All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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The price of used cars is rising

The demand for new cars is growing year by year despite the price increase, but there are also more and more people who choose cheaper options, used cars. However, their price is also increasing. Customers are looking for compact and fuel-efficient cars, regardless of the powertrain, as well as vehicles that are equipped with new technologies and more advanced safety systems.

According to data for 2023, the price of used cars in Europe increased between 13 and 18 percent compared to 2022, and the same can be expected this year. In cities, cars with automatic transmission will be more in demand, which is not a new thing, considering the growing demand for this type of gearbox. Talking about the type of vehicle, buyers still prefer SUVs.

Analyzes show that buyers will be more flexible in choosing a car, taking into account both practical needs and the available budget. Statistics already confirm that customers are increasingly looking for more fuel-efficient cars.

Also, the purchase of used cars is oriented towards online shopping. The reason for this is the great interest in digital platforms through which many different cars can be compared. It is an indisputable fact that vehicles with a proven maintenance history will continue to be more sought after and valued.

News

2024 Dacia Spring Coming Soon

Dacia Spring is currently one of the most affordable electric cars in Europe, but increasing competition forced Dacia to work on an improved version of this model. The car could soon hit the market, and its arrival was announced by an official teaser published on Dacia France’s “X” (Twitter) account with the description “Coming soon…stay tuned!”.

Visually, the refreshed version brings a redesign of the front part with lights like those on the Duster, but also a redesigned rear part reminiscent of the Sandero Stepway. Also, the Tesser shows slightly larger wheels, but also that the ground clearance has been increased, giving the vehicle height despite the lack of roof racks. It is not known whether there was a change in the cabin. More information will be known after the premiere.

Dacia Spring was premiered four years ago, and two years later the front fascia and new Dacia logo were redesigned. Last year it was introduced with the Extreme trim with more features and power. Dacia Spring is powered by a single electric motor with 45 or 65 hp (34 – 48 kW), and is equipped with a 26.8 kWh battery that enables a range of between 220 and 225 kilometers WLTP.

Source: Dacia France via X

News

Mercedes chooses cheaper ICE and PHEV models

Although the new regulations increase the pressure on car manufacturers to switch production to fully electric vehicles as soon as possible, the current price situation shows that not everything is going to plan. In some markets, such as the United States, customers are increasingly choosing cheaper options. This was the reason for Mercedes to increase the offer of ICE and PHEV models, and the plan is 25 new ones by the end of 2024.

The German manufacturer informed its distributors in the United States that it will focus on gasoline and hybrid models, which according to many analysts is a good business move. “Mercedes is keeping in touch with reality rather than trying to change it. Last year showed that you can fly high until you lose touch with reality. The base models give consumers a taste of what’s to come, but only if they can afford to stay within the brand,” he said. said Edmunds Insights director Ivan Drury in an interview with Automotive News.

According to the distributor’s data, Mercedes customers are not very interested in electric cars. Selling cheaper ICE and hybrid cars at a small profit is a better option than keeping expensive electric cars that only a few can afford.

“We are very happy to bring to the market what is needed, which is the right balance between ICE products, electric products and now also adding PHEVs to the mix,” said Senol Bayrak, director of sales at Mercedes-Benz USA.

Source: Automotive News