News Release
DATE: 29 April, 2008 - Immediate

Motorists turned on by untapped stop-start engine technology savings

Three out of four drivers say they would buy a car that automatically cuts and restarts the engine in traffic in a massive thumbs-up for technology that is already in production but suffers from restricted availability.

Fuel costs saving of up to 8% in urban driving is the top reason for the demand voiced in the latest survey of motorists by Motorpoint, the UK’s leading car supermarket group. But the technology also offers a parallel reduction in CO₂ emissions.

In practice, the technology – essentially a beefed up starter motor and enhanced engine electronics – stops the engine when the driver comes to a halt and takes the car out of gear. Pressing the clutch automatically restarts the car.

Today only Citroen, BMW and Mini are offering stop-start on non-hybrids but most manufacturers are expected to introduce stop-start, on both manuals and automatics, over the next few years - either across the range or on designated ‘green’ models.

Motorpoint operations director Paul Winfield said: “In these days of increasing fuel prices and demands for lower CO₂ emissions, its surprising that this tried and tested technology isn’t already more widespread.

“We always maintain a mix of stock that offers our customers what they tell us they want. This survey shows an overwhelming vote in favour of stop-start technology. We already stock new and nearly new Citroen, BMW and Mini models and we shall make sure, as more manufacturers make the technology available, that we stock those cars too.”

/ends.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Founded in 1998, Motorpoint – the UK’s No.1 car supermarket group - has five locations across the UK in Derby, Glasgow, Burnley, Newport (South Wales), and Peterborough - the latest outlet on a 5 acre site close to the A1.

In 2007 Motorpoint increased sales and saved around 30,000 retail customers a total of £144m against the recommended retail prices to be found on franchised dealers’ forecourts – an average of almost £5,000 per car.

2007 also saw Motorpoint repeat the achievement of selling a car into every post code area in the UK.

With projected total annual sales of 47,000 units, Motorpoint has helped to change the face of car retailing in the UK offering motorists a vast choice of new and nearly new cars – almost all makes and models – at unbeatable prices.

Motorpoint made it into the Sunday Times Top Track 250 list in 2007 coming in at 83. The Top Track lists the biggest private companies in the UK.

For further information please contact:

Chris Wakley or Simon Wittenberg, Automotive PR, Tel: 020 7494 8050 Fax: 020 7437 7966 Email: cwakley@automotivepr.com, swittenberg@automotivepr.com