Car News
Motorists urged to prepare breakdown emergency kit in time for winter
With the UK bracing itself for arctic weather predicted by experts to hit the country over the coming months, Green Flag encourages motorists to prepare for the worst by carrying on board essential items useful in a breakdown.
Prepare your car to avoid a winter breakdown
Winter is fast approaching but many British motorists will head out into the cold and wet without carrying out any maintenance checks putting themselves at risk of encountering a breakdown or accident.
Motorists underestimate stopping distances in icy conditions
Many British motorists could be putting themselves and others at risk by not adapting their driving ability in winter conditions, according to new research.

Volvo Trucks’ Umeå cab plant paint gets ‘greener’
In an effort to further reduce the total impact on the environment at its Cab plant in Umeå, in Northern Sweden, Volvo Trucks will in future paint plastic components in a new topcoat paint facility.
Next Mazda sub-compact car for Europe to be produced in Hiroshima
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the company will build its next sub-compact car (B-car) for the European market at its Ujina Plant in Hiroshima, Japan, as part of ongoing efforts to take advantage of global manufacturing efficiencies.

Honda CR-V prices announced
Honda has announced official pricing for its cleaner, smaller, safer new CR-V. Prices start at £18,700 for a 2.0-litre i-VTEC S model. All CR-Vs in the range have also achieved a very competitive insurance rating of Group 12.
New RVs for new Honda CR-V
Honda’s Swindon-built CR-V has won a key battle in the compact SUV market, achieving the best residual value in the sector.

Volvo presents safety system for avoiding collisions at low speeds
Volvo has announced more innovative safety technology – a unique ‘City Safety’ system that could help drivers avoid 50 per cent of all rear-end, low speed accidents that often happen in urban environments or slow moving traffic.

Cadillac debuts Platinum series at Los Angeles Auto Show
Cadillac has announced the introduction of a limited-edition Platinum Series for the XLR roadster and STS saloon. The new range will bring additional elegant design touches, further extending Cadillac’s reinvention of its interior styling and appointments.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage gets a performance advantage
Prodrive has launched a range of parts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which improves the car’s performance and enhances its driving dynamics. The range includes: a performance pack for the engine; new driver-adjustable suspension; unique forged wheels; and a discreet aero package.

Mediterranean markets boost Mazda UK
Mazda UK has seen spectacular growth not just in the UK, but also in the Mediterranean where it is responsible for the right-hand drive markets of Malta and Cyprus. The launch of some exciting new products next year will be key to maintaining that momentum, said Ian Crawford, RHD Mediterranean Markets Manager for Mazda UK.

Ferrari at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show
In its North American auto show premiere, Ferrari unveils the stunning 599 GTB Fiorano at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 599 GTB Fiorano completes a range entirely overhauled in a little over two years. “During the development of the 599 GTB Fiorano we dedicated a great deal of attention to the North American market and especially to California where Ferrari has a high concentration of passionate clients,” said Amedeo Felisa, General Manager of Ferrari S.p.A. “The V12 mid-front engine 599 GTB Fiorano represents the best of Ferrari’s current production. It is the highest performance production series Ferrari ever. At the same time it provides unmatched comfort and driving pleasure,” continued Mr Felisa.

Volkswagen Touran available to order now ahead of January launch
Volkswagen has announced prices for its new Touran and released the car for ordering ahead of the on sale date of 5 January 2007. Prices start at £14,750 on the road RRP for the entry-level S 1.6-litre 102 PS and rise to £23,310 for the range-topping Sport 2.0-litre TDI DPF 170 PS with DSG gearbox.

Crash repairs – how can you be sure you are in safe hands?
If your car is badly damaged in a road accident, how can you be sure that it will be repaired with the same materials as were used in its manufacture?
Fleet chiefs’ name top 2006 vehicles
The operational performance, whole-life costs and driver appeal of the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit have been recognised by Britain’s leading fleet operators.