Welcome to GWA Cars and Finance, GWA Cars & Finance is an independent company specialising in the sale and financing of new and used cars and vans in Chichester, West Sussex and the UK.

Good news about electric cars and the like passed over the GWA Cars & Finance news desk this week. It remains to be seen when, or even if, low-carbon cars will enter the mainstream, but the announcement of government funding is certainly a much-needed step towards making that a reality.

It has been confirmed that the Plug-In Car Grant, designed to stimulate demand for low-carbon vehicles, will go ahead from January 2011. The future of the grant was initially put in doubt by the public sector cost-cutting regime launched by the new government.

What this means is that motorists will be able to claim a Plug-In Car Grant of £5,000 when they buy an electric car, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car, providing it meets a range of standards set by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles.

These types of car generally remain the preserve of the wealthy – it’s hard to find an actor without one at the moment – but the grant, which is available until 31 March 2012, or until the money runs out, will put the price in the lower-mid range. For example, the Nissan Leaf will cost just over £23,300 with the subsidy.

I hope this grant will help create a wider market for these cars – as yet, we are witnessing only limited demand for these vehicles – and I think it’s important that cars like the Toyota Prius and Vauxhall Ampera are included. This type of support infrastructure is vital if we are to see a greener car industry.

To have a chat about buying or leasing a new or used car or van, contact Gary at GWA Cars & Finance on 01243 510 650 or sales@gwacars.com.