Consumer demand continues to slacken and prices are softening, but there are surprises about the performance of diesel in the trade, writes Rupert Pontin, Director of Insight at Cazana. Just days after new car sales figures showed continuing weakness, the retail expert has looked at the situation of second hand cars. July is an interesting month at the best of times with market conditions driven … [Read more...]
Prepayment fuel pumps warnings
Police have suggested a move towards pre-payment fuel pumps would overcome the 25,000 drive-offs a year reported by filling stations. Following up this theft costs time and money and now police are advocating more pay-at-pump technology. But they also acknowledge it could mean lower add-on sales in forecourt shops if drivers don’t go inside to pay and a possible rise in prices from … [Read more...]
Used prices rising as new cars stall
Nearly new car prices are escalating in the wake of a shortage of new cars due to tougher emissions tests in factories. Prices in the used vehicle sector are being artificially inflated post-WLTP as competition hots up amongst buyers for nearly new and ex-fleet stock according to Shoreham Vehicle Auctions. And they are likely to stay this way until Spring 2019 as the used car market … [Read more...]
Extortionate GAP insurance from dealers – claim
Car dealers are ripping off buyers with GAP insurance products, claims one specialist insurer. Dealerships are selling Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance to car buyers for up to ten times more than an equivalent policy from a specialist GAP insurance company. One car buyer bought a Mercedes-Benz A180 CDI Sport for £20,000 and was quoted £1,000 for GAP insurance from the dealership, … [Read more...]
Prices confirmed for new Mazda6 models
Mazda has announced UK pricing and specification for the latest 6 series Saloon and Tourer versions of its flagship model. Featuring an upgraded cabin, revised styling and enhanced technology, plus the UK debut of Mazda’s cylinder deactivation SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, the updated Mazda6 also sees the popular SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel engine benefit from a power upgrade to … [Read more...]