4 x 4 Mini, Electric Volvo & A new range of Hybrids…

Posted on 4 January, 2010 by Steve

A new year marks the beginning a whole new selection of motor shows. Its not long to go for the first one, based in Detroit, USA.

In 2010 we are expecting to most definately hear about the electric cars finally coming to be on sale but most definately the introduction of even more hybrid cars. In the new year, i’m sure there are going to be plenty of manufacturers showcasing what they have to offer in the electric car world and the hybrids. In the Detroit show there are going to be some big names showing off their fancy new hybrid cars. Volvo for one are going to be introducing their full electric car to come up against the BMW Active E which can be found here. Not much is known yet about the Volvo, all we do know is that its range is that of around 90 miles and can accelerate faster than a snail.

Honda are also going to introduce their new range of hybrid vehicles, promising to look sporty and drive sporty too! The biggest shock and talk of the show is no doubtly going to be the new 4 x 4 Mini Beachcomber. With totally new lights, grille, height and odd scoups in the bonnet, this car surely cannot be put into production at its current look, but we’ll see when its unveiled.

Parking charges being dropped in UK Hospitals?

Posted on 29 December, 2009 by Steve

A confusing plan put forward by Andy Burnham has put a lot of speculation into why Hospital car parks are not free in the UK. He claims that there is a scheme to make parking free for inpatients and their visitors that are staying for a long period of time. Patients that have regular appointments are looking to have their parking charges capped or removed completely.

Clearly the argument is that Hospital car parks are free in Scotland & Wales now, why shouldn’t they be in England? Making up the money is going to be tough for the NHS, especially as they are already in financial difficulty. As yet, a final decision hasn’t been made so watch this space.

BMW Introduce their first electric Coupe

Posted on 18 December, 2009 by Steve

Coming next year to the UK, the “1 Series Active E” is BMWs first Electric Coupe. Its only limited to 90Mph but its a massive test for BMW to see if it can really take off over here. Only a few will be able to get their hands on the car but if all goes well, its ready to be put into full production. Because of its 170bhp engine, the 0-60 speed is pretty impressive, under 9 seconds.

With a ‘fast charging’ point, the car only takes 3 hours to charge the battery which gives users around 100 miles. The people that are able to get their hands on the car will have to fork out nearly £600 a month to lease it (insurance included we expect) plus what ever it will cost to keep it fully charged.

Introducing…. the new McLaren MP4

Posted on 14 December, 2009 by Steve

Not sheduled for release until 2011, the new (and orange) McLaren MP4 is looking stunning as you would expect. Inspired by the McLaren F1 cars, its shape and looks are going to match the power that is yet to be unveiled. The technology coming with this car is going to be completely unique. The gear changing system, the way the doors open are all going to give owners something truely special.

An adaptation of the paddle gear box has be redesigned and included behind the steering wheel, to change up a gear you push with the right hand and to change down a gear you pull the other side, neat eh?

Good news about the supercar is that there is an estimate of 4,500 being made, making many owners very happy (those that can afford one, and the insurance).

The new Mini Concept – A closer look

Posted on 11 December, 2009 by Steve

It was unveiled a couple of months ago but with its recent appearance on the LA Motor show, there are some interesting new stats released.

Adopting a slightly different look to previous models. It actually looks a lot sportier and the after the initial shock of the new design its going down a storm all over the world and especially in the US. However, the model actually looks longer and kind of takes away from the fact that its called a ‘Mini’. It still resembles a sporty hatch back look however so its going to be popular.

It boasts a John Cooper engine which kicks out a massive 208 bhp, putting it a high car insurance category. That should keep customers happy. More stats about its performance are yet to be revealed.

Renault Twingo – Rally Style!

Posted on 10 December, 2009 by Steve

You may have seen the new renault twingo 133 on BBC’s Top Gear last Sunday and how much of a fantastic car they thought it was. Maybe driving it upside down in a tunnel may have been a bit ambitious but it done it!.. just.

Well know Renault are announcing that the 133 (with various modifications) may be hitting rally circuits sometime in the future. Pictures are already leaked from Renault of the car and its engine. There are two models of the rally car, the R1 which is purely for beginners and the R2 which has a massive range of tweaks and parts which look like they are going to be costly. Expect all this to come available from April next year.

All I’ll say is imagine the insurance on that!

Massive 17 Year Deal to Host Grand Prix

Posted on 7 December, 2009 by Steve

It has been in the news recently that Silverstone, the British Grand Prix track is going to host to British Grand Prix for up to 17 years! Starting from 2010. There is a lot of development to be done on the track, pit lanes etc but it’s all in planning now that they have got the deal.

Now that the deal is going ahead, Great Britain and its drivers will always have a Great British Grand Prix track to come home to at some point in the F1 Season. For people that know Silverstone and maybe even raced their cars on it know of its history and how much it will bring to have it re-developed onto the Formula 1 Calendar.

Fancy a new car for Xmas? These people do…

Posted on 4 December, 2009 by Steve

New car sales in November have gone way up by more than 50%, quite clearly these people are feeling like treating themselves this Christmas! One temptation may be that the uk government scrappage scheme is still going strong offering massive discounts on new cars in exchange for old ones. Who knows whether these increase of sales is because of Christmas or the scrappage scheme with things coming to an end early next year, it’s not likely it’ll continue. Good news for insurance companies who must be getting lots of new business from the increase in car sales.

Busy Day for Insurance Claims

Posted on 3 December, 2009 by Steve

It is predicted that on the 19th of this month, it is going to be a busy day for insurance claims. This being its the last Saturday before Christmas and is likely that insurance companies will be busy with people in the mad rush of doing last minute Christmas shopping. Apparently around this time the number of insurance claims rise every year. Another busy time for insurance companies is in October when the clocks go back and people are running late and not realised. Our advice is to probably not head out on the 19th and get everything done before hand, save your no claims bonus!

For insurance for either car, motor trade or fleet, visit our website for more information.

Is protecting your no claims really worth it?

Posted on 2 December, 2009 by Steve

A nice idea to those wishing to protect their years of working up a good no claims record on their insurance premium. Whether you have motor trade insurance or just simple car insurance, is paying out for protecting your no claims discount really worth it?

Most insurance companies will have their own ways of calculating the actual discount you receive for having no claims so therefore it will have to be worthwhile to them having no claims protection. Some offer free bonus protection where as some companies can put a lot more onto a premium in exchange for no claims protection.

If you wish to get a quote for motor trade insurance then visit our motor trade insurance page for more information.

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