Despite problems in the car market and the wider economy, UK motor industry experts say that now could actually be the time to get a great deal on new cars .

Sue Robinson, the director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), reportedly commented: Consumers can expect a great deal on new cars offered by dealers. Although the criteria for some types of finance may have become stricter, dealers are still able to offer a competitive car finance package to all of their customers.

The Head of Motor Finance at the FLA, Paul Harrison, reportedly said: Despite tight trading conditions, our statistics show that new and used motor finance has bucked the trend so far in 2008. Consumers are turning to dealer finance as other sources of finance have become more difficult to access. There is a huge opportunity for dealers in promoting the benefits of secured finance to consumers. Dealers should be talking finance with all visitors to their showrooms. Following the September plate change, dealers are keen to make sure that consumers get a good deal on a new car . There are a range of discounts available, as well as a wide variety of bespoke finance products to suit most people’s circumstances.