July 2009

Arnold Clark, AM’s Retailer of the Year 2009, has just launched their new innovative website. The new website sets the standard for car dealer websites. The revolutionary design, Advanced Car Search function, brand new Inspire Me section, intelligent Budget Calculator and My Car Showroom comparison tool make the site stand out from any other in the motoring industry.

Re-tuned and re-launched, the website is dynamic and extremely user-friendly allowing customers to make informative purchasing decision through its customizable search function. The new award winning search tool can be used to find in depth information about the sought vehicle such as iPod readiness, road tax or CO2 emissions.

The Ford name has been around in the world of motoring for many years, and their cars have become some of the most popular on the road. Today’s used Ford cars are known for their durability and their low maintenance costs, because many Ford parts fit many different Fords, meaning that spares are much cheaper than they are for other car brands.

Here is a quick rundown on some of the best of the Ford models.

Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta is one of the most dependable small cars on the market, and a used Ford Fiesta can be picked up very cheaply indeed. The Fiesta costs little to buy and even less to run.

Ford Focus: The Focus packs a punch that belies its small frame, and is a great reliable model.

Ford Mondeo: The Ford Mondeo is such an iconic car that it even became a political class, as ‘Mondeo Man’ was targeted in a general election. The Mondeo is one of the most popular family cars in the country and is as dependable a car as you could hope for.

Ford Mustang: Not very common in the UK, but the Ford Mustang is a classic American car that is remarkably cheap when bought in the UK. New Mustangs can be picked up for less than a Mondeo, and used Ford Mustangs for even cheaper.

Ford GT: A Ford that was produced to challenge the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Ford GT proved a hugely successful Ford and showed that Ford can make supercars as well as family cars.

When it comes to quality second hand cars, you can’t get much better than a used BMW. BMW stands for quality or engineering and prestige. There are many different models of BMW available, for a variety of different uses. Some of the best used BMW cars are: .

BMW X5: The X5 is BMW’s off road model and answer to the Range Rover. The X5 combines durability with speed, and a used BMW X5 is surprisingly affordable. .

BMW Z4: The Z4 combines the small roadster style with an American muscle car. Its sharp, jagged lines make the Z4 a design icon for the twenty-first century. .

BMW X6: The BMW X6 is a new addition to the BMW family and combines the resilience of the X5 with the power and beauty of the sports coupes. A used BMW X6 has that little bit extra power that X5 drivers may be looking for. .

BMW M5: If it’s power you’re after, then the BMW M5 has it in spades. Regarded as one of the best ‘M’ cars ever produced, the M5 has ferocious acceleration and handling. Be warned though, the insurance could be costly if you’re a younger driver. .

BMW 3 Series.
The 3 Series has replaced the Ford Mondeo as one of the most popular cars in the UK because of its quality and value for money. The 3 Series has become the car of choice for sales reps that need a reliable and comfortable car to traverse the motorways of Britain.

Vauxhall Motors has been a subsidiary of General Motors Corporation (GM) since 1925. In the rest of Europe Vauxhall cars are branded as Opel.

The original company was founded by Alexander Wilson in Vauxhall, in London, back in 1857. Rather than being able to look for used Vauxhall cars in 1857, you’d be more likely to find marine engines and pumps. It wasn’t until 1903 that Vauxhall produced its first car. The car wasn’t quite the smooth running vehicle they are known for today; instead it was steered with a tiller and had just five horsepower. It also only had two gears, forwards and reverse.

At the time the company traded under the name Vauxhall Iron Works, and it wasn’t until two years after their move to Luton in 1905 before Vauxhall rebranded to Vauxhall Motors in 1907.

One of Vauxhall’s early cars was the Y-Type Y1, which was built to compete in the RAC & Scottish 2000 Mile Reliability Trials in 1908. The car was a huge success, beating all other cars in its class by an average of 37 seconds.

Today Vauxhall is better known for mass produced cars at affordable prices, such as the Vauxhall Zafira, which became the first MPV to feature in a list of the top 10 selling cars in the UK.

Source: Vauxhall Motors | Opel

With the recession gripping the nation, most people have been forced to curb their spending and make cutbacks on their lifestyle. People aren’t going out as much as they used to, they’re not spending as much in the supermarkets and many industries have suffered as a result.

The car industry has also suffered from the recession as fewer people are purchasing new cars, instead opting to hang onto their existing cars for another year, or deciding on cheaper second hand cars.

Of course, choosing a cheaper car doesn’t mean you have sacrifice the quality, as many new and second hand cars have come down in price and are available at solid prices.

For example, sporty numbers like the Audi A3 or the new VW Golf wouldn’t set you back a king’s ransom, but would certainly give you that air of success if you pulled up at a business meeting driving one. They probably wouldn’t do you any harm on the looks front either!

The Vauxhall Insignia is also a great looking car that won’t break the bank, plus it won Editor’s Choice at 2008 Fleet World Awards. Most Vauxhall Astra models can be picked up new for around the £20,000 mark, which is excellent for a new car of that spec.

Source: Vauxhall.co.uk

The new 2009 Renault Scenic is the 2^nd installment from Renault’s MPV range. Due out for general sale on July 17^th 2009, the new Renault Scenic will be a strong competitor in the MVP market. The New 2009 Scenic follows the Renault’s design ethos of robustness, quality, safety and respect for the environment.

The Renault Scenic will be available in four different ranges. The standard 2009 Scenic range is the Extreme. It’s an entry level model, keyless car from the Scenic range, with the following as standard features: Front lateral airbags, MP3 with TunePoint (a new feature which allows instant connection with a portable music player) and front/rear curtains. The 2009 Scenic Extreme is the staple family MPV which does everything it says on the tin.

Other versions of the 2009 Renault Scenic are the, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. These Scenic ranges all have individualized specs which differentiate between them. Ranging from folding passenger seats, automatic lights and wipers to the latest TomTom edition.

The 2009 Renault Scenic is available between 1.4 – 2lt engines. The Scenic is a car designed for fun packed family life, its spacious interior is adaptable, convenient, stylish and high tech. Due for general sale on July 17^th, the new 2009 Renault Scenic will definitely be a MPV to look out for!