Car Buying Trends

The last few years have been difficult for the UK economy, and this has had a big impact on the motor industry. Consumers are becoming more and more cautious, and are thinking carefully about running costs, insurance, and other issues beyond just the up-front cost of the car that they are buying.

In 2011, the number of private individuals registering new cars fell.  Businesses are still investing in new vehicles, including low emissions vehicles and hybrids, but individuals are reluctant to purchase new vehicles. The decrease in the number of new vehicles entering the market has had a knock-on effect on the used car industry, reducing the supply for that industry, and increasing the prices of car valuations for high quality, modern used vehicles.

Scrappage Scheme a Success

While things seem bleak for the motor industry at the moment, the government’s Scrappage Scheme, which offered consumers £2,000 off the cost of a new car if they scrap their old one, has been a success.  The scheme was introduced in 2009, and brought the industry out of the worst slump it had faced since the 1980s.

In the years after the introduction of the scrappage scheme, the British car industry finally saw growth, with sales of cars made in the UK increasing by 26.4% between February 2009 and 2010. Sales of small, low-cost vehicles by foreign manufacturers such as Kia and Hyundai have also increased, as those on a tight budget consider opting for low cost new vehicles instead of used cars.

This is good news for the environment, as these small, new vehicles tend to be fuel efficient and produce low emissions.

Recovery for the Used Car Market Forecast

While consumer interest in used cars has been depressed over the last four years, there are signs that interest could recover in tandem with the economy.  Some price conscious consumers are still buying used cars and using private plates to disguise the age of the vehicle. A recent report by Trend Tracker indicated that in 2011 the used car market was worth £36.6 billion.  This might sound like a lot of activity, but if you take into account inflation, the value of the used car market has fallen by 18% since 2001.

The Office for Budget Responsibility believes that the UK economy will see a slow but sustained recovery over the next few years.  If this occurs, then it’s likely that sales of both new and used cars will increase.  A growing market for new cars will hopefully drive down the prices of used vehicles.

Energy Efficiency is in Demand

Last year, ‘B’ segment super minis accounted for 31% of used vehicle volume, indicating that people are interested in low fuel consumption, low emission vehicles.  However, the market is not yet ready for hybrid or electric vehicles.

Government subsidies have done little to bolster sales of electric vehicles.  As of October 2011, the number of electric vehicles registered in the UK stood at just 1,107 – out of more than 28million cars on the road. It appears that low emissions and hybrids will account for most of the cleaning up of our country’s emissions for a long time to come.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of The Plate Market. Click here, for more information on private plates,

A Collection of Ways to Save Money

A family budget includes many items. Mortgage payments, food, utilities, gas, and clothing are just a few examples. Over 50 life insurance should be another item worked into a family’s budget. In the event that the breadwinner of a family passes on, the other members should be protected financially. Over 50 life insurance must have a place in a family’s budget in order for family members to enjoy a sense of security. Once family members settle on a complete household budget, they often come up with some effective ways to save money. Gathering coupons and shopping for a particular item only when it goes on sale are two examples of common money-saving practices. Not surprisingly, some people take money saving practices to the extreme. Read on to learn some of the helpful (and outlandish) ways that people save money.

1.Wash and reuse pieces of aluminum foil.
2.After a stay at a hotel, take the used bars of soap to restock the supply at home.
3.Write letters to friends on paper that has writing on the opposite side. It could be an old grocery list or a to-do list from five years ago.
4.Leave the car out in the rain to wash it instead of taking it to a car wash.
5.After a hotel stay, take home the partially used shampoo bottles. These can serve as the home supply of shampoo.
6.Never buy any books, CDs or DVDs. Go to the library and check any of those items out for free.
7.Walk to the electric company to hand deliver the monthly payment.
8.Wash and reuse garbage bags instead of purchasing new ones.
9.Instead of taking the kids to a fun amusement park for the day take them to the local playground to play.
10.Draw pictures of family members instead of getting photographs done at a professional photographer studio.
11.When it is raining, set the dirty dishes out on the patio and pour some dish soap on them to get them clean.
12.If a child asks for a pet dog, give him or her a picture of dog instead.
13.Take home the partially used ketchup and mustard packets from a fast food restaurant meal and squeeze them into plastic bottles. These can serve as the family’s supply of ketchup and mustard.
14.Go to the library to look at magazines and newspapers instead of buying them.
15.Don’t ever buy new picture frames. Use old frames to display pictures and change the pictures every few months.
16.Women, while trying on shoes at the shoe store use the stocking footies that are provided by the store. Then, take the pair home and add it to your collection of hosiery.
17.When the wick of a candle is no longer useable take the leftover candle wax and put it into a new container. By adding more wax to it and a wick, a new candle can be created from several old ones.
18.When a child grows out of piece of clothing such as a stained t-shirt or a torn pair of shorts, cut them up and use them as dust rags.
19.Put a bicycle in the trunk of your car and drive halfway to work. Then, get the bicycle out to ride the rest of the way to work to save on gas expenses.

Blogger’s Blowout Best Giveaway Ever!

I got a blue ray copy of my favorite movie in Orange Magazine TV and Astroplus’s 1st BLOGGERS’ BLOWOUT at Astrovision store in Greenbelt 5, Ayala last september 3. Thank you so much Orange Magazine TV for this early christmas gift I really appreciate it specially to the major sponsors of the event. I’m in the Movies category that started a little behind schedule but it’s okay, they’re already serving food to keep me calm and busy hehehe.

I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence or it’s a great timing because earlier that day, me and my trainers were talking about the ending of Resident Evil: afterlife franchise. During the middle of last part of the credits there was a brief video clip showing a new villain leading a swarm of helicopter into battle against Milla Jovovich and her team. I later realize that it was ex-STAR member Jill Valentines (Actress Sienna Guillory) under the control of the spider, at first I didn’t believe my trainers that it was her cause she was blonde and Jill was a brunet in second franchise but who cares! the story is getting better and better, rumors say that the RE5 will be revolving to fan’s feedback and tweets and they will try to include other characters from the videogame. I really can’t say much now cause everything are still rumors but definitely actress Sienna G. already tweeted that she already started training for RE5.

And with all of this, I want to return my very big thanks and gratitude to to Astroplus / Astrovision especially to Ms. Katherine Choy and Mr. Jimmy Lim for partnering with Orange Magazine TV for this event. without you guys, I wouldn’t have a Blue Ray copy of my favorite movie!