Best Selling Cars – Matt's blog

Porsche Macan

For the car enthusiast it doesn’t get much more exciting than a major motor show, and recently the motoring world was treated to a veritable cornucopia of automotive innovation in the autumn sunshine of Los Angeles. The 2013 LA Motor Show offered up a wide range of new cars that will be introducing themselves to our roads in 2014 and no doubt finding themselves in the Ken’s Autos garages soon enough – here are our highlights.

Porsche finally unveiled its SUV 

It feels like we have been waiting for this baby SUV for a long time having been fed various titbits of information over the last few months, but it was at the LA Motor Show where Porsche finally unveiled its latest creation. They hope it will overtake the Mercedes GLK and BMW X3 as a major player in the sports utility vehicle bracket, bringing together cues from a number of other Porsche models, including the Cayenne, Boxster and even the 911.

A ‘Final Edition’ Mercedes SLS is on the way 

It may have been pricey but the Mercedes SLS was an absolute winner, with the uncompromising performance (0-62mph in an impressive 3.8 seconds) more than matched by the ride and handling, so imagine our excitement when we heard the announcement that the German automotive giant was producing a ‘Final Edition’ version to see it off before consigning it to the Taroni’s Motor Salvage scrap heap. There was no information released regarding the particulars of performance, however we can no doubt expect bucketfuls of extra power.

Audi’s new concept

You could argue there isn’t much point getting excited over a concept car – after all you’re not going to be able to actually get behind the wheel – except that we’re feeling pretty enthusiastic about the Audi Nanuk Concept that was on show in LA. It was the only offering from the German manufacturer, but what an offering, with a bold styling that is unlike anything else Audi has produced in recent years. It suggests a brand new direction for future models that could potentially fill a currently uncatered for niche. The Nanuk itself features a 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V10 TDi diesel engine capable of delivering 536hp and 1,000Nm of torque – powerful. What forthcoming cars are you most looking forward to for 2014? Let us know in the comments below.

John Rooney blogs about the news and issues effecting the British and global car industry, including everything from new the latest luxury vehicles to classic cars.

1970 AMC Gremlin

Let’s veer off on a tangent for a while and simply enthuse about classic cars. After all, what’s a car blog for if not to exude a little bit of passion every once in a while? And, when it comes to a discussion on some of the finest classic cars around, you should brace yourself for a full-blown “exudeathon”. Because, really, what’s not to like about the fascinating allure of an older model, no matter what the car? It’s difficult to not be hit with a pang of nostalgia as you survey a 70s’ muscle car or a 50s’ beamer. As you slink into those weatherworn seats and rev up a stuttering engine that’s seen better days, you know that you’re not simply driving a car – you’re riding in a little slice of history.

It’s a feeling, basically, and a good one at that. To be coasting along a highway in a classic car simply has a different edge to it than a newer model. It might be the lack of safety features or the potentially less stable handling and horsepower, but to drive around in an older model is to feel more connected with the process of driving itself. You can throw out your driver assist, your reverse parking detection and, in the most extreme cases, your seatbelts – with a classic car it’s just you, some foot pedals and a steering wheel allowing you to tame your metallic steed.

The profit to be made from classic cars

It’s a great time to be investing in an older model, with classic car sales proving to be a shrewd investment for anyone looking to maintain a potentially collectible asset. Car prices at auctions have been going through the roof recently, with national newspaper The Independent reporting that a F1 Mercedes that was driven to a win by Juan Manual Fangio in 1954/55 was recently sold at auction for £19.6million, the highest price ever paid for a luxury car. Add to this the fact that the value of classic cars has grown by over 430 per cent in the past decade, according to Knight Frank’s Luxury Investment Index, and what you have is a fantastic vehicle to ride in that also happens to be a veritable gold mine.

Endless enthusiasm for the classic

Indeed, it seems the enthusiasm for the classic car seldom wanes, with clubs for seemingly every type of model and brand existing to maintain the integrity of older models, dedicating themselves to overhauling old engines, fixing original mechanical defects and generally tinkering away to make these vintage models run as though they had just come off the factory line. It’s this social aspect of classic cars that really makes them a draw, with the knowledge that you’re not simply driving a car alone, but enthusing with others about the little things that make your classic car special to you.

But, really you don’t get the full experience of a classic car without incorporating all of these elements – the driving, the socialising, the tinkering and the cherishing. It’s not simply a case of finding a vehicle that can get you from A to B, but looking for a car that you can work on and restore, until it becomes less a vehicle and more an extension of your personality. There’s a breadth of range, as well, to be found in the market that simply doesn’t exist in a more modern sphere, with many cars preferring, understandably, to follow marketable trends and preferences, leading to a more limited set of choices in terms of overall design.

But, with the classic car you can choose from over a century of vehicular treats, from the classy sportster to the outright eccentric looking 1970 AMC Gremlin. While newer models will always have their place, and there are some extremely exciting developments being put on the vehicular market today, there will always be a place in the heart of every car enthusiast that longs for the purer feel of a car that might be showing its age, but still handles like a dream on the road.

Generally, people change their car every few years, to get an up-to-date model which boasts new technology and of course, that new car smell. People also change their car depending on their lifestyle; you may have taken up a new hobby or changed jobs and need a bigger boot to store things. If you’re looking for a new vehicle you should consider purchasing a van. Vans are becoming increasingly popular on the roads in Britain, with one of the UK’s largest commercial vehicle hire, North Gate, who have provided over 60,000 different vehicles for hire. Like buying a car, with vans there’s a wide range of different options so you can find the perfect one to suit your budget.

Everyone has a different budget but in the van market you can always find something at the right price for you. You can either buy a brand new van or choose an older less expensive model; it’s also an option to use your old van as payment for your new one or you can even rent a van. Vans have always been a popular choice with businesses and traders, because of the great storage space that can easily be used for transportation. Whether you need a van for business or private use you don’t necessarily have to buy a large transit van – you could always consider purchasing a sprinter van, which is a small van that’s in the style and shape of a car.

Van Monster have a wide range of sprinter vans both new and used, which are becoming a popular choice. The Ford Fiesta van combines the style, features and comfort or a small car with the practicality of a commercial van. If you buy a new or used van from Van Monster they all come with a comprehensive customer charter, which promises you a three month/3,000 mile AA warranty, free AA breakdown cover and a 48 hour return policy.

When purchasing a van, getting insurance can be the part that some people find difficult. Save yourself hours of browsing websites and phoning companies by going straight over to Go Compare, who can give you quotes from 42 different van insurance companies; so you can find the right insurance policy for you.

Nissan Qashqai in the Sunderland, UK plant.

A report released by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that UK sales figures for new cars hit a five year high in September, continuing a trend for increasing new sales. This bucks the trend for elsewhere in Europe, where new car sales fell to their lowest level since 1990 earlier this year, in part down to huge economic difficulties in countries like Cyprus and Spain. Given that the UK’s car market is the second biggest in Europe, behind only Germany in terms of sales figures, this is fantastic news for new car sales in the EU – and could potentially help to bolster sales across the board. This post, courtesy of Advanced Vehicle Leasing, runs through what economic changes, and changes in the new car market, have led to such a rise.

Increasing Consumer Confidence

Contrary to many other areas in Europe, consumer confidence in the UK is gradually rising as reports of economic recovery across the board keep rolling in. Unemployment rates in the UK for 2013 are at a three-year low, and inflation rates have dipped to 2.2% as of October, while actual economic output is at a three-year high. While the UK is in the same situation as many other European countries in that they’ve not fully recovered from the economic hardship of the last five years, the outlook is looking good. This has led to a healthy rise in consumer confidence, with people tentatively starting to increase their spending. While disposable income isn’t necessarily increasing at the same rate economic growth is, it’s overall confidence that’s leading more people to opt for getting a car on credit where they might not have done previously.

Attractive Financing, Credit and Leasing Packages

According to data unveiled by the SMMT, cars bought on credit or through leasing packages skyrocketed to a record high over 75% – up from 50% for the same period in 2011/12. This is thanks, in part, to falling rates of inflation making borrowing far more attractive, but it’s also the leasing and credit packages themselves that are drawing in the buyers. With greener and more ‘eco-friendly’ models being rolled out off the production line, the actual cost of owning a new car is coming down both in terms of running costs (ie. fuel costs, repair costs) but also in terms of tax and insurance. As newer cars become lower emission models, this reduces the car tax paid, and increases in safety and reliability help keep insurance down.

Explosion in successful PPI Claims

It sounds unusually specific, but the Payment Protection Insurance scandal, which resulted in my people paying for something they didn’t want or need, has resulted in millions of successful compensation claims. Mike Hawkes, of the SMMT, told BBC news that the claims give people a nice cheque that “isn’t enough to put a deposit on a house, but is enough to put a deposit on a brand new car.” This has given a significant number of people the boost in disposable income that is lacking in the average person’s pay packet to finance that new car that they either desperately need or really would like – in turn, this does the economy some favours with increased consumer spending and growth in the UK car market! But is this trend set to continue? The SMMT certainly think so, but predict that the rate of growth will likely slow down, though it will still remain relatively high. As this continues, we could see this consumer confidence turn into very real economic growth for the car industry and for the UK as a whole.

This guest post was written by Tom McShane – automotive blogger and writer for UK-based company Advance Vehicle Leasing, who provide affordable leasing packages for a broad range of new vehicles.

* See the Full Top 17 ranking by clicking on the image above! *

What if money was no issue. What car would you buy? These models won’t appear often in the best-seller rankings, simply because they are reserved to a lucky few, like Hollywood stars and multi-billionaire hotel chain heiresses (did I hear anyone cough Paris Hilton?). But let’s assume we have all the money in the world to spend on cars. How fast could we go? What prestigious brands could we afford? Have you even heard of all the cars listed? (I had not!). Let’s close our eyes and imagine what it feels to get from 0 to 60mph in 2.5 sec inside a Bugatti Veyron SuperSport… The cars described in this infographic represent the highest levels of luxury, engineering and total driving experience. The motor companies that have produced these cars have defined their image on providing high quality, fast and extravagant vehicles using pioneering technology and state-of-the-art design. We show you some of the best and most expensive cars they have created, because we too have the right to dream – don’t we?

This post is brought to you by Allianz Australia.

Range Rover Sport

Not long ago, the British car industry was in dire straits, and numerous manufacturers cut their British production in favour of reducing costs abroad. Now, the British car manufacturing industry is booming. So, which car manufacturers are benefiting the most from Britain’s rich car industry? Let’s take a look.

1. Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover is heavily invested in the British car industry, and not long ago a new investment was announced to the tune of £370 million – this investment includes a state-of-the-art upgrade in the manufacturers Solihull plant, where the 2013 Range Rover 4 is produced. This new investment will also safeguard the existing 6,800 jobs at the Solihull plant, and since 2010, the company have created 8,000 jobs alone. In total, it is estimated that they have created 190,000 jobs across the British car industry. These staggering numbers are testament to Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment in Great Britain, where they also produce the Jaguar F Type and the Range Rover Evoque.

2. BMW Mini

The mini brand is owned by German car manufacturer BMW. The Mini brand has a rich history, with many different manufacturers producing the car, including the British Motor Corporation and British Leyland. The most recent iterations of the Mini are all manufactured here in the UK, and all of them are produced at BMW’s state-of-the-art Cowley plant in Oxfordshire. On top of this, BMW has three other plants in the UK, most notable of which is the BMW Group Plant in Hams Hall, which builds all four-cylinder petrol engines for BMW and Mini. These engines are fitted to cars around the world. BMW also has a plant in Swindon and they also employ 25 staff in North Dublin, Ireland. BMW also has lots of service departments, not unlike Bristol Street Motors Newcastle car service, and the majority of customer service passes through these departments. The 2014 Mini, which has recently been spied in testing, will be produced at BMW’s Cowley plant in Oxfordshire.

3. Honda

Honda is one of the biggest investors in the British car industry, and currently employs thousands of engineers. Honda’s first car plant in Swindon opened on the 10th October 1992 and had the production capacity of 150,000 cars per year – this plant currently produces all Honda CR-V and Jazz models. Honda’s second car plant opened in 2001, located again in Swindon, and further cemented the Japanese car manufacturers commitment toward car manufacturing in the UK. This car plant has a production potential of 100,000 cars per year, making Honda’s total car manufacturing capacity per year 250,000 in the UK. In 2012, Honda announced a further £267 million investment in its Swindon site, in order to produce a new 1.6-litre diesel engine. This extended the workforce to 3,500.

Other manufacturers

Toyota currently produces the Auris and Avensis at its plant in Derbyshire, and Nissan currently builds the Micra, Qashqai, Note and Leaf in Sunderland. Aston Martin also produces all of its cars in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and Bentley currently produces its cars in Crewe.

The rules of the road are there to keep everybody safe and you ignore them at your peril. While you should always drive to the best of your ability, there are several rules which, if broken, are likely to have the worst of consequences.

Speed

Always be aware of the maximum speed of the road, as displayed on road signs, and don’t exceed this. However, remember that this is a maximum speed, not a speed you must maintain at all costs, regardless of other traffic. In certain circumstances, such as rainy, foggy or slippery conditions, you should travel at a much slower speed as your ability to see and to brake are likely to be impaired. Be vigilant whenever you drive and be aware that speed limits can change, whether temporarily or permanently.

Drinking

Alcohol can cause your reactions to become much slower and your coordination to be less efficient, which is why there is a restriction set in law. However, different people are affected to a greater or lesser degree by it, so the most sensible course of action is to avoid drinking entirely when you will be driving. You may still be under the influence of alcohol several hours after drinking, or even the following day. As a rule of thumb, it takes approximately one hour for a unit of alcohol to leave your system.

Phones

Anything that distracts you while you drive can cause you to have an accident, but the most common distraction for drivers is the mobile phone. With hands-free technology available, there are ways to conduct a conversation more safely, yet drivers continue to take the risk of controlling their car one-handed. Texting has been shown to cause even more accidents than making phone calls, since it involves looking away from the road. If you want to use your phone, pull over to a safe place, turn off your engine and make your call.

Seat belts

The introduction of seat belts as a safety feature in cars has significantly improved a person’s chances of surviving a collision. Without seat belts, at a moderate speed, the driver would be at serious risk of potentially fatal chest or head injuries, while the front passenger would be at an equal risk of head or facial injuries. Most drivers now wear their seatbelts, yet they allow rear passengers to travel without being fastened in. During a collision, an unrestrained rear passenger can be thrown forward, risking not only his or her own life, but threatening the safety of whoever is in front of them, as they may collide with that person.

Distance

Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you to avoid a collision if they have to make an emergency stop. Part of the information you learn before your test is about safe stopping-distances, which depend largely upon the speed of the car. However, many drivers adhere to the two-second rule, which states that it should be at least two seconds from when the car in front passes an object to when you pass it. Large items, such as trees or streetlights are the best landmarks to use for this.

By always following the rules of the road, you are ensuring that you and your passengers are as safe as possible. However, avoiding an accident will also reduce the likelihood of you having to pay more for your young drivers insurance when it comes to renewing your policy. So, it seems that careful driving is the most economic practice as well as the safest.

A car is a major investment that usually takes years to pay off, which means it is important to insure it against any future damage. Just as there are many different car loan providers, there is a wide range of car insurance companies and options available. While the range of options means there is bound to be a car insurance deal to suit almost any lifestyle and need, it can also make finding and choosing insurance a lengthy process. But to help narrow down the search to the very best options, here are five of the best tips and insights to help choose the right car insurance every time.

1. Find Out About Different Types Of Car Insurance

There are a number of different types of car insurance that can be considered before or after buying a car. The three most common options are:

Third-party property: covers damage to other peoples property

Third-party property, fire and theft: covers damage to other peoples property as well as damage or loss caused by the theft of your car

Comprehensive car insurance: covers damage to your car, damage to other people’s property and damage or loss caused by the theft of your car.

Comprehensive car insurance is the most commonly recommended option because it protects both your car and anyone else’s when there is an accident, while third-party car insurance options tend to have lower premiums. There are also a number of insurance options that can help with maintaining and running a car. Loan protection insurance, for example, is designed to cover the cost of a loan when you cannot make loan repayments. Tyre and Rim insurance (TRI), on the other hand, offers specific protection for tyres and rims if they are punctured, suffer a blowout, or are damaged by various road hazards. There is also GAP insurance to cover the cost when comprehensive insurance is not enough to repair any damage to your car, and extended warranties to help maintain the value of your car if manufacturing errors arise.

2. Build A Budget For Car Insurance

Car insurance may often be considered an essential part of owning a car, but it still adds to the overall vehicle costs. So before choosing any car insurance, it is a good idea to consider how much money you can afford to put towards car insurance on a regular basis. When factoring in the cost of car insurance, try to consider both the premium that is regularly paid and the potential savings if something does go wrong. Often the potential savings make paying a monthly premium worth it for some peace of mind.

3. Consider the Excess

While the premium is something that is charged regularly for the convenience of having the insurance, excess is only charged when a claim is made. This amount can vary depending on the type of claim and who is at fault, so in theory you may never have to deal with it. But it is still important to look at what each claim could cost upfront so that if anything does happen, the costs do not make managing car finances a nightmare. Most car loans also give you the option of increasing the excess you will pay, in exchange for reducing the regular premium. This can save you money over the long term, but could mean that you have to pay more if you have to make a claim, so it is worth considering what option would be best for you.

4. Compare Agreed And Market Value Options

When choosing car insurance, there are two main ways that the value of your car will be assessed. With an “agreed value” option, there is a set dollar value on the vehicle. In contrast, a “market value” insurance option will assess the value of your car based on the make, model and condition. Generally an agreed value car insurance policy will cost more than a market value insurance option, but it is a good idea to take a look at both and make a decision based on your unique circumstances.

5. Consider Car Loan Requirements and Insurance Packages

Car loans can sometimes have car insurance requirements, so it is a good idea to check what options are available with either a current or prospective loan. Many car loan providers, for example, will outline that comprehensive insurance is essential for loan approval – particularly for secured car loans because the value of the vehicle is an essential factor. Comprehensive insurance, in this case, means that the car is more protected from depreciated value and makes it a reliable asset for the lender and for you. As a result, you may be able to get a fully protected car loan that includes all the insurance that you want at a competitive price. Many car insurance providers also offer a range of insurance packages, so that cover is not limited to just the bare essentials. Car insurance helps protect you both on and off the road, but a lack of research before choosing a policy can lead to a lot of wasted money. Keeping these five tips in mind, however, will help you stay informed so that it is easier to choose the right car insurance for every vehicle you ever buy.

Author Bio: Bill Tsouvalas is founder and managing director at http://savvy.com.au. He has been working in the vehicle & asset finance business for over 8 years. Join the discussion with Bill on Google+

You’ve probably seen Tesla’s newest jaw-dropping car, the Model S, cruising around town and have heard a few things about the technological wonder. It’s been touted as the latest and greatest in electric cars, but there’s much more to the Model S than whatís been reported. Here are some aspects of this amazing car. Let’s start with the fact that the Tesla Model S is the first viable, non hybrid electric car ever to hit the road. Sure, we’ve had the Nissan leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and other all-electric vehicles roaming city streets for years, but they’ve been limited in range. Tesla’s Model S makes many otherwise impossible road trips a reality, thanks to its 200+ mile range per charge. This is more than double the range of other mainstream electric cars per charge.

The Model S is the first electric car with a dedicated infrastructure to support long-distance driving. As a matter of fact, 2 of these cars recently drove from San Diego to Vancouver using Tesla’s Supercharger stations. After every 200 miles or so, stops were made to recharge the car’s batteries. Charging only took 30 minutes at each stop, which isn’t too bad considering most drivers will stop for 30 minutes to eat after a few hundred miles of driving anyways. And while a lengthy road trip like this isn’t an issue for a gasoline-powered car, the fuel costs for such an adventure can be enormous. But that wasn’t the case with these 2 Tesla – their trip, minus food and hotel costs was free. That’s right – they didn’t pay a dime for fuel, because Tesla Supercharging stations offer free recharging to Tesla owners.

Performance

The Tesla Model S tears up the track and does it reliably. The amazing thing here is that the Model S is heavy car and tips the scales at a portly 4,647 lbs. But this car isnít a slug. With 416 hp and 443 ft-lbs. of torque on tap, drivers can throw down low 12 second quarter mile times. Best of all, they can do it again and again with less risk of breaking something. Unlike the ’67 Chevelle in the other lane, your Tesla Model S, being an electric car, has far fewer moving parts in it. That gnarly Chevy has over 1000 individual components inside of its rumbling V8. And if 1 of those parts breaks, the entire motor can come to a catastrophic halt. Tesla’s electric motor has only 1 moving part and it’s built to take a beating. Also, the Model S handles like a dream. That’s because a large portion of its weight is in its battery pack, so Tesla put it on the floor of the car. This lowers the car’s center of gravity, boosting handling characteristics in spite of the car’s heavy curb weight. In some tests the Tesla Model S handled as well as a BMW 3 series coupe and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX.

Fit and Finish

The Tesla Model S is an ultra-luxurious car that’s meant to compete with high-end BMW’s, Mercedes Benz, Lincoln and anyone else around its price range. The car’s body is made from aluminum thatís formed into sleek & exotic curves. All panels fit neatly and the paint job appears deep and orange-peel free. The sensuous flow of the car’s body is accentuated by classy 19″ wheels, but you could give the Model S a performance-oriented look by installing a set of custom wheels in their place. One look at the Tesla’s interior is sure to impress, with an enormous 18″ touch screen display, which surprisingly is made in house at their factory. The seats are wrapped tightly in your choice of leather colours. As a side note, you may want to add a custom set of floor mats or liners to the Model S to contrast its black carpet flooring. This will allow the floor area to blend with the rest of the car’s two-toned interior styling.

Tesla’s trial by fire

There’s no denying Tesla’s tour of the west coast was an incredible achievement that makes not only Telsa, but the electric car seem like a more viable mode of transportation. But what happens when an electric car crashes? We’ve seen the results in news videos, fully of smoke and fire, but in reality electric cars are safer than cars with internal combustion engines. That’s because unlike traditional cars, electric cars don’t carry a large tank with thin walls, full of extremely flammable fuel just behind their bumpers. Instead, most electric cars incorporate their batteries in a location where they’re least likely to be affected in a crash – the vehicle’s floor. Recently, several Tesla’s were involved in major crashes which resulted in fires. But before you convince yourself that every electric car is fire-prone, consider a few points. First, one of the crashed Model S’s was traveling at around 65 mph and slammed into road debris, a large, arched piece of metal that fell off the back of a semi-truck.

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This post is sponsored by Volkswagen

Are you passionate about motorsports? Well you can embark on a thrill of a lifetime byexperiencing the excitement of Volkswagen and their claim to the title at the ‘Rally the World’ Championship 2013.
Join the adventure where motoring giants Volkswagen faced one of their toughest challenges to date as they raced their way to the top of the leader board! With the year’s events leading up to this clinching moment that saw Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia steal the show in their driving performance; onlookers could witness the escalation of excitement as Volkswagen established themselves as the first to win the World Rally Championship in their inaugural season.

Check out their awesome video above and witness the drifts and turns that fuelled Ogier and Ingrassia’s Championship winning performance in the VW Polo R WRC. The action packed video brings back the excitement for one of the most thrilling motorsports in the world. So share the exhilaration with Volkswagen and their top class performamce in this event that had onlookers on the edge of their seats!

In their latest initiative Racing and motor enthusiasts can re-live Volkswagen’s rally adventure by taking part in a fast paced game that places you in the driver’s seat. You can start your journey here and drift like a Pro in Volkswagen’s very own sports models: Rally the World. Who has never dreamt of driving these World Rally Championship cars? I know I have, and am still hoping to be one day, but till then the Rally the World game is a pretty good option.