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As 2013 continues to ramp up, I think it's worth looking at the elements that had the biggest impact on drivers in the past 12 months. As you can see, it's been a mixed bag:
1. Managing costs has remained right at the top of the agenda as shrinking budgets have met head on with the rising cost of motoring. The most savvy drivers will have taken action in the vehicles that they select and the way that they drive to keep their costs to a miminum.
2. Some interesting new models have come onto the market. From the popular Range Rover Evoque, the company's first effort at something that resembles a car more than an SUV, to the Renault Twizy which looks like no car I have ever seen. The manufacturers are thinking outside the box and its making for some interesting new models.
3. The importance of being green hasn't diminished as taxation continues to be linked to vehicle efficiency, and as the environmental credentials of new vehicles improves, tax bands have moved accordingly.
4. Adverse weather has continued to make life difficult for many drivers. From snow and ice to flooding, it seems that the elements are against us. Keeping an eye on the news and planning your journey accordingly has never been more important.
5. The great fuel debate continued and there was little let up in pump prices. Fuel remains one of the biggest costs attached to vehicle ownership and the good news was that the Chancellor responded to mounting pressure by cancelling the 3ppl duty increase planned for January.
6. Olympic traffic was expected to be an issue for drivers navigating in and around the capital. With all the hype, many stayed away, but that didn't stop hundreds of drivers being caught using the designated Games Lanes which left them with nasty fines.
7. Flattening fatality rates rather than the regular reductions that we have become accustomed to act as a reminder that driving is dangerous and there is no room to take any risks.
8. Increasing availability of alternative fuel vehicles has continued as hybrid and electric vehicles start to become less of a novelty. This year, the talk wasn't just about electric as hydrogen powered vehicles seemed to climb up the agenda.
9. Rising insurance premiums have added to the cost burden for many drivers and don't expect this trend to let up in 2013 as premiums are predicted to rise further.
10. Despite some challenges, drivers still love their cars and rely on them as heavily as ever. If you read my recent blog on this subject, you will know that motorists are cutting back on other luxuries to ensure that they can keep their car on the road.
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