From 1st March, the UK will officially welcome the new ‘26 registration plates, marking one of the busiest periods of the year for vehicle sales. Whether you’re running a single van, managing a growing fleet, or planning to upgrade company cars, the arrival of the latest plates presents an ideal opportunity to invest in new vehicles – especially when supported by the right finance solution.
At Forest Road Finance, we work with businesses across the UK to make vehicle upgrades affordable, tax-efficient, and cash-flow friendly. Here’s what you need to know about the ‘26 plates – and how finance can help you make the most of them.
What Are ‘26 Registration Plates?
‘26 plates will be available on new vehicles registered from 1st March 2026, replacing the current ‘75 plates. As with every March plate change, this date typically sees:
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Increased dealer incentives
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Wider vehicle availability
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Strong resale values for outgoing models
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High demand across cars, vans, pickups, and specialist vehicles
For businesses, this makes March one of the most strategic times of the year to invest in transport.
Why the March Plate Change Matters for Businesses
1. Professional Image & Brand Perception
A brand-new vehicle with the latest registration plate instantly projects reliability and professionalism. For customer-facing businesses —-trades, logistics, construction, sales teams – newer vehicles reinforce trust and credibility.
2. Improved Reliability & Lower Maintenance
New vehicles reduce downtime, unexpected repair bills, and maintenance costs. Many also come with manufacturer warranties, offering peace of mind during critical working periods.
3. Access to New Technology & Efficiency
Each new model year brings improved fuel efficiency, emissions performance, safety features, and driver comfort – all of which can lower operating costs over time.
Financing ‘26 Plate Vehicles: A Smarter Way to Buy
Buying vehicles outright can put unnecessary strain on cash flow. That’s why many businesses choose vehicle finance, allowing them to spread the cost while keeping working capital available for growth.
We arrange finance for:
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Cars
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Vans & pickups
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Electric & hybrid vehicles
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Fleet purchases
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Specialist and commercial vehicles
Common Finance Options Include:
Hire Purchase (HP)
Own the vehicle outright at the end of the term. Ideal for businesses planning to keep vehicles long-term.
Finance Lease
Lower monthly payments with flexibility at the end of the agreement – great for managing cash flow.
Contract Hire
Fixed monthly rentals with no ownership concerns, often including maintenance.
Our role as a broker means we compare multiple lenders to find the most competitive and suitable option for your business – rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Tax Considerations When Financing New Vehicles
Depending on your business structure and vehicle choice, financing a ‘26 plate vehicle may offer tax advantages such as:
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VAT reclaim (on qualifying vehicles)
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Corporation tax relief
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Deductible monthly payments
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Capital allowances
We work closely with businesses and accountants to ensure finance structures align with tax planning wherever possible.
(Always seek advice from your accountant for business-specific tax guidance.)
Electric & Low-Emission Vehicles on ‘26 Plates
With ongoing environmental targets and clean air zone considerations, many businesses are using the plate change to transition into electric or low-emission vehicles.
Benefits include:
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Lower running costs
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Reduced Benefit-in-Kind for company cars
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Improved sustainability credentials
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Growing charging infrastructure
We regularly arrange finance for electric vans and cars, helping businesses switch without large upfront costs.
Beat the Rush: Plan Your ‘26 Plate Finance Early
March is one of the busiest months for dealers and lenders alike. Planning finance early helps you:
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Secure better rates
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Avoid delivery delays
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Lock in preferred vehicles
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Ensure paperwork is completed on time
If you’re considering upgrading vehicles for the new plate release, starting the conversation now puts you ahead of the curve.
Speak to a Vehicle Finance Broker You Can Trust
At Forest Road Finance, we support businesses across the UK with straightforward, transparent vehicle finance solutions. We understand that every business is different – and that the right finance should work for you, not against you.
Whether you’re funding a single ‘26 plate vehicle or refreshing an entire fleet, our team is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss vehicle finance options ahead of the 1st March ‘26 plate launch.
