Today it's known as "retro"

In 1914, Henry Ford began mass producing the car as we know it today, and the focus then turned to lightening the weight of our cars to save fuel and make them travel faster, and to improve the safety to reduce the number of road deaths. We have seen the advent of the seatbelt (designed by Volvo and now a legal requirement), airbags and sensors for parking to minimise the risk of accidents on the roads, and the international use of signs, traffic lights and road markings to further protect us as we travel about our daily lives.

As technology has developed around us, other problems have been seen such as accidents due to distracted driving, and therefore the use of mobile phones for talking and texting is now illegal in many countries in an attempt to protect us further against injury and death on the roads. Industry standards and legalities on the roads change from country to country but in the UK it is a crime to not wear your seatbelt and to use a mobile phone when operating a vehicle. Due to the amount of accidents on the roads it is also a legal requirement to have a valid car insurance policy, as well as road tax and an MOT certificate to prove that your car is roadworthy and not endangering you or other road users.

Turn it off..

Recently we have seen a more widespread use of the ‘green’ car, a car designed to run from electricity that can be produced from wind and solar power, rather than further draining fossil fuels by using petrol and diesel to power our vehicles.

It is thought that the driverless car will be retailed to the consumer market by the year 2020, meaning that we are free to work from the car on the way to the office, and increasing productivity. There has only been one accident so far with Google’s driverless cars, when a human operated vehicle rear ended it, and so thoughts across the automotive industry are that it could further improve road safety, as car manufacturers have been striving for over the last fifty years.

How could the car as we know it develop over the next ten years?

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Are you ready for this?

1. Breakdown cover: make sure that you have adequate breakdown cover; keep details of your breakdown provider in your car so that a phone number is easily accessible in case of an emergency.
2. A mobile phone: a fully charged mobile phone means you can contact your breakdown provider immediately, as well as being able to phone your destination to inform of the delay.
3. Warmth: keep warm clothing in your car, including; a jumper, a heavy coat, a scarf and gloves. A blanket and click-activated gel hand warmers will also help to keep you warm while waiting for your breakdown cover provider to arrive. At night winter temperature is likely to drop significantly; staying warm if you break down is paramount to your health and safety, especially if you need to leave your vehicle to find help.
4. A wind-up torch: in low winter light a torch will not only help you to investigate your breakdown, it will also increase your visibility to other drivers. Keeping a wind up-torch in your car means you will never have to worry about batteries running out!
5. High-vis: keep a hazard triangle and a high-vis vest in your boot which you can use to increase your visibility to motorists at night. A warning triangle is especially useful for alerting other drivers to your broken down vehicle, if possible also use your hazard warning lights. Remember to include high-vis clothing for all passengers, including children. High-vis clothing is especially important if you need to leave your car to seek help.
6. Food and water: Make sure you always have some kind of food and water with you on a winter journey. The unpredictable nature of motoring emergencies means you may break down in an isolated location; being prepared with something to eat and drink, such as cereal bars or chocolate and bottled water, will maintain your energy levels.
7. First aid: a first aid box in the boot of a car is always a good precaution. Previous snowy winters have resulted in treble the average number of accidents on UK roads[1]; access to first aid materials can save lives.
8. A shovel: A shovel is essential if your vehicle becomes trapped in a snowdrift! Be careful to ensure snow is clear of your exhaust and is not obscuring your vehicle’s headlights, brake lights and licence plate before restarting your journey.
9. A clear windscreen: keep de-icer and a window scraper in your car throughout the winter. A spray bottle of de-icer and a scraper will enable you to clear your windscreen and resume your journey safely after stopping in wintery conditions.
10.  A map: keep a map of your journey and the surrounding area in your car so you can identify your location and find help more easily. Most satnav systems display the location of petrol stations and emergency services and will calculate routes ‘by foot’ if needed. Keeping a physical map in your car means you can still navigate if your satnav runs out of battery.

For many first time drivers winter motoring conditions can be challenging and a new experience. Introductory driving lessons are available nationally from RED Driving School from £9 per hour.

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[Image: Source, Source 2]

Spooky language even pervades official car insurance terms: a ‘phantom vehicle’ is one that causes an accident without physically touching anything, by causing another car to swerve or brake then crash.

If you’re stuck with a dodgy old banger or a car with sticky steering, you can begin to suspect that something unnatural – something maliciously sentient – is going on beyond the bonnet. And it doesn’t help that stories persist about famous drivers who are said to have found themselves on the wrong end of a cursed motor…

James Dean

The most famous of all ‘cursed’ cars is the Porsche 550 Spyder that James Dean was driving when he died at the tender age of 24. The myth of the car’s evil nature has been fuelled over the years by Dean’s iconic status.

One thing that seems to be true is that the car was seen as an ill omen by those around him. His girlfriend of the time refused to get in it and actor Alec Guinness tells a story about Dean proudly showing the Porsche to him in a restaurant car park – silver-grey, brand new, gift-wrapped with a bundle of red carnations on its bonnet. Guinness says he immediately felt the car to be sinister and said, ‘Please don’t get in it. If you do, you will be dead within the week.’

Exactly a week later, on the 30^th September 1955, Dean died in a head-on car crash.

Since his death, stories about the ‘sinister’ Porsche have gained a life of their own. It’s said that the engine was sold to a doctor, who died in a car crash not long after. The shell of the Porsche crushed the legs of a mechanic while being transported to a warehouse – a warehouse that was to burn down in mysterious circumstances one night.

Duke Franz Ferdinand

On the 28^th June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo, effectively kick-starting World War I. They were riding in a Gräf und Stift automobile leant to them by a General of the Austrian army.

Speculation about the car being cursed began to circulate in the 1950s after rumours spread of violent accidents befalling those who’d owned it after the unfortunate Duke. One ended his life in an insane asylum; one lost his arm after a series of collisions. It was sold on to a level-headed doctor, who rolled it on a deserted strip of road six months later and was crushed to death.

Eventually it was put on display in a local museum. The superstitious docent there refused the public’s requests to touch or sit in the car, saying it had claimed 20 million lives in WWI and was hungry for more. The story goes that the museum was bombed by the allies in the 1940s and all that was found of the Gräf und Stift were a pair of smouldering hands clutching the steering wheel. Someone – perhaps the docent himself – had succumbed to the urge to ride in the Duke’s death car.

Unfortunately for fans of neatly resolved horror, the latter part of this story’s certainly untrue: the car is now the prize exhibit of the Vienna museum.  However, a British visitor called Brian Presland was the first to notice a remarkable detail which had been left out of its legend – its number-plate reads ‘AIII 118’. The end of World War I was officially reached on the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918 – Armistice: 11.11.18.

The NCAP rating, a European Standard applied to all new cars, is the indicator, so let’s have a look at the ten best scoring cars across all model variations…

Family Saloon:

BMW 5 Series

This perennial favourite simply gets better and better, and the safety features built into the popular German executive models are second to none. With a range of different specifications to choose from it is no surprise the 5-series continues to be the choice of many, and as the top performing car in the latest NCAP safety tests BMW can be proud of its achievements.

Hatchback:

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The Alfa Romeo brand has undergone a spectacular revival in recent years with a raft of new, innovative and very attractive models adding to its popularity and reputation for classy sporty cars, and the Giulietta adds another string to the company bow by coming out on top as safest small family car in the latest tests.

Coupe:

Honda CR-Z

The supermini is a class of car that has practically taken over our roads lately, and the Honda CR-Z is a very impressive vehicle in more ways than one. Coming out top in the supermini safety tests means it is going to be very popular indeed, so get your order in now!

Compact Crossover SUV:

Kia Sportage

If you are looking for a small SUV the Kia Sportage has to be a contender. This is a manufacturer that has come a long way since its bargain-basement models of yesterday, and while prices are still very competitive indeed this is an attractive and great performing vehicle that also scores highest in its class in terms of safety.

 Compact MPV:

Toyota Verso

There is no surprise at finding a Toyota topping the small MPV class, and the Verso is very much a class act. This is a well built and refined family car that scores very highly in child and adult safety protection tests, and it comes in a range of specifications that keep it high on the best seller lists.

Supermini:

Suzuki Swift

Often overlooked in comparison with more common models in the class the Suzuki Swift is nevertheless a fives star performer when it comes to safety, and in a small car such as this you want all the protection you can get in the event of a crash.

Supermini MPV:

Kia Venga

Proof that Kia is a manufacturer very much in touch with the needs of drivers comes in the shape of the pretty and cleverly designed Venga, a car that – despite its diminutive dimensions – ranks very highly in current safety tests, and also comes at an excellent price.

Crossover Urban SUV:

BMW X1

For those who want a bigger SUV take a look at the popular BMW X1, a vehicle that offers five star safety standards and luxury specifications, and a range of clever safety assistance features that make it a favourite across the board.

Large MPV:

Volkswagen Sharan/Seat Alhambra

These models are the same car built by different VW group companies, and the model comes top in terms of safety among a strongly contested market for people carriers. In terms of reducing car accident claims and providing adult occupancy safety, there is nothing to beat this car on the roads right now.

Small Family Car:

Citroen C4

This attractive and typically quirky executive family car is one of the safest on the road and is packed with safest features that allowed it to score 97% in that area of the tests. Well priced with great looks and excellent comfort, this is one for the discerning driver who wants a bit of luxury and likes great value.

So there we have it, 10 of the safest cars from across the marketplace as judged by the experts at NCAP. But what about the car you definitely shouldn’t buy if you’re planning to get intimate with grass verges and street furniture? Well, that’d be the Chinese-built Landwind CV9, it scored two stars out of five in a recent NCAP test, scary.

Stephen Holly writes about car accident claims and whiplash compensation at www.PerfectClaims.co.uk a UK based website in the personal injury claims sector. Stephen also writes about personal injuries, sports injuries, accidents at work and asbestos related illnesses as well as serious head injury claims.

Honda Jazz

One of the most versatile and flexible family hatchbacks from Japan is the Jazz. It has been revised over the years but older models are the most affordable and still provide the majority of the features you would want from a modern car, particularly if you buy one dating from 2003 onwards. Be aware that although the driving experience is solid, the ride is firmer than most which can be a little bit of a niggle on longer trips.

VW Golf

With decades of excellent models to choose from, the Golf is the German hatchback chosen by millions around the world. Because of its reliability and popularity it is a little more expensive to buy than some alternatives. However, if you are planning to keep your car ticking over for years to come it will be a worthy investment.

Toyota Yaris

For first time drivers the Yaris is one of the best hatchbacks around. It is inexpensive to buy and run and the five door version actually gives you a decent amount of internal space. Go for a model dating prior to the 2006 facelift and choose the 1.3 petrol engine for the best experience with the Yaris.

VW Polo

Costlier than the Yaris but just as reliable and arguably more fun to drive, the Polo exudes class and style both inside and out. Its small size does not mean that it is cramped or uncomfortable so you can relax within the confines of its interior and watch the world drift by. The 1.2 petrol edition has enough power and those who do not want to squeeze in and out should opt for the five door version, which is best for families.

Mazda 3

Arguably the perfect foil to the VW Golf if you are looking for a Japanese hatchback, the Mazda 3 offers an excellent driving experience and the petrol engines are impressively fuel efficient. Practicality is another asset which should not be overlooked, with good boot space and impressive legroom both present.

BWM 1 Series

If you want to get a 1 Series hatchback for under £5000 you will probably have to buy an example with relatively high mileage. Thankfully the reliability and the build quality of BMW will ensure that this means relatively little. If you simply have to have the prestige of the BMW badge then this is the way to go.

With legendary build quality from both nationalities, you should ultimately choose any hatchback based upon your own lifestyle and preferences. Both German and Japanese manufacturers offer really good cars for under £5000 if you are buying used, with the final decision being completely subjective.

Renault Clio

Despite its small size the Clio has been French firm Renault’s best loved car for many years. It is arguably one of the most comfortable hatchbacks around and although the handling is not as precise or tactile as alternatives, a typical model will be better equipped and cheaper to run.

VW Polo

Reliability and workmanship are the watchwords for the Polo. While it may lack the flare and style of the Clio there are many other reasons to choose it, including the particularly frugal diesel engines in certain models.

Peugeot 206

The quirkiest, coolest hatchback on the market until it was discontinued in 2010, the 206 benefits from a wide range of options when it comes to engines and interiors. The base models can be a little drab, which is to be expected, but if you find a good used example of the 1.1 LX then you will be looking at a really good little car.

Audi A3

In terms of prestige it is difficult to find a hatchback that has more presence than the A3. This means that you will pay more for it than you might a French car of equivalent spec, but for some the extra cost will be worth it. The driving experience is what puts it in a league of its own and the only real negative side is that buying and running one can be a little more costly than some would like.

Citroen C2

The dinky C2 has bags of cheeky charm and this translates into a car which is actually a pleasure to drive. Even the 1.1 petrol engine can motor along at a decent pace and its small size will make it easier to handle for first time drivers. Bear in mind that the rear seating is a little confined so young children and those who do not mind squashing in will cope better than full sized adults.

VW Golf

The Golf is the main rival to the Audi A3, with a drive and prestige level that almost matches it. It can be cheaper to buy, a little more reliable and is still able to retain its value thanks to its popularity. Stick with the five door 1.6 FSI S if you want to get the best balance between cost and performance.

What should become clear is that if you want affordability and style you should go for a French hatchback. Those who want a great driving experience and reliability will be better off in a German car, provided that they are comfortable with the higher associated costs for buying and running it.

Motorists who take out a car warranty maintenance plan have one thing that most other motorists don’t (well, unless they’ve got deep pockets if required!) – peace of mind! While their compatriots drive around with the risk of one of the thousands of parts on their car suddenly failing and resulting in an expensive repair, drivers who take out used car warranties can rest assured that many parts of their car will be covered, potentially saving them a fortune in the long-run, or even sooner in some cases!

Extended car warranty plans are for motor vehicles which are no longer covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Although some car makers such as Hyundai and Vauxhall provide long warranties of up to 7-10 years, most car manufacturers typically provide warranties for the first 3 years or 60,000 miles. After that, you can either pay the manufacturer of your car annually to extend their warranty, or you can let your warranty lapse so you’re not covered if anything goes wrong. The 3^rd option is to take out an aftermarket warranty from a third party firm. Various firms provide such second hand car warranties, such as the ones with the orange branding who are fronted by the slicked-back-hair chap from the original Top Gear.

Don’t think that just because your car is meant to be reliable, say like a Honda, Lexus or Toyota, that it actually will be. Even makes renowned for their reliability go wrong sometimes, and you just don’t know when that ‘sometimes’ may come!

Okay, so you’ve got the point and now intend to trundle off and Google for used car warranty companies to contact for quotes. Good, but before you do, bear in mind that not all vehicle warranty firms are the same, and nor are their policy plans. Some second hand car warranty providers will include ‘weasel words’ in their small print, giving them loopholes so they don’t have to pay out on certain claims. Other warranty firms may exclude several key parts of cars which are sadly parts which are likely to fail, or they will exclude ‘wear and tear’ components. And sometimes, you’re not even allowed to improve your car as a result of new components which get fitted under a warranty claim, because of something called ‘betterment.’

So be careful, do you research and compare the various used car warranty firms and quotes out there. But do make sure you save yourself from getting a sinking feeling of regret by taking out a used car warranty!

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (ACEA) call for greater access to global markets may be happening faster than even the industry body had hoped, thanks to financial chaos at SAAB.  As two Chinese companies invest substantial amounts in the ailing Swedish company, greater access to the Chinese market may well become a reality for the company.

European demands

Meeting UK Prime Minister David Cameron at the start of June, the Manufacturers Association board members called for greater government support in Europe on the one hand, but less restrictive trade policies from non-European governments on the other.  Contradictory as it may seem, there is some method in the organisation’s madness.  The focus in the European automobile industry is the development of greener vehicles and the need for a robust electric infrastructure in countries throughout Europe is a key lobbying point that the board have focussed on with European leaders, including Cameron.

Exporting change

The ACEA argued that while their members are investing billions in green technologies their efforts need to be supported by national governments throughout Europe, if the technologies are to see any realistic take up.  At the same time, the fact that import tariffs and restrictive trade agreements with China, India and other major vehicle markets in the emerging economies make it difficult, if not impossible, for the European manufacturers to compete in these regions.  Indian manufacturers do not face similar barriers when exporting to Europe – according to theBBCIndia exports 250, 000 cars to Europe every year, while European manufacturers export around 5,000 in return.  Emerging economies are facing the same rising fuel costs as any other, and the ability to export cleaner technologies needs to be part of a global solution to a global problem.

Trading places

Almost immediately after the meeting, the landscape changed in Europe, when on 13 June SAAB announced investment from two Chinese manufacturers totalling 245m euros.  This is not just a simple ‘car loan’ but gives the two companies a 53.9% stake in the company.  The deal will allow SAAB greater access to the thriving Chinese market, if not quite in the way that the ACEA had envisioned.  While emerging economies, such as China, argue that their infant national industries need protection from global rivals, the ACEA argue that their counterparts in China and India are now established well enough to fight on global terms without trade protection in their home countries.  The Chinese investment in SAAB, seems to suggest they may well have a point.

However, not everyone is lucky enough to recover their lost car keys as easily as this. In fact, getting back into your motor can prove to be a pretty expensive business in some cases. Don’t believe us? Just do a quick Google search around car key replacements. There’s no shortage of people with horror stories of the day they mislaid their keys and were left with bills running into the hundreds of pounds for a replacement set.

How much would your manufacturer charge? Many people will be unaware of the exact cost of getting a replacement set until they’re in the situation that they need them. By this point, your options are simple: pay up or remain locked out of your vehicle.

So why are replacement car keys so expensive? Well, in many cases, it’s because car keys are pretty sophisticated these days. Not only do they control the unlocking and locking of the doors, they can perform all manner of important tasks relating to the security and performance of the vehicle.

Maybe you need to shell out on a car key locator!

How can you prepare for lost car keys?

There’s no hard and fast way to avoid losing things. We tend to mislay things when we’re not thinking straight – something we’re all susceptible to from time to time. Whether the kids are playing up or you’ve got important work on your mind, it’s all too easy to put your keys down, then instantly forget what you’ve done. Which can be especially frustrating if you’re out of your home.

So while ‘prevention is better than cure’ is a mantra to remember, it’s also important to consider that everyone’s human. For this reason, it’s worth looking into a simple, affordable cure – getting lost key insurance. With this cover in place, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that you won’t need to fork out for expensive replacements should the worst happen. It can also be used for house keys, meaning it could give you the extra security you need with your home. Just think how expensive – and how much of a hassle – sorting out a locksmith can be.

With premiums starting from a few pounds per month, it’s an affordable way to prepare for the day that distractions cause you to mislay your keys.

Sadly, for the majority of people at least, that dream never comes true. It’s not the end of the world, of course, as hopes and aspirations of owning that personal helicopter, luxury yacht harboured in Monte Carlo and villa on the other side of the world will probably also fall by the wayside and become a distant memory. And, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ll probably never play international football for your country, become an acclaimed supermodel or star as the next James Bond either.

However, do not lose heart just yet. When it comes to getting your hands on the latest sports car or that vintage model that you’ve had your eye on ever since you were old enough to get behind the wheel, car hire can help and even save you a small fortune as it removes the need to purchase it outright.

It would also allow a certain degree of flexibility as you could change cars whenever you want and as often as you please.

One week you could be cruising around in an iconic red Ferrari Spider, the next in an ice-cool Porsche Boxster. What would the neighbours say if you returned home one day in an Aston Martin Vanquish or a Bentley GT Convertible instead of your usual mode of transport? Even a self-confessed celebrity petrol head like David Beckham would be envious of a selection of cars like that.

All these and many more makes and models could be yours. Simply rent the car for as long as your finances allow and make your dream a reality today. Experience the thrill of being in control of one of the most coveted cars on the planet and join the elite group of people who drive around in a top-of-the-range sports car, turning heads wherever you go. The satisfaction of fulfilling a life-long ambition would be priceless.

It may also be the perfect way to bring a touch of class to that special occasion, whether it’s a birthday or a wedding. Arrive in style to a momentous occasion or just treat a worthy recipient to a gift they’ll never forget.

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