Latest news with #AutoTrader
Global News
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Global News
EV interest is stalling over cost concerns. Could a consumer rebate help?
Demand for electric vehicles around the world appears to be on the decline, according to a recent survey from Shell that says cost and affordability are key concerns for buyers. At the same time, the Canadian government confirmed this week that it is exploring a new consumer rebate for electric vehicles. Statistics Canada reported that in the first quarter, or three months, of this year, 37,299 new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) were registered, making up 8.7 per cent of all new motor vehicle registrations, down more than 23 per cent compared with one year prior. For the month of April, the latest update from Statistics Canada, EV sales accounted for just over 7.5 per cent of all vehicles sold in Canada. Why are consumers less interested in electric vehicles? New data shows that overall, consumers who haven't bought an EV already say it's primarily due to the costs of purchasing and owning one for the long term. Story continues below advertisement Shell Global released the results of a survey on Tuesday showing falling demand for electric vehicles, especially in Europe and the United States, with affordability the main reason cited, along with charging network reliability. Meanwhile, the report shows that more than two-thirds of current electric vehicle owners reported feeling less worried about charging concerns than a year prior, and nearly three-quarters say the options and availability of public charging points have improved. Although the Shell Global survey did not poll Canadians, there are consistent findings in other recent reports that did. An AutoTrader survey conducted in 2024 found that non-owners in Canada are hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle due to 'limited travel range/distance, inadequate availability of charging stations, higher purchasing costs, and the belief that EVs are unsuitable for cold weather.' 'Overall, while almost half of non-EV owners are open to buying an EV for their next vehicle, interest in EVs has declined for the second year in a row,' Tiffany Ding, director of Insights and Intelligence at AutoTrader, said last year. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy AutoTrader also confirmed at the time that there was a direct correlation between lower gas prices and lower demand for electric vehicles, and vice versa. 2:01 With Trump administration incoming, what will happen to Canada's EV plan? In early 2022, demand for electric vehicles peaked worldwide as the price of traditional gasoline spiked and consumers sought alternatives. Story continues below advertisement This was in addition to strained supply chains, which made traditional gas-powered vehicles more expensive along with other products, and a lack of preparedness for the change in consumer demands made it harder for car companies to keep up. By the end of 2022, things changed direction as supply chains caught up with demand, and affordability started to take a toll on households amid high inflation and rising interest rates. The AutoTrader survey found that drivers instead were looking more and more to hybrid options, including plug-in hybrids, which offer the benefits of both a gas engine and electric by not relying as much or at all on a charging network and consuming less traditional gasoline overall. 6:01 Where does Canada's EV industry currently stand? Prices have also been gradually declining for some electric vehicles, so it is possible car companies are taking note of a drop in demand and cost concerns. Story continues below advertisement In some cases, this has also meant delaying plans for expanding EV production. According to the average price for a new EV in Canada as of December 2024 was $70,682, which is down 7.8 per cent from a year earlier, while used options averaged $42,045, a drop of 18.4 per cent from 2024. Canadians can currently purchase some of the cheaper electric vehicle options brand new, starting at roughly $40,000. There is also the cost of charging, which may include the purchase and installation of a home charger, vehicle maintenance specific to electric vehicles, as well as depreciation over time, which differs compared with some gas-powered versions. AutoTrader's price index for the first quarter of 2025 pinned the national average price for a new vehicle at $65,564 — down almost three per cent year over year — and the national average price for a used vehicle at $36,823, a drop of 2.2 per cent year over year. Could a rebate help? Responding to reporters on Tuesday outside the House of Commons, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said 'there will be a consumer rebate,' with few other details given for now. Story continues below advertisement 'Will it be named, iZEV? That I can't tell you,' Dabrusin said when asked by reporters earlier this week about a future rebate program for EVs. This followed a meeting in which the Opposition Conservatives called for current electric vehicle mandates to be scrapped, including the Trudeau government's goal to have all new consumer passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in Canada be zero-emission by 2035, citing concerns about the Canadian auto sector and U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies. As of now, Canada and the United States have imposed on each other a 25 per cent tariff on all automotive imports that do not comply with the current North American trade deal known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canadian auto makers and other industry leaders also support ending these mandates, suggesting that the lack of consumer rebates or other incentives makes these goals unrealistic and a 'policy failure.' 2:32 BIV: Province pausing electric vehicle rebate program The iZev, or Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles, program was launched by the federal government in 2019 but ran out of funding by January of this year. Dabrusin's comments suggest it will be replaced with a new strategy aimed at making EVs more affordable for some Canadians. Story continues below advertisement The iZev was intended to act in addition to provincial electric vehicle rebates where available. Previously, the iZEV program offered up to $5,000 off the cost of a new electric vehicle, and over the nearly six-year life span, it cost the federal government nearly $3 billion.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-cars-on-road-lake-district-england-FRNDLYDRIVRS0325-65c357060de340e4af962e0ad3c41bc1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Travel + Leisure
The Country Ranked No. 1 in the World for Friendly Drivers That Are 'Generally Calmer, Happier, and More Agreeable'
Putting the pedal to the metal for a road trip is certainly a thrilling experience. However, it can come with some stresses—namely in the form of other drivers who may honk or flash their lights if they think your driving isn't up to par. But there is a solution: only create road-trip routes through countries with the world's friendliest drivers. AutoTrader has unveiled its list of the world's friendliest drivers, pointing to all the destinations that make for fantastic road-trip spots. "We were curious to find out which nations around the world have drivers who are generally calmer, happier, and more agreeable," the company shared in its findings. To find out which spots are the friendliest, AutoTrader asked citizens with valid driver's licenses in countries all over the globe a series of questions. Specifically, the questions asked drivers to self-report how nice they are, according to statements from the Agreeableness section of the Big 5 Personality Test, which measures personality traits including kindness, empathy, and cooperativeness. The survey also asked drivers if they've ever "exhibited uncourteous driving behavior." After gathering all the data, the report calculated which drivers around the world deem themselves the "friendliest" behind the wheel. And, according to the self-reported findings, the U.K. is home to the friendliest drivers of all. Earning a Friendly Driving Score of 35.40 out of 40 possible points, the U.K. "leads the rankings as the country with the most polite and agreeable drivers," the findings revealed. "British drivers are renowned for their adherence to road rules and an ingrained sense of courtesy, such as signalling well in advance and allowing others to merge in traffic." AutoTrader added that the U.K.'s "comprehensive driving tests and the emphasis on lane discipline" may also bolster its friendly traits. "Moreover, cultural values around politeness and a 'keep calm' attitude likely play a role in creating a nation with a super cooperative driving culture." Joining the U.K. at the top of the list is Australia in the No. 2 spot, which earned high marks for its laid-back lifestyle. "Australians often exhibit patience and tolerance, even during rush hour," the report added. Australia earned an overall score of 35.02. It's followed by New Zealand, the U.S., and Portugal, rounding out the top five spots. See the full rankings at
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Jeremy Clarkson's parents made a fortune by designing very famous toy
Jeremy Clarkson's mum always believed her son would not have had the TV career he did without Paddington Bear after the family played a big part in creating the ironic character TV star Jeremy Clarkson owes his career to Paddington Bear after his parents made mega money by designing the much-loved stuffed toy. Shirley and Eddie Clarkson's small design company led them to make the first-ever prototype of the character in 1972, which they gifted to their son Jeremy and daughter Joana for Christmas. Friends were quick to admire the toys so they started selling them in local shops in the 70s and the Clarkson couple modified Paddington's design to include his now-famous yellow wellington boots. However, issues soon came to the fore when the author of the Paddington series, Michael Bond, got wind of the couple selling the stuffed toy without copyright rights. The author asked his legal team to take action against the Clarksons, but one meeting between the Bond and the couple changed the trajectory of Paddington Bear forever. As legal actions boiled to a head, Eddie and Shirley travelled to London to meet with the authors' solicitors and happened to meet Bond in a lift. The author of the hit franchise quickly became pals with the couple and tensions around copyright soon melted away. "I got in the lift with Shirley and Eddie," Bond told The Sunday Times."They were terribly nice and pretended it had all been a mistake - and we were friends by the time we got out of the lift. I gave them a licence." That moment of kindness in the lift changed the Clarksons' lives, as the family went on to sell millions of bears and Paddington-themed products across the globe. After a huge success, the Clarkson couple eventually sold the stuffed bear rights to toy stalwart Hamleys. Shirley told AutoTrader in 2010 that he would not have had the TV career he did without Paddington Bear. The millionaire broadcaster also attended two private schools thanks to his parent's entrepreneurial success - Hill House School in Doncaster and Repton School in Derbyshire. The Paddington Bear website says: 'The very first Paddington bear soft toy was designed in the UK by a lady called Shirley Clarkson. She made it as a Christmas present for her children, Joanna and Jeremy Clarkson (who was to go on to become a world famous motoring journalist). "So many people admired Shirley's Paddington that she started to make some more until her company, Gabrielle Designs and was granted an official licence to sell them in the UK in 1972." When Paddington author passed away in 2017, the TV presenter wrote an emotional statement on Twitter to honour his family's relationship with him. He wrote: "Very sad to hear Michael Bond has died. I knew him for 45 years and rarely met anyone kinder or more gentle."
Motor 1
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Three Major Players in the Auto Industry Are Partnering. Here's How an Expert Says It Will Improve Your Car-Buying Experience
A new partnership between Kelly Blue Book, AutoTrader, and AutoCheck is being touted as the start of a fully transparent used car marketplace. Some are saying it's the future of car buying. Others think it's just a brand deal that won't make much of a dent in the marketplace. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Creator Shawn Payne (@goatforreal216) bills himself online as a leading car sales expert. Payne is enthusiastic about the partnership and its potential to provide car buyers with more information to bring to the negotiation table. 'It is the very beginning of a fully transparent process. It's gonna save you guys more time, you're gonna know more about the vehicle that you're buying, you're gonna have the tools that dealers have,' he says while pacing outside GM headquarters in Detroit. The post has been viewed more than 147,000 times. Cox Automotive, which owns Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and AutoTrader, has announced that it will now prominently feature Experian's AutoCheck vehicle history reports across all eligible listings on both and This marks a formal expansion of an existing partnership, effectively co-branding AutoCheck with these platforms to "bring buyers better vehicle history reports" and enhance transparency. Experian, one of the world's largest data firms, owns AutoCheck, a vehicle history service integral to auction houses and dealer inventories. AutoCheck is used by dealers to uncover issues like frame damage, salvage, and flood history through auction data. It represents what many consider the industrial-strength alternative to consumer-focused reporting. Until now, consumers have predominantly relied on Carfax for vehicle history. With KBB and AutoTrader embedding AutoCheck directly into their listings, the service may compete—or even edge out—Carfax in consumer visibility and usage. Potential Benefits Trending Now 'Never Knew This:' Honda Civic Driver of 3 Years Reaches for Key Fob. Then She Realizes It Has a Little-Known Feature 'Why I Hate New Cars': Man Tries to Replace a Headlight Bulb on His 2022 Toyota Corolla. Then He Learns Something Unexpected With this partnership, customers are expected to have access to more granular data. AutoCheck provides deeper insight into critical issues like structural or frame damage, salvage, flood history, odometer rollbacks, and auction notes. These details often exceed what's offered in basic consumer-grade reports. This means the partnership could result in a more transparent car-buying experience. Consumer demand for vehicle history upfront has escalated. Some think having more data about a used car scares off potential buyers, but the opposite may be true. Cox Automotive itself has highlighted benefits. For example, listings with free AutoCheck reports purportedly see 44% more lead conversions on AutoTrader's vehicle detail pages versus competitors. Jade Terreberry, senior director of strategic planning for Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book, characterizes the partnership as a game changer. 'This collaboration delivers a more transparent, personalized experience for consumers and a smarter, higher-performing solution for dealers,' Terreberry told Motor1 via email. 'Dealers gain 80–90% visibility into consumer behavior—far beyond traditional CRM systems—and benefit from 44% higher lead conversion on Cox platforms.' Things We Still Don't Know There are some unanswered questions about the partnership. First off, is it really new? Consumers have had access to AutoCheck through standalone subscriptions or via dealer sites for years. What's new is the wider rollout and front-and-center placement, though it's unclear how widespread or visible it will be. Secondly, will all listings include it, and is it free? Cox says reports are on 'eligible listings.' What qualifies as eligible? Is this added at no cost, or will buyers need to pay? Past integrations suggest options regarding how much and whether consumers pay, but details on this rollout's scope are currently vague. And finally, are consumers going to see dealer-level data? The big question: Does this integration include all the granular data dealers get at auctions? Or is it a curated, sanitized version that looks good in marketing but doesn't provide full transparency? Until sample reports are compared, the real scope of the data remains uncertain. More Data, Less Guesswork The headline promise of this new partnership is simple: more data, less guesswork. By embedding AutoCheck vehicle history reports directly into Kelley Blue Book and AutoTrader listings, Cox Automotive reportedly aims to level the playing field between buyer and seller. Traditionally, AutoCheck has been a behind-the-scenes tool used primarily at auctions and in dealer operations—a backroom advantage for professionals. Now, that same dataset is being put in front of the public. This shift could alter how cars are bought and sold, particularly in the mid-tier and online resale markets. Buyers will have easier access to information about prior accidents, frame damage, title issues, and other red flags—insights that once required paying for a report separately or trusting a dealer's word. That transparency, while a win for consumers, may not be so welcome for all sellers. Dealers, especially those who have long relied on AutoCheck as part of their sourcing and pricing strategy, may lose a modest but meaningful edge. When every buyer has access to the same information, dealers may need to compete more on pricing, warranties, or customer service. Private sellers could also feel the pressure. If a consumer compares a private-party listing without a vehicle history report to a dealer listing that includes an AutoCheck, the expectation of transparency may make cars without reports harder to sell. This development also raises the stakes for competitors, particularly Carfax, which has long enjoyed near-monopoly status in the vehicle history market thanks to strong branding and dealership integrations. On the other hand, AutoCheck is cheaper, often offers more detailed information, and now has a massive distribution channel via KBB and AutoTrader. That combination could begin to chip away at Carfax's dominance—or force it to improve access and pricing to stay competitive. Other automotive marketplaces like CarGurus, and TrueCar may also need to upgrade their vehicle history reports to compete, lest they risk appearing outdated. Consumers React Payne describes the partnership as 'awesome.' He says consumers want to know what the dealer knows. In his view, the partnership between Kelly Blue Book, AutoTrader, and AutoCheck is a strong step towards greater transparency in the car buying business. 'Finally, a big company went out on a limb and is hanging its future on consumer transparency,' Payne says in the TikTok. His audience isn't so sure. Several said that AutoCheck has been around for years, so this really isn't going to change anything. Some questioned the quality of AutoCheck, with one quipping that it's 'the Temu version of Carfax.' (Temu is an online retailer.) 'Auto check is inferior to Carfax in every way,' another said. 'At least at this point. Maybe they'll make it better.' Payne wasn't perturbed by the haters. 'I understand that a more transparent and consumer friendly buying process isn't important to everyone,' he wrote sarcastically in response to one. At least a few people are as excited as he is. 'This is great news for lenders as well!!!' wrote one. Motor1 reached out to Payne via direct message and text message. We'll be sure to update this if he responds. More From Motor1 First-Time Shopper Buys Her 'Dream Car.' Then the Salesman 'Scams' Her out of Her Audi GM's EV Sales Are Booming. But Can It Catch Tesla? 'We Get It Fixed': Woman Says Her 2020 Ram's Steering Wheel 'Randomly' Locks Up. The Dealership Says It's Fine The Cheapest Ford Maverick Now Costs $30,000 Thanks to Tariffs Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Huge TV star is unlikely heir to Paddington Bear fortune and selling £2.8m home
The Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm has become a huge hit with viewers and now two of the stars are looking to sell their properties as they aim to boost their bank balances Two stars from the Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm are looking to boost their bank balances as they list their properties on the market for some eye-watering figures - with one of the lavish houses having a link to a very iconic British institution. Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson 's childhood home, Rowland Bridge House, is on the market for a whopping £1.5 million, while one of his co-stars is looking to sell their £2.8 million Cotswolds country home in a raffle! Located in the historic market town of Tickhill, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Clarkson's childhood home is a Grade II listed property that boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms, four reception rooms, and a 'large living kitchen'. The Clarkson family moved into this 17th-century detached house back in 1987. Jeremy lived there with his mother Shirley, who famously crafted the world's first 'plush' Paddington Bear, initially without authorisation from the character's creator, Michael Bond. Clarkson's mother hadn't asked for permission to use the bear's likeness, but all worked out for her after Bond bumped into Shirley and her husband Eddie and struck up a friendship with the couple and officially awarded her company the licence. The author recalled to The Sunday Times in 2014: "I got in the lift with Shirley and Eddie. They were terribly nice and pretended it had all been a mistake - and we were friends by the time we got out of the lift. I gave them a licence." Bond's approval helped Shirley set up a fortune for the Clarkson family, with her Paddington venture allowing the income she generated through Paddington Bear to fund her son's private school education which helped launch his career in showbuisnsess. She once told AutoTrader magazine: "I've got a Paddington bear on the dashboard of my car. I looked at it recently and thought if it hadn't been for the success of the toys, Jeremy wouldn't have had all the chances he's had in life." Just a stone's throw away from Hill House School, where Clarkson spent his school years, the property offers waterside views over a large duck pond, This two-storey property, complete with a walled south-facing garden and orangery, is now up for grabs with a guide price of £1,475,000. The 5,000 square-foot home, which is just a two-hour journey from London by public transport, comes fully equipped with a range of Miele appliances, including an Aga cooker, and features a laundry and utilities room. Additional perks include a security system, integrated multimedia system, smart heating, and an outdoor kitchen. The main bedroom boasts an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding roll-top bath, and a dressing room. Other features include a conservatory, and a detached garage block with a workshop, gardener's toilet, and a self-contained office and gym. Nick Talbot from Lister Haigh highlighted the captivating past of Rowland Bridge House: "Rowland Bridge House is full of history and during the 1970s it was the childhood home of motoring journalist and star of Clarkson's Farm, Jeremy Clarkson." Nick then added: "It's also where he famously played with the world's first ever Paddington Bear, after his mother, Shirley Clarkson, started making the soft toys without consent. However, she was later granted licencing rights by Paddington's author, Michael Bond, to manufacture and export the bears throughout the world." Commenting on the features of the home, Nick was enthusiastic: "It's a magnificent family home in the highly sought after, historic and picturesque market town of Tickhill which is very popular due to its excellent range of independent shops, restaurants, and amenities, as well as offering easy access to the A1(M), M18 and M62." He also mentioned the appealing mix of old-world allure and contemporary comforts found in the home: "The property blends period features and charm with an excellent finish, which includes media and sound systems together with remote heating and security systems, which will all appeal to buyers looking for a standout family home." It's noted that the Clarksons sold the greatly-loved house back in 2016, and it's now believed to be owned by a semi-retired estate agent. Rachel Hawkins, who assisted Clarkson in launching his Cotswolds pub The Farmer's Dog, resides nearby the presenter's site and is now raffling off her £2.8 million country home. The hospitality entrepreneur, known for reviving dilapidated pubs, has put her six-bedroom house located in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold up for grabs with tickets starting at just £10. Rachel, along with her long-term partner Will Kennedy, moved into the property in November 2015 after purchasing it for £750,000. The 40-year-old star has decided to relocate with Will and their five dogs, opting for an unconventional method to sell their home. The detached 4,000sq ft property is perfect for hosting, should any of the increasing number of Cotswolds A-listers decide to drop by, boasting a unique bar area. It also features a living area and a kitchen with dining space, flanked by a separate dining room on one side and a stylish family room on the other. The family room comes with bi-fold doors that open onto a stone terrace, complete with a garden room for sunny days. The ground floor also houses a cosy sitting room, study and cellar, as well as visitor-friendly features such as a boot room for wellies and a custom-made dog bed. The two upper floors of the Cotswold stone house accommodate six bedrooms, each with its own en suite. A spacious master suite, several guest rooms and a quirky loft room with two single beds tucked under the eaves of the house make it an ideal home for those who love to host. The plush residence comes fully furnished with chic furniture, and Raffle House also takes care of the stamp duty costs and fees, ensuring the lucky winner can move in without any additional expenses.
