No London, No Interest

Disappointingly, once again, there will be no London motor show in 2012. A great shame, I’m sure you’ll agree. Not only were some of the most exciting cars unveiled at the show every time (the show was held once every two years), but it gave the British press something to look forward to, and the British public an automotive event to get excited about.

There were a few problems, though. Because it was held in July, manufacturers sometimes opted to unveil their magnificent new concept at Geneva in March, dulling the excitement of London slightly.

But a far bigger problem was that of choice. You see, when presented with a selection of cars, the vast majority of UK drivers seemed disinterested in their wheels, and so when they walked around the show they would be cornered by a salesman and talked at until they cried.

After the crying stopped, they would consider all the options available – some cars have traction control, others have four wheel drive, and many had airbags for your knees. Then they would give a cheque to the salesman that gave them the cheapest deal.

You may be wondering why this is an issue, and it might not appear to be one immediately, but when you think about it, all we’re doing is raising a generation of people who are not interested in safety, performance or driving fun, only with the cheapest deal.

I’ve found myself in a similar position recently. My dad took up sailing a few years ago, and while I love being on the water drinking tea, I rather think that when it comes to sailing boats I’d really struggle to pick a good one.

After considering all the options, which one looks the best, which one is fastest, which one is actually the best to own, I’d probably pick the one that costs less than 50p.

Not much I say which actually influence the world, but I hope that I have at least made you think a little. Let’s make people interested in cars, maybe not to the level that I’m interested but just enough so that they care, and won’t opt for the cheapest.

Seán Ward

Editor,