60% of Motorists Plan to Buy Cars In Spite Of Economic Crisis
Roughly 60% of motorists aim to buy a new or used car this year regardless of the depression, a survey has shown. However mounting running costs are acting to discourage people from choosing 4×4s and People Carriers, the survey by motoring website and magazine Auto Trader discovered.
Based on responses from 1,270 UK motorists asked last month, the figures indicated that 54% of motorists aim to buy a used (including almost new) car and six per cent aim to buy a new car. twenty-nine per cent of potential purchasers are keen to save money on mounting fuel, road tax and insurance costs with the choice of their next car.
Auto Trader group marketing director Matt Thompson said: “Our research provides evidence that there are plenty of motorists looking to buy a new or used car. This is great news for private sellers, dealers and manufacturers.”
During the last year the Sales Figures demonstrate a consistent growth in demand for fuel and tax- efficient superminis and other little cars and a drop in demand for 4×4s, MPVs|People Carriers and other large family cars.
In the aftermarket too there are signals of a back to basics approach amid consumers with sales of high value electronic goods reducing, whilst more crucial necessities and protection goods like light bulbs, Wiper Blades, filters etc are all holding up well.
The UK’s biggest Automotive After-market retailer, Halfords, with over 440 shops, has announced, that it’s overall sales are down, and the major contributors to this decline are the reduction in both unit value and Unit Sales of Satellite Navigation Systems and Premium In-Car Entertainment Systems. In contrast “Common Sense Necessity goods are holding up well, and overall the company anticipate meeting its profit projections for the full financial year.
Another player in the After-Market also suggests positive effect from the depression. Silicone Wiper Blade Importer XOPC demonstrate sales up over one-hundred per cent compared to the same period last year. They put this down to the fact that consumers are more prepared to consider the market before just blindly buying one of the recognised leading brands. They suggest that their offer of high performance and extremely long life is proving very attractive to consumers keen to get value for money whilst maintaining or improving their vehicle’s Safety. XOPC say their Wiper Blades are priced very competitively against premium branded rubber Wiper Blades, and additionally they are covered by a 12 month replacement warranty. The company went on to claim that Silicone Wiper Blades generally last three – five times longer than rubber Wiper Blades, and are particularly good in extreme environments.