Honda Dealers Hope Government Discount Scheme Gets Green Light

The global credit crunch has affected many people and many industries, we all know that, and of the worst hit industries has been the car manufacturer industry, with many of the major companies having to close their production plants for a few weeks and even months in some cases, having an adverse effect on the livelihood of production staff and other employees.
In the UK alone Aston Martin, Bentley, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, MINI and Honda are among those giants that have had to halt production or lay off staff. Honda, a leading player in the world of car manufacture, especially with such innovative designs aimed at lowering CO2 emissions and offering economical vehicles, have had to halt production in the UK for four months, until June.
Honda dealers just haven't been even close to hitting sales targets simply because consumer confidence is at an all time low. People are so reluctant to spend, especially on brand new cars, as the future of the UK and global economy is still not clear. With interest rates at an all time low in the UK, people may not be inclined to save all of their money in the UK, but at the same time, many are avoiding the temptation to upgrade their car as they would normally.
Honda employs 4,000 factory workers in the UK, at least three quarters of which have been affected by the four month closure of the plant, and those working at Honda dealers have been affected also. As less and less people are purchasing cars, staff are feeling the brunt of this dire situation.
The UK government are considering following Germany by introducing a 2,000 pounds discount on any brand new vehicle when trading in any car that is more than nine years old. This is in a bid to increase activity in the car sales industry but also as an eco friendly move to lower CO2 emissions by getting old cars off the road. This model has yet to be sanctioned and if agreed by Parliament will not be implemented until after the Budget on April 22nd, but car manufacturers' and their employees, Honda dealers and factory staff in particular, will be hoping that the Government see sense and approve this suggestion.
Since being implemented in Germany the scheme has been a success, with sales figures of brand new vehicles increasing by 21 per cent in February alone. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson hopes that a similar scheme can revitalise the UK market, although the government will no doubt face opposing views from the public about giving away tax payers' money to purchase brand new cars.
If this scheme does get the green light, Honda dealers will hope that their sales figures will rise, and they are well placed to obtain a share of the market given that their cars are amongst the most reliable on the market according to consumer experts, Which?.
Honda have topped the Which? Reliability League in the last two years and in 2007 had a remarkable six out of the ten top cars in the league table. With such innovative, eco friendly and reliable engineering it really is a shame to see a brand such as Honda struggling, but in time that will surely change as consumers look towards a car manufacturer that gives you quality and value for your money.
About the Author
Shaun Parker is a car expert with many years of experience in the car sales industry. Find out more about Honda dealers at http://www.hondainchcape.co.uk

Moving Day: Six Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving is no fun. Planning, packing, looking for the right moving company – there are so many things to take care of that it is no wonder that most of us are nervous wrecks by moving day! I have moved several times, including overseas, over the past few years, and I can tell you – moving isn’t ever fun, but it can be smooth and relatively stress-free.

What you need is a plan for moving day. Regardless of how the planning and packing process has gone so far (I hope it has gone well!), there are some simple things you can right before or on moving day to make your move smoother.

1. Take Stock
Make a list of all separate items. Categorize them by type: boxes, furniture, even big bags or bedding in its original packing.

2. Organize your boxes
Organize your boxes by keeping fragile and non-fragile items separetly. Keep the boxes containing essential items clearly labeled and on hand. You can also label each box with the specific location or room you want it delivered to. If you want to hide your valuables in some innocuously labeled box, make sure you remember which one.

3. Work with your movers
Be present for the movers, both while loading and unloading. Cross-check the movers’ inventory with your own list. Check the moving company’s license, and make sure you give them the right address for delivery. A good moving company will help you as much as you let them. So make their work more efficient by giving them clear directions and making sure you are accessible to them by cell phone.

4. Last-minute checks
Make sure that all supplies and switches are turned off, the windows and doors shut, and that you have all the important documents pertaining to your move.

5. Ready the other side
Reserve a parking space as close as possible to your new entrance. If you need to pick up keys, give yourself time to do that. Have plastic sheets ready to protect the floor from any damage from furniture or boots.

6. Be Prepared
This is one of those things that anyone who’s “been there” will tell you. But how exactly should you go about it? Let me suggest a little technique I like to call “negative visualization”. It is best to do this together with other adults who may be moving with you (spouse, parents, friends). That way you can keep it fun and cover more ground.

Here is how you do it: the day before your move, sit down with a sheet of paper. Now imagine moving day, from start to finish. Picture all the possible things that can go wrong in this scenario. Is it raining? Did you find a whole bottom drawer still in need of packing? Make notes of those possibilities and prepare for them: get more boxes; arrange shrink wrap for rain, etc.

It sounds a little quirky, but it works because most of us imagine worst-case scenarios all the time anyway. The only difference is that we usually relegate such thoughts to the back of our minds, where they turn into vague anxieties and lead to stress. By dealing with them properly you will considerably decrease your chances of running into ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

Preparing in this way will ensure that you wake up on moving day with a feeling of control. And it will go a long way in eliminating stress from your whole day, not just for you but for everyone around you.

About the Author
Andre Welkinson is a writer and consumer advocate currently investigating los angeles moving and recording his personal los angeles moving company on his blog.