 Motorists lack the confidence to buy a car online, research by Manheim Auctions has revealed. Despite spending an average of 18 hours online researching a car before they make a purchase, taking the plunge and buying online is still a step too far. Two thirds of motorists admitted they wouldn’t have the confidence to buy online, whilst 25% said that although they’d be happy to find a car and agree a price online, they wouldn’t part with any cash until they’d seen it.
|
|
Read more... []
|
|
|
 A new survey has revealed that the number of people considering buying a plug-in hybrid or battery electric car as their next vehicle purchase has risen from 9% to 53%, representing a five-fold increase since the same question was last asked in July 2010, according to a poll carried out by Glass's.
The December poll aimed to discover motorists' views of the Government's £43 million Electric Vehicle Plug-in Car Grant. It first asked respondents whether or not they would consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle prior to notifying them about the Government incentive, to which 36% said they would. This figure rose to 53% as a direct result of being told about the scheme. When asked if they would consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car in July last year, just 0.5% of respondents said they would buy an electric vehicle and 8% said they would buy a hybrid.
|
|
Read more... []
|
|
 The Home Office has produced the specification for a new police station-based drug screening device to test drivers suspected of drug driving.
The device will enable screening of suspects at police stations, removing the need to call out a doctor. If the screening is positive, a blood sample will be taken straight away for evidential testing. This should reduce the waiting time before evidential samples are taken, helping to ensure that any drug levels are recorded before they dissipate.
Ellen Booth, Brake's campaigns officer, said: "This is definitely a step in the right direction, but we're not there yet. Provisions to tackle drug driving have been woefully inadequate for too long - other countries are leaps and bounds ahead of us. There still isn't a law making it an offence to drive on illegal drugs. Without this legislation, the police have to try to prove driver impairment, which is difficult and helps to explain why there are so few convictions. We need roadside drugs screening device, and high levels of random testing, so that drivers know there is a significant chance of being caught. I sincerely hope this signals the coalition's intention to act swiftly on drug driving and implement further changes that are desperately needed to stamp out this deadly menace on our roads."
|
|
|
 Premium subcompact hatchback makes the leap from Most Exciting Car of the Year to What Car? Car of the Year in its first 12 months.
- A1 is "the right car at the right time, combining desirability with ability"
according to What Car? judges as it wins Car of the Year - Check out our test drive here
- The Audi premium hatch is dubbed "the ultimate downsizer's transportation" by the panel of What Car? journalists and scoops Supermini of the Year
- TT cruises to its fifth-consecutive Coupe of the Year crown
The new Audi A1 scooped the top honour at the prestigious What Car? Awards last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane.
|
|
Read more... []
|
 Cars become increasingly susceptible to damage in freezing conditions
The big freeze has had the UK in its grip for several weeks and as snow continues to fall in some parts of the UK, Autoglym is urging motorists to consider the impact the conditions can have on their cars. In sustained sub-zero temperatures cars become increasingly susceptible to damage, outside and in.
Exterior and interior damage
Very low temperatures cause paintwork and protective veneers to become brittle and increasingly susceptible to scratches and stone chips. As salty road spray finds these small areas of exposed bodywork, they are extremely vulnerable to corrosion, with early-stage rust evident within days.
- AUTOGLYM'S TIP: Bodywork conditioned with a polish and protected with a quality wax sealant will help the paint to retain its suppleness and therefore its resistance to surface damage.
|
|
Read more... []
|
|
|
|
|
