The year 2000 marked a time when the world was waiting for the new millennium, technology was advancing and the motoring world shifted a gear into the future. That same year, Warrantywise hit the road with a mission to bring fairness, transparency and trust to the extended car warranty industry.
As of 2025, we are proud to have been keeping drivers on the road for a quarter of a century with our extended car warranties. As we celebrate this milestone, we are also taking a look back at how far we have come – and how much the motor industry has changed along the way.
The Warrantywise story
Founded in 2000 by the Whittaker family from Lancashire, Warrantywise began with a clear and simple mission: to “redefine the value of car warranties”. At the time, there were so many warranty companies that would hide behind complicated terms and conditions, often leaving many consumers unprotected when they needed help the most.
Recognising this gap, the Whittaker family wanted to bring transparency and expertise to the extended car warranty industry, treating customers fairly, explaining warranties clearly and providing plans that actually work when you need them.
Over the years, we have made some incredible achievements:
- Provided extended car warranty plans to thousands of customers each year, from first time drivers to experienced car owners.
- Partnered with some of the most reputable dealerships and motor groups across the UK.
- Partnered with TV motoring stars Quentin Willson and Edd China, who joined us as final arbiters – independent experts who settle warranty issues objectively. Over time, they have both consistently supported our customers and helped shape our plans to ensure they’re efficient and fair.
- Continued innovation with digital tools, instant quotes and online claims tracking, making it easier than ever to protect your vehicle. As we evolved, so did the vehicles we protect.
Driving change – 25 years of automotive innovation
Since we first started providing extended car warranties 25 years ago, the automotive industry has undergone huge changes which are down to different factors such as environmental awareness, evolving customer needs and innovation. We have compiled a timeline of some of the most notable automotive breakthroughs since the year 2000:
2000 – The Ford Focus becomes the best-selling car in the world
The Ford Focus gaining its title as the world’s best-selling car was a pivotal moment in the automotive industry, helping to reveal a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller and more efficient vehicles [1][2]. The Focus, a compact, reliable and affordable car was a firm favourite for first-time buyers and young families alike and is still frequently seen on the roads today.
2001 – Toyota launches the Prius Hybrid in the UK
Toyota brought its Prius hybrid to British roads in 2001, introducing one of the first mainstream hybrid vehicles to the UK market and setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and emissions. A hybrid combines an internal engine (ICE) with an electric motor and a battery, allowing the vehicle to run on petrol, electricity, or both.
Since its launch, approximately 86,432 Prius vehicles have been sold in the UK, reflecting its lasting impact on the shift toward greener motoring. At launch, the Prius was priced at around £20,000 [3] – a reflection of its advanced technology at the time. In contrast, a year earlier in 2000, the entry-level Ford Focus 1.4 CL five-door model was available in the UK for almost £12,000 on the road, highlighting the price premium for early hybrid innovation.
2008 – Tesla Roadster revolutionises the EV market
Tesla’s first production electric vehicle – the Roadster – was a two seater sports car powered by lithium-ion batteries which offered a 245 mile range per charge and was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds. The vehicle provided proof that electric cars can deliver real performance and helped reshape how electric vehicles were perceived by performance enthusiasts [4].
2011 – The Nissan Leaf makes EVs more accessible
Nissan released the Leaf, the world’s first mass-produced fully electric car. It was brought to the market for everyday consumers and quickly became a symbol of the shift toward more sustainable personal transport.
It was revealed in 2011 that the Leaf would be priced at approximately £28,350 and was later announced that the Government would issue a grant enabling a refund of up 25% of the purchase price of the vehicle for buyers, taking the price down to around £23,000. This made the car a premium choice for early EV adopters.
2016 – Tesla Autopilot sparks a debate around autonomous driving
In 2016, Tesla introduced Autopilot 2.0 featuring lane centering technology and automated lane changes. The rollout of Autopilot 2.0 was met with widespread enthusiasm, especially among tech enthusiasts and early adopters who praised its functionality and futuristic tech that brought convenience to long-distance driving.
However, the launch of Autopilot 2.0 also sparked controversy which led to a global debate about the safety and ethics of autonomous vehicle technology. Despite concerns the public may have had, the new technology marked a turning point in the automotive world and brought the promise of self-driving cars that little bit closer.
Since 2017, Tesla have delivered over 250,000 vehicles in the UK including the popular Model 3 – a reflection of how quickly EV adoption has grown. As more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, the need for tailored extended car warranty plans has grown with it. Explore our EV warranty plans and drive into the future with confidence.
2020 – UK Government sets 2030 deadline for new petrol and diesel cars
The UK Government made a decision that would go down in history when they announced the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, pushing car manufacturers to accelerate EV development and sooner reach the goal of being net-zero by 2050.
2025 – 1 million+ EVs on the UK roads
The UK has now surpassed a major milestone in its movement towards a greener future, Over 1 million electric vehicles are now on UK roads, according to the latest SMMT data. EV adoption is on the rise, fuelled by growing consumer demand, improved infrastructure and Government support.
How has Warrantywise evolved with the the industry?
Over the last 25 years there have been huge advances in technology, meaning the cars of today are smarter, more complex and more connected than they have ever been before. So, as the motor industry only improves, Warrantywise have continued to improve alongside it with:
- Tailored plans for EVs and hybrids – including batteries and drive units.
- Transparent pricing and plan options that match your car’s age, mileage and needs.
- Continued investment in tech-driven solutions, from online diagnostics to streamlined claims.
What’s next? Driving into the future…
The future of driving is electric, with the UK Government phasing out the manufacturing of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as part of its net-zero emissions target. We’re heading toward a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.
According to SMMT, in March 2025 EV sales surged by 43.2% [5] compared to the same month in the previous year. So, are EVs on track to become the new normal? By 2050, it is expected that ICE vehicles will be completely phased out, and electric cars will take over our roads.
This shift is not only transforming the way we drive, but also the energy we rely on. The UK is moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy grid, driven by the rapid growth of renewable energy. The Government has made its ambitions clear, stating: “The UK aims to lead the world in renewable energy and has committed to quadrupling offshore wind capacity by 2030, while supporting other renewable technologies” [6]. Supporting the mission for a greener future is popular car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, who are aiming to be carbon net zero by 2039, and are kicking things off by the launch of all-electric Jaguar in 2026 [7].
It is safe to say that the road ahead looks greener – and that’s good news for both drivers and the planet. As we all move toward an electric future, make sure your vehicle is protected with a warranty you can trust – explore our EV warranties today.
Keeping you on the road for the next 25 years
Whether you drive a reliable used favourite or are making the switch to a brand new EV, Warrantywise offer extended car warranty plans for both, allowing you to drive in confidence knowing you have that extra layer of protection, keeping you moving with peace of mind.
Sources
[4] Tesla Roadster
[5] Best month ever for new EV registrations but market share misses mandated target
[6] Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener