On this day in auto history – February 15th

Mon 15th Feb 2021

One of the most remarkable figures in motoring history, Ralph Teetor - the inventor of cruise control - died on this day in 1982.

Blinded by a knife accident at the age of five, American-born Teetor went on to live his life as though the accident never occurred, becoming one of the most prolific and successful engineers of the 20th century.

Helped by increased sensitivity of touch and hearing, Teetor was a major designer and manufacturer of piston rings before patenting the ‘cruise control’ device in 1945 for which he was to become most famous.

Originally known as “Speedostat”, the device wasn’t used commercially until Chrysler introduced it as an optional extra on selected models in 1958.

The tax values are provided by a third-party supplier and while every effort is made to ensure their accuracy please double check with your advisor. If the car was registered after 31/03/2017 then it is subject to new tax rules. All prices we display are for the cars second tax payment onwards. You can find out information on the cars first tax payment here

Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017

Rates for second tax payment onwards

Fuel type	Single 12 month payment	Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit	Total of 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit	Single 6 month payment	Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit
Petrol or diesel	£165	£165	£173.25	£90.75	£86.63
Electric	£0	N/A	N/A	£0	N/A
Alternative	£155	£155	£162.75	£85.25	£81.38

Alternative fuel vehicles include hybrids, bioethanol and liquid petroleum gas.

Vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000

You have to pay an extra £355 a year if you have a car with a ‘list price’ (the published price before any discounts) of more than £40,000. You do not have to pay this if you have a zero emission vehicle.

You only have to pay this rate for 5 years (from the second time the vehicle is taxed).

Check the list price with your dealer so you know how much vehicle tax you’ll have to pay.

Fuel type	Single 12 month payment	Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit	Total of 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit	Single 6 month payment	Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit
Petrol or diesel	£520	£520	£546	£286	£273
Alternative	£510	£510	£535.50	£280.50	£267.75