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Leasing fell dramatically across Europe during 2009 according to Leaseurope, the trade association representing the European leasing and vehicle rental industries. New lease business was down by 28.4% last year compared to 2008, this represented the greatest fall since they started keeping records in 1994. My own view is that much of this was the result of manufacturers diverting money into scrappage whilst Read more »

You would no doubt have followed my reporting of the major pot hole problem that local authorities face following the harsh winter with no money to spend. But it wasn’t just the bad weather that led to the problems, it was the increase in Johnny Foreigner trucks covering 600 million miles on our roads last year. The problem, according to the Department for Transport, is that these trucks use our public roads but Read more »

Tyre prices have started to increase according to Continental and Goodyear as a result of a global shortage of rubber. Drivers will be expected to pay more for tyres as a result of a drought in Thailand and increasing Asian demand. The price of rubber as a raw material rose by 40% in January which reflected an increase of 150% year on year. The recent price hikes announced by Continental and Goodyear of 10% is expected to be followed by all other tyre manufacturers. Hmmm, must get on to the fetish club, this news will shock them if nothing else does! By Graham Hill

We have such short memories! I remember the furore when petrol prices hit 119.7pence per litre 2 years ago. Fuel suppliers were challenged and emails flew around in all directions telling everyone to boycott the main oil companies in an attempt to force petrol suppliers to drop their prices. At the time oil prices were $147 per barrel but with exchange rates at about 2 dollars to the pound it put the price per barrel at Read more »

If you are a regular reader of my newsletter you will know that I go banging on about Electronic  Stability Control (ESC) also known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP). It saves lives and should be fitted as standard on all new cars already and yet only half of cars that are going to be used for business were sold last year with it fitted. By 2011 all new cars must be fitted with ESC and by 2014 every car must have Read more »

Sales of new cars surged by 19% last month over sales for March last year according to latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It sounds like a large increase but the sales last year were abysmal but hey we’ll take any glint of light that indicates things are moving in the right direction. Having said that, the sales in March were the highest monthly sales for 2 years, so it’s Read more »

Finally got our price list out this week. There are a few deals starting to creep through but the manufacturers still have a way to go. Hopefully we will be following on the lead taken by the leasing companies in the US. They are launching some great incentives over there including no deposit and no first monthly payment (see last week’s blog). We are unlikely to see such aggressive pricing over here but hopefully the Read more »

Warnings have been issued about the use of acid based wheel cleaners used by some roadside hand carwash outfits. The cleaner can actually damage the alloys as well as the brakes. The car washers can buy this cleaner for about £10 for 25 litres but it was only intended for building use, to clean brickwork. The car washers have to dilute the liquid but if it’s not diluted enough it can cause damage. If the wheel is in good Read more »

the EU is planning stricter rules on MOT testing. This will immediately increase the cost of the MOT as more items are to be checked. This has resulted from the European Union passing a new set of stricter rules on minimum road worthiness. The EU ministers agreed that ‘modern electronic systems be included in the list of items to be tested’. This change along with others already planned will be introduced in Read more »

Warnings continue to increase about the numbers of ‘accidents to order’ where fraudsters stage an accident then put in an insurance claim for the damage caused to their vehicle as well as any passengers. Some are known to drive the car on behalf of the owner, swerving in front of another driver causing the accident. Details are exchanged and the details of the owner are given along with his insurance details to the Read more »