More than three quarters of UK drivers are now using hypermiling techniques, despite the potential danger to their vehicles - and themselves. In recent research from used car buying service ChooseMyCar.com, 76 percent of people agreed they’re now more likely to use hypermiling techniques because of the recent rise in fuel costs. Digging deeper into the data, 35-54 year olds were most … [Read more...]
Retail
Ford take top sales in Wales
Ford has returned to the top spot in Wales once again. It has been hamstrung by vehicle shortages due to components being unavailable to build cars across Europe but it has slowly been improving this year as alternative sources are used. Now in May it saw the Puma and Kuga clearly ahead in Welsh registrations with the former making big gains in particular and claiming the top spot after five … [Read more...]
Car sales take another battering in May
New UK car registrations fell -20.6% to 124,394 units in the second weakest May since 1992, after the 2020 pandemic-hit market, as supply shortages continued to hamper new purchases and the fulfilment of existing orders, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Registrations amounted to 124,394 last month after a boom 12 months earlier when buyers were … [Read more...]
Two year MoTs backed by majority
More than eight out of 10 (84%) used car buyers would back a controversial Government idea to switch to two years between MOT tests. The new monthly Startline Used Car Tracker shows that 69% of this group believe their car would remain safe despite the longer gap. Saving money appears to be less of a factor behind their thinking, mentioned by only 16% of those in favour. Of the 16% of people who … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda CR-V 2.0i MMD AWD hybrid
Honda tends to hide its qualities very well, which probably explains why it may not be the first go-to brand for an SUV, and that would be a mistake for any motorist to make. Korean, German and British brands tend to hog the limelight and sales in this section of the market but the reality is the Honda CR-V can hold its own against some better-known names and is not only superior in certain … [Read more...]
Road trips and evs taking the strain
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of UK adults are planning a long road trip this summer with six per cent planning to make the trip in an electric vehicle and nine per cent in a hybrid, a study by insurer Aviva has found,. Previous Aviva research, released in April 2022, found more UK drivers were planning to buy an EV or hybrid as their next car (58%) than either a petrol or diesel model (43%), but … [Read more...]
Poor charging network is slowing ev green drive
Poor availability of charging facilities on a local basis is hampering the ability of dealers to sell both new and used electric vehicles to “a surprisingly large degree,” the Vehicle Remarketing Association is reporting. Philip Nothard, VRA chair, said that the issue appeared to be especially the case in areas where consumers rarely had off-road parking and so could not have their own charger … [Read more...]
Lower stock, bigger mix and longer retentions
Lower volumes of stock, changes to the available brand mix and longer vehicle retention will be among the major trends in the used car sector in the second half of 2022, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Philip Nothard, VRA chair said members expected the market to remain relatively strong but that significant difficulties remained and were likely to have an increasing effect. “The used … [Read more...]
School of skills at garage event
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will feature education initiative School of Thought, as statistics reveal that the automotive aftermarket industry is facing the imminent retirement of up to 40 percent of its workforce. School of Thought is a collective that works with schools, colleges, and automotive employers to raise the profile of career opportunities in the sector. The automotive … [Read more...]
Britain’s ‘not spots’ for vehicle charging revealed
A new national map that shows for the first time where UK businesses need kerbside charging close to the homes of 75,000 company van drivers has been unveiled by the Association of Fleet Professionals. The map shows where drivers employed by AFP member companies need kerbside charging in order to adopt an electric vehicle. Key findings include that nearly four out of 10 homes (38.7%) are without … [Read more...]