Welcome to GWA Cars and Finance, GWA Cars & Finance is an independent company specialising in the sale and financing of new and used cars and vans in Chichester, West Sussex and the UK.

More info on the development of mainstream electric cars from the GWA news desk this week. Peugeot has announced the launch of the world’s first diesel hybrid car – the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4.

This crossover car will combine a 2.0 litre diesel engine and a 37hp electric motor. The hybrid will run silently when in electric mode, during which it will produce no exhaust emissions. The 3008 Hybrid4 goes on sale in the UK in Spring 2011.

Interestingly, in terms of price it will sit at the top end of the Peugeot 3008 range. This doesn’t come as a surprise, but I think if these types of car are going to establish themselves as a popular choice with everyday motorists, the price has got to come down.

However, the rising cost of fuel should help drive sales for diesel-electric and petrol-electric combination vehicles. The combination of eco-friendly status and performance (the 3008 Hybrid4 engine has 163hp) should also be attractive. But, I still think something has to happen on the price.

The £5,000 discount available through the government’s Plug-In Car Grant will help, as I’ve said in previous blogs, and the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 should qualify, but this initiative is only a short-term offer. It will be interesting to see if the government does any longer-term thinking on this subject.

Staying with Peugeot, GWA Cars & Finance has a special offer on a Peugeot 107 Urban – available from just £115 per month. I think this type of run-around is becoming increasingly essential in our busy towns and cities, with their limited parking. Chichester springs to mind as a place where parking provision seems to be shrinking rapidly.

And, of course, don’t forget that on all new cars there are big savings to be made by buying before the VAT increase comes into effect in January 2011.

To have a chat about buying or leasing a new or used car or van, contact Gary at GWA Cars & Finance on 01243 510 650 or sales@gwacars.com.