Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Whether you're a keen driver who loves being behind the wheel or a nervous nellie who hates to drive outside your usual routes, we all need safe roads to drive on.

To have safe roads of course we must have rules and regulations keeping our driving in check. But what happens when the laws they come up with are a bit strange? 

Let's find out as we explore 9 of the strangest driving laws from here in the UK and around the world.

In the UK, it is illegal to sleep in your car whilst intoxicated, including the driver's and passenger seats. So next time you're leaving the pub after one too many pints, it's definitely best to call an Uber. If you take a nap in your car whilst you're over the legal limit, you could face up to 3 months in prison. That's one costly night out!

Using puddles to splash pedestrians can be considered a criminal offence here in the UK as it can be deemed careless and inconsiderate driving. Plus, nobody likes to be splashed with dirty rainwater. Of course, this wouldn't be an extreme case of careless driving exactly, but you could still face points on your license.

In Cyprus, it's illegal to consume any food or drink whilst driving, including water. In this sunny country reaching to the cup holder to take a quick swig of Evian is completely out of the question. However, there must be something in it as Cyprus is considered to be a relatively safe country for motorists.

Here in Britain, you must keep your number plate clean and visible at all times. If stopped by the police for an obscured registration plate, you could land yourself a hefty fine. So next time your little yellow rectangle is muddy from country roads make sure to give it a quick wipe before setting off.

It's hard to keep your cool behind the wheel. We've all experienced it at one time or another. But angry and aggressive driving on British roads can be considered disorderly conduct. Especially if it leads to a collision.

In case you haven't received the message yet, it's definitely not a good idea to drink and drive. To help motorists understand how much they've had, France requires drivers to keep their own personal breathalyser in their vehicles. 

Back to the UK now where it states in the highway code that you mustn't drive with excessive volume coming from your speaker. This rule is to make sure drivers can hear important signals from other road users, like horns and sirens from emergency vehicles.

The Swiss are prohibited from slamming car doors. Imagine a world without car doors being slammed late at night! However, gently closing a car door during an argument with your significant other wouldn't really have the same impact.

In the UK, it's illegal to use your phone at a drive-through. Most of us love the convenience of using Apple or Google Pay to quickly tap-and-go but their use whilst in your car is strictly prohibited. This is due to laws that have banned the use of mobile phones while in control of a motorised vehicle.

While at first glance some of these laws may seem strange, no drinking water at the wheel, no angry driving, no Apple Pay at the drive-through, it's obvious they're all in place for a reason, to keep our roads safer. 

So perhaps we can learn something from other countries. Or perhaps we will continue to slam our car doors every time we have a bicker about directions with our partners. I know which one I'm going to do.

9 strange driving laws from around the world

Looking for your next car, and have a budget of up to £50,000? We’ve got you covered with this guide to the 11 best cars, across multiple segments. These are my picks including both new and used, from luxury SUVs to premium sports cars. 

Cupra, SEAT’s premium offshoot brand, make some great cars. We love the styling of the Formentor and the space of the 

. But if you want an SUV with some poke, this VZ2 model with the 2.0-litre engine and drivetrain from the Golf R, is sure to be of interest. 

With 300hp and a 7-speed-lighting fast automatic gearbox, it’ll be easy to forget you’ve got enough cargo space for all the weeks of shopping, and enough seats to carry the whole family along. 

The exterior styling is great too, with an angular silhouette but understated wheel arches and bumper trims compared to the standard Ateca. 

Introduced as the baby brother to the full-size XC90 SUV, 

 is still a large vehicle with significant carrying capacity. Space enough for 5 full-sized adults with a very generous boot, a raised driving position and ground clearance, it’s the epitome of what an SUV should be.

For just shy of £49,000, you can get the mid-range XC60 B5 with the Hybrid AWD drivetrain. This gives a nice blend of power and economy, with a good amount of equipment thrown in too, such as leather seats, a great sound system and 19” alloy wheels.

Buying used comes with one big advantage, the price. 

 lose around 40% of their value by the time they are one year old. That means if you’re happy with your car not being brand new from the factory, you can get something at 60% or less of the MSRP. 

 is a medium to large SUV, placed between the Q5 and Q9. It gives just the right amount of space without the car being enormous, 5 people can be seated comfortably and all their luggage.

As a perfect example of the value available on the used market, this particular example we’ve linked to is up for £48,100 as a 2024 model, a brand new Q7 starts at around £65,000, which makes buying used a no-brainer for us!

Being a luxury SUV it’s kitted out with all the features you’d expect: heated seats, a great navigation system and adaptive cruise and lane control. 

 is BMW’s answer to the above-mentioned Q7. This one is a 2021 reg but has only done 12,000 miles. It comes with the 3.0-litre petrol engine combined with a plug-in hybrid system, for great economy and nearly 400hp on tap.

Inside, the cream leather continues the upmarket feel, with typically BMW accents to the dash and steering wheel. Infotainment is on a huge landscape screen in the dash, but many features can be controlled via the steering wheel and centre console buttons.

Best Brand New Luxury Cars for under £50,000

If you’re spending £50k on a car, luxury is probably a top priority, here are our picks for plush rides, for under £50k.

Whilst undeniably the baby of the Range Rover family, 

 still offers a good deal of luxury and style, but at a cost well under half of that of a “full-fat” Range Rover. We think this a reasonable price considering other luxury SUVs such as the Kia EV9 are around £20k more.

The diesel-engined manual version is the cheapest, but we think if you’re buying a Range Rover it has to be an auto, add around £3,500 to your budget to get one equipped with the 2.0 diesel engine, auto gearbox and 4wd. 

Jaguar has always been known for their luxury cars, and the modern models are no exception, 

 is their midsize SUV, equivalent in size to the Evoque. We love the interior of the E-pace, with its asymmetrical sweeping centre console and tri-spoke steering wheel.

Engine wise this particular car is fitted with JLR’s 2.0 diesel unit, a good engine although not famed for its reliability, but with manufacturer warranty, it’s not a dealbreaker. At one pound under £46,000, this brand-new luxury SUV would be a good option for a £50k budget.

For used luxury vehicles. It doesn’t come much better than a 

 for £49,000. With only 13,000 miles on the clock and the economical hybrid powertrain, we think this is a great deal. 

This particular example has the gorgeous green metallic paint and tan leather interior. Infotainment is suitably opulent with large screens for all passengers, and all the safety and convenience features you could want, such as heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise control and more. 

With Lexus’ great warranty system, buying a one or two-year-old car makes just as much sense as a brand-new one. This 

’ medium-sized SUV, that carries on the brand's push to make stylish cars that shake off the old-man image.

Both inside and outside of the NX are well styled and equipped, with adaptive cruise,19” alloys, a huge touch screen nav system and plush leather. This example has just 8,152 miles on the clock, and is less than 18 months old. 

If you’re looking for something to get to work in, but that can also be enjoyed on the weekend, there are plenty of great sports car options for under £50,000, from luxury tourers to out-and-out performance cars. 

 is the closest you can get to a brand new M2 for under £50k, whilst it lacks the racing pedigree and suspension setup of the M car, it is still a great drivers car. If you’re looking for a car to do some long road trips in too, it might even be more suitable.

For £49,995 you get a brand new model with the formidable 3.0 turbo petrol engine and a sophisticated auto gearbox that will propel the car to 60 in 4.3 seconds. In addition to the performance capabilities, the M240i comes with black leather seats with contrast stitching and all the usual electronic gadgets.

 has been a firm favourite in the hot hatch sector, the 2024 model sports an aggressive angular style similar to the rest of the lineup in recent years. Inside sculpted wingback seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel cement the sporty pedigree.

The S3 is powered by the familiar 2.0 petrol turbo engine and permanent 4-wheel drive system, running through a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox. At £46,520 it rewards a little bit more change left over from the £50k budget compared to the BMW, but some would argue not as much driving feel or prestige.

In some ways the second-hand sports car market is even more alluring than other body types, as sports cars tend to depreciate faster than most, meaning even better value for money.

If cruising across Europe in a V8 sports car is in your future, 

 has to be considered, it has the performance and power of a top-notch sports car, but enough comfort and mod-cons to be an excellent grand tourer. This one comes in just under budget at £48,990.

Its 5.0 supercharged engine produces over 560hp, and its clever 4-wheel drive system makes sure none of that power is wasted. Available in both soft top and coupe body styles, you have the choice between open-air driving and total chassis rigidity. Inside is everything a premium Jaguar should be, high-quality leather and well-made buttons and controls. 

For many people performance equals Porsche, it can’t be argued that they build some of the best sports cars out there, 

with their famous marketing slogan from the 70s ‘'Porsche…There is no substitute'

 there are many people out there who love the luxury and build of a Porsche.

 is the epitome of that 987 is an older model, the oldest car on our list in fact, but this is a testament to the respect and premium Porsches command.

Built in 2010, this 911 has covered 47,500 miles and is fitted with the lightning-quick PDK gearbox and 4-wheel drive. Whilst it would be great as a tourer, this will also dominate on the road or track.

If you drive a luxury or sports car, it’s wise to be prepared for higher than normal repair bills. This is where 

 comes in, we give you the ability to spread out the cost of such repairs at no extra cost, using zero per cent interest car repair finance.

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

12 Best Cars For a £50,000 Budget

Volkswagen is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, selling over 9 million cars worldwide in 2023. This means there’s plenty of choice when looking for a VW to buy. 

Before you take the plunge though, it’s important to research which model is the best for you, both in terms of practicality and reliability. In this article, we’ll be going through some of the most reliable Volkswagen models to buy today. 

Introduced in 2011 the Up! was Volkswagen's entry into the supermini/city car segment, competing with the likes of the Toyota Aygo. It was available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, and a couple years later as the e-Up! an all-electric version. 

The Up! probably owes its reliability to its simplicity, with most cars being sold with the manual gearbox, there isn’t a whole lot to go wrong, weighing in at only 980kg meant the engine isn’t too stressed too. 

As one of the cheapest new cars on sale at the time, the Up! has held its value quite well, but can still be had for a bargain price. An early 2012 car can be bought, with high mileage, for £2,500. £3,500 gets you a 

Volkswagen has models spreading across every sector, from city cars like the Up to SUVs. For the best reliability in the latter, we’d suggest a Diesel VW Tiguan. The Tiguan is a medium-sized SUV, with the current model holding plenty of road presence. 

Made from 2007, the Tiguan was the slimmer brother to the Toureg, a full-size SUV available with the legendary V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan has much more humble powertrain options, from the tech-filled 1.5 TSI petrol engine to the dependable 2.0 TDI. 

Emissions issues aside, we’d still recommend the 2.0TDI for reliability, the engine is used in a plethora of other VW group products such as Skodas and SEATs. An early 2008/2009 car can be bought for under £5,000 with 80,000 miles on the clock. For something a bit more modern looking we’d suggest a post-2016 car, where the price jumps to 

If there was one engine we’d recommend seeking out for ultimate reliability, it would be the 1.9 PD engine. 

It was used in VW group cars from around 1998 to 2009, almost every car was available with a variant of this engine, from the smaller Golf up to commercial vehicles and people carriers.

PD refers to the system of fuel injection used, that set it apart from other engines at the time, it could achieve respectable MPG figures and moderate power figures ranging from 66 HP up to 130 HP in later versions.

However, the PD engine is most well known for its reliability, being over-engineered from the ground up it’s capable of hundreds of thousands of miles of service with simple servicing only.

What is the Cheapest Volkswagen to Maintain?

Because of its popularity, we would say the Volkswagen Golf is one of the cheapest Volkswagens to maintain, both with respect to routine servicing and replacing parts that have worn out. 

The sheer number of cars on the road means parts cost is generally quite low, and repair knowledge amongst independent repair garages is high. Being able to avoid expensive dealer repairs can save thousands.

We would recommend the Golf from 2012 - 2020, the “Mk7” offers the perfect blend of modern features, performance and safety, with cost-effective servicing.

How Much Does a Volkswagen Golf Cost to Maintain?

Expect to pay between £350 - £475 per year, this is for a car around 3 years of age, including regular servicing at an independent specialist, and a reasonable approximation of the cost for new tyres and brakes. 

Brand new cars are likely to not need tyres or brakes, and most servicing will be included in the sales package. Older cars are likely to need parts such as suspension joints, and brake discs that may add to the total cost. 

On the whole, Volkswagen makes reliable vehicles, and they often surpass other German brands such as BMW and Mercedes. We believe their reliability comes from their high standards in engineering design and production, combined with a functional and practical design philosophy.

However, there are some known weaknesses, for example, issues with the latest Golf have been well documented, mainly surrounding the software managing the infotainment systems. For this reason, they don’t usually rank as highly as some brands such as Toyota and Honda.

Despite the Dieselgate scandal that started in 2015, Volkswagen still makes and sells millions of diesel-powered vehicles every year. The emissions scandal may have cost the company a significant sum in fines and brand reputation, but it didn’t affect its global standing as one of the biggest automakers.

Alongside Germany, Mexico, China, Belgium, and Brazil are just some of the countries that house VW manufacturing plants. Whilst the headquarters and their biggest manufacturing plant are still in Wolfsburg, Germany, many of the VW group products are not made in the home country.

This is typical of most modern vehicle manufacturers, and thanks to stringent quality control measures it does not necessarily mean the quality of the vehicles is lesser.

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, allowing you to spread the cost over many months. Available through any of our nationwide service partners, it comes at no additional cost.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Most Reliable VW Models

 Los modelos Volkswagen más fiables

Die zuverlässigsten VW-Modelle

Operating from 10 locations across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire, the Thurlow Nunn Group is a family business established in 1875. With nearly 150 years of service, the group values its long-standing partnership with Bumper, recognising the platform as a valuable option for customers to spread the cost of servicing, maintenance, and repair work.

Initially, Bumper was used reactively, as a payment option presented to customers only when necessary. However, as customer demand for more flexible payment plans grew, Thurlow Nunn realised the need for a more proactive approach.

Gary Osborn, Thurlow Nunn’s regional director, explains: “Consumer habits changed. People were seeking financial flexibility for brakes, tyres, and additional work. Our customers expressed their desire to use this solution. Consequently, we reviewed our approach and decided to implement changes across the business due to the economic climate.”

By offering flexible payment plans proactively, Thurlow Nunn saw increased average invoice values and improved customer satisfaction.

To make Bumper a core part of its aftersales strategy, Thurlow Nunn shifted from offering Bumper only when customers declined work to presenting it at the beginning of the process. This allowed customers to make informed decisions, knowing they had flexible payment options.

Creating awareness was crucial. Thurlow Nunn integrated Bumper messaging into digital marketing, social media, advertising campaigns, customer text messages, and service emails.

Dave Haskey, Thurlow Nunn’s commercial director, highlights: “Proactively using Bumper was essential because we wanted to support our customers, especially during challenging economic times. Offering Bumper enabled customers to affordably service and maintain their vehicles.”

This approach ensured customers could approve necessary work with the confidence that their vehicle would be safe and reliable, rather than just opting for the minimum required.

To support this change, Thurlow Nunn implemented comprehensive staff training on how and when to discuss Bumper. New processes were established to present Bumper as an option to all customers, resulting in more customers taking advantage of the interest-free payments.

For customer-facing staff, integrating Bumper into service interactions is straightforward. Staff log in to the Bumper home screen, input the customer's details for a quick credit check, and receive a decision in seconds.

Bumper seamlessly integrates with Thurlow Nunn’s Pinewood DMS, allowing the group to send vehicle health checks and videos to customers, who can then choose Bumper when approving the required work. This digital journey speeds up work authorization and payment.

The positive impact of Bumper for Thurlow Nunn and its customers is evident. Osborn states, “We believe this is the right choice for our business and customers. It converts more work on the day and ensures cars are fixed, safe, and back on the road.”

Satisfied customers indicate value, but the real success is reflected in the increased average invoice values as more customers opt for the full recommended schedule of work.

Since adopting a proactive approach to Bumper in April 2023, Thurlow Nunn has achieved remarkable results:

Based on current data and customer feedback, Thurlow Nunn expects these numbers to continue to grow. Osborn concludes, “Offering this solution leads to more work being done and significantly improves customer retention and satisfaction.”

Optimising the Customer Experience with Bumper

Bumper offers a simple solution with seamless integration into existing processes. By listening to its customers, Thurlow Nunn has made Bumper central to its operations, yielding positive results for both the business and its customers.

To learn how Bumper could benefit you, get in touch.

Thurlow Nunn Case Study: Enhancing Average Invoice Values, Customer Retention, and Satisfaction through Proactive Solutions

When you need your car to earn your living, deciding which make and model to pick is critical, unreliability and poor fuel economy will decimate your profits. Further to this, poor space in the rear or boot can make your passengers’ experience worse, leading to poor ratings. 

In this blog, we take a look at the 9 best cars for use as a Taxi or Uber, including some specialised ones for differing needs, such as 7-seaters and luxury vehicles.

Toyota Prius 2.0 Petrol Hybrid - £37,315

Favoured by Uber and Lyft drivers, the Prius offers great economy, space and reliability, all vital to a successful taxi business. Toyota’s Synergy Drive system is one of the simplest and most ingenious drivetrains ever used in a car. It is responsible for much of the Prius’ economy and reliability.

Alongside its great drivetrain, the Prius has some other useful features, such as a large boot for passenger’s luggage plus a comfy and spacious interior. 

 is available from £37,315 with its 2.0 petrol and plug-in hybrid battery system offering 223 horsepower and over 50 miles of electric-only range.

With its dependable drivetrain, great economy and ample passenger space, a new or second-hand Prius would be our pick for a taxi.

Best Estate and Saloon Cars to use as a Taxi

For longer journeys, such as airport runs, a diesel may be the best option for any aspiring rideshare entrepreneurs. 

 has always been a favourite of taxi drivers due to its great reliability and spacious interior.

The hatch-saloon offers great accessibility to the load area, but we’d generally recommend the estate for that bit more luggage space. The efficient diesel engine can achieve up to 65 MPG, great for keeping fuel costs low.

 is a similar package to the Octavia, even sharing the same platform, the VW comes available with more kit and luxury, ideal if you're aiming for the Lux market, 

The Passat is only available with the VAG group’s 1.5 TSI Petrol engine, although this still achieves a great MPG of 52. The DSG gearbox offers a smooth and ultra-efficient gear change.

7-seater taxis are very common in the UK, they can carry 6 passengers, or 4 with loads of luggage space, and they don’t usually take up much more room than an estate Here are 3 of the best 7-seater cars on the market.

 has been a mainstay in the 7-seater market, offering dependable, practical people-carrying ability. 

The new Touran, being a Volkswagen, comes available with all manner of tech, including adaptive cruise control and Apple car play. 

One of the standout features is the folding seats, which allows all 5 seats rear of the driver to fold perfectly flat. This means you can carry larger items such as passengers' wheelchairs or bikes without issue.

As a good compromise between a commercial vehicle and an MPV, the 

offers great people-carrying capacity with its van-derived flat floor, allowing all the rear seats to be completely removed if needed.

If fuel economy or Company Car Tax is a concern, the Tourneo Connect is available as a PHEV with up to 68 miles of range on electric power alone. A benefit of the Tourneo being a blend of car and van, is that the driving position and infotainment system is modern and refined.

 is based on a Citroen Van platform. Again, we see that as a plus though, it has a flat load bay when the seats are removed, and can carry 7 people (including the driver) in comfort. 

At a starting price of £22,250, the Berlingo is a much more cost-effective solution than the Ford, too. The base trim comes with active lane-keeping assist, safety braking and cruise control, a great selection of features for the price. 

If your main market is the high-end clientele, looking to make an impression with their arrival, you’ll need a high-end vehicle. These are some of the most popular luxury-segment vehicles to use as a taxi.

Mercedes is synonymous with both luxury and private hire taxi companies across the world, whether that's a dependable 90’s 190e in Spain or a stylish 

 in Mayfair. The latter can be bought today in 2024 for around £64,500, which is unsurprisingly the most expensive car on our list so far. 

That cost is understandable though, with great infotainment, safety and passenger comfort features. Heated seats and LED headlights are standard, as is the impressive level of build quality. Many engine options are available including a plug-in hybrid.

Another giant in the luxury saloon segment, 

 has been on the scene for years, since 1972 in fact. The recipe has stayed roughly the same but with more luxury and features. The M-Sport base model comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an automatic gearbox.

Equipped with LED headlights, BMW’s unique curved infotainment screen and driving assist, you do get a lot for your money. If more power or more economy is needed, there are a range of engine options including a 3.0-litre turbo petrol or a plug-in hybrid.

Ever since their first car in the late 90s, Lexus has cemented themselves as one of 

luxury brands. The Lexus ES is their mid-size saloon, offering ample passenger space but most of all excellent build quality and style.

Being a sister company to Toyota, you can be sure of the longevity and reliability, plus the hybrid system, like the Prius’, is super economical and very robust. Prices start at £43,595 which we think is great value when you consider the two German saloons above. 

Yes, so long as it’s licensed with your local council, this needs to be the same council that issued the taxi or PHV driver's licence, and meets the 

What does my car need to be used as a Taxi?

There are a few conditions that your car needs to comply with in order to be issued a private hire vehicle licence by your council. These checks will include:

Many councils also require the car to be Euro 6 compliant, and under 10 years old. 

Does my car need a taximeter to be used as a taxi?

Not always, alongside roof signs, colour schemes and a taximeter are determined by your licensing authority, aka the council area you wish to operate from. 

Check your local council website for more information.

Outside of the traditional black cabs now made by London EV Company Limited, the Toyota Prus is the most commonly used taxi vehicle.

The reasons for this are the same as ours for making it our top pick; it delivers great economy and has a very reliable drivetrain. 

If you’re expensing the cost of a car through a business, either as a limited company or self-employed, and you also use it for personal usage, you are technically in receipt of a 

, and as such will owe tax on that amount. 

If you only drive your taxi for work purposes, there is no company car tax due. 

We recently talked about company car tax in-depth and what cars to choose to avoid it.

Split the Cost of Repairing Your Taxi With Bumper 

If you have a big bill on the horizon, say a new clutch or cambelt is needed, being able to spread the cost of this over a few months can really help your cash flow. This is possible with Bumper, and at zero-percent interest. 

Best 9 Cars To Use As A Taxi

Congratulations to Brayleys Nissan Manchester, the latest site on the Bumper network to be named Dealership of the Month. 

Since joining the Bumper network in 2021, Brayleys have used Bumper’s PayLater to split the cost of their customers’ service and repair work. 

The team at Nissan Manchester also use PayLater via CitNOW, allowing customers to select their service work and flexible instalments within their eVHC and giving valuable time back to service advisors.

Chris Booth, Business Development Consultant for Bumper, is the site’s account manager. 

He said, “Congratulations to Brayleys Nissan Manchester. We've seen a big increase in conversion and customer retention with sites taking a proactive approach to offering Bumper, and Brayleys is no exception. 

“The team on site have put PayLater firmly into their everyday aftersales process and have now seen this reflected in their VHC stats and customer feedback.” 

A big well done to Tom, Billy-Jo, Jessica, and the whole team at Nissan Manchester on your win! 

Brayleys Nissan Manchester crowned Dealership of the Month 

Bumper has expanded its operations with the appointment of three new senior positions to support its ambitious growth plans in the UK and Europe. 

Alfie Sansom joins as finance director overseeing financial operations, credit and treasury management, tax structuring and capital allocation. He was previously head of finance at Conducktor and has worked at senior levels at PwC, Grant Thornton and Sky.

Jonathan Westwood has been appointed as Bumper’s head of legal and compliance. A general counsel with experience of international commercial contracts with Siemens and Experian, he joins from the Mortgage Advice Bureau where he was head of legal. He will spearhead Bumper’s risk, legal and compliance function 

as the company progresses towards regulated status.

Shreenidhi Subramanian joins as Bumper’s senior product manager. She has a background in fintech and will help scale and grow the business’ product portfolio.

Bumper is ranked at 281 in the FT1000 list of the fastest-growing companies in Europe and is the 49

 fastest-growing UK business across all sectors.

Headcount has grown significantly over recent years with 71 staff across t

he UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany and Netherlands and a further 16 in Turkey at the company’s dedicated 

Commenting on the appointments James Jackson, Bumper’s co-founder and CEO said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alfie, Jonathan and Shreenidhi to the team; all three bring a wealth of specialist and leadership experience to the business and we wish them every success in their new roles.

“As Bumper enters the next stage of its growth, which will see the number of repairs we help dealers to facilitate double this year to 500,000, we have created these new senior positions to support our expansion.”

Bumper announces new additions to management team as it accelerates growth plans

Bumper anuncia nuevas incorporaciones al equipo directivo

Bumper and Keyloop have launched the next phase of their integration by adding all payment types and automatic payment reconciliation for dealers. 

Bumper’s suite of digital payment solutions is included in the enhanced integration. Pay by link, payments made on the customers’ device via SMS or email; Pay by bank, an account-to-account open banking payment method; PayLater, interest-free monthly payments; and PayPads, the all-in-one point-of-sale device bringing together all payment types in a familiar mobile terminal. 

Increased payment flexibility at the checkout improves customer satisfaction and retention. A survey of Bumper customers found 90% would return to the same dealership because Bumper was offered as a payment option and 89% said they felt less stressed. 

This new solution is a major leap forward for retailers with reconciled payments within the Keyloop platform. Designed specifically for Keyloop’s dealer management systems, automated payment reconciliation saves all areas of the business time, from the advisors in the workshop to accounts teams in the back office. 

Payments automatically reconciled across all systems mean advisors no longer need to switch between platforms, minimising the risk of miskeyed information and improving efficiency. Currently available in the UK, further payment enhancements will be rolled out across Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands in the coming months. 

Bumper Co-Founder and CCO, Jack Allman, said, "This integration marks a major milestone in our mission to simplify and enhance the payment process for automotive retailers. We're excited to bring these advanced capabilities to Keyloop's network, driving greater efficiency and customer satisfaction." 

Sebastien Fabri, Partner Director at Keyloop said, “The new enhancement to the Bumper-Keyloop integration marks a significant step towards full digitalisation of payments and reconciliation in the automotive space. Consumers today demand flexible options at the checkout and Bumper affords them this opportunity. Whether that’s Buy Now Pay Later, paying remotely via link, open banking, or instore on the PayPad, this integration is an essential tool for any customer-centric dealer.” 

For more information on how the Bumper Keyloop integration can transform your dealership contact 

Bumper and Keyloop launch major enhancement to DMS payment integration 

Find all the latest industry news and handiest car repair and service tips on the Bumper Blog. Want to get the Bumper view on something? Let us know and we’ll drop a blog post on it as soon as we can.