News

Millennials have up to now been the focus of attention, but the first wave of the next generation, Generation Z, are starting to enter the workplace, and are bound to change the marketing environment, especially the new car market.

Generation Z (also known as iGeneration, Post-Millennials, Plurals or the Homeland Generation in the United States) is the demographic cohort after the Millennials. There are no precise dates for when this cohort starts or ends; demographers and researchers typically use starting birth years ranging from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, and as of yet there is little consensus about ending birth years.

A significant aspect of this generation is the widespread usage of the Internet from a young age; members of Generation Z are typically thought of as being comfortable with technology, and interacting on social media websites for a significant portion of their socializing. Some commentators have suggested that growing up through the Great Recession has given this generation a feeling of unsettlement and insecurity.

How is this generation likely to buy cars? Research is showing some interesting trends in this regard. Gen Z is not as materialistic as Millennials, and vehicle style and brand are not as important to Gen Z as they are to Millennials.

Gen Z do not trust autonomous vehicle technology to work, and 65% believe that “lack of trust in the technology to work” is a barrier to adopting self-driving vehicles.

According to the research, 92% of Gen Z own or plan to own a vehicle. The main motivation for this is a desire for freedom and convenience. Gen Z do not see a car as any type of reflection of themselves, and are therefore likely to make purchasing decisions based on function over form.

Being environmentally friendly is important to Gen Z – but not as important as price. Cheaper green cars will be top of their buying preference.

Gen Z is concerned about safety, more so than the infotainment features of a vehicle.

With Gen Z turning their back on TV, email and the fake world of celebrity, it is imperative that car manufacturers start to understand what drives this generation, and adjust their thinking accordingly.

We are all aware of the threat of hacking into our laptops or desktop computers, and to a lesser extent of awareness, our mobile devices – but our cars? Sadly, with the increase in technology being applied in our vehicles, such as internet WiFi hotspots and autonomous driving features, cars are going to be more vulnerable than ever to hacking and data theft.

In future, more vehicles are likely to rely more on external cloud services to assist with self-driving and other functions – and it is becoming more and more important that manufacturers should manage the security of automotive software and provide appropriate aftercare and incident response to ensure that these systems remain secure over their lifetime.

Right now, the risk of hackers gaining access to your automotive on board systems may be low, but as manufacturers increase their investment in self-driving technology this risk will rise over time.

Keyless entry systems are becoming common in modern vehicles. These systems work by recognising a low-powered signal from the key fob in a pocket or bag – unlocking the doors and enabling the ignition. There have been reports that car thieves use signal boosters to beat the need for proximity, allowing the thieves to open the car doors even if you are a distance away.

There are now concerns that thieves in Europe and Russia are bypassing the fob and car link altogether and hacking into the car systems directly using their own devices.

What can you do to protect your car? Make sure that your fob is stored well out of reach of your parked car at home. Consider buying a ‘Faraday Bag’ that blocks radio signals – or store your fob in the fridge or freezer at home. You could consider turning the fob off when not in use, or simply removing the batteries.

It should be noted that the problems emerging overseas have not yet reached Australia. Car manufacturers are also working hard to stay one step ahead. However, you do need to be aware of potential risks, and that security issues need to be considered for your vehicle as well as your other computer equipment.

As the old saying goes -your brand spanking new vehicle depreciates in value from the second that you drive it out of the showroom. Many of us opt for a lease for a new vehicle – this is a tax-efficient way to finance a vehicle without tying up capital. However, the market value of your vehicle at the end of the lease contract is a matter for speculation, with variables including the condition of the vehicle and the state of the market at the time.

With normal car lease programs, you pay an amount each month depending on how far you travel. At the end of the lease period, you can switch for a new vehicle or pay a lump sum or balloon payment. Sometimes the balloon payment is less than the car is worth, and you can sell the vehicle for a profit. However, sometimes the car has depreciated to the extent that the balloon payment is larger than the value of the car – mostly an unexpected and financially awkward situation.

With a guaranteed future value lease contract, when the contract ends, you have three options – you can keep the car, return the vehicle or trade it in for another vehicle. If you return the vehicle, all payment obligations cease. If you trade the vehicle in, and the actual trade-in value is higher than the guaranteed final value, then you will receive the difference. If you keep the car, you will pay the final figure as agreed at the beginning of the contract.

There are obviously terms and conditions that will apply to these deals, and these will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The bottom line is that this type of deal is only available for finance deals supplied by the manufacturer. Expect there to be limitations on distance travelled over the period of the lease, and the vehicle must usually be serviced within the manufacturer’s network.

Each manufacturer will have different guidelines for what is deemed to be normal “wear and tear” – make sure that you are clear on these, and also remember that “wear and tear” applies to paint, wheels, underbody, windows and interior. If the condition of your vehicle falls short at the end of the contract period, the guaranteed value will be adjusted accordingly.

Contact Carbiz on 1300889256 or message us today

Roadside assistance packages can vary from the basic services upwards as optional extras are added. Having decided that you will benefit from a roadside assistance package, the next thing to do is to select the package that offers you the services that you need.

A basic service that will cover you for your vehicle if you drive in the city and for short distances, will normally include free towing for a short distance and roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A level up could include free towing for a longer distance, as well as the cost of a taxi to get you to your destination up to a maximum amount, a locksmith to assist if you have locked yourself out of your car, and vehicle recovery to your home or a car repair shop. Trailer and/or caravan towing could be covered, with maximum size and weight limits that may apply.

The next level up could cover you as an individual in any car that you may be driving. You could also benefit from free fuel up to a certain maximum per year, should you run out of fuel.

When you select your package, be certain to understand whether the service is limited to metropolitan areas, or whether the service will cover you for all country areas, and also if you are away from home. Obviously the wider the area of coverage, the more expensive the service will be – so choose according to your needs. If you drive in the city only, and only for short distances, you may elect to have metropolitan coverage only. If you drive frequently, or for longer distances – you may need to consider a wider area of coverage. If you frequently drive when away from home – there are additional benefits that you may need to select – vehicle recovery from a longer distance, a larger maximum value on passenger transport, and possibly accommodation and car hire.

Roadside assistance packages commonly have an overall maximum value for services received – be sure to check out the details before you sign up.

If you would like to find out about roadside assistance packages available or about any of our other services, be sure to contact Carbiz today on 1300889256

Roadside insurance can provide you with a safety net, and peace of mind that no matter where you are, if your vehicle breaks down you can call on assistance. There are many plan variations available that can cater for your specific needs – normal roadside assistance, motorbikes, caravans as well as extras.

These days, with most people owning a cellphone, roadside assistance services are only a call away. But what type of assistance do they provide?

We have all had the sinking experience of a flat tyre – and all dressed up in your finest and on your way to a meeting is not really the time to be wrestling with a dirty tyre, car-jack and spanners. Calling on the professionals to come and assist would so much less stressful, not to say cleaner!

Or, you are happily motoring down the highway and suddenly your car experiences a loss of power and you come to a halt, hopefully in the emergency lane. A quick call, and hey presto – a towing service has arrived and uplifted your vehicle, to take it to the nearest repair centre.

Again, most of us have had the experience of getting into your car, and the car won’t start – flat battery. You may not have jumper cables with you – or you may not be able to use them safely. Good to remember is that complex on-board computers and wiring systems in more modern cars may be damaged by jump-starting them. It would be a big help in this situation if you could call for a technician to bring you a new battery.

Have you ever run out of fuel? Should this happen it would be good to know that you could place a call to Roadside Assistance to get a fuel delivery to your vehicle – especially if you are out in the middle of nowhere with no idea of where the nearest pump is.

Slightly more embarrassing is the situation where you might be locked out of your vehicle, or maybe have lost your keys. Roadside Assistance normally includes a locksmith service to get you moving again.

Finally – sometimes you are not sure what the exact problem is with your vehicle and what options you may have to deal with it – or maybe want to verify what you are being told by your repair centre. Some insurers include a special telephone hotline that you can call for technical advice.

Contact Carbiz on 1300889256 or message us today to find out more about the best solution for you and your car!

2017 will be the year that, for the first time ever, sales of SUVs will overtake those of more traditional passenger cars. Mazda is the most popular of the SUVs in Australia. Where the CX-3 and CX-5 models are the best-selling in the small and medium categories respectively.

The second-generation CX-5 is now on sale in Australia – lets take a look at what it will offer.

This second-generation update is not exactly revolutionary, as it shares a lot with the old CX-5. The drivetrain and about 50% of the components are brought forward from the old model – however, the components that have been replaced should have real impact.

The interior has a new look, with new front seats offering a whole lot more comfort and improved torso support. In the rear, the re-design features lower seats with a two-stage back recliner, redesigned cushions and seat heaters. There is a new 4.6-inch colour screen for the instrument cluster, a heads-up display with navigation function and a Bose ten-speaker stereo with A-pillar mounted tweeters.  The 7.0-inch multimedia screen has been moved, making it easier to see for the driver.

The new model features the latest version of Mazda’s radar cruise control – with traffic sign recognition as well as the ability to keep following the car in front even after it has stopped.

Improved steering has been achieved through the addition of the G-Vectoring Control system which matches engine torque to steering inputs, providing easier steering and ride quality.

Also added to the chassis are wider diameter front shocks, fluid filled body bushings and stiffened steering mounts.

The boot space has been slightly improved – up 39 litres from the previous model.

The new CX-5 has the same engine and transmission as the previous model, with a choice of two petrol (2.0 litre and 2.5 litre four cylinder) and one diesel (2.2 litre four cylinder) powertrains, with fuel efficiency gains of around 4 percent according to Mazda.

All variants will have a rear-view camera, rear sensors and autonomous emergency braking – now capable of detecting pedestrians (moving at a speed of 10 – 60 km/h) as well as vehicles (4-80 km/h).

In summary – Mazda has done a good job of introducing improvements without taking away the basics that have helped to make the CX-5 the top seller that it has been to date.

Window tinting is popular in Australia and elsewhere, to help with safety and maintaining the resale value of their vehicles, and may be an original feature of a vehicle or may be offered as an optional extra at the time of purchase. In applying tinting to the vehicle windows, a thin, transparent sheet of film is applied. The thickness ranges from 0.0025 to 0.01cm, and will reduce radiation and damage to the interior of the vehicle which may be caused by the sun. There are 3 methods – film tinting which uses flat, metallic and mirrored materials, OEM tinted glass where tint is added during the auto glass manufacturing process, or by spraying the windows with a coated tint.

What are the benefits?
Lower inside temperatures – tinting is the most fuel-efficient way of ensuring a more comfortable temperature inside your car. With the right window tint you can reduce the heat inside your car by up to 60%.
Protection from UV rays – the amount of protection will vary depending on the tint.
Added security and privacy – tinting makes it very difficult to see inside the vehicle, and so will act as a deterrent for any would-be thief.
Protects the interior of your vehicle – upholstery, leather and carpets will last and look better for longer.
Appearance – tinting adds to the overall appearance of the vehicle. Tinted windows on a car look so much more sophisticated and professional than untinted windows.

Along with benefits, normally there is a downside.
Police may pull you over more than if your windows were not tinted – for them, not being able to see into your vehicle is a cause for suspicion.
Different states have different laws regulating the amount of tint that is permissible. If you don’t adhere to these regulations, your vehicle may not pass a state inspection.
Sometimes, tinting on the windows may lower driver’s visibility – for instance at night, or in a dark tunnel.
The tinting film may peel over time, detracting from the appearance of your vehicle – in which case you will have to have the tint removed or redone.

It is difficult to predict when a tyre will need replacing – tyre lifespan and mileage depends on its design, driver habits, climate, road conditions and the level of tyre maintenance applied.

However, keep in mind that after 5 years in use, you should take your vehicle for a tyre inspection at least once per year, and if your tyres haven’t been replaced in 10 years, you should replace them even if they have not been worn down to the tread indicator. Check for the manufacturing date using the DOT number on the sidewall of the tyre.

Things that will ensure that you get more mileage out of your tyres:

• Maintain your tyres air pressure, alignment and make sure that you regularly check that the wheels of your vehicle are properly balanced – you should check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and your alignment and wheel balancing should be done with every replacement tyre fitment
• Avoid potholes, driving into kerbs, sharp objects in the road and slow down over speed bumps.
• Quick starts and emergency braking will increase tyre wear and tear
• Avoid mixing tyre types on your vehicle
• Be alert for any change in handling, noise or vibration and consult a professional if any of these occur
• Don’t use summer tyres on snow and ice
• Don’t re-inflate a tyre that has been run flat, or run seriously under-inflated

You should replace a tyre if

• The tread is worn below the recommended tread depth
• There is any damage to the sidewall
• You have a hole in the tread that is more than 6mm in diameter
• The edge of the tyre that sits on the wheel (the bead) is damaged or deformed

Inspect your tyres regularly and look for

• Uneven tread wear
• Shallow tread
• Any nails, stones
• Any damaged areas
• Damaged valve caps

Pay attention to the feel of your car as you drive – a rough ride may indicate tyre damage or excessive wear. If you notice any vibration or other issue while driving – reduce your speed, pull over safely and inspect your tyres.

If your inspection reveals anything that you are unsure of, take your vehicle to a tyre dealer for advice.