Ok, so apparently - if you get a company car - you pay "company rate tax" (33%) on the value of the car. Im not sure how this is worked out on a yearly basis -
I assume they do not charge on the whole of the car in 1 year because that would be truly scary.
On top of this -
the COMPANY pays Fringe Benefit Tax.
So the company, as well as forking out for your car -
has to pay the government 30%(ish) on the value of the benefit to you.
Consequently - not many of them do it!
Thats why many will go for a cash lump sum. You still pay the tax (at the prevailing rate - so 39% if you earn over 60K, but they dont have to cough up the extra money.
Hope that helps