Car News
HPI’s Tip of the Week: It’s all in the timing
There are certain times of year when you are more likely to drive yourself a bargain. Plate changes in March and September means new car sales peak in these months, forcing an influx of used cars onto the market. If you can wait until mid to late April or October, you may find prices are substantially lower.
Driving down costs and improving repairer capacity
More than 50% of all total loss vehicles are being incorrectly routed to bodyshops at First Notification of Loss (FNOL), reports claims solutions provider, Audatex UK, significantly adding to the financial, administrative and logistical burden bodyshops are facing today.
Mazda reports some positive highlights in February sales
The Mazda brand achieved several positive results last month in Europe, despite lower retail volumes compared to February 2008. The relatively strong performance in 12 markets helped to increase Mazda Motor Europe’s passenger car market share, both European-wide and on a country level.
Brits would rather take a driving lesson with dad than mum
Britons would rather practise their driving skills with Dad according to a new study by AA Driving School. And it's a wonder any youngsters ever reach their driving test if the stories about parents losing their temper and grabbing the steering wheel during a practice drive are anything to go by.
New Thule roof box dwarfs competitors for style, size and safety
Thule, the world’s largest manufacturer of car roof rack systems, roof boxes and accessories have the ultimate in roof boxes to transport your holiday luggage this year- the 520 litre Thule Excellence.
Suzuki Alto - A car of its time
Governments around Europe are introducing scrappage schemes to boost sales - throw away your smokey old banger - typically around 10 years old - and buy a new, clean, green model and you get a couple of grand back in return.
Meguiar’s ScratchX 2.0
Meguiar’s, the leading manufacturer of automotive surface care products, has introduced a new and improved formula for the removal of isolated scratches, fingernail marks, paint transfer, car park scuffs and other minor defects.
New car CO2 emissions fall at fastest rate on record
CO2 emissions from new cars fell by their biggest ever margin in 2008 with the average model now emitting just 158.0g/km - 4.2% less than the 2007 figure and 16.8% down on the 189.8g/km base level in 1997.
Subaru to showcase range at Ordnance Show
Subaru (UK) Ltd will once again showcase their innovative range of All-Wheel Drive outdoor lifestyle vehicles at The Ordnance Survey Outdoor Show (27-29 March) at the NEC, Birmingham, where they will be showcasing their official sponsorship of the gruelling, three-day, 600 km ‘London-Paris Cycle Tour 2009’.
1000th Ferrari in Hong Kong
A special ceremony to mark the 1,000th Ferrari delivered in Hong Kong took place in Victoria Harbour yesterday. Over 65 international media from Hong Kong, Macau and the adjacent markets participated in this significant milestone for Ferrari in the Asia-Pacific region.
Toyota develops world first rear-seat centre airbag
Toyota has developed a world first rear-seat centre airbag to help reduce the severity of passenger injuries in side-on collisions. The new Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag is fitted in a large, fixed, rear-seat centre console and will feature in particular Toyota models to be released in the near future.
Zircotec in pole position at Science Museum
Zircotec’s ceramic thermal barrier technology that allows high strength, lightweight materials to be used in high temperature environments has been selected to appear at a forthcoming exhibition.
Bank of Scotland Dealer Finance donates £7,180 to BEN
A successful initiative introduced in 2008 by the dealer finance arm of Bank of Scotland Corporate to increase its focus on dealer training has had a positive outcome resulting in a generous donation to BEN of £7,180.
Sytner acquires Ferrari and Maserati dealership in Birmingham
The purchase of the business, which will trade under the new title of Graypaul Birmingham, was completed at the end of February 2009.
Land Rover confirms grant offer to build new model
The UK Government has confirmed a grant offer of up to £27 million is to be made available to Land Rover for the production of an all-new car. The company is due to make a final decision on the the go-ahead of the project at its award-winning plant in Halewood, on Merseyside, later this year.