Brexit, ‘dieselgate’ and ride-sharing apps like Uber have all contributed to a slump in new-car sales. However, despite the anti-car pressures, 2.5 million new cars were still sold in the UK last year. So how are people buying them and who are those people?

Americans are finding it hard to kick their car habit, particularly in rural areas. While cities have embraced alternative transport or ride-sharing, the options for those in the countryside can be limited. But there are signs that the market is opening up, at least in some modes and areas.

Choosing a family car is an important decision. After all, it's central to many parts of everyday life – from ferrying the kids around to going on weekend adventures – and the associated costs are a major drain on household finances. So what are family buyers looking for at dealerships?

Where once buying a car meant travelling to a dealership and speaking directly with forecourt dwellers, this is changing. It is estimated that at least 2,800 dealerships could disappear in the US alone by 2020. So in 2014, how exactly are people going about purchasing a new set of wheels?