James Baggott

Come on Umesh tell us more? What's the letter all about?

It's well worth going. It's just down the road from us so we often go. It's a top event. Just buy your tickets early!

Manufacturers concentrated on other markets when the tough times arrived. With big names pulling out it was impossible to keep it going. During that time Festival of Speed became more important and manufacturers spent their British Motor Show money elsewhere. It'd be near on impossible to resurrect it now as there simply isn't a slot in the motor show calendar for it to fit now. Huge shame especially with the resurgence in British manufacturing of cars.

Wow. Shocking story. Poor chap.

Go on...?

It's the same down here. We've had three pitches locally that were used car sites all transforming into hand car washes. I'm with you on how do they make it pay - I can't see that they do. Fair enough when there's one or two in town but we've got four. And I'd still rather wash my car myself...

And there are 85 Peugeot 309 GTIs taxed and (ironically) 205 SORN.

There are 13 Suzuki X90s on the road apparently and one SORN. So definitely on the Endangered List!

I'm working on a feature with the guys behind the excellent website and App HowManyLeft.co.uk. We were chatting in the pub the other night about the cars that have become extinct in the last 10 years and we started to search the site. My first car - an Alfa Romeo Arna (yes, really) 1.3 - died in 2007. There are none left at all according to the website which logs cars taxed with the DVLA and SORN. So I was wondering what cars you guys thought had 'Done a Dinosaur' and disappeared off the face of this planet for good? Let me know and we'll see if they make the feature's Top 10.

Well said. I always wanted a car because I loved them. But my step daughter wanted hers because it gave her an opportunity to get a job. It's all about freedom really isn't it? Whether you like cars or not surely most people can see they offer an opportunity to explore the world a little further... even teenagers.

Oh that will be interesting Umesh. Report back what happens!

I've always loved cars. Always will. But apparently teenagers are starting to lose interest. Well, at least it's starting to worry a few at the top of the car industry. What do you think? Still sell a lot of cars to teenagers? Or are they looking for their first cars later in life these days?

The interview was rather interesting to say the least. It's in the next issue that will be with you around the 15th. His take on what's happening with pre-registrations was particularly telling.

I was shocked at this - great story though! I wonder who picks up the tab. Insurers? But if it was just left there is it still covered? Hmmm...

Interesting points Andy - thanks for sharing and welcome to the forum!

Thanks. That's a good one. I'll add it to the list.

Thanks. I'll add that one in.

I've finally pinned down the SMMT''s chief executive to an interview. I'm speaking to him tomorrow at 6.30pm. Pre reg and market growth will be on my agenda. What would you like me to ask him?

Jim - Andy is out of the office today but I'm sure he'd love to hear about the car. I think you have his email address but if not it's andy@blackballmedia.co.uk. Thanks for thinking of us!

I'm with Sparky. I think if you take the car off the website that says to the customer that you're holding it for them. It certainly would suggest that to me. If that hasn't happened and couple B walked in and bought the car then couple A knew they should have put a deposit down on it. Not an easy one to deal with now... unless you can 'source' them a similar car at a better deal. Win them over.

'Poncing around'... I'll have you know Entwistle that they are vital 'information gathering' exercises. Seriously though, good luck with it - Great Ormond Street is an incredible cause.

So here we go again - another classified advertising site launching. This time with the backing of The Sun. What do you think of it? Will it work? Let us know your thoughts...

Ok, so I guess you were all a little bit worried about sticking your neck on the line. I don't blame you Here's what our Automotive Influencers told us they thought the UK car market would do in 2014. You can read the full feature in the next issue of Car Dealer Magazine - out on February 18. Story here: http://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/car-maufacturer-bosses-predict-car-sales-will-grow-in-2014/79230

Ron - thanks for your comments. Glad you got the log in sorted :)

And just as a little incentive I'll rustle up a prize from the Car Dealer Drawer of Prizes for the best answer... And as it's my competition I'll be the judge!