The Motoring News for July 2007
July 2007
High style solution to the continuing crazeMOMO has reacted to the on-going buzz surrounding the Japanese drifting trend, by specially designing two performance-led steering wheels and harness pad sets. The Drifting steering wheel comes in two versions – racing and tuning – and features a 90mm dish, developed at the request of drifting drivers for maximum oversteer control. the full story
Keith Cowie Sets New World Record In His Road Legal Drag CarThe sun was shining and the turnout was tremendous at this weekend’s TOTBVI at Elvington on Sunday. the full story
A unique scheme that offers incentives to drivers who switch to low emission vehicles has been launched in Manchester. Green Badge Parking (GBP), a joint venture between Manchester City Council and NCP car parks, offers season ticket holders with more environmentally-friendly cars a 25 discount off the annual cost of parking in the city. Owners of vehicles with emissions of less than 120g/km (CO2) and 0. 02 (particulates) will be entitled to the discount - with some drivers saving over £900 per year by using a greener vehicle. the full story
RETAIL DEMAND for used 4x4s is flagging, while new figures show that depreciation has been significantly steeper than in other vehicle sectors over the past two years, according to new research by CAP. It means that the typical ‘heavy’ off-roader registered three years ago has lost an average 33 per cent of its value over the last two years, compared with less than 25 per cent for an average medium-sized family car. Smaller ‘lifestyle’ 4x4s - the so-called ‘soft-roaders’ - have fared even worse, with average depreciation of 35 per cent over the period, according to CAP Black Book, the benchmark used car values guide used by Britain’s top dealer groups, 48 out of the 50 biggest fleets and the major financial institutions. Contributing to the tougher market conditions for 4x4s are increased fuel costs and taxation changes but dealers also identify the decline in demand for off-roaders this year as due to a growing image problem brought about by negative media publicity. Every used car dealer questioned in research during July reported reduced demand for secondhand 4x4s this year, compared with 2006 and universally attributed the reduction to ‘negative publicity’. the full story
The awareness of active safety systems has improved in the past few years, according to research released by Robert Bosch, the world’s largest supplier of components and systems to the global motor industry. However, in the UK, only nine per cent of motorists quizzed were aware of ESP (Electronic Stability Program – known generically as ESC, or Electronic Stability Control) – although for ABS (Antilock Braking System) the situation was better, with 46 per cent of motorists being aware of the technology. the full story
MORE than five million* British drivers confess to causing road rage offences on our roads, according to a new report. The ‘Courtesy on the Road’ report reveals that 16 of motorists admit to initiating a road rage incident. the full story
Prices for the majority of mass market three-year-old cars have been falling at an above average rate in recent months, according to EurotaxGlass’s. The publisher of Glass’s Guide to Used Car Values has revealed that prices fell by over 3 per cent in both April and May. the full story
Car washing around the World is now becoming more environmental friendly thanks to Eurochem’s advanced dry waterless nano-technology. the full story
Those who have sold (or tried to sell) a number plate will know that there are 3 main options:1. Sell ‘on commission’ through a dealer 2. the full story
MP Paul Flynn who has recently submitted an Early Day Motion (EDM) for debate in the House of Commons has seen growing all party support from 36 MPs, all welcoming the ban on metal bull bars and urging the use of non rigid Frontal Protection Systems (FPS). the full story
A stunning Phantom Rolls Royce, the UK debut of a bulletproof Audi, the world’s first right hand drive convertible Chrysler 300 and the most luxurious limousines and executive cars on the market will be on display at this year’s European Limousine and Chauffeur Show. the full story
The fear of car crime is unfortunately an ever-present part of life for motorists. Sometimes you should listen to that little voice telling you to go back to the car, because car crime is a very real problem. the full story
Thatcham, the insurer funded crash research centre, has announced the accreditation of its 300th crash part. the full story
News that women are risking losing control of the car because they are wearing high-heeled shoes while driving may seem far fetched, but a survey by Sheila’s Wheels, the insurer, has backed it up. the full story
Tensions mount as Keith Cowie gears up for Redline Ten Of The Best (TOTB VI), one of the foremost performance road car events in the country, which is aimed at finding the best all-round car in Europe. the full story
White lines are a familiar part of the road landscape, but they all do a different job. The information they are intended to impart varies, despite the fact to the busy driver they all look the same. As a rule of thumb, the more paint there is on the road surface, the more danger or potential danger there is at that point. For example, do you know the difference between a short white line on the middle of the carriageway and a longer white line? The first marks the boundary of the lane, without any other information. the full story
Complete confusion exists on Britain’s roads as clueless drivers are mystified over what constitutes legal and illegal behaviour behind the wheel says Swinton. Figures revealed by the leading high street insurance retailer highlight widespread confusion surrounding what constitutes a driving offence on today’s roads and the broker is calling for a tighter definition of the law to prevent drivers getting points on their licence or being disqualified. the full story
New TEN-S alloy lures those looking for real street appeal MOMO continues to close in on those seeking street-appeal, creating the brooding TEN-S alloy wheel as part of the power-enduced Corse range - the race-inspired series of tuning products from MOMO Italy - to leave style-seekers in no doubt who to turn to in the search for distinction. The new sharp-styled alloy features 10 diamond cut centre spokes (to create the TEN-S name), the renowned MOMO Corse logo etched into the centre, and a sleek, high-gloss black or silver finish to ensure a compelling look for any car. Available in 7x17" and 7. 5x18" fitments the TEN-S wheel has wide applications and is typically priced at RRP £125 and £165 per wheel respectively. the full story





