The current economic climate has deeply affected almost all industries throughout the UK; a statement that certainly applies to the automotive industry. With the sheer number of reported job losses, a jump in car dealer closures and the cost of motoring increasing day-by-day, it seems that the car industry as a whole could potentially be locked into an irrevocable downward spiral. It makes for gloomy reading doesn't it?

Is that the whole story though?

You may have heard politicians spouting various solutions to the economic problems the United Kingdom is mired in, the majority of which seem far-fetched or unrealistic at best. However, the phrase 'fiscal stimulus' is one that really makes sense and could potentially drag the car industry from the precarious edge of collapse. It is a relatively simple proposition; get the public to spend more and the problems will solve themselves.

But how do you get the public to spend more?

Similar to the property market, now is the best time for a consumer to buy a car in terms of cost, financing and favourable warranty deals. From nationwide franchise car dealers to used cars supermarkets like Eddie Wright, all the automotive retail outlets are virtually screaming out to customers to check out their stock and are willing to reward you if you do. You don't have to be an avid reader of the myriad of car magazines available to know that over the past few months some of the major car brands have been offering tantalising 0% APR finance offers on a number of their new models. Vauxhall and Skoda, to name but two, have both been very pro-active in trying to kick-start the new car buyers' market.

However, this emphasis on improving and maximising new car sales is leaving the used car market a little stale and number of vehicles sat on car dealer forecourts appears to be growing larger by the day. You will find that gradually, over the coming months, that used car prices may start dropping. Whether this is presented in a used car weekend event, or perhaps even by more flexible finance payment plans, there may be a noticeable swing in the favour of the customer as time goes on.

Put simply, if you are a savvy-enough consumer, you may be the one calling the shots next time you head toy your local car dealership. Let's face it; can they afford to lose your custom?

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