!) would be idiotic, but would satisfy the schemes critics who have absolutely no clue about the scheme or how the car industry works.
These brands tend to have better residual values, which reduce scheme costs, and coupled with the high APs, (which probably help offset the fact that these manufacturers may not need to offer such huge discounts as those manufacturers whose cars depreciate much more significantly), removal of them does absolutely nothing to improve the perceived cost to the tax payer.
Unless I’m missing something, the only thing that would reduce the cost to the exchequer would be a price cap (regardless of brand or type of car), as this would reduce the amount of VAT exemption? However, that would be problematic for their desire to push EVs through the scheme, as they tend to have higher retail prices!
We only have to wait until tomorrow to find out what, if any, reference to Motability will be in the budget (although it would more likely be buried in the ‘Red Book’ that is published once the Chancellor delivers the statement, rather than the speech itself), but I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s no mention of it.
As I understand it, there is due to be a review of benefits like PIP at the end of next year which will most likely include the qualifying criteria that gives access to the Motability scheme. If true, it makes more sense to park any changes to the scheme (or those who qualify for it) until then, but as the flip-flopping on taxation in recent weeks has shown, common sense and this government aren’t happy bedfellows, so it’s anybody’s guess 😂
Here’s what’s been posted in one of the Facebook groups:
It seems that a problem that didn’t exist has been solved in a way that victimises working disabled people. I still see no reason why it’s ok to have a Vauxhall with an advanced payment of £7,999 but not a BMW. If I was still working I’d be in a group where such cars would be the norm and being disabled shouldn’t exclude me from that.
What’s worse, is that I would probably be pushed into a salary sacrifice option, where I’d have a bigger choice of luxury brands with a 40% discount thanks to the taxpayer. I could easily afford the EQB and could well be waiting to see what the new iX3 comes in at when offered by the finance companies. However, I’m not working nor am I able to, so I’m not only making choices of more appropriate cars but it seems certain brands are simply too luxurious.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
Unfortunately I could see this coming in some shape or form, however, I was not expecting it to be limited to UK produced vehicles, basically that is the end to Chinese and other manufacture unless they manufacture in the UK, Trump comes to mind. How many manufactures are going to locate to the UK to keep Mobility Operations happy. probably about zero. I can understand where she is coming from, she needs to support the UK industry, especially with all the Chinese government subsidised vehicles.
On the plus side they may leave the VAT excemption alone which was a big worry, at least we will still have the scheme to support disabled people, unfortunately less choice, but that life.
Those that can afford the higher AP vehicles, and that includes myself can look outside the scheme. I sorry if that offends some, but at least we will still have a Mobility scheme.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.
@BigDave Thanks for the article, which you posted whilst I was writing my response (above). So it’s definite then. BMW and Mercedes are gone! It’s a great shame as it makes no financial sense (re my comments above) and is just political gesturing to satisfy those who are jealous of disabled people who have these cars, and those who are clueless about things like residual values. None the less, the decision is made.
I’m keen to return to BMW, but had already decided that we would have to do this privately, as the BMWs on the scheme aren’t the ones we’d like, nor will they ever be, but I feel terribly sad for those who don’t have that option. I can still remember all the excitement when the BMW i4 came onto the scheme. Whilst it wasn’t for us, it was lovely to read all the enthusiastic posts from those who were really excited about getting one. It’s a sad day for Motability that they have succumbed to the haters, probably under pressure from this government.
Unfortunately I could see this coming in some shape or form, however, I was not expecting it to be limited to UK produced vehicles, basically that is the end to Chinese and other manufacture unless they manufacture in the UK, Trump comes to mind. How many manufactures are going to locate to the UK to keep Mobility Operations happy. probably about zero. I can understand where she is coming from, she needs to support the UK industry, especially with all the Chinese government subsidised vehicles. On the plus side they may leave the VAT excemption alone which was a big worry, at least we will still have the scheme to support disabled people, unfortunately less choice, but that life. Those that can afford the higher AP vehicles, and that includes myself can look outside the scheme. I sorry if that offends some, but at least we will still have a Mobility scheme.
They are aiming for 50% to be British built, not 100%. That still means that 50% will be built overseas. Plus that targets not until 2035. On that basis, this should make no difference to the availability of Chinese cars. The removal of all the premium brands (none of which are U.K. built) will, in itself, be a major contributor to this target.
Motability Statement here
I'm blunt and straight to the point and I make no apologies for it!
Bipolar, OCD and a multitude of other MH issuesOut of interest does anybody have a list of British built manufacturers? After the muddle that was resultant of the Brexit vote, I’m not sure who outside of Nissan this includes. It’s not exactly going to be a massive draw for anyone looking for a European manufacturing base, the Motability market is nothing compared to tariff free access to the EU.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
Unfortunately I could see this coming in some shape or form, however, I was not expecting it to be limited to UK produced vehicles, basically that is the end to Chinese and other manufacture unless they manufacture in the UK, Trump comes to mind. How many manufactures are going to locate to the UK to keep Mobility Operations happy. probably about zero. I can understand where she is coming from, she needs to support the UK industry, especially with all the Chinese government subsidised vehicles. On the plus side they may leave the VAT excemption alone which was a big worry, at least we will still have the scheme to support disabled people, unfortunately less choice, but that life. Those that can afford the higher AP vehicles, and that includes myself can look outside the scheme. I sorry if that offends some, but at least we will still have a Mobility scheme.
They are aiming for 50% to be British built, not 100%. That still means that 50% will be built overseas. Plus that targets not until 2035. On that basis, this should make no difference to the availability of Chinese cars. The removal of all the premium brands (none of which are U.K. built) will, in itself, be a major contributor to this target.
Ok
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.
Motability Statement here
I have noticed lease extensions ? 3 months
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.
Out of interest does anybody have a list of British built manufacturers? After the muddle that was resultant of the Brexit vote, I’m not sure who outside of Nissan this includes. It’s not exactly going to be a massive draw for anyone looking for a European manufacturing base, the Motability market is nothing compared to tariff free access to the EU.
Quick search about 7 manufactures we would probably see on the scheme, the rest are Lotus,Bentley etc.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.
As I worked in tge Automotive industry, the car companies that manufacture in the UK are
Nissan
Mini
Toyota
JLR
Aston Martin
Lotus
Mclaren
Rolls Royce
Bentley
Morgan
Possibly TVR, but unknown at the moment
Thanks for the list, I did think it’ll be rather luxury heavy. We can’t be massively far away from 50% then? Nissan, Mini, Toyota are quite common on our roads. I guess when we look in more detail it’ll get harder to meet the targets.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
All the premium manufacturers are now shaded out on the Motability website car search, so can’t be selected.
Thought for the day. Will Volvo (who have long aspired to be considered a premium brand) be happy that their cars remain, or unhappy that they aren’t deemed by Motability (or the government- depending on whose pulling the strings) to be a premium brand? 😂
Crazy to think Reform UK have been peddling this idea but one of their councillors has been using daddys motability car for campaigning in🤷🏻♂️
How stupid and low intelligence is this as no convertible’s which is british built Mini and only one other Mazda MX5. And as to Luxury cars I never thought myself that Mercedes or BMW or Alfa were Luxury cars perhaps some top of the range which only may mean AMG I think of luxury cars as Rolls Royce high end supercars.Does it now mean that british built top end Minis will no longer be Available or anything top end may be removed which is ludicrous and Anti disability choice so does basic come to mind.
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