Motoring with Peter Vosper: New registration plate... 1, 23 - go!

With January new car sales getting off to a promising start, we were all looking forward to the new 23 plate this month to boost sales and start the uplift to pre-Covid volumes.

While there has been some stalling in electric car sales, mainly because of a lack of infrastructure and the increases in energy prices, still not enough choice in the line-ups, there is more new choice of all power trains coming through.

There are also plenty of customers with current cars that have increased in value and help to make the new purchase more attractive and the good news is motor retailers are desperate for good retail stock as there is a shortage of used cars for those customers too.

There have been a range of new cars over the past few years and the emphasis has been on reduction of emissions and improvements in economy helping to soften the energy increases that we all have to deal with.

There have also been many technological innovations which provide more information and contribute to safer products and driving on the road.

We continue to encourage the government to provide better and cheaper public transport but realistically the South West is not a priority, no matter which party is in power. The car will remain the main way of getting around in this part of the world for many years to come.

Many of us have been so pleased to have had this form of transport, particularly throughout Covid and giving us the freedom to travel where and when we wish, outside of lockdown.

It has also changed the habits of many holidaymakers’ habits and has been a boon to the excellent attractions, facilities and hospitality that we have on offer and these benefits will remain the choice of many UK families this year and in the future.

The van market has also started with encouraging sales improvement as more businesses invest in getting their products to you through online activity but even more so with people using local businesses for services that they can obtain to solve many of their requirements.

Now there are more commercial vehicles that can serve a dual function and, for many small businesses, provide the space and facilities, not only for the job but also for the family private motoring.

New levels of comfort and equipment now ensures driving one of today’s modern vans is a pleasure and can offer extra space for families who live an active life as they can carry their equipment with ease.

The growth in SUV sales over the years have shown the demand for more space and flexibility and for some buyers, the family commercial vehicle is a logical extension. There has also been a growth in motor caravan sales, giving even more opportunities for UK holiday makers to explore our wonderful countryside and coastline.

In spite of the difficulties we all face, there is the belief that inflation and interest rates will fall throughout the year and, with the help of the government, energy prices will also reduce to affordable levels. We remain optimistic!

Written by Peter Vosper, Chairman of the Vosper Group