The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) claimed a few days ago that the slowdown in the new car market has finally "eased".
Some elements of the print and broadcast media saw this as cause for celebration. The public may have been given the impression that the troubled auto sector has finally turned the corner and is now on the road to recovery.
Related ArticlesThe facts might suggest otherwise. In June of last year, 209,190 new cars were sold. This June, only 176,264 found owners. Between January and June '08, one and a quarter million motors were shifted. In the same six-month period of this year, the figure slumped by more than a quarter to 925,000.
Bentley sales have plummeted by more than 61 per cent so far this year, Aston Martin's and Land Rover's by 39 per cent each. Born again MG/Longbridge hasn't even managed to sell, on average, one car per day in 2009 and has therefore captured only a 0.01 per cent share of the market. With three or four quirky exceptions, all car makers are doing considerably worse this year than last, and no company is suffering more than America's Chrysler (minus 75 per cent) and Hummer (minus 67 per cent).
Every mainstream British and Japanese maker is down or significantly down. With the exception of Alfa Romeo, the same is true of companies based in mainland Europe.
What does all this prove? The case for paying full list price for a mass-produced car is less convincing than ever. If it's not discounted by between 10 and 40 per cent, don't touch it.
* One of the best freebies I've seen all year is courtesy of ATS Euromaster. Drop in unannounced at any one of its 450 service centres across Britain in any make of car and it will be given a free, no obligation, 15-minute once-over by a professional.
Tyre condition and pressures will be checked along with the front brakes, battery, exhaust and dampers. You'll even get a written report from an ATS technician, who are claimed to be "the most highly trained in the industry".
The make, model and age of your car doesn't matter. And remember that your are not obliged to use ATS for any repairs or replacement parts that may be required. There's even a freephone number (0800 601060) if you want more details.
* With the disappointment of yet another Ford price rise last week, the cheapest and most humble version of the Fiesta has just burst through the 10 grand barrier for the first time. Consequently, I fear that the company may now be in danger of pricing some of its products out of the market. The bottom-of-the-range Fiesta Studio currently weighs in at £10,595, the Focus range starts at almost £15,000, the Mondeo at £18,000-plus and the ageing Galaxy at £22,995.
With recommended prices this high, it's more important than ever to negotiate large reductions. Think in terms of 15-30 per cent discounts on these and all other unused Fords.
* Hyundai has slashed the price of its sleek 2.0-litre Coupé by £5,035 to just £12,995. Astonishingly, that's £2,600 less than its first generation Coupé cost at its launch in 1996.
Hyundai adds that despite its leather upholstery, climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, twin exhausts, cruise control and heated seats, this latest model is more affordable than a smaller-engined supermini such as the 1.4-litre Vauxhall Corsa Design. Also, if you've got an old banger that qualifies for the Government's scrappage scheme, the Hyundai Coupé is yours for only £11,995.
With deals as generous as this, it's no surprise that the company is enjoying a 22 per cent leap in sales so far this year, while sister firm Kia is four per cent up.
It's perhaps no surprise that ACEA, the European motor industry's trade association, is complaining that these South Korean manufacturers have an "unfair competitive advantage" over manufacturers from Europe.
* Recently been clamped or towed away, then been relieved of a huge amount of cash to have the clamp removed or your car rescued from a high-security pound? Even if you've paid up under protest, have you considered going to court to challenge the fine/charges imposed and attempt to get your money back?
If so, arm yourself with these carefully chosen words contained in a formal RAC Foundation press notice published on July 9, 2009.
"[The] Concept of one citizen 'punishing' another [is] alien in English law. Clamping is 'perverse'. [The] legitimacy of vehicle immobilisation is in doubt."
The Foundation also claims: "Clamping companies are acting illegally by imposing an exorbitant charge for releasing cars that have been clamped or towed away."
The above are the exact words and opinions of Dr Chris Elliott, the barrister working with the RACF on this thorny subject. Make sure you quote them when you take on – and, hopefully, beat – the opposition in court.
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