ON the evidence of swelling order books for V-registration models, most North-West car buyers are staying loyal to local dealerships and shunning the idea of a gamble on 'grey' or 'personal' import vehicles from abroad.

That is the view of leading new and used car retailer, Cheshire based Smith Knight Fay, who operate Volkswagen franchise in Wirral, plus others in the region.

Sales Director Peter Hampson said: "Most motorists won't risk damaging the excellent relationships they have established with their local dealers and realise that buying a vehicle overseas can be a complex undertaking, with plenty of pitfalls. It is true that many more expensive cars are cheaper overseas, though not all of them, and often the saving is so small, it isn't worth all the hassle, and along without a long-term, peace of mind UK warranty, buyers could face major rapair bills."

Meanwhile pre-orders for next week's V-registration launch are estimated to be 400,000 vehicles nationwide, maintaining the new car market's buoyancy throughout the year. This follows the 367,000 sold in March, when the first of the year's new letter plates was introduced, ending the 31 year ritual of an annual plate change on August 1.

For Volkswagen in Wirral, contact Smith Knight Fay, Mount Road, Bebington, on 608-6466.

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