Fuel Prices Rise in January – Will February Bring Relief at the Pumps?

Fuel Prices Rise in January – Will February Bring Relief at the Pumps?

January saw an overall increase in fuel prices across the UK, with both unleaded and diesel rising as wholesale costs surged in the first half of the month before easing in the second.

January Price Trends

Brent crude oil hit a mid-month high of $82 per barrel on January 15th before retreating to close at $76.76, just below where it started the month. This volatility was reflected in wholesale fuel prices:

  • Diesel wholesale prices jumped by 5.4ppl in early January before falling back by 3.8ppl later in the month.
  • Unleaded wholesale prices followed a similar trend, increasing 4.1ppl before dropping 1.39ppl.

At the pumps, these wholesale movements translated into an average increase of 2.9ppl for unleaded and 3.7ppl for diesel over the month. Supermarkets, however, were able to absorb more of these increases, with both unleaded and diesel rising by 2.2ppl.

Asda petrol station prices

Will Prices Start Dropping in February?

Although wholesale costs have come down, we are yet to see significant reductions at the pumps. Supermarket prices remain at their highest since January, partly due to how they purchase fuel and the delay between wholesale price shifts and pump price adjustments.

Asda remains the cheapest supermarket for both unleaded (135.7ppl) and diesel (141.7ppl), maintaining its position as the most competitive major retailer.

What to Expect in February

As wholesale prices stabilise, we expect more stations to reduce prices in early February, particularly on diesel. While major price cuts are unlikely, small reductions of 1–2ppl could become more common over the next 10 days.

For the first time in over a month, we are seeing an equal number of petrol stations reducing prices as those increasing them. If this trend continues, February could be the first month in a while where price drops outnumber price hikes.

How to Stay Ahead of Rising Costs

With prices still varying significantly between retailers, checking prices regularly is the best way to save money. Use the PetrolPrices app to find the lowest prices near you and ensure you’re not overpaying at the pumps.

Stay informed, compare prices, and keep an eye on local trends – February could finally bring some relief for drivers.

Motorway’s Fast Forward: 2025 Trends Report

Motorway’s Fast Forward: 2025 Trends Report

TIKTOK TORQUE

Pop culture and social media have the power to influence Brits’ fashion choices, interiors … and even their car buying habits. In 2025, Motorway predicts that digital trends will steer the nation’s choice of wheels.

In 2024, Brat summer brushed any remains of Barbie-core under the rug, with Motorway’s average sold price of green cars increasing by 7%, whilst pink cars saw a 14% decline. Watch this space in the next few months though, as Wicked fever declares that ‘pink goes good with green’…

More than 1 in 10 (12%) Brits will choose their next wheels based on pop culture moments and viral social media trends, whilst 49% make big purchase decisions based on influencer recommendations.

In 2025, highly anticipated films like Avatar and Minecraft are predicted to give rise to a resurgence of blue cars as well as more angular, brick-style cars like the Suzuki Jimny, which already saw a 34% increase in sold price in 2024.

In the music charts, Sabrina Carpenter’s World Tour makes its way to the UK this year, and we predict that Brits will be saying ‘Please Please Please’ to classic cars like the Dodge Magnum XE – which featured in the viral music video.

And with Sabrina’s ‘Espresso’ no doubt contributing to this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Brits can expect to spot shades of ‘Mocha Mousse’ on the roads in 2025, after last year’s ‘Peach Fuzz’ resulted in a 14% increase in the sale of orange cars on the platform.

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Motorway’s first consumer trends report, Fast Forward, shares predictions for the year ahead, based on some of the biggest trends that shaped the used-car industry in 2024.

Motorway’s first consumer trends report, Fast Forward, shares predictions for the year ahead, based on some of the biggest trends that shaped the used-car industry in 2024.

DOUBLE THE INCOME, HALF THE CAR

In 2025, the emergence of TikTok DINKs will give rise to a new trend of smaller cars on UK roads, with Motorway predicting that a new cohort of child-free couples will opt for a smaller, less expensive car in order to spend big on other luxuries. 

Last year saw the rise of DINK (Dual Income No Kids) households, which now make up 40% of UK families, and are known for saving on the essentials and enjoying luxury lifestyles. 

After DINKs spent big on travel, property and luxury experiences last year, Motorway saw an increase in the number of miniature models sold, including the Mazda 2 (23%) and Kia Picanto (8%).

Couples in their DINK era are planning to make their next car purchase a small one, with research revealing that 68% of Brits in small households prefer smaller, more efficient models.

In addition to making way for their DINK lifestyle, Brits also want to save money on running costs (69%), while also preferring a smaller model for convenient parking (62%) and getting around the city more easily (51%). 

‘GORPCORE’ GOES OFF-ROAD

After the grungy, functional aesthetic of Gorpcore went down as one of the biggest fashion moments of last year, Motorway predicts the mix of design and function will influence the nation’s car choices – from sleek all-wheel drives, to weekend-ready camper vans. 

In 2024, Motorway saw a 14% increase in the number of motor caravans sold, while SUV sales went up by a whopping 68%, with dealers striking the four-wheel drive iron while it’s hot. 

As a third of Brits plan to spend more time on road trips and staycations in 2025, Motorway predicts more Brits will opt for a ‘Gorpcore’ vehicle as their next car purchase. 

64% of Brits are looking for a mix of function and design in their 2025 car purchase, equipping themselves for off-road adventures and rugged overnight stays, prioritising functionality in their choice of car (51%).

SPORTS CARS TAKE POLE POSITION

After the Summer of Sport dominated culture last year with viewership across football, rugby, cricket and Formula One reaching record highs, sports cars will make their way to the podium in 2025 as Motorway predicts Brits will take the plunge into high speed luxury.

2024 saw an increase in the average sold price of iconic sports models like Audi A8 (+26%), Porsche Panamera (+18%) and Maserati Granturismo (+10%), as well as an increase in the average sold price of used Lotus cars (+24%), Porsche (+5%) and Aston Martin (+3%). 

Furthermore, BMW cemented itself as the most popular sporty make, leading the way as the most frequently sold on the Motorway platform.

This year, the UK’s passion for sport is predicted to make its mark on car buying decisions, with almost a quarter of Brits (22%) dreaming of owning a sports car in 2025. 

At the top of the list of most coveted models in 2025 is the Mercedes-AMG GT (16%), followed by the Tesla Roadster (8%) and Porsche 911 (8%).

THE RETURN OF THE FIAT 500 (AND OTHER ‘BASIC’ CARS)

The ‘Fiat 500’ personality continued making waves last year, resurging after Molly-Mae Hague’s split from Tommy Fury dominated the headlines. With a tell-all documentary hitting screens in January, Motorway predicts that Brits will go back to basics this year, with the Fiat 500 lifestyle due to make a big return in 2025. 

The ‘basic’ and dependable Fiat 500 claimed a spot as one of the top used-cars sold in 2024, whilst other all-time faithfuls like the Ford Fiesta and Mini Cooper also claimed top spots.

When it comes to choosing their next vehicle in 2025, car owners admit all they need are key safety features (61%), basic functions (59%) and the guarantee that their vehicle will get them from A to B (59%). 

Beyond a good set of basics, including fuel efficiency (54%), power steering (34%), parking sensors (34%) and air conditioning (24%), there’s not much else Brits want from their future car. 

Are you feeling inspired to swap to an on-trend blue, boxy, miniature, off-road, sporty, electric or stripped-back model in 2025? You can get a free, instant valuation on Motorway now or keep an eye on the value of your wheels by using Motorway’s Car Value Tracker.

SOURCES

Any mention of sold price or volume of sales is reflective of data from the Motorway platform. Sold price refers to the final price that consumers have sold their vehicle to dealers for, and volume of sales refers to the number of vehicles of a certain type that dealers have purchased via the platform in the time period specified.

Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motorway, with results secured from 1,000 UK drivers. The survey took place between 11th December and 16th December 2024. 

See more at https://motorway.co.uk/sell-my-car/guides/fast-forward 

20mph Speed Limits Are Having an Effect on Car Insurance

20mph Speed Limits Are Having an Effect on Car Insurance

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One of the UK’s leading price comparison websites believes that recently introduced 20mph speed limits appear to be making car insurance cheaper. Confused.com issued a report identifying the most significant annual drop in UK car insurance prices in more than 10 years, with the average cost of cover falling by £161, or the equivalent of 16%, in the past year. The report says drivers can now expect to pay an average of £834 for comprehensive car insurance, down from £995 a year earlier, and is the lowest price recorded in 18 months.

In recent years, introducing 20mph speed limits has become a flashpoint in some areas.

This drop has been attributed to renewed competition between insurers and improvements to vehicle safety features. The chief executive of Confused.com*, Steve Dukes, also identified other factors, “Some UK insurers are observing that areas where 20mph zones have been introduced result in lower levels of claim frequency – a key factor in the cost of car insurance.”  He added, “Though many drivers find these reduced speed zones frustrating, it’s positive to see the bright spot this is creating for drivers’ costs.”

In recent years, introducing 20mph speed limits has become a flashpoint in some areas. Wales introduced a default 20mph limit in built-up areas in September 2023, but after a backlash, the Welsh government indicated that some stretches of road would revert to 30mph.

In England, cities, including London, have been rolling out 20mph zones, and Manchester is expected to follow suit soon.

Last year, the insurance firm Esure provided the first indications that 20mph zones could bring down the cost of car insurance when they said that claims fell by 20% after the new limit was launched.

Confused.com* said that while the average price of a new policy is more than £160 cheaper than a year ago, customers who were shopping around seemed to benefit from these savings. Meanwhile, some motorists are seeing bigger price drops than others. Younger drivers are typically benefiting from the biggest savings, said the company.

Has your local area implemented 20mph zones? How have you found it?

Let us know in the comments below. 

Unleaded and Diesel Pump Prices Likely to Climb

Unleaded and Diesel Pump Prices Likely to Climb

Fuel prices at the pump are showing signs of rising, with key factors pointing toward an upward trend for both unleaded and diesel.

Brent Crude and Exchange Rates Driving Costs Up

For much of November and December, Brent crude oil—the key component for unleaded and diesel—traded steadily between $71 and $75 per barrel. This stability contributed to consistent pump prices. However, January has seen a significant shift, with Brent hitting $81 per barrel on January 13th.

Adding to this, the US dollar has strengthened against the British pound, dropping from $1.25 to $1.22, further increasing the cost of fuel. Together, these factors are pushing wholesale fuel prices higher.

Wholesale Prices on the Rise

Diesel (B7): Wholesale prices have surged by nearly 4 pence per litre (ppl) since the start of the year, while the average pump price has risen just over 1ppl. There is usually a delay between wholesale increases and pump price increase and so diesel prices at the pump are likely to increase further in the coming days.

Unleaded (E10): Wholesale unleaded prices have also risen, albeit less sharply. E10 wholesale prices are up a little under 1.5ppl since the start of the year. While pump prices now stand at just over 137ppl, up nearly 1ppl from its opening value of 136.2ppl.

Supermarket Price Changes

Tesco has held diesel prices steady and, after starting the year as the most expensive, is now the cheapest among the major supermarkets. Asda has increased pump prices by an average of 0.6ppl, making it the second most expensive for diesel.

Morrisons leads in unleaded pricing, although the price gap across supermarkets has narrowed significantly. At the start of the year, Morrisons was 0.5ppl cheaper than Tesco on average, but this has now dropped to less than 0.2ppl, with Asda and Sainsbury’s pricing between the two.

More Stations Increasing Prices

Since the start of January four times as many petrol stations have increased unleaded prices than have decreased them. Seven times as many stations have increased diesel prices compared to those that lowered them.

The variation in pricing between stations has also increased. This is in part due to the differing times at which they adjust to rising wholesale costs. This is increasing the variability of pricing in local areas.

What to Expect

While some stations may temporarily absorb these cost increases, it’s likely that pump prices, especially for diesel, will rise over the next 7–10 days.

To avoid overpaying, make sure you compare prices using the PetrolPrices app, which provides the most up-to-date fuel prices from across the UK.

Stay informed, save money, and keep an eye on your local stations as prices continue to shift.

UK roads with the biggest increase in traffic, revealed

UK roads with the biggest increase in traffic, revealed

New research from Dick Lovett has identified the British roads drivers can expect to be the most congested this year.

The research, which scraped and analysed data from the Department for Transport’s ‘Road Traffic Statistics’ found the roads in the UK which have seen the biggest increase in traffic in recent years (2021-2023), revealing that the A54 – the road linking Chester and Buxton – has seen the largest increase in traffic, up 367%. 

Whether your trip is long or short, most of us will hit an A-road at some point, and Dick Lovett’s research found that these were actually the ones with the biggest increase in traffic in recent years. Similarly, our research found that these UK A-roads with the biggest increase in traffic – therefore, the most at risk of Christmas congestion – were all in England. 

The A54 is in both urban and steep rural areas, which presents a challenge to the council in maintaining its safety. 

Following the A54, Dick Lovett’s research reveals drivers taking the A456 road this winter could expect to see the second-most congestion, with this road seeing a 357% increase in traffic in recent years. The A456 runs between Birmingham and Shropshire. 

The third-most congested road was found to be the A39, with a 308% increase in traffic. The A39 is an A road in southwest England. 

Other top contenders include the A682 – which runs from Burnley to Long Preston – with a 276% increase in traffic. In fact, the A682 has been regarded as “England’s most dangerous road” in the past due to the number of injuries and accidents – particularly with motorcycles.

See the top 10 roads Dick Lovett predicts to be the most congested in 2025 based on the % increase in traffic they’ve seen in recent years: 

 

Rank

Road

Traffic % increase (2021-2023)

Region

1

A54

367%

North West > East Midlands

2

A456

357%

West Midlands

3

A39

308%

South West

4

A192

284%

North East

5

A682

276%

North West > Yorkshire 

6

A3102

236%

South West

7

A5103

232%

North West

8

A256

151%

South East

9

A565

150%

North West

10

A461

137%

West Midlands

UK roads with the biggest increase in traffic, revealed

While Dick Lovett’s research found that all the roads with the biggest percentage increase in traffic in recent years were A roads, they were also able to identify the M roads (motorways) that could be the most congested this year based on their historic traffic increase. 

The research found that the M9 – a motorway in Scotland that runs from the outskirts of Edinburgh to Dunblane – is the motorway with the biggest increase in traffic, up 82%. 

Following the M9 was the M4 – running from west London to southwest Wales – with a 69% increase in traffic in the Welsh part of the road, meaning drivers taking this road in 2025 could expect some additional congestion. 

Similarly, the part of the M4 in England has seen a 60% increase in traffic, meaning it could be the third-most congested motorway this Christmas. 

See the top 10 motorways Dick Lovett predict to be the most congested in 2025 based on the % increase in traffic they’ve seen in recent years: 

Rank

Road

Traffic % increase (2021-2023)

Country 

1

M9

82%

Scotland

2

M4

69%

Wales

3

M4

60%

England

4

M40

46%

England

5

M80

39%

Scotland

6

M1

34%

England

7

M56

31%

England

8

M53

23%

England

9

M23

22%

England

10

M27

20%

England

 

Dick Lovett’s 5 top tips for preparing for winter congestion

While congestion can’t be helped – especially at this time of the year, there are plenty of things drivers can do to ensure they’re prepared and safe in case of any congestion when driving this winter.

Always keep an emergency kit in your boot

While preparing for congestion might seem like a bad omen, it’s crucial to ensure your safety during winter travels. Everything from long traffic jams to diversions from accidents or breaking down can be agonising in the winter. Keeping an emergency kit for drivers, or keeping your own personalised bag of emergency supplies will give you peace of mind. Just a couple of useful things you can keep in your emergency kit include:

  • A power bank for your phone
  • Warning triangle in case of breakdowns
  • Non-perishable food
  • Water
  • Torches
  • Thermal blanket or clothing
  • High vis vest

Make your car visible and easy to see in all conditions 

Congestion means you might be at a standstill for an unknown amount of time. While it may be easy for you to see the drivers directly in front of you when you’ve been in the congestion for a while, for those further behind, you might not be as visible. As such, it’s crucial to ensure that your car remains visible at all times. If you’re at the back of the queue, popping your hazards on to warn drivers of what’s coming up can be helpful.

Check your tyres 

There’s always a cause for congestion, whether that’s a road closure or a skidded car. But whatever the reason, you want to make sure you’re not the cause of it. A vital part of winter driving preparation is ensuring that our tyres are in a suitable condition. Before setting off, you should check your tyres for cuts, bulges, or any other damage. 

While the legal limit for tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, it’s recommended to change your tyres once they reach around 3mm. This is especially important to check when travelling in the unpredictable Scottish winter as any extra tread depth will help to better disperse any snow or water.

Get to know your car’s brakes

Before setting off this winter, re-familiarise yourself with your car’s braking system. If you know the sensitivity or heaviness of how your car’s brakes operate, you will have a much better reaction time when it comes to stopping in any unforeseen congestion.

Fill up, charge up 

It may be tempting to avoid a busy petrol station in a bid to ‘beat’ the traffic, but congestion in winter can be unpredictable, so try to fill up the day before you’re set to travel. Not only will this save you time on your travel day, but it also reduces your risk of running out of fuel if you do hit traffic. 

If you’re an electric car driver, it’s vital to plan accordingly and ensure that you’re accounting for charging times within your trip. Extreme weather (both hot and cold) can cause EV charger ranges to decrease by around 10% to 30%, so it’s important to account for this when planning. 

Always aim to refill well before your fuel warning light comes on in the winter. For those with EVs, charge your car overnight before you set off to ensure there’s plenty of range for your winter road trip. As always, plan ahead to account for extra fuel stops or charges on your route just in case they’re necessary. 

Running out of fuel or charge could result in a minimum of a £100 fine and three penalty points for obstructing the road in an avoidable breakdown. 

Will New Year’s Renewable Obligations Impact Fuel Prices?

Will New Year’s Renewable Obligations Impact Fuel Prices?

Fuel prices edged up slightly throughout December, closing out the year with modest increases for both petrol and diesel. But with new renewable obligations taking effect in January, will 2025 start with further price hikes?

December Fuel Trends: Modest Increases

Unleaded petrol rose from 135.6 pence per litre (ppl) at the start of December to 136.4ppl by the month’s end. Diesel followed suit, increasing from 141.6ppl to 142.7ppl on average.

Supermarkets continued to offer the lowest prices, with Asda leading the pack for both unleaded and diesel. Morrison’s kept its increases minimal, raising unleaded prices by just 0.5ppl, solidifying its position as the second most affordable supermarket for fuel. By December 31, supermarket averages sat at 134.2ppl for unleaded and 140.4ppl for diesel.

Crude Oil Stability Points to Steady Pump Prices

Crude oil prices remained relatively consistent throughout December, trading between $71 and $74.75 per barrel. Combined with November’s similarly stable range of $71 to $76, this suggests a continued period of stability for pump prices heading into early 2025.

Interestingly, in the final days of December (27th–29th), more petrol stations reduced prices than increased them, with the majority holding steady. While Brent crude closed the month near its high at $74.72, the overall trend suggests that fuel prices may have reached a temporary ceiling.

Impact of Renewable Obligations

Starting 1st January 2025, the proportion of renewable fuel required in both unleaded (E10) and diesel (B7) will increase. Although the fuel itself won’t change, meeting these obligations will slightly raise wholesale prices to fuel retailers.

This change is expected to add between 0.30ppl and 0.40ppl to the wholesale cost of both fuels, which could translate to higher pump prices. While this is a modest increase, it’s something drivers should be aware of as they fill up in the new year.

What to Expect in Early 2025

With crude oil prices stable and fuel costs already near their peak, early January is likely to see steady prices for both grades. However, the added cost of renewable obligations may prevent significant drops. Local competition will play a key role in determining whether these costs are absorbed by retailers or passed on to consumers.

To find the best deals near you, remember to check the PetrolPrices app. With price comparisons and more updates than any other platform, it’s the easiest way to ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.

The 10 Best Accessories for Your Car

The 10 Best Accessories for Your Car

We all want a better driving experience in our cars, no matter the make or model. Cars now come with what were once considered special features as standard, but there are still accessories you can purchase to make your car even better. Whether they add comfort, style, or enhance performance, car accessories are guaranteed to improve your time in the car, whether you are the driver or passenger. We have collated the ten best accessories for your car below.

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Advanced Dash Cams

A dash cam can serve multiple purposes in a car: whether you want to capture footage of your journey for entertainment reasons or be ensured with video evidence in case of an accident, a dash cam has you covered. Recent models have upgraded features, such as 4K resolution, easy transfer of footage to your devices, and GPS tracking ability. You will be able to record every second of your drive with an advanced dash cam. Check out this one which has great reviews. 

Smart Car Chargers

It is every driver’s nightmare to be stranded in your car with an uncharged phone. Ease your worries by purchasing a smart car charger, with models available for every kind of device. Options include wireless charging mounts (which allows for hands-free use of your phone) and USB converter ports that let you charge your phone no matter the ports available in your car.

Heated Steering Wheel Covers

The ultimate in winter comfort, get yourself a heated steering wheel cover to prevent freezing hands during the cold months. This accessory will not only reduce discomfort, but it will also let you focus on driving, rather than the state of your poor, cold hands.

Wireless CarPlay Adapters

Eliminate the need for cluttered cables with a wireless adapter that lets you access your smartphone from your car’s entertainment dashboard. You can use a range of features, from music players to navigation, all without the need for a tangle of wires encroaching on your driving space. This is our favourite: Compatible with Cars from 2016 & iPhone iOS 10+

Portable Emergency Tools

More of a necessity than an accessory, tools that can save you in an emergency are a must buy. For example, a portable jump starter enables you to get your car going again after the battery dies, without having to call for a mechanic. Also consider a portable tyre inflator to save you from flat tyre woes.

High Performance Floor Mats

Get your car prepared for all weather with high performance floor mats. Look for mats that offer custom measurements to ensure a correct fit and choose from a range of materials, including rubber and carpet. Install the mats in your car to protect from mud, pet hair, and food or drink spillages.

Ergonomic Seat Cushions

The ultimate comfort accessory, an ergonomic seat cushion will ensure that you arrive at your destination without any aches or pains. Typically available in comfortable fabrics, these cushions will help you maintain the correct posture without force and allow you to focus on the road instead of back ache. Not just the driver will benefit, as these can be purchased for passenger seats too.

Smart Car Alarms

Like countless other technologies, car alarms have become smart. Prevent theft with a smart car alarm, which you can link to your smartphone for remote monitoring of your car. Some models even have GPS features, to give you peace of mind about your car’s location.

Air Purification 

A relatively new car accessory, air purification systems are growing in popularity amongst car users. Purer air is great for your health and air purification systems work to keep impurities out of your car. They can also keep you more alert on the road with the use of scents that are designed to improve your focus and awareness.

Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers

Let your car carry more by installing a roof rack or cargo carrier. A roof rack lets you hold large items – like bicycles, surf boards, or boxes – on the roof to free up boot space. Alternatively, a cargo carrier lets you store smaller items in a lockable box that attaches to the outside of your vehicle. Either choice will free up space inside your car for a more comfortable driving experience.

Accessories can enhance the functionality of your car, to make it a more convenient and safer place to be. Any one of these accessories will grant you an even better driving experience.

The 8 Key Automotive Industry Trends of 2024

The 8 Key Automotive Industry Trends of 2024

Significant shifts occurred in the automotive industry during 2024. As we move towards a more digitised world and technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate, the industry has embraced technological advancement. Meanwhile, concerns over climate change are heightened, and several manufacturers have turned to the development of more sustainable models and methods. Furthermore, customer preferences have changed, and consumers expect more from their car than it just being a way to travel from A to B. These days, cars need to offer more than just an enjoyable driving experience. There has certainly a lot for the industry to consider this year: read on for a breakdown of the key auto industry trends of 2024.

Rise of Electric Vehicles

More and more consumers are focused on sustainability and the emergence of new technologies, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the continued rise of electric vehicles. EV technology has advanced drastically over the past few years, with notable developments occurring in the longevity and efficiency of batteries. The number of manufacturers that offer EVs has also expanded, with Tesla no longer the only option for drivers interested in an electric car.

Autonomous and Connected Vehicles

Just like our homes and phones, our cars are getting smarter. Whilst autonomous vehicles are a long way from our roads, this year saw a continuation in research and development that will eventually lead to driverless cars launching on the market. In the meantime, car connectivity has developed, with the increase in features like vehicle-to-vehicle communication and further integration with smart devices.

Sustainability Focus

It is not only the rise of the electric vehicle that indicates an increased interest in sustainability in the automotive industry. Hybrid models offer a midway point between petrol or diesel vehicles and EVs, but we have also seen manufacturers embrace the use of recycled materials, carbon neutral practices, and increased fuel efficiency. These changes are designed to create a smoother transition between the current auto industry and a greener future model.

Digital Retailing

In the past, you could only purchase a car by going into a dealership or meeting a seller in person. Now car sales are following in the footsteps of the wider commercial sector and moving to an online model. Although most consumers will prefer to purchase a car in person so that they can try before they buy, in 2024 there has been far more scope to research your chosen model online and even select your preferred customisations without setting foot in a dealership.

Challenges with Chip Shortages and Costs

The quiet hero of technology, semiconductor chips are essential to car manufacturing. Unfortunately, there have been issues with shortages since the pandemic, when demand and thus manufacturing for the chips decreased and are yet to recover. There are also issues around the cost of updating older technologies, a need to increase manufacturing efficiency, and the fact that plants are closing instead of increasing in number. Luckily, there has been a rise in investment in their manufacture in the past couple of years, plus some car makers have moved away from a semiconductor chip model to alternatives. The path forward is unclear, but there is hope for the future.

Micromobility and Urban Solutions

Although cars dominate the automotive industry, there has been an increase in other mobility vehicles, particularly for consumers in urban areas. Electric scooters and bikes are the most popular alternatives, whether they are purchased by individuals or used on a rental basis. Ride sharing apps also remain a prevalent alternative, alongside the more traditional options of public transport and taxis. Many cities have faced proposals to become less car focused, so it is likely that these alternative options will continue to rise in popularity if these proposals come to fruition.

Advanced Safety Features

As mentioned in point 2, our cars are getting smarter, therefore they are better equipped to keep us and other road users safe. It is becoming the norm for vehicles to come with built in safety features, like collision detection warnings and adaptive cruise control. Interestingly, these features will also be crucial in the development of autonomous cars, so are likely to be a focus soon, as a way of bridging the gap between current and future models.

Subscription Models

Will car ownership start to look like a Netflix subscription? That may be a little far-fetched, but subscription models are emerging in the automotive industry. There is gradual growth in car subscriptions, where you use the vehicle for a specified amount of time, to avoid the long-term commitment of car ownership. It’s a model that may suit a range of drivers, but still needs some details ironed out, including the high cost of a subscription that could put off everyday users.

From sustainability to micromobility, it’s been quite the year for the automotive industry! These trends may continue to be the focus in the new year, but we are likely to face a whole new set of developments too. Let’s see what 2025 brings.

Does your car collect your live location?

Does your car collect your live location?

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Many modern cars can collect and transmit data about the driver to external parties using integrated internet connection and technology – but are car owners aware that they can do so? Uswitch car insurance recently conducted research to understand how knowledgeable car owners are about their vehicle’s data collection and sharing practices. 

Limited understanding around data sharing practices: 

The research also revealed a significant gap in understanding regarding the organisations that could have access to the data collected by cars – potentially compromising drivers’ privacy.

 

ORGANISATION: % OF RESPONDENTS UNAWARE: 
Advertising companies 87%
Marketing companies 86%
Data brokers 85%
Dealers / repair companies 78%
Law enforcement 74%
Car manufacturer / brand 66%
Insurance companies 61%

Car data insights drivers are unaware of: 

Despite over half (57%) of UK car owners confidently believing they understand what data cars can collect, the research suggested they are not well-informed. Less than a third (28%) admitted to reading the terms and conditions or data agreements around their car’s data collection capabilities, and under a quarter (22%) researched this aspect before buying their vehicle.

Car owners lack awareness of key data points that most modern cars collect:

  • The vast majority (72%) of car owners were in the dark about some cars collecting data around driving schedules – for example, how frequently or what times the car is used.
  • Over two-thirds (67%) were also unaware that cars could collect data around their usage of connected features, such as GPS, car dashboard or multimedia screen and infotainment systems.
  • Additionally, over half of respondents didn’t know that some cars can collect data on speed (54%) and route history (53%).
  • Over two-fifths (44%) also didn’t realise that the current location of the car can be tracked and stored.

The most obvious organisation who have access to the data collected by cars is the manufacturer / brand, however two thirds (66%) of respondents didn’t realise this. Car manufacturers can use the insights collected for a variety of reasons, such as safety improvements, risk management and quality assurance. Car owners were most comfortable (63%) with their data being used to make safety improvements.

Although some data uses could benefit drivers, privacy concerns arise through reports that car manufacturers share, or sell the data with third parties[2]. It’s not always clear who these third parties are (although it may be stipulated in the terms and conditions or data agreement). This could include insurers, which could impact drivers due to the data being used to adjust premiums[3], yet almost two-thirds (61%) of car owners were unaware of this. 

Uswitch car insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, outlines how car owners can protect their data:

Understand what data your car is collecting:

It’s important to be aware of what data your car collects and who that data is shared with, so you can make informed decisions when driving or using certain features. You can do this by reading the terms and conditions or data agreement associated with your car. If you’re still unsure, you could even contact your car manufacturer directly. Some brands will provide information about what personal data they hold about you if you file a privacy request.

Limit data collection features:

While certain sensors and systems that collect data are essential for your car’s functionality, there are some features you can turn off for privacy protection. For example, if you don’t need the GPS on routine journeys, turn it off. If you’re concerned about your car collecting data from your phone, don’t connect to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth. However, ensure you weigh up the pros and cons of disabling features. For instance, having your phone connected could be important in an emergency. Instead, you could decline access to certain elements, such as your contacts or text messages.

Use associated apps with caution:

Installing mobile apps associated with your car can be a gateway to information stored on your phone, giving car manufacturers or third parties access to even more personal data. To limit this, you can check and alter the app permissions, for example, deny it access to your microphone or camera. You can also ask the app not to track, preventing it from tracking you across other apps and websites. There should also be data sharing options in the app’s settings, where you can opt out of sharing your data with third parties.”

Driving home for Christmas: What’s your car worth?

Driving home for Christmas: What’s your car worth?

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As the festive season descends and the weather gets colder, we’re spending more weekends in front of the TV, with 86% of Brits watching up to 20 Christmas films or shows in December.

And whether they’re driving home for Christmas, or enjoying singalongs to festive car tunes, a huge amount of festive films and shows include iconic scenes on four wheels – from Gavin & Stacey Christmas specials, to Home Alone.

One in five (21%) Brits see The McCallisters’ race to the airport in Home Alone as the most iconic car scene of all time, with Hugh Grant’s Prime Ministerial ride with the Nativity octopus in Love Actually (16%) coming in close second, tied with the Weasley family’s flying Ford Anglia scene in Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets (16%).

But have you ever wondered how much the cars from these iconic movie moments are actually worth today?

Whats your car worth?

£2,123

Tim Allen’s 1990 Ford Taurus SHO from The Santa Clause.

£1,724

David Brent’s 1996 Vauxhall Vectra, from The Office UK’s 2003 Christmas Special.

£1,637

Amanda’s Mini Cooper S from The Holiday.

£223,450

Daniel Cleaver’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE from Bridget Jones’s Diary.

£9,805

Billy’s 1967 Volkswagen Beetle from Gremlins.

£4,476

David the Prime Minister’s 2003 Jaguar XJ6 that drove the ‘Nativity octopus’ in Love Actually.

£2,378

Jamie’s 1987 Saab 900 Coupe that he drives Aurelia home in, in Love Actually.

£6,764

The 1991 Rover Mini Cooper MkV in the snow crammed with Bridget’s friends, from Bridget Jones’s Diary.

£9,472

The Weasley family’s 1960 Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

£2,213

Smithy’s iconic 1996 Volvo 850S Estate from the Season 2 Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special.

Interestingly, when surveyed only 5% of Brits said they’d price Daniel’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE in Bridget Jones’s Diary as more than £100,000 today. Meanwhile, only 15% accurately predicted that The Weasleys’ 1960 Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets would be valued between £5,000 and £10,000.

Despite being some of the most recognisable festive cars, most people have no idea what the wheels from their favourite scenes could be worth. And this extends to the cars sitting on our own driveways – car owners have potentially thousands of pounds of value in their car without even knowing it.

Curious about your car’s current value? Get a free, instant valuation on Motorway now or keep an eye on the value of your wheels by using Motorway’s Car Value Tracker.

Valuations based on similar cars that have been valued via the Motorway platform.
According to a survey by OnePoll of 2,000 UK adults. The survey took place between 25th to 28th October 2024.