The poll by breakdown specialists Autonational Rescue revealed that 66 per cent don’t understand that driving on under-inflated tyres can add around five per cent to fuel costs, and that carrying out regular tyre pressure checks could save them money.

Around 1,000 adults were asked about what motoring tips are the most effective and could save them the most money.  Only 34 per cent agreed that checking their car’s tyre pressures was vital.

Other tips cited by motorists included planning shorter, more efficient journeys, and filling up fuel tanks more often but with less fuel.

Autonational Rescue marketing manager Ronan Hart explained: “Filling up with fuel more often, but with less, however, means that you can extend your petrol or diesel usage - simply because you are pulling a much lighter fuel load. “

In other news, Britain’s ‘most depressing’ roads have been revealed in a poll of 3,000 car drivers and motorcyclists, based on factors such as boredom, potholes, speed cameras and congestion.  The 119-mile London orbital route, the M25, came top of the list.

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According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the most popular make among fleets was Vauxhall, which saw a surprise 77.6 per cent rise in registrations when compared to the same month last year, with 22,018 units sold.

Vauxhall was followed by Ford, with 13,379 units sold, and VW, at 9,333 cars.

The best-selling Vauxhall models were the Astra and the Corsa, with the Insignia and Zafira also making an appearance in the top ten models leader board.

Out of the top ten manufacturers, Mercedes came last with 3,421 units sold, representing an 8.8 per cent drop when compared to June 2009.

Despite the rise in new fleet car registrations, Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “The industry still expects challenging economic conditions in the second half of the year and government action to improve access to credit for consumers and businesses will be important in sustaining the momentum of recovery.”

In other news, senior representatives from across the automotive sector have met with new MPs at the House of Commons to discuss the economic role of the motoring industry.

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The poll by car review website RoadTestReports.co.uk asked 519 visitors who they thought offered the best customer service out of a list of manufacturers who had sold the most cars between January and May 2010.

They were scored in a number of areas including speed and efficiency in dealing with customer calls and responding to queries.

Toyota scored 17 per cent, two per cent ahead of Volkswagen and Honda who came joint second.  Vauxhall scored lowest with five per cent of votes.

Faye Sunderland, spokesperson for RoadTestReports.co.uk, said: “Despite media criticism of Toyota, our poll proves that the company handled its recall crisis effectively and efficiently and has emerged relatively unscathed in the minds of the public.”

In other news, research by esure car insurance has revealed that bad driving costs the British motoring public £200 million each year, with 38 per cent of motorists having received at least one parking fine.

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The research by esure has suggested that 1.3 million people lie to friends, family or potential employers about a driving offence committed.

Thirty-four per cent of motorists admitted to confusion over parking rules and regulations, while 15 per cent said they were unsure about what they’d been fined for.

Meanwhile, 38 per cent have received at least one parking fine. Another 34 per cent of drivers have been fined for speeding at least once.

The average driver will receive £214 in speeding and parking fines in their lifetime. There was also a gender divide, with men clocking up £344 worth of motoring fines in a lifetime – over £100 more than female motorists who receive an average of £210.

Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance, Mike Pickard, said: “Offences such as speeding and using a mobile phone while driving not only add points to a motorist’s driving licence but are deemed offences for a reason. They are actions that put drivers and other road users at risk.”

In other motoring news, an online poll has shown how 23 per cent of people in the UK would not consider buying or driving an eco-friendly vehicle.

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The research released today (13 July) has suggested that 60 per cent of fleet managers in the UK believe safety is an important factor when purchasing vehicles. However, only 28 per cent said they look for a Euro NCAP rating when purchasing cars and vans.

Meanwhile, 41 per cent of fleet decision makers said they had no requirements for specific safety equipment in vehicles and only 42 per cent said their policies considered duty of care.

More than 150 company business vehicles crash each day in the UK, with an estimated 7,000 deaths and injuries on UK roads involving drivers at work.

RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh said: “Fleet decision makers rightly focus on driver behaviour, but many seem to overlook the importance of buying or leasing safe vehicles.”

“They must look out for those equipped with the latest technology, such as Electronic Stability Control, and those with the highest Euro NCAP ratings.”

In other motoring news, 93 per cent of motorists would recommend that friends and family should use Motor Codes’ 6,200 nationwide garages.

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The network consists of more than 4,000 cameras logging the movement of more than 10 million vehicles per day.

Tighter regulation may include the restrictions on access to the network’s database of more than 7.6 billion images. Photographs show the front and back of cars and often the driver and passengers.

Home Office minister James Brokenshire told the Guardian: "Both CCTV and ANPR can be essential tools in combating crime but the growth in their use has been outside of a suitable governance regime. To ensure that these important technologies continue to command the support and confidence of the public and are used effectively, we believe that further regulation is required.”

Earlier this week, Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, called for a major shift in the way roads are built and paid for in England.

A ‘pay as you go’ taxation system could help to alleviate congestion, increase the amount spent on road infrastructure and cut fuel and road duties, he claimed.

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Insolvency rates almost halved, to 0.07 per cent, from 0.12 per cent a year earlier.

Experian’s Insolvency and Late Payment indices also show a drop from an insolvency rate of 0.08 per cent in April. The current rate of 0.07 per cent is the lowest since December 2007.

At the same time, there was a small increase in late payment during the month, to an average of 16.68 days after agreed terms, compared to 16.67 days in May 2009.

Mark Wilkinson is Sales Director for Experian Automotive business.  He said that the figures were “a good result for the industry in the current economic climate”.

He added: "Feedback from automotive businesses in the UK is that chasing debt is a key issue. For the financial strength of the industry to remain buoyant, keeping in touch with supplier terms, and managing risk around those, will remain key."

Last week Fleet News reported that sales of new fleet cars and vans are 50 per cent up on a year ago, although they are still not at the level they were before the recession.

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Toyota invested $50 million in Tesla Motors in return for a 2.5 per cent stake, and they are hoping that as well as access to Tesla’s electric battery expertise, the company will help Toyota repair its reputation after a series of global recalls.

Tesla is also a partner of Daimler, which owns Mercedes and Smart. Last year Tesla agreed to supply lithium-ion power packs and recharging systems for 1,000 Smart electric cars.

Chief Executive of Tesla Elon Musk said, “Investors will benefit from the company’s technology knowledge. We are a Silicon Valley company. Closer to an Apple or Google than to a GM or Ford in the way we operate the company.”

But analysts have stated Tesla’s earnings potential is limited until it has developed its next car, the Model S.

Tesla Motors were formed in 2003 and they are the first manufacturer to go public since Ford in 1956.

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According to the Daily Telegraph, the AA blamed a combination of near-record pump prices and the severe winter weather for the downturn in fuel sales earlier this year.

The figures also revealed that four per cent less fuel was sold to UK motorists in 2009 compared with two years ago, and that traffic levels were one per cent lower.

The Department said: “Drivers had absolutely no relief during the economic downturn and had no option but to cut back. This also hit the Treasury, depriving it of £1 billion in tax."

In related news, last week’s Budget will mean higher costs for fleets according to a report in Fleet News.

An increase in VAT, from 17.5 to 20 per cent, on January 4 2011, will affect fleet operator running costs, the magazine claims, adding an additional £315 to the cost of replacing a £15,000 fleet car.

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He has, however, asked the Office of Budget Responsibility to investigate the feasibility of such a measure, according to a report in The Guardian.

A fuel duty stabiliser would shield petrol prices against significant swings in the price of oil.

Instead, the Liberal Democrat-Conservative coalition will be sticking to the previous government’s plans for a 1p rise in fuel duty in October and a further 1p rise in January 2011.

In addition, VAT rises announced yesterday will add around £60 per year to the cost of running a car.

Industry website FleetDirectory.co.uk expressed disappointment at the news. Spokesman Richard Lawton said: “We all knew this Budget would impose some tough cuts that will affect all of us, but by keeping the planned increases in fuel duty and introducing a VAT rise in January, businesses and consumers will be hit on both sides. Businesses dependent on transport desperately need some relief from record fuel prices.”

Last month, one of the UK’s leading fleet industry bodies called for talks with the new Government on the future of tax changes and the real world availability of zero and low emission vehicles.

The Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) said it was eager to maintain its established relationship with several Whitehall departments.

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The committee includes a cross-section of industry representatives from the car, commercial vehicle and aftermarket sectors and will meet regularly to discuss issues digital radio issues. The move follows a government announcement earlier this year to drive the upgrade

The committee’s particular remit will be to seek a collaborative approach with government, broadcasters and other stakeholders on the delivery of the recommendations in the Digital Britain Report.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The creation of a Digital Radio Committee is an important step in helping to resolve the key issues and concerns vehicle manufacturers and motorists have about the upgrade before the 2015 deadline."

Meanwhile, the SMMT will hold its second International Automotive Summit on June 30.

Senior industry figures are due to appear at the event in the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, to debate and discuss a range of issues, including: retail, ultra-low carbon technology and design.

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