Navigating Trade Deals: Reduced Import Duties on UK Luxury Cars
Whether you're a collector, dealer, or first-time buyer abroad, understanding these changes can help you save thousands and gain access to a broader selection of elite vehicles. At Pegasus Auto House, we specialise in luxury car imports and exports and stay ahead of every shift in the regulatory landscape. Here’s what you need to know.
The Changing Global Trade Landscape
Historically, importing luxury vehicles from the UK came with steep import duties and taxes—sometimes exceeding 100% in countries like India. These duties could double the effective cost of ownership, making high-end British cars unaffordable for many international enthusiasts.
However, recent bilateral trade deals have begun to reshape this reality. Notably:
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UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA): In progress, but early reports indicate significant duty reductions on British-made luxury vehicles such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Aston Martin.
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UK–Australia Free Trade Agreement: Signed and effective, eliminating tariffs on British cars exported to Australia.
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UK–New Zealand FTA: Already in place, offering streamlined import processes and duty-free access for many goods, including automobiles.
These agreements not only improve affordability but also make the UK a more appealing hub for sourcing luxury vehicles.
What It Means for Buyers
If you’re an international buyer looking to import a luxury car from the UK, these trade agreements can mean:
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Lower Import Duties: Depending on the country, import duties may drop by 50–100%, significantly reducing overall costs.
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Faster Customs Clearance: Simplified paperwork and harmonised vehicle standards make the process smoother.
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Greater Inventory Access: With reduced costs, UK dealers like Pegasus Auto House are expanding offerings to global clients, making rare or custom models easier to acquire.
Ideal Vehicles for Export Under Trade Agreements
Trade deals tend to favour vehicles that are:
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Manufactured in the UK (to qualify for origin-based tariff exemptions)
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Low in emissions (some countries link duties to environmental impact)
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New or under a certain age (regulations often differ for used vehicles)
Brands that benefit most include Bentley, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, and Aston Martin—all of which have strong UK production footprints.
How Pegasus Auto House Helps You Benefit
Navigating international vehicle exports under trade agreements can be complex. That’s where our expertise comes in. We provide:
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Detailed guidance on eligibility under each country’s agreement
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Vehicle sourcing with origin certificates and compliance verification
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Full export documentation and customs support
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Secure shipping and delivery, including enclosed container transport
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Local agent coordination for seamless registration and handover
We don’t just ship cars—we manage the entire process from showroom to driveway, ensuring compliance, savings, and satisfaction.
Ready to Capitalise on Reduced Duties?
At Pegasus Auto House, we combine deep market knowledge with a global outlook. Our clients across India, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond trust us to source and export the finest UK luxury vehicles—now at even greater value.
Contact us today to learn how recent trade agreements could make your dream car more accessible than ever.
Bespoke Automobile Customisation: Elevating Your Drive
At Pegasus Auto House, we believe that no two drivers are the same, so no two vehicles should be either. From subtle refinements to full-scale custom builds, our bespoke services help you take ownership of your vehicle on a completely new level.
What Is Bespoke Customisation?
Bespoke customisation refers to tailoring various elements of a car to reflect the personal preferences of its owner. This can range from aesthetic changes—such as interior colours, stitching, and trim materials—to performance upgrades and complete body modifications.
Whereas OEM options may offer limited variation, true customisation enables freedom over:
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Exterior styling (paint finishes, body kits, wheels)
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Interior appointments (leathers, veneers, embroidery, ambient lighting)
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Performance tuning (engine remaps, exhaust systems, suspension upgrades)
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Audio and infotainment enhancements
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Branding, badging, and custom logos
Whether you’re looking to echo the sophistication of Savile Row in your cabin finish or channel motorsport aggression with a carbon fibre aero kit, bespoke customisation delivers the unique.
The Process: From Vision to Vehicle
At Pegasus Auto House, our customisation process begins with a consultation to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and the statement you want your car to make. We then develop a tailored design plan, working with some of the UK’s finest automotive artisans, tuners, and engineers.
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Consultation & Ideation
We define your goals—subtle luxury or bold transformation? -
Design & Specification
We select colours, textures, finishes, and features—using mood boards, renders, and sample materials. -
Build & Integration
Our trusted partners bring the vision to life, ensuring all modifications are seamlessly integrated and road-legal. -
Inspection & Delivery
Every custom build is quality-inspected and test-driven to meet performance and aesthetic expectations before final delivery.
Popular Customisation Requests
Some of the most requested custom upgrades include:
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Custom Paint Finishes: From matte military tones to high-gloss candy coats and heritage racing colours
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Interior Reupholstery: Two-tone leathers, contrast stitching, Alcantara headliners, and bespoke floor mats
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Forged Alloy Wheels: Custom-designed wheels for both performance and aesthetics
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Carbon Fibre Kits: Splitters, diffusers, mirrors, and spoilers to enhance styling and reduce weight
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Exhaust Upgrades: Enhanced acoustics and performance through titanium or valved exhaust systems
These touches not only elevate the vehicle’s appearance and performance but also increase its individuality and exclusivity.
Beyond Aesthetics: Identity & Value
Customisation isn’t just about standing out—it’s about aligning your car with your personality. A bespoke vehicle tells a story, and for many owners, it becomes a reflection of their taste, values, and aspirations.
Done correctly, bespoke enhancements can even increase the market value of certain vehicles—particularly when created in partnership with recognised luxury tuners or interior specialists.
Craft Your Dream Car with Pegasus Auto House
We don’t just sell exceptional vehicles—we tailor them to your world. With a network of industry-leading partners and a reputation for precision, Pegasus Auto House is your gateway to true automotive individuality.
Contact us today to begin your bespoke journey.
Importing Luxury Cars to the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
At Pegasus Auto House, we’ve helped clients around the world import exclusive marques into the UK with ease. Here’s our complete step-by-step guide to ensure your investment arrives legally, safely, and in pristine condition.
Step 1: Choose the Right Vehicle and Supplier
Start by identifying a reputable international dealer or private seller. Ensure all documentation is in order, including the vehicle title, service history, and original manufacturing details. This is especially important when importing rare or classic vehicles, where authenticity and provenance matter.
If you're sourcing a vehicle from outside the EU or from countries like Japan, the UAE, or the United States, be prepared for additional compliance checks.
Step 2: Select Your Shipping Method
There are two main ways to ship a vehicle to the UK:
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RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off): The car is driven onto a transport ship and secured during the voyage. This method is cost-effective but exposes the vehicle to environmental conditions.
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Enclosed Container Shipping: The vehicle is placed in a secure container for maximum protection during transit. This is the preferred option for luxury and classic vehicles.
We typically recommend enclosed container shipping for supercars, vintage models, or any vehicle with high sentimental or market value.
Step 3: Customs Clearance and VAT
Upon arrival in the UK, your vehicle must go through customs. You'll need to submit a C384 form to HMRC, along with proof of ownership, purchase invoice, and shipping documentation. Depending on the origin, you may need to pay:
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VAT (usually 20%) on the value of the car
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Customs Duty (typically 10% for new cars)
Classic vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for VAT exemption or reduced duty, but specific conditions apply.
Step 4: Vehicle Approval and Compliance
Your imported car must meet UK road safety and environmental standards before it can be registered. Depending on its age and origin, it may require:
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IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) for newer, non-EU vehicles
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Mutual Recognition if it’s from an EU country and already road legal there
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SVA or MOT test for older or modified vehicles
Cars will also need headlight adjustments, speedometer conversions (to mph), and emissions tests in some cases.
Step 5: Register with the DVLA
Once your vehicle has passed all necessary inspections, you can apply to register it with the DVLA. You’ll receive a UK registration number and can request a personalised plate if desired.
Why Work with Pegasus Auto House?
We offer a fully managed import service—from sourcing and shipping to paperwork, compliance, and registration. Our expertise in handling rare and valuable automobiles ensures peace of mind and a seamless experience.
Ready to import your dream car?
Contact Pegasus Auto House today and let us handle the process from start to finish—so you can enjoy the drive without the stress.
The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Car Storage in London
Why Luxury Cars Need Specialized Storage
Luxury vehicles, from Ferraris and Lamborghinis to Rolls-Royces and McLarens, are built with performance engineering and fine materials that require meticulous care. Exposure to humidity, pollution, or even sunlight can degrade paintwork, interiors, and sensitive electronics over time. Unlike standard garages or street parking, luxury car storage offers optimal environmental controls to prevent deterioration.
Key Features of Premium Car Storage
Climate Control: Temperature and humidity regulation prevents condensation, rust, and mold—especially crucial for leather, carbon fiber, and vintage materials.
24/7 Security: Top-tier facilities are equipped with round-the-clock CCTV, secure access systems, and often biometric entry. Some even include vehicle movement trackers and remote monitoring for added peace of mind.
Battery Maintenance & Tyre Checks: High-end storage includes trickle chargers, tyre pressure checks, and regular starting schedules to keep vehicles in prime running condition.
Detailing Services: Many facilities offer full detailing and paint protection as part of their monthly plans, ensuring your vehicle is always ready to drive or display.
London-Specific Storage Needs
Central London poses unique challenges for luxury car owners. On-street parking is limited, underground spaces are often cramped, and urban pollutants can cause gradual damage. This makes purpose-built car storage facilities around areas like Mayfair, Chelsea, and Kensington incredibly valuable. Some even offer "showroom garages," where cars are displayed behind glass walls as part of high-end interiors.
Who Uses Luxury Storage?
- Collectors who rotate vehicles seasonally or own classics not suited to everyday driving.
- Frequent travellers or international clients storing vehicles in the UK between visits.
- High-net-worth individuals seeking security and peace of mind while maintaining car condition and value.
- Costs and Considerations
Premium car storage typically starts from £300–£700 per month depending on the location, features, and level of service. Additional offerings like enclosed transport, insurance cover, and custom access controls may raise the price but deliver unmatched security and care.
Want your investment to maintain its beauty and value? At Pegasus Auto House, we provide discreet, climate-controlled storage in Central London tailored for discerning clients. Contact us today to learn more about protecting your prized vehicle.
