Car Dealers predict price increases in 2010

The Motor Trade is encouraging punters to buy cars before the year is out, to make huge savings on the price of a new car. There is an expected rise for new car prices of six percent, during the first three months of 2010. When this is then combined with the return to 17.5% VAT and a showroom tax, due to take effect in April - The cumulative effect is a substantial price rise on the forecourt next year.

Several manufacturers are launching deals which finish on December 31st 2009, which are being billed as ‘beat the VATman’. Other factors which may make buyers wary of purchasing cars in 2010, include the end of the scrappage scheme in February and the poor exchange rate of the pound against the euro.

All of these factors are an indicator of tough trading conditions to come for manufacturers and motor traders. However there is some good news with the cost of a traders insurance policy falling by up to 40% with iQuote Insurance. Get a Motor Trade insurance quote and find out how much you can save today.

Motor Traders need to prepare for the end of scrappage scheme

The governments scrappage scheme has been a victim of it’s own success and is expected to finish before the end of 2009, possibly as early as October. Although the scheme has seen vehicles sales increase and generated 150,000 new registrations; car dealers need to consider the strategy for new car sales within their business.

Car dealers who are pro-actively looking at ways to increase sales, should consider marketing to customers who recently purchased vehicles for after-sales servicing and marketing of customers in their existing database who purchased a vehicle over 2 years ago, for new vehicle sales. There will still be opportunities for strong income to dealers after the scrappage scheme is finished, but the motor trade industry as a whole will need to work harder to secure their share of the revenue.

iQuote Motor Trade would like to assist car dealers in the current climate. We guarantee to save you money on Motor Trade Insurance, if you have received a Motor Trade Quote from one of our competitors, we will beat your quote and deliver you a cheaper traders policy.

20% increase in used car values

Since the beginning of 2009 motor traders are reporting an increase of 20% in the values of used cars. This is particularly timely news in advance of the number plate change at the start of September. You could find when trading your car in for a new vehicle that you are pleasantly surprised.

Although the new car market is beginning to recover with the introduction of the scrappage scheme, there has been a marked fall in the number of used vehicles coming into the market. According to many car dealers this has only served to increase prices even further. The current situation of demand outstripping supply of used vehicles is something that hasn’t been seen in many years.

Buyers looking for high trade in values are being encouraged to do their home work. If you have a vehicle that the car dealer wants and you know that dealers are running short of supplies, this puts you in a strong bargaining position. The current incentives in the form of the scrappage scheme for vehicles over 10 years old and higher trade in values for vehicles of a lesser age, have resulted in a buyers market if you have the purchasing power.

For car dealers there is also good news, with the introduction of our latest motor trade insurance products, you can get cheaper traders insurance with iQuote. Get an online motor trade quote with us and we will beat your existing premium.

Motor Traders asked if scrappage should continue

The vehicle scrappage scheme has had a positive impact on new vehicle sales in the UK. Although due to the investment required to fund the scheme in discounts there have been mixed reactions from manufacturers and car dealers. The Retail Motor Industry Federation is currently discussing with it’s members if they should lobby government to extend the scheme.

Currently the vehicle scrappage scheme is over half way through the allocated Government funding (£300m) and is expected to end before the allocated time of February 2010. There have already been over 150,000 orders for new vehicles under the UK scheme. There has been a significant footfall reported by car dealers in showrooms up and down the country, which more importantly has translated into increased vehicle sales. This has helped the Motor Trade during particularly difficult trading conditions.

The scrappage scheme has helped car dealers, iQuote Insurance are also able to assist dealers with cheaper Car Dealer Insurance. Get an online quote for your Motor Trader Insurance and you could save up to 40 percent off your traders policy.

UK car sales up for the first time in 2009

For the first time in 2009, the monthly car sales figures are up on the previous year. In July there was a 2 percent increase compared to figures for July last year. This is widely acknowledged to be a direct result of the governments vehicle scrappage scheme; which has made a more buoyant market for car dealers.

However within the coming months the money for the scrappage scheme is expected to run out. The motor trade is extremely keen for the scheme to continue, as this has provided much needed relief in the industry. The June figures were the smallest fall of the year, now with the increase in July it is hoped that a continue of the scheme will see the industry return to a healthier position.

Here at iQuote Insurance, we are keen to assist car dealers in the current economic conditions, so if you need traders insurance - we guarantee to beat your existing motor trade insurance quote. Visit us online and we can provide a motor trade policy for road risk insurance or combined motor trade.

Are UK customers getting a fair deal from the Motor Trade?

A recent survery of nearly 1,500 car owners found a less than satisfactory experience in their dealings with garages, MOT centres and other outlets within the Motor Trade. Within the survey it revealed that one in five motorists have been charged more than the amount quoted for the service or repair work by their garage or car dealer.

Other findings in the survey found that one in ten motorists have or believe they have been overcharged for work on their vehicle. The ‘Motor Codes’ self regulatory body is seen as a last chance saloon for the Motor Trade. With consumer confidence at a low ebb and consumers having no knowledge of where to turn if things go wrong. The inconsistent and overpriced repair work is believed to cost UK motorists in the region of Four Billion pounds per year.

For Motor Traders, we also believe a fare deal is something that should be expected. So at iQuote Insurance we guarantee to beat any genuine Motor Trade quote. Visit us online and enter the best quote you have received from our competitors and we will save you money on your Traders Insurance.

The Motor Codes regulatory body is trying to deliver and maintain standards within the Motor Trade. Garages adhering to the scheme will have the Motor Codes logo on display and this is the guarantee of professionally completed work at reasonable prices. Support your local garages that are members of the scheme and help repair the reputation of the motor trade.

Motor Traders switch to online marketing

In a recent survey of two hundred car dealers in the UK, the top 3 marketing methods are all internet generated (Promotion of vehicles on their own websites, being coming out top). There has been a pronounced shift away from traditional media to get customers buying cars.

Car dealers have also confirmed the success of the vehicle scrappage scheme. With 53% of dealers experiencing improved sales compared to the first half of 2008. The improvement of car sales is even more pronounced for used vehicles, with 75% of dealers seeing improvements in this sector.

This improvement is all the more remarkable, with the reduction in marketing spend; 77% of dealers have reduced their marketing budgets. The Traders that are doing well in the current market, are those who have switched their focus to small hatchbacks, superminis and family cars. Those who are struggling have a business model based on 4x4’s or luxury cars as many buyers are carefully considering their choice of vehicle.

In addition to marketing online, their are further savings by shopping around for Car Dealer insurance online. iQuote insurance can provide cheap motor trade insurance and expert advice on your traders policy. To find out more call iQuote on: 0845 434 7819

Vehicle Scrappage boosts sales of Hyundai

The company which has benefited from increased sales is Hyundai, since the scrappage scheme was introduced their UK sales have increased to over 11,000 vehicles. This volume is more than in the previous four months and is bucking the trend of depressed figures elsewhere in the Motor Trade.

For car dealers the scrappage scheme is providing mixed fortunes, due to the weakness of the pound against other currencies (particularly the Euro). The biggest concern is that small cars will just not be available as manufacturers divert the supply of vehicles to schemes elsewhere, with a more favourable exchange rate.

However even for car dealers experiencing a lull, there is some positive news with low cost traders insurance available for combined cover or road risks only from iQuote Insurance. We guarantee to beat any genuine motor trade quote and will provide expert advice and a traders insurance policy tailored to your business.

To find out more about the savings available under the scrappage scheme visit the Hyundai website.

Car Dealers concerned as new car production falls

Despite the introduction of the vehicle scrappage scheme new car production has fallen by 43% in May 2009. The first five month of the year have seen new car production fall by 54%, the figures for commercial vehicles see an even sharper decline of 65% for the year.

However the scrappage scheme was not implemented until mid-may, the figures for June should provide a more accurate picture of the market. Due to the changeable conditions in the new car market, the production ouput of firms is heavily influenced by sales on Car Dealer forecourts.

The Motor Trade and in particular the commercial sector is experiencing the worst downturn for many years. However to assist Car dealers and Motor traders, iQuote Insurance are offering a saving of 40% off your Traders Insurance.

Visit the iQuote Motor Trade website for a motor trade quote to get your ‘credit crunch’ saving on a traders policy.

Truck zone should remain after 2012 olympics

Following the creation of a truck holding area to support the 2012 olympics, the Road Haulage Association has requested that subsequent to the game the truck stop should be retained as a permanent fixture.

The site of the holding are is situated near the M11 motorway in Essex. Drivers book their HGV’s in and provide details about their load, the vehicles then wait temporarily in a holding zone, then the vehicles continue to the Olympic park in Stratford.

The RHA is very keen that the site remains a lorry park, particularly with the strategic importance of the location, which is near Tilbury port and Central London.

For a better deal on your HGV insurance, visit the iQuote Insurance website - Getting you the right HGV insurance policy at the right price!

Used Vehicle values rise for 7th Month

The average prices of used vehicles continues rise, based on reported figures at UK vehicle auctions. The figures continue to rise despite the introduction of the government backed vehicle scrappage scheme for new cars.

Average values rose by over 2% in May, this was a 5.7% increase on the same period for 2008. Motor Traders welcomed the news and reflect the demand for used vehicles within the current ecomonmic climate.

The figures are particularly welcome news for the trade, as this is traditionally the quietest time of year for car sales. This suggests that the prices are resilient and the used car sector will continue to provide strong demand, both in car dealerships and auctions.

If your a Motor Trader and would like to save money on your Traders Insurance, get a Motor Trade Quote with iQuote Insurance to save up to 40% off your premium.

Suzuki poised to gain dealer servicing market share

The car maker has joined forces with Motaquip and has launched a servicing program for all makes of vehicles. This is expected to help drive their servicing business forward and help to make up the shortfall in revenue due to the fall in new car sales.

Motor Traders are having to work harder to maintain their incomes in the current ecomonic climate. More car dealer networks are expected to diversify into this manner to try and whether the current trading conditions. To assist with falling revenues, iQuote Insurance can save you money on Traders Insurance. For a limited time we guarantee to beat your existing motor trade quote.

Whatever make of car you own the dealer will type your registration into a parts catalogue to access 6,700 models of vehicles and all their components. The scheme is expected to have a positive effect on workshop business throughout the Suzuki GB dealer network. To facilitate this scheme Suzuki have partnered with Autodata for the supply of technical data to the car dealer network.

LDV will be making vans this summer

After production of vans ceased last month at the Birmingham based plant of LDV, subsequent to the company going into administration, it is expected that vans could be produced at the site again as early as July.

The Malaysian owners of the company (Westcar) with the help of the UK government and a £5 million bridging loan - are expected to resume production. This deal will safeguard jobs in the UK manufacturing sector at this difficult time.

LDV vans have been used extensively by Courier drivers for many years and have proved to be reliable workhorses for this purpose and a firm favourite with owner drivers. Whatever van you drive you can save money on Courier Insurance with a specialist Policy from iQuote Insurance.

The rescue package which has saved LDV from administration, should ensure a bright future for LDV. There are several low carbon emission vehicles being developed, which should place the company at the forefront of the commercial van sector. For Couriers this will be a double benefit of saving money on running costs and Courier Van Insurance with our products.

OFT investigate the Motor Trade and used car sales

Due to the number of complaints from the public, related to used car market and the Motor Trade sector, the Office of Fair Trading is conducting a study set to complete by the end of 2009.

Within 2008 there were 68,000 complaints related to second hand car sales. The purpose of the OFT study will be to understand the reasons behind the high level of complaints and to assess whether the current legislation offers sufficient consumer protection.

Despite the beginning of the economic downturn in 2008, the used car market in the UK was worth £35 billion. It is in the interests of used car dealers and consumers that confidence is maintained in the market. The main areas of concern in complaints were defective vehicles, servicing and misleading selling.

For used car dealers, Motor Trade Insurance is an important consideration. If you are looking for the right cover for your vehicles, premises and indemnity cover - iQuote Insurance will save you money on Car Dealer Insurance.

Motor Traders resilient despite the recession

In a recent survey of Motor Traders in the UK, over half were confident of their businesses position despite the tough economic conditions. Less than one in four had immediate fears about their ability to continue to trade and only 8% were considering leaving the Motor Trade voluntarily.

A significant number of Car Dealers sited the issues with gaining finance for both their customers and the businesses themselves as an ongoing issue. Although 70% of the respondents saw an increase in their used car business, which has gone some way to alleviate the issues with new car sales.

However since the introduction of the vehicle scrapping scheme last month in the budget, the balance is set to return to a more equal balance within the industry. The incentive of £2,000 to trade in your older vehicles is expected to drive sales of new cars.

Any increase in sales is welcome news for Motor Traders, further good news was announced last week by iQuote Insurance: Applying online for Motor Trade Insurance could save you up to 40% off your Motor Trade Policy until 31st May 2009.

Budget confirms cash back for your old banger!

Welcome news for car dealers and motor traders in yesterday’s UK budget, the government has introduced the much touted vehicle scrapping scheme. Starting in May motorists who own a car that is more than 10 years old will receive £2,000 to trade their car in for a new vehicle.

Typically new cars are cleaner, more efficient and emit less CO2 than older cars. This move has a double benefit for the environment and to ease the economic situation in the hard pressed motor trade industry.

Motor Traders are encouraged by the new scheme, if the scheme has the same effect as the similar arrangement in Germany it will bring much needed impetus to the new car market.

For Motor Traders whether you buy, sell, service or valet vehicles we can get you a cheaper trader insurance policy. To get immediate cover and the option of ‘pay as you go’ on your motor trade policy - visit iQuote Insurance for your Motor Trade quote.

5k Cashback on electric cars

The vehicle scrapping scheme being planned for rollout on UK vehicles, is already expected to offer users up to £2,500 off the price of a new vehicle when swapping in your old banger. However it is expected that the government will announce (in the budget) up to £5,000 off an electric car when you trade in your old motor.

This bold move has a dual benefit, not only will this promote environmentally friendly motoring, but it should also give a much needed boost to the beleagured motor trade industry. Gordon Brown hopes that this incentive will help establish the UK as a leading producer and consumer of cutting edge eco-friendly vehicles.

However you will have to be keen to ensure you can get one of these deals as there will be a £250 million fund for this scheme, which will be administered on a first come, first served basis. With the announcment of this scheme imminent, car makers are racing to develop the vehicles to sell under this scheme.

For car dealers whether you sell conventional fuel, hybrid drive or electric vehicles we can save you money on your motor trade insurance. With introductory discounts and expert advisors, get a cheaper motor trade quote with iQuote Insurance.

The scheme to replace existing vehicles with eco-friendly cars is part of larger vision which includes creating green cities with readily available electric car charging points and the plan to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the green motor trade sector.

Clear views with HGV’s that are spray free

A new type of mud flap could be set to make HGV spray a thing of the past on Britain's motorways. This new product in independent testing has reduced the amount of spray generated from Lorries by 40%.

The mud flaps have vertical vanes on the surface which help to disperse the water, without forming spray clouds which can blur or completely obscure vision; albeit briefly. The reduction in spray is not the only benefit, there is also a reduction in drag which improves fuel economy by approximately 2% - a significant benefit on a 44 tonne HGV.

The increase in visiblity when following a Lorry fitted with the new mudflaps at 56mph is 40% making safer driving for both vehicles. iQuote Insurance encourage safer driving and will save you money on your HGV Insurance Quote. To find out more about our Haulage Insurance, contact us and speak to an expert advisor.

UK to become centre for Electric car production

Nissan and GM are on the verge of committing to build ground breaking electric cars in the UK. The zero emissions vehicles would save existing jobs and could help create additional jobs, if the current trends towards electric vehicles continues.

This is positive news for the Motor Trade in this country, who have seen reduced footfall through their showrooms and slow vehicle sales in 2009.

Nissan are currently assessing their Sunderland factory as a site for manufacture of 50,000 electric cars per year. The companies goal is to become the world leaders in high volume electric car production. Whilst General Motors are considering manufacturing their latest electric cars on Merseyside.

For Car Dealers, whether you sell petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicles - a Motor Trade Insurance policy with iQuote Insurance could save you money.

Motor Trade backlog of 100,000 cars

Over 100,000 cars are ‘mothballed’ at one single dockyard due to lack of demand. As new car sales have fallen through the floor the motor trade has been forced to stockpile vehicles and cease production on a temporary basis.

The dockyard in Bristol is estimated to have £1billion of stock awaiting demand. This is a scene which is echoed throughout Europe. A lack of demand from car dealers has left all the Motor Trade in crisis. However a welcome rest bite at this time of need is cheap Motor Trade Insurance from iQuote Insurance. In a move designed to assist hard pressed traders if you get a better motor trade quote elsewhere, they will beat your quote.

In the stockpile of vehicles are unsold Toyotas, Hondas, Vauxhalls and Mitsubishis imported from overseas. However the vehicles are stockpiled for anything up to four months before there is enough demand to shift the backlog of motors. Managers said that stock is at the highest level for many years.

10 tips for Cheap Motor Trade Insurance

1. Shop Around
Motor Trade Insurance is a very competitive industry, this works in your favour so make sure you shop around in the market. Apply online for motor trade quotes from different insurers, when comparing quotes look at the level of cover being offered on your Motor Trade Policy.

2. Compare the Motor Trade market online
If you haven't got time to compare all of the different sites, visit a site that will compare motor trade insurance quotes for you. iQuote Motor Trade Insurance, will check the best rates in the market to save you time and money!

3. Motor Trade specialists
For cheap Motor Trade Insurance and the best possible cover for your business, it pays to visit a specialist insurer. By choosing an insurer with specialist knowledge you get the right motor trade cover at the right price.

4. Additional Cover
For Motor Traders having the right insurance cover can save you thousands of pounds over time. A Motor Trade Policy that includes indemnity insurance or cover for your motor trade premises, could be the difference between your business surviving or failing if the worst happens.

5. No Claims Bonus
Even if your bonus has not been earned on a Motor Trade Insurance policy, you could still use it to save money on your current traders policy. Many insurers including iQuote Insurance will mirror your no claims bonus from a private car policy to a Motor Traders policy.

6. Apply online as a new customer
There is every possibility that if you apply with your current insurer as a new customer, that they will provide you with a cheaper quote. If you don't receive a discount for applying online, the only cost to you - is the time spent completing the online form.

7. Voluntary Excess
You might want to look at voluntary excess. This is the amount you pay before the insurance company picks up the rest. This can be small but if you opt for a higher voluntary excess this would seriously lower the cost of a traders insurance policy.

8. Vehicles Cover
Never assume that high performance vehicles or Motor Bikes will automatically be included on a Motor Trade Insurance policy. Always check with the insurer first, this could avoid a costly assumption if you are not covered on the vehicle.

9. Make one single payment for your Motor Trade Policy
It is very convenient to pay for a Motor Trade policy in monthly installments, however this will cost more in the long run. If you can afford to do so, always pay for your Motor Trade Insurance in one payment when you take out the policy.

10. Don't hide details from your insurer
The more information you provide your Motor Trade Insurance Broker, the better tailored the policy can be to your needs. If you hide details to get a lower rate, it will invalidate your insurance cover and may cost vast sums of money if cover is not valid at the point of claim.

RMIF call on Government to action vehicle scrapping scheme

The Retail Motor Industry Federation has again called on the Government to implement a scheme which gives an incentive for owners to scrap vehicles over 9 years old. This has a dual benefit, both environmental and economic - typically newer vehicles produce less emissions, so a scheme designed to take older cars off the road will have a beneficial impact for the environment. The scheme would also bring renewed impetus to the ailing Motor Trade

The potential scheme has been welcomed by Motor Traders who are struggling in the uncertain economic climate. iQuote Insurance have also extended a hand to struggling Motor Traders to beat the credit crunch. Until the end of March there is a 10% discount on any Motor Trade Insurance Policy.

When a similar vehicle scrapping scheme was introduced in Germany the government offered €2,500 to motorists to scrap older vehicles. This has kick started the car sales market, with a 300,000 unit increase expected in 2009 as a direct result of the scheme. Before the move in Germany sales were predicted to fall by 10%, so a 300,000 increase would be a significant achievement.

Within the last week there have been discussions both within Government and in the House of Lords. iQuote Insurance are keen to extend our support to the growing swell of voices in support of this scheme. This scheme can deliver benefits to the environment and to the Motor Trade industry and should become legislation as soon as possible. Any delay will have an impact on the long term prospects of the industry as a whole.

Credit Crunch savings for UK motorists

Due to the fall in sales, nearly every car company is offering huge discounts across the range for new vehicles. Traditionally March is the biggest month for sales, with the first registration change of the year, however this year sales are expected to be over 30% down on last year.

Conservative estimates from the motor trade report £750 million pounds of savings on new cars in the UK. If anyone has the available cash to buy a new car, now is the time to purchase a vehicle. Market conditions are forcing dealers to offer unbelievable discounts on new vehicles to make way for 09’ stock. To help hard pressed dealers iQuote Insurance are offering up to 50% off motor trade insurance, which is much needed assistance in the current economic climate.

Currently some car dealers are offering £10,000 or more off the list price of new vehicles to clear existing stock. The biggest volume cars in the market are Vauxhalls which is unsurprising as on certain models of the Insignia and Tigra you can get a £5K discount.

The key to getting the right deal from your car dealer is to haggle over the price, options list and other free extras. For those with cash to splash it’s a buyers market, so push for sat nav, air con and an extended warrantee. Also make sure you get a price online before you visit the showroom, if you know the car you want - and what you should be paying, the dealer will want to offer you the deal to clinch that sale.

So remember if you have the money, now is the time to buy a new car with a huge discount and the extras you want thrown in!

Car Dealers losing out on servicing income

In the tough economic climate within the Motor Trade industry the revenue that can be generated through vehicle servicing is a larger proportion of overall income. Within a climate of falling sales this income is of increasing importance.

Only about 30% of owners return their vehicle to the dealer where the purchased was made for servicing. Most owners choose their local garage or a franchised dealer for their make of vehicle to carry out servicing and repairs.

For motor traders and dealer to tap into this sector of the market, they must deliver on good workmanship and value for money. However as long as these key factors are delivered within the service - there is the potential to increase earnings from servicing and repair work to help weather the current credit crunch.

For cost conscious car dealers of any size a motor trade insurance policy with iQuote will help to reduce your overheads. Motor trade policies can be provided for road risk insurance or combined cover and you will receive a traders policy tailored to your needs.

Used car values are on the up

Good news for the hard pressed Motor Trader, used car prices are on the rise. Used car dealers are reporting strong used car prices, due to an increase in demand. This demand is a direct result of the weak demand for new cars. Dealers are reporting an increase of £500 for 3 year old vehicles so far this year.

To make sure you've got the right cover for your stock of vehicles, get an online Motor Trade Quote with iQuote Insurance and receive a low cost quote and an excellent value traders policy.

The CAP black book indicates that there is strong movement in used vehicle prices. Industry insiders said that for used vehicles the footfall in to dealer showrooms and sales were at their strongest for 2 years. However in a cautionary note - the economic downturn will continue in 2009 and dealers should make the best of strong sales whilst the opportunity lasts.

Areas of the market that performed very strongly, were 4x4's and the small executive car sector. Both these areas saw an increase of over 5%; very much against the current economic trend.

Motor Trade to take back your old banger

In the European Parliment a new law is expected to be passed that will force the Motor Trade to take back cars at the end of their life. This is being heralded as the returnable car, which will force manufacturers to make vehicles from more recyclable materials.

There is a dramatic need to recycle within the Motor Trade, as 10% of all hazardous waste in Europe is generated from motor vehicles. Ultimately the issue is whether the industry can afford to achieve this ambitious recycling program in the time required. To help cut costs now within the industry get a motor trade insurance quote from iQuote Insurance. This is a measure that could save money today.

Vehicle makers are resiting the ‘End of Life Vehicle Directive’ strenuously, due to increased costs - which makers claim in the current climate will force them into bankruptcy. The aim of this new legislation is to ensure that more materials are recycled from the 8million vehicles that end their useful life in the EU each year. The UK is responsible for 25% of these vehicles.

The one thing that all parties including the manufacturers agree is that more of the materials in vehicles must be recycled. However the industry is in favour of an 10 year aim to recover 95% of the materials in the vehicles which are scrapped. Whereas the directive would force car makers to take back their product.

Motor Traders encouraged to sign up to code of practice

The Retail Motor Industry Federation has called on all it's members to sign up to the Motor Industry Code of practice (for service and repair). Currently take up is strong within dealer networks, but much lower in the independent sector.

Currently Government bodies are looking to the code as a yard stick for the success of self-regulation within the industry. So the RMIF is recommending that all it’s members sign-up to ensure the future protection of the retail motor industry.

It’s hoped that the code will become the standard for visibility and public consumer confidence in the Trade. As a professional it is also important to have the right motor trade insurance cover for your business, a Motor Trade policy from iQuote Insurance; will ensure you get the right cover at the right price.

Ford Transit is the best British Van

In a recent survey from UK van fleet operators, the stalwart of the commercial sector - The Ford Transit won the honour of the most reliable van for the second consecutive year.

A reliable van spends more time on the road and costs less to run. You can make even further savings by getting transit van insurance with iQuote Insurance, which could save you up to 40% off your current premium.

Other well known brands to make the top 5 for reliability were: Mercedes-Benz, Vauxhall & Volkswagen. Ford took both the top 2 spots for van reliability with the Transit and Transit Connect dominating the honours. So for a reliable van you need a Ford Transit and for Cheap Van Insurance come to iQuote Insurance.

More red tape for Taxi Drivers

Local councils are considering imposing further legislation on Taxi Drivers, this is designed to crack down on rogue operators. This will have an undoubted impact on the running costs of both private hire and public hire operators. To help combat the increased costs cheap taxi insurance is available to assist in these tough economic times.

However even stricter regulation is unwelcome in a climate of the credit crunch a downturn in business and having to potentially pay for the privilege of these additional regulatory checks. Local government is proposing these checks will be completed every six months on vehicles of three years old or more.

Whilst the council's intentions are to improve overall safety, most taxi drivers are resentful that the large majority will be penalised for a small minority that disregard the rules.

Dramatic slump in new car sales

The level of registered new car in the UK fell by almost 30% in January 2009, this is a reflection of the lack of consumer credit and poor economic conditions. Hardest hit has been the luxury end of the market, with the reduced number of buyers left in the market looking for more modest vehicles.

Many European car makers have either cut or completely suspended production to help ease the backlog of new vehicles waiting to come on to the market. January's figures mark the ninth successive fall in new car registrations.

In these tough economic times, there are signs of a modest uplift in the second hand car market; a much needed boost for Motor Traders. At iQuote Insurance we would also like to help hard pressed traders, if you take out a Motor Trade policy with us during February, you can save up to 20% off your renewal premium!

Sat Nav's cause accidents

In a survey by a leading UK insurer, Sat Nav systems have been a contributory factor in thousands of accidents in recent years. The survey also uncovered that over 1 million drivers admitted that they had made sudden and in some cases dangerous manoeuvres following an instruction from their system.

Many drivers rely on these devices, with a particularly high usage level amongst couriers. It is recommended that users of these devices are not lulled into following the devices ‘Parrot fashion’ and being led into potentially dangerous situations.

If you are a Courier and have been unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident - we can get you cheap Courier Insurance, visit iQuote today.

Black Cabs to 'Go Green'

The Chinese co-owners of the firm which makes over half of London's taxis has been in talks with UK officials about replacing the current cabs with electric taxis.

For most automotive company's this is part of the ongoing strategy to cut emissions and deliver vehicles which are cheap to run and environmentally friendly. Although the purchase price of the cabs is likely to be higher than the current vehicles, running costs would be substantially lower.

The company whose share price was hit when a crop of their current TX4 vehicles was recently removed from service after engine fires, saw increases after the announcement. In addition to saving on vehicle running costs, you could also reduce your taxi insurance costs by visiting iQuote Insurance online today.

Car sales in free fall

Despite the recent cut in VAT, car sales in the UK are still falling through the floor. The level of VAT has been reduced new car sales are falling much faster. In the worst situation of Motor Traders in the UK for Motor Traders in a generation, the situation is become desperate.

However there is some hope for Motor Traders with the price of luxury second hand cars falling at a dramatic rate, there are buyers who have the money to capitalise on falling prices - picking up quality cars at cheap prices.

To help dealers in these tough economic times, you can also save money on your Motor Trade insurance with iQuote Insurance. They will save you up to 40% on your current Motor Trade policy.