Ladies drive demand in car market.

(From Western Daily Press)

One in five motorists will replace their car in the next 12 months, and it's women who are increasingly driving demand, according to new research by AA Personal Loans.

In stark contrast to reports that an economic slowdown will force consumers to tighten their belts in 2006, strong levels of demand for cars reflect greater than predicted consumer confidence when it comes to spending and borrowing.

As many as 29 per cent of women and 30 per cent men plan to replace their car in 2006, with a quarter (27 per cent) buying a brand new vehicle.

While men are set to drive the market for new cars (31 per cent compared …