May 22, 2013

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Here are my most recent posts

UK new car registrations up 14.8% in April

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April 2013 new car registration figures: New car registrations were up 14.8% in April according to the latest figures released today by the SMMT. 163,357 cars were registered in the month, with the market 14.8% or 21,035 units up on April 2012 (which was up 3.3% (or 5,576 units) on April 2011). “The UK new car market continues to perform … [Read more...]

Beat the confusion over car hire charges

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Recently the travel branch of consumer association Which? reported that many car hire companies have confusing and unnecessary charges making it difficult for customers to decipher the best deal. With this in mind, we have put together a small guide to help you navigate through the turbulent car hire waters and ensure you enjoy car and van … [Read more...]

Anxiety builds in the motoring industry, ahead of planned DVLA local office closures

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Motor industry being left in the dark as local DVLA office closures loom Most individuals and business owners that work in the motor trade will have been watching out for updates on the imminent DVLA Regional and Local Office closures with baited breath. Since the official announcement was made last summer, much speculation has surrounded the … [Read more...]

Looking after your bike in summer

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The summer is officially on its way to the UK, but before we rush to get out motorbikes out of the shed, garage or living room and head for the warm and inviting open road, there are some critical checks to perform. A few cold and wet months in storage could have caused more damage than you’d think, so here’s what to look out for. Tyres are … [Read more...]

Infiniti reveals Q50 Hybrid price

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At the recent New York Motor Show, the Nissan owned Infiniti manufacturer released the pricing of their new luxury hybrid sports saloon, the Infiniti Q50. Starting at $36,450 (£23,795*) for the 3.7-litre V6 diesel model, the base model will be up against stiff competition from the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4, with the hybrid engine based model … [Read more...]

How Have Pickup Trucks Evolved In The Last 30 Years?

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Pickup trucks have come a long way over the years. From the early models which originated in Australia, to modern options which provide plenty of benefits to the average user, here’s a look at just how far they’ve come over the last 30 years: Origins According to one Australian museum, a farmer wrote to the boss of Ford Australia in 1932 … [Read more...]

UK new car registrations up 5.9% in March

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March 2013 new car registration figures: New car registrations were up 5.9% in plate-change March according to the latest figures released today by the SMMT. 394,806 cars were registered in the month, with the market 5.9% or 21,971 units up on March 2012 (which was up 1.8% (or 6,374 units) on March 2011). “UK new car registrations … [Read more...]

Top Three Hidden Benefits of Using a Sat Nav

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The fact that the term 'sat nav' is based on the workings of a whole network of satellites which orbit the earth in fixed positions, hundreds of miles above, is not something that most of us think about when using the device. As well as letting you know your exact position and working out a route to where you want to go, many new sat nav models … [Read more...]

Great choices for first cars

Whilst it’s a bit mind-blowing as to the huge choice of potential first cars out there on the UK used car market, we are lucky in that we have this choice and that our British used car market is so rich, well stocked and reasonably priced. You just have to wade through it with a calm head. Here are three gooduns to get you started. Ford … [Read more...]

What are the most popular cars to get finance on?

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The list of the top 10 new cars sold in the UK during 2012 was once again topped by that perennial over-achiever the Ford Fiesta. During the year 109,265 units were registered, an increase of just over 13.5% on 2011 and with the “facelift” model due this year – promising a heavily redesigned front fascia (see image) – the upward trend is … [Read more...]

Excitement Builds Over Peugeot 208 GTi “Hot Hatch

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Peugeot’s new 208 was well-received when it was first revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and has sold extremely well since it became available last summer. This April will see the release of a GTi version of the model, consolidating the favourable impression made by what many observers consider to be the manufacturer’s best supermini since … [Read more...]

Ford Kuga

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Since 2008 the Ford Kuga has been commanding the streets of Britain. A rugged off-road performer, the Kuga is equally comfortable rolling along city roads, and the latest addition is equipped with plenty of Ford’s most cutting-edge technology. The new Kuga’s design is suitably commanding, with powerful shoulders and a professional front … [Read more...]

How the Volkswagen Golf became an icon

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Just two years after its launch in May 1974, one million Volkswagen Golf cars had already been produced. Since then, the Golf has grown to become the second most popular car of all time, and the latest model is every bit as impressive as its heritage suggests. The addition of the Golf MK2 in 1983 saw a longer wheelbase and the fitting of a range … [Read more...]

Choosing a new car

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When the time comes to buy a new car it can be pretty overwhelming and easy to get confused – with literally hundreds of cars to choose from, new and second hand options, and all sorts of concerns around environmental impact and fuel efficiency, it can be hard to know where to begin. A key starting point is to decide on your budget. Once you … [Read more...]

The Chevrolet Spark is a ball of energy on four wheels

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A practical five-door with a sporty glint in its eye - it can only be the new Chevrolet Spark. Few models are quite as eye-catching as the Spark. With a wide choice of body colours, you can make sure that your car turns other drivers an envious shade of green. The latest update to the model has really enhanced the design, adding a strong … [Read more...]

New car registrations up 7.9% in February

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February 2013 new car registration figures: New car registrations were up 7.9% in February according to the latest figures released today by the SMMT. 66,749 cars were registered in the month, with the market 7.9% or 4,881 units up on February 2012 (which was up 2.5% (or 1,556 units) on February 2011). “UK new car registrations have risen … [Read more...]

Used car sales suffer as manufacturers go for broke

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As March is now upon us it appears that the car makers scrap for market share is hotting up. Some of our dealers are reporting a 50% increase in new car orders year on year and indeed many have already achieved their March objective and it's only the 1st of the month! Whilst this means many sales execs will have a rather tasty pay packet, on the … [Read more...]

How can car hire companies draw in more business?

Whether you're a well-established car hire company or are just starting out in the industry, I think it's safe to say that you always ought to be trying to attract more business. Competition in the industry can be fierce, however, so ensuring you stay one step ahead of your rivals is vital. Even if you have customers who have used your services … [Read more...]

Choosing Your First Car

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Picking your very first car is an extremely exciting prospect, but you do need to give it some thought. Forget sports car aspirations; with very little driving experience, you’re going to have to stick with something modest performance-wise if you’re going to get insurance. Here are a few things that you should take into … [Read more...]

Advice for Driving Abroad

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Going on a driving holiday can be really rewarding. Taking to the open road means you can go where you please and stay wherever takes your fancy. A driving holiday lets you see so many more places compared to a regular package trip. However, driving abroad does require some preparation. Not only do many countries drive on the right hand side, but … [Read more...]

Car Makers Premier League – January 2013

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A new year and a brand new competition. It’s time once more for the Car Makers Premier League where each and every month we examine the top 20 manufacturers by number of units registered and see just how they look when compared with the previous month. At the end of the year who will be crowned champion? Who will drop out of the top 20 as the … [Read more...]

Tips For Protecting Your Vehicle

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For people who care particularly about their cars, protecting and preserving the value of those cars is of the utmost importance. Of course, any car that is driven decreases to some extent in value (unless significant additions and upgrades are made). However, there are a number of steps that can be taken not only to minimize the decline in value, … [Read more...]

Can Winter Tyres Give You 4×4 Grip?

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Even when the cold nips at our heels (or even our wheels!), that does not make snow more likely. However, winter rain and the occasional snow fall do put a crimp on a lot of family travel plans and even driving the kids to school. If you do live in a potentially snow-driven environment, does every family need 4x4 vehicles? Some families have the … [Read more...]

Could the 13 plate change be unlucky for dealers?

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carbuzz.co.uk asked over 2,000 car buyers whether the upcoming 13 number plate would put them off buying a new car. Cars registered between 1st March and 31st August will carry the 13 number plate. There was speculation over the DVLA potentially allowing people to skip out the ‘unlucky’ 13 plate altogether and revert to the 62 plate, … [Read more...]

Car launches to look forward to in 2013

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If you’re thinking of getting a fresh set of wheels for 2013, here are four new cars to look out for, from the cheap ‘n’ cheerful to the downright outrageously expensive, and with a couple of reasonably priced performers nestled in the middle. It’s going to be a good year for car fans. Dacia Sandero You’d be forgiven for not having … [Read more...]