New satnav will steer drivers away from rural roads

A satellite navigation system is being developed to prevent tourists and lorries clogging up narrow country lanes.

The routes have been planned so drivers avoid narrow town centre streets and rural roads where often vehicles have been stuck.

The £435 system has been developed by Tom Tom and it warns drivers if they are approaching a hazard. Existing Tom Tom users can upgrade for £150.

The system has been developed with backing from the Freight Transport Association and has been specially programmed using camera cars along the routes and information from drivers. (Daily Telegraph: November 26).

Car dealer group Caffyns returns to profit

South of England dealer group Caffyns has hauled itself back into the black with a pre-tax profit of £685,000 for the six months to the end of September compared to a £2.1 million loss in the same period in 2008.

Adjusted operating profit increased to £1.36m from a £1.61m loss. Revenue has also grown 6% to £89.6m from £84.6m, despite the closure of three dealerships. Like for like revenue was up 14%, reported chief executive Simon Caffyn.

He added: “We are pleased with the progress made in the first half, where we have successfully achieved a return to profit compared with a substantial loss in the same period last year.

“These results demonstrate that our strategy has proved effective and our car sales have risen significantly. The economic environment remains difficult but, within this context, we continue to focus on our profitability and, in turn, delivering value to all shareholders.”

New vehicle unit sales were up 18.2% while used sales were up 15.1%, both on a like-for-like basis.

Mr Caffyn added: “We remain focused on returning to historic levels of profitability of between £3-4 million of pre-tax income and then to grow sales and profits further on a sustainable basis. We will do this on an organic basis supplemented by acquisition opportunities that can be absorbed efficiently while maintaining prudent levels of gearing.” (AM-Online: November 26).

Consumers unaware of VAT rise or end of scrappage scheme

VAT is expected to return to 17.5% on January 1 next year, yet new research has found that many consumers are unaware of this.

The results from Auto Trader’s research which surveyed 1,530 UK adults, highlights a lack of consumer awareness over the impact the rise could have, especially on large purchases.

Of those intending to buy expensive items such as televisions, holidays or cars, the majority (55%) did not plan to bring these forward before VAT increases.

One in 10 people are also unaware that the vehicle scrappage scheme, which offers £2,000 towards the cost of a new car or van, comes to an end in February at the latest.

With one in 20 people intending to buy a car at some point in the next three months, delaying that decision could mean UK drivers miss two opportunities to save money.

Matt Thompson, marketing director at Auto Trader, said: “The impending rise in VAT and the end of the car scrappage scheme make a compelling case for bringing your car purchases forward to before Christmas.

“Our research shows the public is still lacking much of the critical information on both proposals and we are highlighting these issues so that consumers can act now.” (AM-Online: November 26).

Aston Martin chief predicts slow sales rise

Next year is a big one for Aston Martin, with new models, new engines and special editions but chairman David Richards is not expecting a return to the heady days of two years ago.

The company sold a record 5,500 cars that year and Mr Richards does not expect to reach those levels again until 2012, even with the new four-door Rapide about to roll off the production lines.

He expects sales to come in at around 4,000 this year and is confident that the number will increase next year.

“We have the new Rapide coming out and the inquiry levels are way ahead of where we thought they would be. The car goes into production in January with first deliveries to customers in March or April,” he said.

Also on the new product front is the V12 Vantage and the expensive One-77 of which only 77 will be built.

Aston Martin is also pressing ahead with plans to work with Toyota on a high end IQ small car. (Just-auto.com: November 26).

Heavy traffic, delays and lack of skills mean drivers ‘loathe’ M-way network

Britain’s crowded motorways are a road to hell for many drivers, according to a league table compiled by AA Driving School.

More than a fifth (22%) of drivers in the North West – up to 900,000 in total – say they lack vital skills needed for driving on motorways. This compares with 15.5% – up to 630,000 drivers – in second-place London, and a UK-wide average of 14%.

The findings form part of research by AA Driving School which reveals that fear of motorways and a lack of driving skills are causing millions of Britons to avoid the roads altogether.

Nationally, one in seven motorists – nearly five million in total – say they lack skills needed for motorway driving.

While London’s M25 is the nation’s busiest motorway, the North West fear factor appears to reflect traffic volumes in a region criss-crossed by crowded motorways – including the M60, M6 and M62, which rank among the UK’s five busiest.

To help qualified drivers of all ages to build the confidence and skills for life in the fast lane, AA Driving School has launched new tailored motorway driving courses.

AA Driving School director Simon Douglas said: “The evidence suggests motorways are our most feared and avoided roads, yet statistically they are safer than the alternatives. By avoiding them you are at best missing out on the speed and convenience of motorway travel; at worst putting yourself at greater risk on A-roads.

“Tailored motorway tuition with a fully-qualified instructor can help you build the skills and confidence to drive safely and get the most out of our motorway network.” (AA: November 26).