Interestingly, despite the constant price increase, a car’s average lifespan is decreasing, which is good news for anyone considering buying older cars. More and more “modern” cars are now entering the used car market as a result of manufacturers releasing newer versions of their models sooner now than they did a few years ago. This makes it simple for you to make a good purchase without having to break your budget.

The country’s used automobile industry is anticipated to grow from 38 lakh vehicles in 2020–21 to over 70 lakh vehicles by 2025–26.

For first-time buyers upgrading from two-wheelers or public transit, or for someone looking to buy a second pair of wheels for the family, a used car really makes more sense.

Change In Used Car Market

The selling and buying of used cars have changed along with the auto industry. You no longer have to rely solely on the verbal guarantee of a clever car salesman, dealer, or other individuals that the used automobile is in excellent condition.

Authorized dealers have made it possible to buy a car on your phone, They have re-established the market. You don’t need to waste time looking for the right car. Here, you can customize the filter to match your preferred car and instantly see results for that particular make and model. Certified engineers ensure that the car is of top quality before delivering it to the customers. Many aspects like this have paved the way for individuals to buy Used Cars.

Cost Efficient

A brand-new car that has just left the showroom can lose 8-10% of its original buying price in less than a minute as it enters the used car market. If you want to buy a used car, you will have to spend much less than the vehicle’s initial price. In essence, you can spend between 30 and 35 percent less on a car that feels like a new car.

If you have a set spending limit in mind, you can even choose to leap a segment and choose an older car model in the same price range, which will allow you to buy a better car model than what you originally intended.

Slow Value Depreciation

Every car depreciates, but a used car has an advantage over a new car in terms of the same. Compared to a brand-new car, it loses value more slowly. Over the first three years, new cars depreciate the most quickly before gradually slowing down and It goes without saying that when you purchase a used car, you will pay a price that has already seen substantial reductions.

Cheap Insurance

Insuring your used car will cost you a lot less than insuring a new one. This drives up additional taxes and other expenses that drive up the price of a new car. You can get nearly all the advantages of a new car while saving a sizable sum of money and receiving the guarantee of certification and warranty with comparatively cheap Insurance. Even if you decide to sell it in the future, you won’t lose as much money as you would if you bought a new car.

Final thoughts

You can now obtain nearly all the advantages of a new car while saving a sizable sum of money and receiving the guarantee of certification and warranty. Even if you decide to sell it in the future, you won’t lose as much money as you would if you bought a new car. A used buy is more practical and more reasonably priced, especially for first-timers. If you don’t really need the newest model on the market or just want the feel of a new car, a used car may easily satisfy practically all sorts of consumers.

The post Why do some individuals favor second-hand cars? appeared first on Automaniac.in.

According to Financial Express, Used Bikes sales went up by 27% during COVID-19. For beginners, it is generally recommended to go for the second-hand bikes to get themselves ready to master the road adventures. The people who are well-versed in the art of driving a bike usually prefer to buy a model so that they don’t have to compromise with quality and features. It is up to the people’s preferences whether they want to go for a used vehicle or a new one. Many factors influence the above-mentioned decisions as no one harms their budget while getting something they desire.

Major factors you should consider while buying second hand bike:

1. Cost

While purchasing a new and sophisticated bike model, the individual has to pay higher price than a used bike. Therefore, to own a new vehicle, one has to burn his pocket in exchange for the features and body design.

Buying a second-hand bike does not require the individual to splurge the expenses as the price difference can go up to 60% in many situations. However, the person has to make sure that the price is worth paying to buy the vehicle. To determine the estimated market value, one can check used bike price with the help of valuation tools available online and can find the price of bike based on its actual condition, year and KM driven.

2. Features

Purchasing a new bike enables the owner to freely explore the functions and technology inculcated in the vehicle. Furthermore, new features add more fun to the driving experience as well. For instance, a new bike offers better mileage than a used one. However, to maintain that value, one has to spend on the vehicle’s maintenance.

While opting for a used bike, the features you’ll get may not be smooth as in the new one. So, the person has to compromise with the degraded functions and bike condition. Either the person has to go with what he got or spend money on the vehicle to get everything altered.

3. Warranty

Buying a new bike would save the person from spending on the defects after the purchase for a certain period. In addition, the person has access to the free workshops to service the vehicle for a particular time limit. In simple words, the extra expenses are covered under warranty, saving the individual’s money.

There is no warranty while buying a used bike. The buyers must make all the repairs by themselves. Also, pre-owned bikes usually need repairs too often compared to the new ones. Of course, that also depends on the usage by the previous owners. But if the repair work becomes frequent, it may affect your savings and be frustrating.

4. Resale value

After a certain duration, the depreciation value of the vehicles goes down. Therefore, if anyone wants to sell their bike, being a first owner, they’ll not be able to do that for the same price or a price somewhat near what they expect. The bike’s value can go up to 50% below the actual price.

In the case of second-hand bikes, the price lowering would not make a bigger difference if a person wants to sell a pre-owned vehicle. They would be getting nearly the same price for which they have bought the vehicle. So here, used bikes have a plus point.

5. Vehicle history

New bike lets you be the first owner, and you don’t have to worry about the vehicle history. In addition, the bike would have more worth as it has not been bought from someone else.

Purchasing a second-hand bike may put the buyer in the worry of its vehicle history. For example, the vehicle could be stolen, or it may have a record of being involved in some illegal activities. Therefore, one has to be careful while purchasing a second-hand bike.

Also Read: Reason to Buy Hero Bike in 2022

Conclusion

Considering buying a second-hand bike may go well with your expense, but one has to be aware of the factors that influence the price of the vehicle. Bike valuation makes it an easy task to perform, and it is done by entering the general details of the vehicle.

Either opting to buy a new vehicle or a used one has its pros and cons. One must keep in mind the savings and the purpose of use to make it easy to decide. Make sure to check used bike valuation so that the buyer can negotiate the price well.

The post New Vs Second Hand Bikes- Which One You Should Consider? appeared first on Automaniac.in.

Hero MotoCorp currently features a great portfolio of bikes across sports as well as commuter segments. So far it has sold over 75 million two-wheelers and in 2022, it aims to come up with newer models to please its client base which is expanding across the globe. Buyers who are interested in owning a bike this year can check Hero bikes at Droom online shortlist the options of best buys both in new and used cars segment. The portal facilitates easy and quick comparison between a maximum of 3 vehicles in a single go. Comparison with respect to specifications, history, make, and price is now a simplified task as well.

Why should you consider buying Hero bike in 2022?

This question is quite common for buyers who face a difficult time sorting through their options. Hero bikes are expanding in portfolio size and are reaching every corner of this peninsular subcontinent. However, its market dominance is non questionable, but to dig deeper there are various reasons that make Hero MotoCorp the leading Indian brand in the two-wheeler segment. Also, according to Statista stats, Sales Volume of Hero MotoCorp company is increasing gradually from year 2015 to 2021. There are several reasons why people prefer buying a Hero bike over any other auto brand which clearly reflects in the soaring sales numbers recorded by this automobile brand over past decades. Let’s take a look at these:

Variety

It is distinguished as the only Indian brand which is quite consistent in offering a large variety of products which are suitable for people of all age groups, youngsters to adults. It has a specialised bend on manufacturing geared bikes, but it also produces two wheelers such as Hero Maestro and Pleasure that are simple to ride and do not require frequent shifting of gears. This way the buyers are offered a huge selection with respect to design and features suiting their respective needs and budgets.

For all pockets

With such a huge variety of bikes comes a distinct range of pricing as well. An aspect which makes Hero an unrivalled leaders is that it provides quality bikes at nominal prices. The cost can go as low as Hero Pleasure and can reach as high as Hero ZMR, offered with their own quality features without compromising on performance.

Superior Quality

Garnering a name as big as Hero MotoCorp doesn’t come easy. Offering superior quality bikes that are teamed up with extended warranties, Hero has assured its client base that they have way more than just taking two wheels at home. It also provides free services and quality checks from time to time and conducts multiple level checks on each product before it reaches the showroom and the customer.

A-grade Customer Services

Best products must always be backed by unfailing customer services and Hero MotoCorp delivers both without compromise. It offers quick and satisfactory after sales services. With a vast number of service centres established across the country, the services related to repair, quality check and finance are all dealt without putting customers on hold for long.

Let’s Check Out Some Upcoming Hero Bikes in 2022

If your heart is set on buying a Hero bike this year, here is a list unveiling some of the upcoming models that the brand is all set to launch. These Hero bikes are listed along with their expected prices just to provide a list for easy selection. Hero is also bent on adding more and more electric vehicles to its existing portfolio looking at the futuristic plans of Automobile industry. Let’s take a look at these:

Above mentioned are the top-most reasons that prove that choosing a Hero Bike for you is the best option and can be your best decision. So, if you are thinking to buy a new bike this year and without any second though explore the hero bike models and choose the best for you.

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If you want to buy a spacious car for your family, then take a look at the top five 7 seater cars that you can buy in India:

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is one of the most affordable 7 seater cars which scores excellent on space and practicality. The car’s flexi seating options allow you to accommodate additional passengers when the need arises. The MUV vehicle even possesses great safety features.

Despite the size of the car, its lightweight construction makes it perfect to drive on city lanes just as well on highways. The car’s interiors don’t feel cramped at all, a common woe when travelling with larger groups. It also has a 7-inch infotainment display that will make the ride fun. 

The stellar combination of comfort, practicality and great features at an affordable price makes Renault Triber one of the best 7 seater cars. 

This MUV has an 8-inch infotainment system. Renault Triber’s modern design with LED headlamps, chrome finishes, and skid plates makes it an incredibly attractive car. The car has two additional airbags (driver, passenger, and front sides) to maximise safety. Its fuel-efficient engine gives you 20 kmpl mileage. 

Toyota Innova Crysta was initially designed to be an 8 seater vehicle. Now, the extra space that the car offers makes it one of the favourite 7 seater cars available in the market. The car has great premium features such as a large infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, parking camera, cruise control, and adjustable driver seat. 

The MUV has great safety features, including three front airbags and vehicle stability control. With modern design and additional features, it ensures great comfort to the passengers. 

Mahindra Marazzo

Mahindra Marazzo is known for its durable build and unique design and the aerodynamic design and modern cabin layout is a feast for the eyes. Finally, its robust and reliable 1.5-litre diesel engine ensures a power-packed performance. 

Although it is smaller than Toyota Innova Crysta, it provides ample room. The adjustable driver seat and leatherette upholstery make it a great purchase. 

Kia Carnival

If you are looking for a luxurious and spacious car, Kia Carnival will be your ideal choice. As the car offers a seating capacity for 7-9 adults, it is one of the best 7 seater cars. 

You will have a great driving experience in this luxurious MUV. It has premium features such as a dual sunroof, 6-speaker sound system, and automatic transmission of 8-speed. 

These are the top five 7 seater cars to buy if you have a big family. Take your pick to travel with your entire family comfortably to weddings, get-togethers, and other events.

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The Ford Mustang has been modified and given many a facelift throughout the years to suit the modern day in both appearance and any new legal requirements, thanks to Lookers Ford, the used Ford Mustang dealers.

The original design

In 1962 came the first concept for the Ford Mustang. Back then, it resembled a rocket ship more than a car thanks to its aerodynamic flair, but still showcased many of the Mustang’s distinctive features.

It was pitched by the then-general manager of Ford, Lee Iacocca, as a fun-to-drive compact car. The mid-engine two-seater roadster earned its name in reference to the P-51 Mustang fighter plane from the Second World War. However, Iacocca wasn’t entirely happy with the original design and quickly set about redesigning his idea.

Evolution in the 1960s

The design of Lee Iacocca was based on the Ford Falcon model, with a long-sweeping hood and high-mounted grill. The two cars were identical in overall length, but the Mustang’s wheelbase was shorter. However, the inside of the vehicles was considerably different, with the Mustang offering lower positioned seats and a lower ride height.

The first Mustang was rolled off the assembly line in Michigan on March 9th 1964, a month before it made its world debut. By 1965, car customizing company, Shelby American, entered the fray, producing a higher-powered version of the popular mobile.

Second Generation (1974 – 1978)

The next generation of the car was to be modeled on the Ford Pinto, in a bid to compete against imports into America that were growing in popularity due to the on-going fuel crisis at the time. To differentiate from the pony cars of yesteryear, the Mustang II offered a longer Hatchback model. It also marked the – albeit short – end of the Mustang Convertible, with no Second Generation Mustangs coming with the option of driving with your roof down.

This era of the popular muscle car didn’t initially offer the V8 engine option that was previously available. However, this didn’t last long and by 1975, the Mustang was slightly redesigned to re-debut the engine.  Due to declining numbers, Ford introduced special-edition Second Generation such as the Cobra II in a bid to keep the car current.

Unfortunately, this era was not as popular as Ford would have liked and with the oil crisis and emission acts looming large, the company could have quite easily watched the car follow in Fairlane’s footsteps and not last over a decade on the assembly line. To try to avoid this, the Third Generation was unveiled.

Third Generation (1979 – 1993)

The Third Generation was much more widely accepted. It was sleek and redesigned as the first Mustang to be built on the new Fox platform. The ’79 version was lighter than its predecessor, despite being longer and taller, and was more European visually than ever before. In 1980, Ford tried to make the engine more economical and sporty by dropping the 302-cubic litre V8 engine to a 255-cubic inch V8 engine.

By 1983, the convertible option was welcomed back to the lineup and the V8 engine power was dramatically increased to 175hp. To mark its 20^th anniversary, 4,058 Mustang SVOs were produced, but its high price tag ruled out many potential buyers. For the five years that followed, the engine kept being altered to try to offer a more environmentally-friendly product. Then, in 1989, all these models featured a new mass air system and all vehicles produced for the 365 days from April 17^th1989 included the words ‘25 years’ on the dashboard to mark its 25^th anniversary.

Once more, sales began to decline by 1993 and that led to yet another version of the car being produced.

Fourth Generation (1994 – 2004)

Thirty years on from the First Generation’s release came this new model, with Ford reporting that 1,330 parts from the vehicle’s 1,850 total had been changed. 1995 saw the last 5.0L V8 engine used in the car, with 4.6L engines taking over.

Although the 1999 version changed substantially, with new grilles, hood and lamps, this wasn’t yet the dawn of the next generation. That came about when Ford’s Dearborn Assembly Plant – where the first Mustang was produced – ceased production. It is thought that 6.7 million of the 8.3 million Mustangs ever produced at that time was created at Dearborn.

Fifth Generation (2005 – 2014)

Ford introduced the all-new D2C Mustang platform in 2005 which, in the company’s words, was ‘designed to make the Mustang faster, safe, more agile and better looking than ever’. 2007 saw the first Shelby model be released in 35 years, in what was marked as the most powerful Mustang up to that point thanks to its 5.4L V8 engine.

By 2009, there was the option to purchase a model with a glass top roof, as well as special 45^th anniversary badging.

Sixth Generation (2015 – present)

For the first time in 50 years, the model ditched its live axle suspension, opting for an independent rear suspension instead. The new 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine was also introduced, offering better fuel economy and a more environmentally-conscious way in which to get around quickly while not faltering on style.

As has become apparent with every new release, the bump in horsepower is almost obligatory. The changes this year, however, went a little deeper. Ford’s efforts to elevate the pony car to new heights are clear, but they’ve also bolstered its environmental and social credentials — a feat worth celebrating.

The model released in 2018 offers even more advanced technology, including a 12-inch, all-digital, customizable instrument cluster and a host of new derive-assistance features such as pre-collision assist. There’s also a ‘love thy neighbor’ mode in which the vehicle can be programmed to automatically limit the noise output from the exhaust at pre-programmed times of the day.

In order to keep the car current, it’s anticipated that by 2024 the Seventh Generation of Ford Mustang will be released.

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Winter goes hand in hand with harsh weather conditions that can affect road conditions when driving, and lead to decreased visibility on the roads. According to the Department of Transport, in the winter of 2014, 2,274 people were injured in reported road accidents. 251 were also seriously injured and 29 people were killed. Add that to the fact that of all fatal car accidents, 49 percent occur at night, despite there being fewer drivers on the road, as well as that night driving has a fatality rate per mile nearly triple that of daytime driving, and it’s vital that you are prepared for your journeys as the dark, colder mornings and nights arrive.

Lights

Whilst it is essential that you have your headlights on before sunrise and after sunset, in the winter, it is advised that you keep your lights on for an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset to ensure other drivers on the road can clearly see you during twilight. You should do regular checks to make sure that all your lights are operating properly throughout the winter too – failure to switch on your lights could mean that other drivers do not see you approaching and accidents could occur.

You can drive with your full beam switched on in rural areas whenever you see it safe to do so, to improve your road visibility. However, you must ensure you dip your lights back down when you encounter another driver to avoid dazzling them and affecting their visibility.

Have your eyes checked

The dark nights are a trigger for drivers to realise that their sight isn’t great. You should therefore have your eyes checked before it’s too late. Be aware that some drivers struggle with the glare from headlights and street lamps in the dark – fortunately, most opticians offer anti-glare lenses to help improve night time driving.

This also helps for reading road signs in the dark, where they might not be as clear to make out – or affected by the weather conditions. If you don’t feel comfortable driving without your glasses, don’t! Make sure you always keep a pair in your car too, so that you can clearly see when driving in the dark.

Ensure that you regularly clean your windows and mirrors as well – having a dirty windscreen can catch the glare of oncoming vehicles, or compromise your vision.

Allow more time for your journey

When driving in the dark, it’s important to take your time as it’s sometimes not as easy to see hazards on the road. By allowing more time for your journey, you can schedule regular breaks when driving long distances to give your eyes a rest. Driving in the dark can be a strain on your eyes, and it’s easy to start to feel fatigue – so, give your eyes a rest and then allow time for them adjust.

Be prepared to be patient and cautious of other drivers around you who might not be as comfortable as you are driving in the dark too, or who may have been drinking. Stay alert! 77% of alcohol-related car accidents occur between 6pm and 6am.

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Automotive manufacturers are continuously enhancing their modern-day models with new, innovative and improved technology – designed to enhance the driving experience, offer additional safety features, better efficiency and more. We have seen the introduction of Apple CarPlay, cruise control, rear view cameras and more in recent years, and autonomous technology is in the pipeline.

We have been joined by Motorparks, retailers of the new Aston Martin, to take a further look into what the future holds for in-car technology.

Improving efficiency

JLR’s weather adaptation system

Jaguar Land Rover have recently announced that their new vehicles will be equipped with advanced weather adaption systems. The system allows cars to autonomously adapt to weather changes and situations to make adjustments to drivetrain, suspension, traction control and climate control for optimum efficient driving.

The system is expected to arrive in 2020, alongside JLR’s autonomous technology and electrified models.

The intelligent system will be particularly useful to Land Rover and Range Rover models, such as the new Land Rover Discovery Sport Hse, that drives on all terrains. The system is said to be able to connect to present and future weather data via telematics and GPS to sensibly adapt both inside the cabin and around the exterior. One feature suggests that the system will automatically close your vehicle windows if it senses that rain is forecast. Onboard rain- and terrain-sensing mechanisms will be used to control the temperature, pressure and humidity inside the cabin, whilst interior and exterior lighting will be altered depending on the circumstances.

The ECO-pedal

Nissan’s new Leaf model debuts its new one-pedal driving system. The electric automobile not only has double the mileage range of its previous model equivalents, but the one-pedal driving system allows for the accelerator pedal to be transformed into a multifunctioning e-pedal at a touch. The e-pedal functions as a start, stop, accelerate and breaking pedal when activated. Suitable for 90% of urban driving, the system means that the car will slow to a halt by itself with the ability to hold itself on an incline without the need of the brake pedal.

The new Nissan system is said to offer additional efficiency benefits from its previous models. Nicknamed the ECO-pedal system, the pedal controls the speed of acceleration to prevent revving up the engine. The level of fuel-efficient driving is displayed through a colour and flashing Eco-P lamp. According to Nissan, studies have proven that effective eco-driving with the ECO-pedal can contribute to an improved fuel efficiency by 5-10%.

Are our vehicles safer?

There are a variety of features which make our vehicles safer nowadays. Most manufacturers now offer self-driving technology as part of their latest models – with most used to improve road safety.

Blind spot information system

BLIS helps detect vehicles in your blind spot when changing lanes. When a vehicle enters your blind spot zone, the BLIS system will alert you. The detection area is on both sides of your vehicle, extending rearward from the exterior mirrors to approximately 10 feet (3 meters) beyond the bumper. The system alerts you via a small light on your side wing mirrors – when there is a vehicle in your blind spot zone, the light will illuminate. When your blind spot zone is clear, the light will switch off.

Intelligent speed assist

ISA safety technology alerts drivers when they exceed the speed limit via audio and visual warnings. By using GPS, the system is able to detect the vehicle location and reference this with a digital road map that is programmed with speed limit information for each road. The system can be used as an active speed limiter whereby it can take control of the vehicle and reduce the speed when travelling above the speed limit. It does this by reducing the throttle signal. Additionally, the system is also fitted with a speed limiting function that increases the pressure on the accelerator when you exceed the speed limit, so that it is harder to accelerate and break the speed limit.

Lane departure warning system

Some vehicles are now fitted with lane departure warning systems, or lane-keeping systems. These systems keep you within your lane when driving on the motorway. When motorway driving, it’s vital that you stay firmly in your lane, unless you are overtaking. This system alerts you with a vibration on the steering wheel if your vehicle is unintentionally edging out of its lane – and in circumstances when the vehicle thinks you are reacting too slow, the vehicle will take control and provide steering torque to divert you back into the safe space on your lane. This is a safety feature to prevent drivers from veering out of their lane on motorways and dual carriageways where drivers around them are driving at high speeds.

With a positive future of technology ahead of us, we can expect to see the driving process, and experience, completely transformed in the coming years.

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With this said however, BMW has been given the label of only catering to the likes of businessmen and women throughout the years. Driving a car of our preference is a huge deal for all of us, as it allows us to maintain our independence and freedom to travel wherever and whenever we like. With this in mind, consider that more than one in five UK residents are registered as being disabled. That’s more than 11 million people who need Motability services. But the idea of Motability services doesn’t always conjure luxury vehicles to mind…does it?

Here, we’ll discuss the various changes and latest adaptations you could make to ensure your car is suited to your needs and also the facts you might not have known about BMW.

What is the Motability Scheme?

The likes charities such as the Motability Scheme that commit to help those with disabilities to purchase a car that accommodates their needs in exchange for Motability Allowance, is a one that BMW is part of.

As well as maintenance, servicing, accident and breakdown recovery, the lease also includes a new BMW every three years along with the insurance needed. If you’re unable to drive yourself, you can have up to two nominated drivers who can be insured on your BMW, whether they be family, friends, or your carer.

Other adaptions you make to your BMW can come at no additional costs. Over 50,000 Motability customers have adapted their cars to make their driving experience as comfortable and easy as possible, including hi-tech features. Although many cars participating in the Motability scheme already come with standard features including push button ignition, automatic transmission, height-adjustable seats, and parking sensors, there are additional bespoke additions focused around your needs.

Adaptions to Suit Different Disabilities

The Perks of Hand-held Speed Control

If accelerating or braking with your feet is something you find difficult, then having a hand control fitted behind the steering wheel can help regain your motoring independence. This adaptation is particularly popular by pulling or pushing the lever to control your speed and comes in different variations to suit how you want to handle your BMW. The only compromise that must be made is that your car be automatic rather than manual to make driving a lot easier.

In addition, to prevent discomfort or straining, the foot pedals can be extended so that they are brought closer to the driving seat.

Offering a Helping Hand: Automatic Parking

In order to improve the comfortability of your BMW, there are several car adaptions and accessories you can integrate. 

One great attribute you can include to help prevent the stress of parking in difficult spaces, is the likes of parking sensors. Earlier, this type of technology was available only in the high-end cars, but now it is being extended to those with limited mobility.

By detecting a space that is big enough for your vehicle to fit into, automatic parking technology strives in this area. Since parallel parking can be a stressful manoeuvre to do, automatic parking can be your helping hand. Your car will notify you of this and give you instructions to reverse or accelerate very gently without holding onto the wheel, and the car guides itself into the space detected. This has completely innovated the driving experience, making parking much easier.

Make Access to Your Vehicle Easy

To help individual access and stowage requirements, accessibility adjustments can be made. This is particularly useful if you have a wheelchair or scooter that needs to be stored on your travels, as well as a car boost hoist to get it in the car or rooftop stowage unit.

The likes of electric person hoists help individuals to get in and out of the BMW if assistance is needed.

If you’re an avid BMW enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that with a one-off advanced payment, you can select from a range of BMWs, even including the BMW 1 Series. No matter what your requirements are, adjustments can be made to suit everyone. If you want to find out more about the adaptations for disabilities you can make.

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History of the Electric Car

The idea of an electric car was first created by innovators from the United States, Hungary, and the Netherlands in the 19th century. Thomas Edison, instrumental in pioneering electrical activity, worked on developing advanced batteries for vehicles, creating the first hybrid car. After the price drop of oil in 1920, the popularity of electric vehicles plummeted, with petrol and diesel models becoming the norm for the automotive industry.

How Electric Cars Have Improved

Since then, electric cars have undoubtedly improved. Currently, there are over 255,000 electric cars on the UK’s roads. The number of charging points have increased to 29,017, over five times more than there were in 2011.

Although the age veracar trip in the UK is 15 miles, there is a shared concern of electric cars breaking down or running out of charge. Many years ago, this concern may have been sustained, but today’s electric cars have a full charge with the capacity of 200 miles — Autocar reported that the UK has more rapid charging points than petrol stations, which can charge your car to 80% power in 30 minutes.

The Future

It’s safe to say that the popularity of electric cars shows no signs of slowing down. The UK government has planned to ban the sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040, as well as planning to have at least half of vehicles to be hybrid or electric by 2030 to cut down on emissions.

A number of companies are preparing for this change through EV charger installations. Electric connection company Northern Powergrid, is preparing for the surge in electric vehicles and demand for more rapid charging points, with an introduction of new charging points across 11 of its own sites to encourage employees. “We have to get hands on and lead by example,” said the company’s Head of Policy Development, Jim Cardwell. “Although colleagues frequently have to take our vehicles to places where there is no electricity, there is huge internal appetite to decarbonise as much of our fleet as possible, as soon as is practical.”

Northern Powergrid is also involved in innovating electric vehicle projects created to assist the UK transport system reduce carbon emissions. A £9.8 million collaborative project declared by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) involving Nissan, will ensure the implementation of 1,000 V2G charging points. This will also include research into using electric vehicle batteries to support energy networks and customers interested in connecting their vehicles to the network.

Nissan’s EV Manager, Ed Jones, said: “We’ve always known that Nissan’s EV technology can be used for so much more than just getting people from A-to-B and we’re delighted to be sharing our expertise to help create more sustainable energy networks in the UK. Through the integration of Nissan EVs, we can find new solutions that will help shape a society whose energy use is sustainable, efficient and affordable.”

Projects like this are helping drive us to a future of electric cars and their accessible charging points. Currently, there are three types: rapid, fast, and slow. It’s clear that there are going to be huge advancements in the electric vehicle industry, with companies embracing the change and customers accepting the models.

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Here, alongside used Ford Fiesta dealership Motorparks, we take a look at how to drive economically to save yourself money while also helping to protect the environment we live in.  

1.     Be sensible with gear changes

If your vehicle is manual control, be sure to change your gears as early as possible and at a modest engine speed. It’s recommended that you change between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm as this can help to reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 15% — thus releasing less toxicity into the atmosphere.

In the past, vehicles weren’t as economical as they are now with their increased weight and braking systems meaning gear changing was more of a necessity to help slow the car down. Now, it’s possible to slow without going down the gears, meaning that to drive economically, we don’t have to move through the gears one by one.   If you have a car made post 2014, you will notice your model has a gear shift indicator which works to encourage use of the most efficient gear.

2.     Turn off unnecessary gadgets

Do you really need your rear window heater, headlights and demister fan on? If not, turn them off. This will be wasting unnecessary energy and make you less eco-friendly. The same goes with your air-con. Using your air conditioning system at a low speed will increase your fuel consumption. The higher speeds you go, however, the less you’ll notice this effect. When possible, choose to open your windows instead.

3.     Travel light

For some of us, our boot space is always full. While this may seem innocent, it can actually affect your miles per gallon. This is because the heavier your vehicle is, the more fuel you’ll consume.  Simply put, if you don’t need it in your car for your journey, take it out!

4.     Keep an eye on your speed

While this is also a legality, ensuring you don’t drive above the speed limit can enhance your fuel usage. It’s estimated that you will notice a 10-15% improvement in fuel economy if you travel at 55mph instead of 65mph. However, going too slow will also have a negative effect. Travelling below 15mph means that your vehicle is emitting the most pollution. It is because of this that cities began introducing congestion zones to try to lower a huge build up of traffic in busy areas.

You should also be focused on the road and read the situation as you are approaching traffic lights. By hard braking or quickly accelerating, either to get through traffic lights or by moving off as it turns to green, you could find that you are cutting your fuel efficiency by a third. Sudden or jerky movements also put your engine under unnecessary strain which will no doubt lessen its life expectancy.

If you’re on a major motorway, put your vehicle in cruise control if you’re able to. This will make sure that you stay at an economical speed and help you use less fuel.

5.     Check tyre pressure

Keeping your tyre pressure at its optimum (this can be found in your buyer’s handbook as well as inside your door) will ensure your car’s best possible performance. Over-inflation is just as bad as allowing them to be too deflated. The pressure of your tyres can be impacted by the change of seasons to, so be sure to regularly check them. Doing so will also increase the tyre’s life span, which will save you money as you won’t need to replace them as quickly due to worn tread.

Following these tips will help you cut your fuel consumption, which in turn will help you lower the negative effect your driving may be having on the environment. Of course, there are many other ways to take care of both your car and the environment, so it’s vital you drive in a sensible manner at all times.

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