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Posts Tagged ‘lorries’

Rising fuel prices, unstable financial markets and taxation changes with the apparent aim of getting us to use our cars less often (or at least pay more to use them) have been just some of the issues that have affected the automotive industry in the past 12 months. This article looks at what 2008 may hold for the automotive industry and road users in general.

The US economy and the resulting weakness of the dollar looks like it may well contribute to the price of crude oil continuing to rise as investors have been holding the commodity instead of dollars. This means that as the cost of a barrel of crude oil comes close to the $100 figure then so fuel prices have also continued to rise.

So do higher fuel costs mean we are likely to buy or use cars, vans and Lorries less in 2008? Well seemingly not based on a latest poll of motorists. Despite fuel prices increasing at alarming rates a whopping 79 percent of motorists questioned said they had not changed their petrol and fuel buying habits and had no plans to do so. In fact the motorists questioned said petrol prices would have to increase at even more alarming rates to stop them from filling up.

Environmental issues would it seem not be as important as governments throughout the world as over 1 in 3 motorists confirmed they had no plans to replace their vehicles for more environmentally friendly cars before 2010.

And so if motorists are seemingly unaffected by rising fuel costs and are prepared to continue driving despite increased road tax and the impact on the environment surely positive times are ahead for the industry in 2008?

Well before car manufacturers and dealers start doing cartwheels, caution would certainly be advised as whilst General Motors can seen promising performance in emerging markets they have seen big losses in both American and European markets.

And with the world economy in such an uncertain state as 2007 draws to a close 2008 could well see new car sales fall with used car sales increasing. Car sales and indeed sales of all types are also likely to increase via the internet in 2008 so car dealers (new and used) without an internet presence should really be looking at establishing themselves in this emerging marketplace.

And what of the actual motorist, what does 2008 have in store for us? Well how about further increases in vehicle tax, more toll roads, increased congestion charges and still a seeming lack of a viable alternative to road use through reliable, clean and safe public transport.

The good news for some motorists on one front is that whilst the government is seemingly do all they can to penalise the motorist, insurance premiums including car insurance, van insurance and motor trade insurance are pretty stable. In fact with such competition in the insurance industry the cost of insurance like combined motor trade insurance could even fall and savings could be made.

And motor traders who are looking to make savings on their motor trade insurance premiums in 2008 using a specialist insurance broker could well be the route to take to make sure they get the protection they need at a price that is right.For all your Motor Trade Insurance needs contact the Business Insurance Brokers, Northern Counties Insurance Brokers.

The US economy and the resulting weakness of the dollar looks like it may well contribute to the price of crude oil continuing to rise as investors have been holding the commodity instead of dollars. This means that as the cost of a barrel of crude oil comes close to the 100 dollar figure then so fuel prices have also continued to rise.

So do higher fuel costs mean we are likely to buy or use cars, vans and Lorries less in 2008? Well seemingly not based on a latest poll of motorists. Despite fuel prices increasing at alarming rates a whopping 79 percent of motorists questioned said they had not changed their petrol and fuel buying habits and had no plans to do so. In fact the motorists questioned said petrol prices would have to increase at even more alarming rates to stop them from filling up.

Environmental issues would it seem not be as important as governments throughout the world as over 1 in 3 motorists confirmed they had no plans to replace their vehicles for more environmentally friendly cars before 2010.

And so if motorists are seemingly unaffected by rising fuel costs and are prepared to continue driving despite increased road tax and the impact on the environment surely positive times are ahead for the industry in 2008?

Well before car manufacturers and dealers start doing cartwheels, caution would certainly be advised as whilst General Motors can seen promising performance in emerging markets they have seen big losses in both American and European markets.

And with the world economy in such an uncertain state as 2007 draws to a close 2008 could well see new car sales fall with used car sales increasing. Car sales and indeed sales of all types are also likely to increase via the internet in 2008 so car dealers (new and used) without an internet presence should really be looking at establishing themselves in this emerging marketplace.

And what of the actual motorist, what does 2008 have in store for us? Well how about further increases in vehicle tax, more toll roads, increased congestion charges and still a seeming lack of a viable alternative to road use through reliable, clean and safe public transport.

The good news for some motorists on one front is that whilst the government is seemingly do all they can to penalise the motorist, insurance premiums including car insurance, van insurance and motor trade insurance are pretty stable. In fact with such competition in the insurance industry the cost of insurance like combined motor trade insurance could even fall and savings could be made.

And motor traders who are looking to make savings on their motor trade insurance premiums in 2008 using a specialist motor trade insurance broker could well be the route to take to make sure they get the protection they need at a price that is right.

2008 promises to be an exciting time for all involved in the automotive industry so put your seat belts on, buckle up and enjoy the ride.Northern Counties Insurance Brokers are Leading Motor Trade Insurance Brokers and details of their Motor Trade Insurance facilities can be found at http://www.northerncounties.com/motor-trade-insurance.php

What picture does your mind conjure up when you think about motorbike riders? Is it the heady days of the sixties with mods and rockers at seaside resorts going head to head, or maybe you instantly think of Hell’s Angles with ‘hard care’ bikers clad in leather jackets, sporting long beards and ponytails?

Recent surveys show that although many people still consider bikers to be a ‘greasy haired lot’ bent on causing mayhem, the truth is that the average biker is about forty years old, also owns a car, is married and has children. Somewhat deflates the bubble doesn’t it!

Many say that men also go through a mid life style crisis at around forty and decide that before they get too old they are going to get a motorbike and experience the freedom of the road! The problem with this ‘new wave’ of bikers is that often they are unable to handle and ride a large bike as well as they think they can. Which not only puts their lives at risk but that of other road users.

This suggestion is bound to be opposed with many bikers, novice and experienced, saying that it’s the cars and lorries which are the root cause of most accidents not the bikers and whilst this may be true, those who are getting on a powerful machine either for the first time in their lives or after years of driving a car are being encouraged to take approved advanced driving courses to sharpen their riding skills before taking to the roads.

Despite people’s own opinions there are some distinct advantages of older riders. Firstly those who have driven a car for years will soon realise the importance of the DVLA ‘Think Bike’ campaign which has been running for many years on the UK’s commercial television stations, as they will find that unless they ride cautiously drivers are liable to pull out in front of them at junctions.

Secondly age is a great advantage when it comes to finding insurance for a motorbike. Older riders are considered to less of a risk than the younger generation and therefore are offered low premium costs. This age range of riders do tend to be more cautious as they have family to consider and returning home safely is a top priority.

With the recession still affecting many people’s budgets it is estimated than the number of people swapping from car to bike is set to increase over the coming years as the overall running costs of bikes are far less expensive than for the majority of cars. As such this new wave of riders are more likely to be those who work in the congested cities than a ‘tearaway’ youngster.

It’s not just men that are turning to bikes as an effective mode of transport, women bikers have been with us for years and they too are becoming more likely to opt for a bike rather than a car to help reduce motoring costs. Women car drivers are generally offered lower insurance than their male counterparts and the bike insurance companies are offering similar discounts as women are perceived by insurers to ride less recklessly than men!If you’re looking for a quote on bike insurance visit Swinton.