If only car buyers’ habits shifted as slowly as the cogs of Government turn.

Were that the case, then motor retail would be a far steadier industry to work in right now.

Consumers would have given their first signals some time around 2006 that they were planning to reduce their spending on new cars in 2009.

They would have held a few informal meetings in 2007 to agree a framework of spending, then in 2008 they would have notified manufacturers some time last summer that 2009 would be predominantly about small cars for small budgets.

Unfortunately for the motor retail industry, the pace at which it is forced to change simply outstrips that at which the Government works.

Take scrappage, for example. It took more than six months from initial discussions to launch, during which dealerships were closed, manufacturers slashed production and jobs were lost.

Now even MPs themselves are making public their frustration at the Government’s delay in helping our domestic car plants and motor finance operations.

It is time the Government took a joined-up approach that will help to sustain our industry’s millions of pounds invested in facilities, jobs and training through the recession and ensure they remain for the long term.

Starting from August, AM will bring you breaking news and analysis of the UK’s new car market direct to your desktop every month.

We’re launching an eZine which will bring you the monthly new car registrations data and expert opinion on the trends in the market, and the reasons behind them, within hours of the figures being received from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The electronic magazine, titled AMe, will not only provide market insights, but also business critical information and analysis spanning all aspects of motor retailing.

Look out for the first one at www.am-online.com on August 7 – or, better still, register your email address with am@bauermedia.co.uk to ensure it is emailed directly to your inbox as soon as it is published.

Even more news, analysis, dealer insight and topical features will continue to be delivered in your AM newspaper.

This will be published on the fourth Friday of every month.