Vaccinations on target for signalling a busy year for Devon and Cornwall

The most positive news in the fight against coronavirus comes is the fact over 15 million people have had their first vaccination and the second group are already underway.

Also, because we have taken more care and followed the rules, new cases of the virus continue to fall, there are less people in hospital, and deaths are also declining.

We still have some way to go before we can relax but we can make tentative plans and prepare ourselves for a gradual easing of restrictions and government stimulation for business in the Budget on March 3. 

As a result of quarantine rules, only a few will be going abroad for their holidays this year and we should expect an influx of visitors as the year progresses.

For many, it has been a miserable winter with lockdowns, furloughs and some extreme weather, although at least we have avoided the worst of the floods and snow. 

The disruption of the hospitality world has been devastating and we have lost several good hotels, pubs, restaurants and associated businesses, as well as the jobs involved. 

As I told you last week van sales are continuing at pre-virus levels and there is now a shortage of used stock which means trade-in prices are good, so if you are thinking of upgrading your van this is the time to make the inquiry.

New car orders for March are being placed and many test drives booked for when restrictions ease but for those who are simply updating their current car sales advisors are at the end of the phone, or ready with the latest technology to give you all the information you need to make your decision.

It is possible, should you wish to do so, to complete the entire transaction online with the help of videos, test drive information and expert advice. 

The biggest problem is for those whose circumstances have changed and require a different size or type of car and are waiting the opportunity to sit in it and check out it does what they want, and then taking the test drive.

Those of you who have required a service have been able to request their possible new choice as a courtesy car while their current one is being serviced with their dealer, and others are happy to wait until restrictions are eased. 

I have been driving the new Ford Puma Hybrid which sits conveniently between Ford’s best- selling saloons, the Fiesta and the Focus and is a great looking SUV, which remains the fastest-growing section of the market.

This hybrid model allows you to join the electric car movement without the need for remote charging and is ideally suited to short journeys with some stretches to allow the car to recharge itself.

My initial feelings are this is the perfect car for those with small cars who are seeking to add space and comfort or for those in a family saloon wishing to move to an SUV without losing too much space and comfort.

As with all Fords, the driving position, controls, gearbox, and handling and ride are hard to beat and there is an overall 'good feel' being at the wheel.

I shall give you more of my experiences next week but in the meantime keep safe and keep smiling.