Tax puts pick-ups down

The double-cab pick-up craze looks set to fade as quickly as it began, following changes to the taxation system.

A loophole in the benefit-in-kind tax regulations meant that double-cab pick-ups could be classed as commercial vehicles, thereby escaping company car tax for a £500 levy. That levy payment will increase to £3000 in 2007, wiping out any incentive for company drivers to choose the utility vehicles.

Manufacturers say pick-up demand is already slowing down.