This month sees the launch of the new 2010 registration plate and
manufacturers are gearing up for a successful year of trading.

The county’s dealerships have never had a better selection of new models so we preview the most impressive!

It’s been a tempestuous past 12 months for any sector, but nowhere has the effect of the recession been felt most profoundly than in the motor industry. 2009 ended on a high with dealers reporting sales up on 2008, back to 2007 levels.

A Government-backed Scrappage scheme announced in May resulted in a strong November and December too, with sales in December up by 38% compared the same period the year before.

With buyers also incentivised by the impending VAT rise too, local dealerships are reporting increased satisfaction, and the impending new registration will only aid the industry further.

Turmoil in 2009 with Jaguar and Land Rover’s sale to TATA has been offset by an encouraging response to the brands’ new models, whilst green-4x4s and family cars have reassured the public that the future of motoring is leaner, greener, more affordable motors without sacrificing quality or luxury.

New cars in 2010 are ever-more technology-laden too, with sat-nav now de-rigueur and new models from Mercedes innovating in favour of a safe drive by introducing night vision and adaptive cruise control to its new ranges, maintaining its reputation for motoring technology.

Still at the top of the UK’s sales charts, though are superminis and eco-friendly models, so we’ve included in this year’s roundup of the best new cars the greenest cars, those who top the sales charts and the UK’s ‘best in class’ cars from across the executive, prestige and sports sectors.

This year, look out for Land Rover’s new Discovery, Jaguar’s sublime XJ saloon, and Audi’s R8 as the machines to covet, as well as sector-first models from Aston Martin, Porsche and new flagships from Audi and Mercedes in what is set to be an extremely interesting year for those who love cars, and a year of great choice for anyone seeking a new model!