Category: News

Planning to buy a new car in the near future? This is an interesting project! Since there are so many models on the market today, it will be easy for you to find the one that will meet your expectations. However, you need to be well prepared when it comes to the budget. As you already know, prices tend to rise these days. However, with good advice, you can always find a cheaper car. And that is precisely what we will offer you in this section. We will give you tips and tricks to find the right car for your budget.

Going through an agent on the internet

The automotive market is very competitive these days. This is a real advantage for you if you want to get a cheaper car. And if you are not a good connoisseur of the field, the best thing to do is to use an Internet agent. This way, you can purchase your new vehicle at a price that is up to 25% lower. Moreover, you will not have to worry about the quality of the car since, as a specialist, the agent will provide you with a reliable and efficient model. You just have to choose the right provider.

Buy a new car

Investing in a new home often requires you to spend a huge amount of money. That’s why it’s best to go for the second hand. However, since cars in this category are not always reliable, opt for a newer model. With a car that has 10,000 km on the odometer, for example, you can buy it for less and still get good performance. Simply visit the dealerships that sell these types of vehicles and carefully choose the model you need.

Negotiate with the dealer

Another way to buy a car for less is to negotiate directly with the dealer. Of course, this will not apply to all models. Nevertheless, the dealer may be able to do you a favor on the less popular models on the market. This is the case, for example, for cars with automatic transmissions or large models. If they correspond to your tastes and needs, then it will be possible for you to obtain them at a discount of 8 to 10% if you are a good negotiator.

Turn to Chinese cars

Finally, this solution may not interest you as Chinese cars are known to be less reliable and durable. However, there are models that are equivalent to American and European vehicles in terms of comfort and power. They are usually cheaper than the latter and this will allow you to get your vehicle at a low price.

It seems that the French are not really interested in new cars anymore. In fact, if the latest sales figures are to be believed, used vehicles are the most attractive to motorists. While this choice is somewhat surprising, there are many reasons for it. In order to learn more about it, we will detail it in the following paragraphs.

Used car market up 3.7% in the first quarter

The numbers are pretty self-explanatory when it comes to the evolution of the used car market during the first quarter of this year 2017. Indeed, the used car market has increased by 3.7%. Even more surprisingly, the oldest cars are the most sold, with one third of the models sold being more than 10 years old. The reasons for this choice are primarily explained by the still affordable prices of these types of vehicles. But the quality is also part of the game. This is why models with 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers on them are the most popular. Their engines are still considered reliable and efficient.

Based on brand and model, the Renault Megane and Clio as well as the Peugeot 206 remain the most sought after cars. However, foreign brands such as Hyundai, Dacia and Kia are also beginning to make their mark on the French car market. All three have seen double-digit growth.

Diesel still preferred

As new vehicles struggle in the market, diesel continues to persevere in its rise. Of course, vehicles with this type of engine are no longer very popular on the new car market. However, they literally dominate sales on the used side. According to the figures available on this subject, diesel remains the preferred fuel of French motorists, with two out of three sales.

In short, if the market is currently dominated by the second-hand market, this should still be the case for the remaining months to come. If the new car market is to grow and take a larger share of the market, it will have to start by adjusting prices and making them more affordable so that new cars can be accessible to as many people as possible.

Summer is coming soon and as you already know, it’s time to prepare your car. Indeed, you will now have to put away your winter tires and start by mounting the summer tires. This will allow you to ride more safely and enjoy better performance. All you have to do is find the right tires for your vehicle. And for this, you must of course rely on several objective criteria that we will detail in the following paragraphs. But first, let’s take a moment to explain the specifics of summer tires.

All you need to know about summer tires

As the name clearly implies, a summer tire is primarily a tire intended for use during the warm seasons. However, this is just a name, this tire is much more than that. It is a tire that can be used all year round (performance guaranteed from 7°C). It certainly does not offer better performance than the winter tire in the cold season. Nevertheless, it can be used to save money, but be very careful.

Another interesting thing to know about summer tires is that they are the original tires that are mounted on new vehicles. Moreover, these are also the most popular tires on the market. They come in a wide variety of models and it is easy to find the right one for your car.

How to choose your summer tires?

As mentioned in the introduction, the choice of a summer tire is based on a few objective criteria, which are as follows

• 
  Dimensions
  This is the most important criterion to take into account. You should always choose summer tires that are well adapted to your vehicle. So, first of all, find models that are the same size and characteristics as your old tires. All you need to do is look at the markings on the tires. Normally, you will find information about the width, height, rim diameter, load capacity andspeed rating.
• 
  The type of vehicle
  In addition to the dimensions, the summer tires you buy must also correspond to the type of car you have. If you own a passenger car, find tires that are specifically designed for this particular type of vehicle. The same applies to 4×4 cars, motor homes, vans, etc.
• 
  The brand
  Finally, this is not strictly speaking an objective criterion. You can freely choose the brand of tires you want. However, some manufacturers offer quality products that perform better than others. The best thing to do would be to make comparisons and get information from users’ opinions before choosing your tires.

You want to go on a family trip for the next summer vacations? This is a great idea! Indeed, there is no better way to strengthen family ties than to see other horizons together. Moreover, it will also be an opportunity to get away from it all, to relax and enjoy the beautiful days. The best would be to travel in a family vehicle, and why not a camper ? In addition to being spacious and comfortable, this type of vehicle is also well equipped and therefore economical. You simply have to choose it well and in this section we will show you how.

Capucine, profile or integral ?

Before making your choice, you should first know that there are three main models of motorhomes:

• 
  The Capucines
  This is the most suitable model for families. It has more or less the same characteristics as all other motorhomes. However, it is distinguished by the presence of a high sleeping area. This is located above the driver’s cab. This is what makes it more practical and also more comfortable.
• 
  The profiles
  If there are only two of you on a trip, this model will be perfect for you. Unlike the model described above, it has a lower height. Nevertheless, this contributes to its better aerodynamic performance. With the profiles, the sleeping area remains at the rear of the vehicle and the cockpit is topped with a cap.
• 
  The integral
  This model is suitable for both families and couples. As its name suggests, it is perfectly equipped. Luxurious and spacious, the integral is also the most expensive of the three.

When buying your motorhome, you can base your decision on these criteria. Choose the model that best suits your needs and budget.

Choose your motorhome according to your needs

The choice of a motor home must first of all go through the consideration of its needs. Indeed, although the models proposed by the manufacturers are very numerous, it is always necessary to choose the one adapted to its needs. To do this, you must rely on a number of criteria.

Start by asking yourself how you will use your motorhome. If, as mentioned above, you are going to use it for a family trip, ask yourself if you want to use it all year round or just for the vacation season. In the latter case, there is no real need to invest in the purchase of a motorhome. Instead, you can limit yourself to renting. It will be more economical and also more advantageous in terms of comfort and safety.

However, if you are really decided to buy one, you must necessarily consider some essential criteria such as comfort, size, autonomy, motorization and many others. Also, don’t forget to consider parking and make your choice based on where you are likely to go.

Electric cars have really caught on in recent years. They are now in the limelight and attract more and more drivers.

As a reminder, electric vehicles are what most governments are promoting today, thanks in part to their ecological and environmentally friendly nature. Aware of this, car manufacturers are investing more and more in the manufacture of electric and hybrid models and making them more and more accessible.

In the particular case of France, the number of motorists who prefer to turn to electric cars is constantly increasing. Currently, the country has more than 100,000 such vehicles registered throughout its territory. This figure has enabled it to overtake Norway and become the leader in zero emission cars in Europe.

Let’s analyze all this in more detail and find out why and how France is where it is today.

A 24% increase in the first quarter of 2017

Norway used to be the leading European country with the highest number of registrations in the electric car segment. A situation that is quite normal judging by the measures taken by the government and investors to encourage its establishment (more favorable tax arrangements, important recharging infrastructure, etc.).

However, France also has its own assets and they are not at all negligible. Of course, we don’t have the same infrastructure as the Norwegians. Nevertheless, the offer is increasingly rich in France and electric cars are becoming more accessible. Some regions are particularly interested in this new technology (Île de France and Auvergne Rhône Alpes) and motorists are well motivated to acquire it. Facts that have enabled France to record a 24% increase in vehicle registrations in this segment in the first quarter of this year 2017.

350,000 electric cars by 2020

With the current progression of sales and registrations of electric cars in France, we should reach 350,000 units of this type of vehicle by 2020. This is the forecast made by AVERE (National Association for the Development of Electric Mobility). Although it is not yet clear that this will be the case, we can nevertheless remain optimistic about the subject. Moreover, a recent IPSOS survey revealed that 35% of French motorists would be ready to switch to electric cars.

A few days ago, a rumor spread that Volkswagen was preparing a performance package for its Golf R. Today, this is confirmed with the presentation of this new model at the Geneva Motor Show. Of course, this new Golf R Performance will be more than welcome by fans of this powerful and stylish vehicle. But first, let’s discover what it has in the belly and also what differentiates it from its predecessors.

No noticeable change in design

Volkswagen has used a video to show us the features of the Golf R’s performance package. In this video, we can clearly see the look and the specificities of the newcomer. And what we can say at first glance is that there is not much new in terms of appearance and design. Indeed, we find almost the same lines as those of the classic Golf R.

The same is true for the car’s interior. The atmosphere is still quite cool and the materials used are of high quality and meet modern safety and comfort requirements. In short, as far as appearance is concerned, Volkswagen decided to keep the same overall style as the other models attached to the Golf R. This is not really surprising since all these models belong to the same category.

A performance surplus

The new Golf R Performance is called that for a reason. Indeed, if no apparent novelty was noticed at the level of the design, it is not the case for the other aspects of the vehicle. Thus, for the Golf R Performance, Volkswagen benefits above all from improved aerodynamics. Improvements have also been made to the suspension (firmer), brake discs (larger), exhaust (Akrapovic titanium), etc. Apart from that, the maximum speed has now been reduced to 265 km/h, but no longer limited to 250 km/h. However, no novelty seems to have been brought concerning the motorization. The Golf R Performance keeps the same 2.0 turbo four-cylinder engine developing 310 hp.

At the moment, there is not enough information about the launch date or the price of this new pack. However, its price should not be very far from the classic Golf R which was announced at 42 790 €.

Like all human beings, the life of our vehicles is also limited. Indeed, they cannot live forever. We can’t keep them forever to pass them on to our children and grandchildren. The only thing we can do is to make sure that we extend their lives by taking good care of them. For this, there are some good gestures and certain practices to adopt. We tell you all about it.

Budget for maintenance and repairs

The life of a car depends primarily on the model you have. If at the time of purchase, you have opted for a very resistant model. You will certainly have a great chance to keep your vehicle well and extend its life. However, as this is not necessarily the case for everyone, maintenance remains the best way to keep your car in good condition.

So, for each of your vehicles, consider budgeting for maintenance and repair. And take the time to drive them to the garage from time to time so that they can be properly examined. So whenever a malfunction occurs, don’t waste your time. Get your car repaired as soon as possible. If you wait any longer, the problem could get worse.

Getting to know your car

Frequent breakdowns are among the causes of car destruction. In order to extend its life, it is thus advisable to avoid them as much as possible. To do so, you must have a perfect knowledge of your device. Learn about its performance and ask a specialist about everything you need to do every time you drive your car. This is essential to keep it in good condition and therefore extend its life.

Drive at the engine’s pace

Sometimes, good driving habits are enough to keep your car safe. If you are an extreme sports enthusiast, then the best choice would be a sporty and powerful car. Otherwise, you should drive at the engine’s pace and not force it to do too much. This will only weaken it further and therefore lead to its deterioration. The best thing to do is to accelerate gently and let the engine warm up.

In the same vein, it is also important to avoid stopping the engine too quickly. In order for it to reach the ideal operating temperature, it is important that it runs for some time. Otherwise, the exhaust line can quickly wear out and so can the engine. This is why it is not advisable to use your car for a very short trip.

Taking good care of your tires

Finally, tires also play an essential role in preserving the life of a car. Their condition can have an impact on the proper functioning of your vehicle. So take the time to always check them and replace them when they show signs of wear. The best thing would be to change the tires every time the car has done 5000 km. And when it comes time to change them, choose models that are well suited to both the vehicle and the driving conditions.

To obtain a driver’s license, you must first be patient. Indeed, it can only be delivered within 6 months to a year. A time frame that is of course too long for many of us, but that we are still obliged to respect. However, you should know that it is possible to reduce this delay and obtain your driver’s license quickly. Here are a few tips that may be helpful in doing so.

Choosing your driving school

This is the first thing you need to do to get your driver’s license quickly. The time frame and success are not necessarily the same in all driving schools. So, before making your choice, take the time to compare the offers proposed by the institutions. Of course, the price is a criterion not to be neglected in your comparison. However, focus on the success rate and the ability of the instructors. This way, you will know which driving school is best for you.

Start your classes at the right time

Now that you’ve found the right driving school to take your test, you’ll need to consider when you’ll start classes. In principle, there is really no good time to get started. But when the opportunity presents itself, don’t give up. Although courses are usually expensive, don’t use this as an excuse not to get your driver’s license. Nowadays, this document is very important in all types of professions.

Opt for a crash course

To get your driver’s license in a shorter period of time, opt for accelerated driving courses. Indeed, many driving schools offer this option nowadays. In practice, the student will have to pass intensive code and driving courses. They will then be able to take exams faster than those who follow the normal course. Generally, it takes about 3 weeks to complete all the steps to obtain the permit. However, the price is also somewhat high.

Get your license in another region or country

It is also an interesting option and an easier way to get your driver’s license quickly. If you have the possibility to go to another region or country where the driving test is easier, it would be best to organize a short stay and take the test there. In some places, the waiting period is shorter and the formalities for obtaining a permit are lighter. You can take the exams there and once you have obtained your driver’s license, you only need to exchange it for a French license.

When you have a car, you want it to keep the same shine as when you bought it. However, this is not often the case! After a few months or even weeks of use, the car accumulates dirt and loses its original appearance. Fortunately, this is a situation that can be remedied. Indeed, there are solutions that allow you to get rid of all the dirt that accumulates on your vehicle and make it like new. If you are interested, here are some tips and tricks that may help you.

Car facelift to make the body shine

A car lift may be necessary to restore your car to its former glory. But first, make sure you wash it well with water, sponge and cloth. Now that it is clean and dry, we will have to move on to the next step. Here you need to use specific products depending on the condition of your bodywork. If it is already very old, you will need a polish. On the other hand, if your bodywork is still new, opt for a polisher. It should be noted that these products must be applied with a cloth and for more effectiveness, it is best to proceed by small areas. Finally, during the application of the products, be careful not to put any on the plastics or they will be destroyed.

How to proceed for the headlights?

Over time, your headlights can become opaque. This can of course alter their shine, but it also contributes to corrupting the beauty of your vehicle. But don’t worry, it is possible to remedy this. And for that, you won’t have to look far since a simple toothpaste can help you restore their shine. To do this, simply wash the headlights first and then apply the toothpaste evenly. Wait a few minutes before removing them and then rinse your headlights with water. Here, try to remove all traces and then finish by wiping the optics with a soft cloth.

What about the car’s chrome?

Chrome on a car can consist of wheels, hubcaps, door handles and more. Like other parts of the vehicle, they can also be altered by various external aggressions. This is why it is important to maintain them on a regular basis. Moreover, for that, you will not have much to do nor specific products to use. You can use the same household products that you use for silverware. So, to restore your car’s chrome, all you have to do is rub some Marseille soap on it and wait a few minutes. Then take a cloth and soak it with cider vinegar. Now apply it to the surface to be cleaned before rinsing and drying with a microfiber cloth. Finally, you can rub the chrome with talcum powder or ash.

Cleaning of the car’s interior

Last but not least, it is also important to clean the interior of your car properly. This is essential to preserve the health and well-being of all who enter. The first thing you’ll need to do is to vacuum it. Then take a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide and get rid of stains and other dirt on fabrics and carpets. Plastic surfaces should also be cleaned with a sponge and detergent. Finally, take care of the seats, upholstery, windows, etc. Here, the best thing would be to always use a product adapted to each type of material with which the different parts of the car’s interior are made.

Having a car is good! This allows us to go anywhere we want without any constraints as far as transportation is concerned. However, it also has its drawbacks. And here, we are obviously talking about the expenses that it can generate not only regarding the operation, but also the maintenance and repairs of all kinds. Regarding the first point, it is quite possible to reduce consumption and therefore save money. It all depends on how you use your car, but also on how you drive it. In this section, we offer you some tips on how to reduce your consumption and save money on your car.

Turn off the engine at every opportunity

When your engine is running, it consumes fuel. The best way to reduce fuel consumption is to turn off the engine at every opportunity. This can be done for example when you are in front of a traffic light and it turns red. In this case, you must wait 30 seconds before you can move forward. To avoid unnecessary fuel consumption, it is best to turn off the engine during this time. You can then turn it back on when the light turns green. The opportunity may also arise during a huge traffic jam. There is no reason to keep your engine running when it’s totally stalled. Turning off your engine will not only save you money, but will also help reduce the rate of gas emissions.

Shift gears as soon as possible during acceleration

Cars consume the least amount of fuel in the highest gears. In order to save money, it is therefore advisable to start off smoothly and increase the gear ratio as much as possible. Nevertheless, you must be careful not to push too hard. The result can quickly be reversed. Also, try never to make sudden accelerations. This is not good for the engine and also contributes to increased fuel consumption. So, you won’t find any interest in it! Finally, when you find yourself on a climb, it is best to downshift as long as possible. As soon as you are in 1st,^2nd or^3rd gear, fuel consumption increases rapidly.

Anticipate the driving

To save money on your car, you have to start by taking care of your driving. And for that, try to always anticipate. In other words, when you are driving, you should watch the traffic as far away as possible. This will help you avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Two behaviors that cause accidents and increase fuel consumption. The best thing to do is to keep a steady speed. If it were possible, it would be ideal not to use brakes at all. But for the time being, we will have to make sure that we use them as little as possible.

Downshift instead of braking

As mentioned above, downshifting can significantly increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption. To avoid this, we advise you to do it as late as possible. However, if you are given a choice between downshifting and braking, go for downshifting. It is more economical than braking. The latter causes the vehicle to consume more fuel and, as you already know, frequent braking is detrimental to the quality of your tires.

The price of car insurance is constantly increasing. Indeed, based on the latest published figures, the cheapest average price is €491 per year (in Brittany) and the most expensive is €647 (in Île-de-France). Of course, such a situation is not easy to live with for many French drivers. However, a new system called “connected insurance” is now about to appear in France. It will allow drivers to better control their driving and pay less for their car insurance.

Connected insurance: what exactly is it?

This new system has been launched in the United Kingdom and we must say that it does not fail to arouse our interest. Connected insurance is a direct result of the “pay as you drive” system. Literally, it can be translated into French as “pay as you drive”. In other words, the price you pay for your car insurance will depend on how you drive. And to know it, insurers will use a connected box (hence the name connected insurance).

It will analyze your behaviors as well as your driving style (acceleration, braking, kilometers driven, etc.). Your insurer will then use the data collected and the resulting score to determine the amount of the premium you owe. Seen in this way, it is certain that this system will provide many advantages. This is as much for the drivers as for the insurance companies.

A great way to reduce the cost of your car insurance

For good drivers, connected insurance is an interesting solution to pay less for their car insurance. Indeed, since they will have a tracking application at their disposal, they will be able to better control their driving. Better yet, the insurer can offer them advice on how to improve the way they drive. As a result, they will be able to benefit from a reduction in the insurance premium and realize savings of up to 50%. At the same time, accidents on the road can also be considerably reduced.

Currently, connected insurance is offered by only two companies: Allianz and Direct Assurance. However, other companies may also invest in it in the following years or months. And we hope that the insurers in France will be part of it.

Car insurance rates are never the same for all drivers and vehicles. Insurers charge more for new drivers and powerful cars. However, the difference would not be limited to that! According to the results of a comparison made by the website LeLynx, car insurance rates also differ from one region to another. And the least we can say is that the gaps are huge.

A significant difference in prices between regions

It was known that the rates applied by insurance companies are not always the same from one region to another in the same country. However, we didn’t expect the difference to be so great. At least, that’s what the figures recently published by the site LeLynx on its Twitter account reveal.

Indeed, the difference can apparently be more than a hundred euros for the average price of car insurance. So if you’re planning to move to a new area and buy new car insurance there, don’t expect to get the same rate as in your home area. While the indicators for defining prices are generally the same, it is now clear that insurers do not have the same pricing policy for all locations. And the results of this study, based on a sample of 764,315 auto insurance premiums, make this clear.

The cheapest insurance would be in Brittany

Based on the results of the study mentioned above, living in Brittany would be the best solution if you want to take advantage of the best price for car insurance. The average insurance premium is estimated at €491 per year. It is closely followed by the Pays de la Loire region, which has an average annual fee of €511. The Centre-Val de Loire region is in third place with 541 € per year, the Bourgogne-Franche Comté region is in fourth place with 552 € per year and finally, there is the Occitanie region with an average annual price of 553 €.

These prices are largely low compared to the Ile-de-France region, which records an average price of €647 per year for car insurance. Among the other most expensive regions alongside it are the PACA region (€619 per year), the Hauts-de-France region (€580 per year) and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (€576 per year). At this time, the exact factors that contribute to these disparities are not known. Nevertheless, it is certain that this has something to do with the risk indicators put in place by insurers.

The 2017 Geneva Motor Show will be an opportunity for many car manufacturers to unveil their newest product. For this 2017 edition, most of the major brands will be present to lift the veil on their new models. Some of the most anticipated include Ferrari and its 812 Superfast, Audi and its 2017 RS 3 Sportback and many others. Alongside them, there will also be a few small manufacturers. And for this new edition, Nanoflowcell will certainly be among those who will surprise us the most with its new Quant 48V.

A particularly interesting technical sheet

If there are any manufacturers who really want to impress us at this ^87th edition of the Geneva Motor Show, Nanoflowcell will be one of them. He has always challenged us with his crazy and seductive concepts. Whether it’s design, power or autonomy, this automotive innovation company always has something to pique our interest. And of course, this will still be the case with the new Quant 48V.

In terms of basic features, everything seems to be the same as what the manufacturer has proposed with its previous concepts (which unfortunately never went into production). We find the same technology of liquid, the autonomy of a thousand kilometers with a full tank, the 4 electric motors with a power of 760 horses, etc. The only difference this time is that a low voltage 48 volt electrical system is integrated. It is surely from this characteristic that it was named Nanoflowcell Quant 48V.

Production and launch dates still unknown

Apparently, the data sheet presented by Nanoflowcell for its Quant 48V is very attractive. We would even dare to say that it will make the great car lovers dream. However, for this new concept, it is not yet known if the Liechtenstein manufacturer will go all the way with the production or if it will, once again, stay there. Especially since, for the moment, no production or launch date has yet been revealed. However, we don’t know yet what surprise Nanoflowcell has in store for us at the Geneva Motor Show, which will be held from March 9 to 19 at Palexpo, Geneva.

The year has just begun and it seems that Honda is already looking to make its mark on the market. The famous Japanese car manufacturer has just unveiled a new car with a sporty look. Named Honda Civic Type R, this one presents interesting characteristics that will certainly please the fans of Japanese sports cars. Find below some of its characteristics.

A Japanese sports car par excellence

As for the design, Honda decided this time to hit hard! With the new Honda Civic Type R, the look is very much a Japanese sports car par excellence. It is indeed clear that the brand is trying to seduce fans of this particular type of vehicle and to impose its name on the market. Introduced at the 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon, this newcomer proudly stands an oversized spoiler, wider wheel arches as well as more aggressive bumpers. In short, the great fans of this model of vehicle will not be indifferent.

To understand by what the manufacturer announced, it is still only a prototype. However, the final version should not be very far from the latter. European customers who love Japanese sports cars will be delighted. According to the rumors that are currently circulating about it, the new Honda Civic Type R could be marketed in Europe. And its presentation in Europe could even be scheduled at the time of the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

The motorization still unknown

If the Honda Civic Type R is particularly attractive in terms of appearance, information about its engine is still unclear. Based on recent rumors, it could be powered by a 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo with 310 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. This corresponds to the same power as the previous version. But other rumors also point to improvements in power. Although the manufacturer hasn’t said anything about it yet, we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out what this new car really has under the hood.

Renault seems to have walked on gold during 2016. The French group has indeed reached a new record in terms of worldwide sales of its cars. This success can be explained by the numerous efforts that the manufacturer has undertaken over the past year. We are talking about its geographic expansion strategy, but also about the arrival of a large number of new products. This article tells you all about it.

3.18 million vehicles sold in 2016

The brand with the diamond has exposed the sales during the year 2016 and the numbers are there to prove it. The carmaker managed to sell more than 3.18 million cars in the past year. This corresponds to a 13.3% increase based on sales in 2015. It should be noted here that these figures correspond to worldwide sales and are not limited to those in France or Europe.

However, such a result is still remarkable, especially as it has enabled Renault to overtake the PSA group, which only managed to sell around 3.15 million vehicles this year. If the Losange is nowadays the first brand in France, its exploits of the last year have allowed it to position itself as the second brand in Europe. In particular, it sold approximately 1.39 million vehicles, which corresponds to an increase of 12.1%.

An effective expansion policy

As mentioned above, geographical expansion is one of the strategies adopted by Renault to promote its rise. And it seems to be working well so far. By deciding to sell its products in other non-European countries, the brand has managed to boost its sales and improve its positioning. For example, sales have increased by an incredible 145%. This is mainly due to the huge success of the Kwid, which sold 105,745 units in this country. The same is true for Iran, where Losange managed to sell 108,000 vehicles and thus experienced a strong increase of 110%. These are just a few examples of countries where Renault has succeeded in selling its cars more successfully. But they already give you an idea about the huge success the group had during 2016.

This new year 2017 is not exactly looking good for motorists. In addition to the new measures concerning ticketing and tinted windows, insurance companies will also have their say. Indeed, if the estimates of various specialists in this field are to be believed, an increase is to be expected for 2017 car insurance. This shouldn’t really come as a surprise to drivers. However, be prepared to compare offers again because the increase is not expected to be the same for each company.

An increase of 0.5 to 2.5%.

At this time, it is not yet known exactly which car insurance companies will increase their prices, nor at what rate the increase will be. However, estimates lead us to an increase of between 0.5 and 2.5% from the beginning of this year. This is quite considerable considering that many motorists are already complaining about the current prices. But there is a reason for this increase and it is related to the increase in the price of car repairs. The sector has grown by 2% in recent months. This results in costs for motorists, but also in lost revenue for insurance companies. Their strategy is to raise prices to fill the void.

Not all insurers are affected by the increase

The increase seems inevitable for some insurance companies. However, other insurers (such as Matmut or MACSF) have decided not to apply it. A decision that will certainly arouse the interest of motorists and encourage them to migrate to this company. Especially since with the Hamon law, they will be able to do so at any time and at their sole discretion. They will just need to be affiliated with the company for more than a year.

For all motorists, now is the time to shop around and review your car insurance contract. As usual, it is best to make a comparison and choose the offer with the best benefits.

Once again, Mercedes-Benz has risen to the top of the list of car manufacturers that sold the most cars last year. Indeed, the brand has just surpassed BMW, which was at the top of the list last year. This is not really a surprise considering the performance of the Stuttgart-based company in terms of production and sales last year. Focus on this topic.

2.084 million cars sold in 2016

It seems that the efforts made by Mercedes-Benz have finally led to something. By deciding to increase the number of countries in which it markets its products (especially in Asia), the German firm has managed to sell about 2.084 million vehicles. This is really considerable based on the sales it was able to achieve in 2015.

In fact, an increase of 11.3% was recorded. This, of course, allowed it to overtake BMW, which only managed to sell 2.003 million cars in 2016. The figure is obviously higher than that achieved in 2015 (5.2% change). However, this is not enough to win the first place, which this time goes to Mercedes-Benz. The third place is still held by a German brand, Audi, which managed to sell 1.87 million cars.

A favorable extension outside Europe

As mentioned above, Mercedes-Benz has gotten to where it is today because of the expansion strategy it has adopted. In recent years, the brand has decided to make a place for itself in non-European markets and it seems to have worked. In China, for example, its products are selling very well and have even grown by a whopping 27%. The same is true in some other Asian countries. However, it is a different story when it comes to the U.S. market. The company saw its sales decline by 0.8%. However, it shouldn’t stay that way, at least not for long.

One of the world’s largest car manufacturers may be coming to our doorstep soon. Indeed, Tesla has announced its interest in establishing itself in Europe. A plant will be set up by the year 2018. However, it is not yet known in which country it will be placed. For the moment, many countries have shown their interest in this project and of course, France is one of them.

A new plant to meet high demand

Tesla was one of the most successful car manufacturers last year (2016). Its sales have in fact increased by 50% and the forecast is still good for this new year 2017. While the firm produced roughly 80,000 vehicles for 2016, the bar is being raised a bit higher this year with a goal of 100,000 cars. Of course, it will not be easy to produce all this. This is why the manufacturer is planning to open a new factory in Europe. This will allow him to avoid delivery problems and to make them in a shorter time for the models intended for European customers.

France is in the race

After Tesla announced the news, several European countries rushed to approach the giant to discuss with him. Among them were Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. France is also one of the countries that participated in the race to have the new plant located on its soil. The French Minister of the Economy, Michel Sapin, went to San Francisco to meet with Diarmud O’Connel, the firm’s vice-president in charge of economic development. His goal was to show him the advantages that France has for the establishment of a new Tesla factory. And according to the minister’s report, France could well have the market since the American manufacturer’s team is interested in France.

2016 seems to have been a good, if not great, year for Tesla. Indeed, this car manufacturer has achieved huge sales during this period. If we rely on the statistics provided on this subject, the American firm would have seen its sales increase by 50% compared to 2015. This is huge compared to the numbers presented by other manufacturers who struggled to get through 2016.

76,230 Tesla Model S and Model X sold in 2016

Elon Musk, the founder and boss of Tesla, has set a sales target of 80,000 vehicles in 2016. The goal was not extinguished as the firm only managed to sell 76,230 Tesla Model S and Model X. This is already surprising considering that other major car manufacturers could not even make half. And compared to sales in 2015, that’s also a 50% increase as mentioned above. During this period, the American firm was only able to sell 50,580 vehicles. And while the increase is already significant, it still doesn’t seem to satisfy Tesla’s number one. For him, if the objective is not reached, the year was not a success.

2017 will be another good year for the firm

2016 was a great year for Tesla although Elon Musk refuses to admit it. And the forecast for this new year of 2017 is also looking promising. Thanks to last year’s outstanding performance, the manufacturer is ahead of the game. And what is certain today is that this will not stop this year or the others to come. As proof, we can already cite the example of the Tesla Model 3, which is about to hit the market and whose pre-orders have already passed the 400,000 mark. One of the great advantages of this model is its optimized design associated with a price of about 35 000 €. This is quite affordable for a car of the brand.

We have just started the new year and as you probably already know, new measures are about to take effect. For the specific case of motorists, there are many changes coming in 2017. If some of them are quite good, others are much less appreciated. In this section, we’ll give you an update on everything that’s going to change in the automotive industry in the new year.

Verbalization

Beginning in January 2017, company vehicle drivers will be held accountable for all violations they commit. Indeed, if they are flashed for speeding or red light violation, they will now be sanctioned by the withdrawal of points. For their part, employers are required to report their employees who engage in such dangerous conduct. If they fail to do so, sanctions may be taken against them. And this is a fine of 1,875 euros.

The repair

Some changes have also been made with respect to garage repairs. From now on, garages will have to offer used spare parts to customers if they request them. This will reduce the cost of repair for motorists and save them money. However, this does not apply to all spare parts. Only the following parts can be offered as used: unglued windows, removable body parts, headlights, certain mechanical and electronic parts.

Tinted windows

Starting January^1, 2017, tinted windows are going to be penalized. According to the decree published in on April 13, 2016, the windshield and front windows must now no longer be equipped with over-darkening films. All those concerned have had until the end of December to comply. After this period, penalties are now provided for violators. And this is a^4th class fine with 135 euros and a withdrawal of 3 points on the driving license. One of the reasons for this is to allow law enforcement to quickly identify serious violations such as not wearing seat belts.

Ticket without driver interception

Until December 30, 2016, 4 traffic violations could result in a ticket without the driver being stopped. And now, 7 others have been added: not wearing a seatbelt, using a hand-held cell phone, driving, stopping or parking on the hard shoulder, straddling or crossing the continuous lines, not respecting the rules of overtaking, not respecting the “bike lanes” and not wearing a helmet on a motorized two-wheeler.