The Motoring News for March 2007
March 2007
One Million Britain's Close To A ...
More than one million* British motorists are now on the brink of losing their licences, according to research by Direct Line Car Insurance. There are currently 6,000 speed cameras monitoring drivers in the UK and currently 4. 5 million** drivers have points on their licence for speeding. the full story
More than one million* British motorists are now on the brink of losing their licences, according to research by Direct Line Car Insurance. There are currently 6,000 speed cameras monitoring drivers in the UK and currently 4. 5 million** drivers have points on their licence for speeding. the full story
Published on: 29th Mar 2007
Environment Minister Backs RAC ...
Decibel-loving drivers aren’t just risking their hearing, they are also risking their safety, according to the RAC Foundation today [28th March] backing campaigning MP Dr Tony Wright’s call for antisocial in-car audio to be run off the road. the full story
Decibel-loving drivers aren’t just risking their hearing, they are also risking their safety, according to the RAC Foundation today [28th March] backing campaigning MP Dr Tony Wright’s call for antisocial in-car audio to be run off the road. the full story
Published on: 28th Mar 2007
More Smarter Driving Tips
Haynes, the world-renowned publisher of car and motorcycle manuals, is pleased to support the Department for Transport Smarter Driving campaign to reduce CO2 emissions. the full story
Haynes, the world-renowned publisher of car and motorcycle manuals, is pleased to support the Department for Transport Smarter Driving campaign to reduce CO2 emissions. the full story
Published on: 27th Mar 2007
Off-Roaders Getting Softer By Demand
Many consumers seeking cheaper running costs Segment under increasing pressure from critics across Europe High running costs and tougher legislation bring a new breed of SUV to the marketJATO Dynamics, the world’s leading provider of automotive data and intelligence has commented that the market for SUVs seems to be undergoing a period of transition. the full story
Many consumers seeking cheaper running costs Segment under increasing pressure from critics across Europe High running costs and tougher legislation bring a new breed of SUV to the marketJATO Dynamics, the world’s leading provider of automotive data and intelligence has commented that the market for SUVs seems to be undergoing a period of transition. the full story
Published on: 27th Mar 2007
Kwik-Fit Issues Easter Holiday Warning ...
Research from Kwik-Fit found that nearly a quarter of British motorists (23) - 4. 9 million in total - have knowingly driven on tyres below the legal minimum tread depth of 1. 6mm, claiming they were ‘too busy’ to get them changed. the full story
Research from Kwik-Fit found that nearly a quarter of British motorists (23) - 4. 9 million in total - have knowingly driven on tyres below the legal minimum tread depth of 1. 6mm, claiming they were ‘too busy’ to get them changed. the full story
Published on: 27th Mar 2007
Cherished Number Transfer Bill Passes ...
MPs have given their approval to a Bill that could simplify the process of buying and keeping a cherished number plate for a vehicle, taking it closer to becoming law. the full story
MPs have given their approval to a Bill that could simplify the process of buying and keeping a cherished number plate for a vehicle, taking it closer to becoming law. the full story
Published on: 24th Mar 2007
Land Rover Freelander2 NCAP
Euro NCAP - Small Off Roaders (4x4)
Euro NCAP today releases test results for two new small off-roaders, the Land Rover Freelander 2 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. the full story
Euro NCAP today releases test results for two new small off-roaders, the Land Rover Freelander 2 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. the full story
Published on: 23rd Mar 2007
Pothole damage costs 10 times more than ...
Council spending on repairing potholes on the UK’s roads is just a tenth of the estimated cost of the damage caused to vehicles every year, according to data from automotive warranty specialist, Warranty Direct. The 2007 ALARM survey on highway maintenance and repair, released today by the Asphalt Industry Alliance, states that just £33 million was spent on filling 589,000 potholes in the last 12 months. * This compares to an estimated bill of £320 million that motorists are saddled with to repair cars damaged by potholed roads. ** “Once again, this report highlights that the balance needs to be addressed for the motorist,” said Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director of Warranty Direct. the full story
Council spending on repairing potholes on the UK’s roads is just a tenth of the estimated cost of the damage caused to vehicles every year, according to data from automotive warranty specialist, Warranty Direct. The 2007 ALARM survey on highway maintenance and repair, released today by the Asphalt Industry Alliance, states that just £33 million was spent on filling 589,000 potholes in the last 12 months. * This compares to an estimated bill of £320 million that motorists are saddled with to repair cars damaged by potholed roads. ** “Once again, this report highlights that the balance needs to be addressed for the motorist,” said Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director of Warranty Direct. the full story
Published on: 23rd Mar 2007
Government Does Not Want Congestion ...
The response of H. M. government to a petition to reduce commuting by encouraging teleworking, shows that they are not interested in reducing congestion at all. The petition on the Prime Minister's website said:"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to reduce the need for office-based workers to commute to work each day. ""Millions of unnecessary daily journeys to work could be eliminated through effective use of broadband technologies, virtual private networks, home working and also flexible working hours. the full story
The response of H. M. government to a petition to reduce commuting by encouraging teleworking, shows that they are not interested in reducing congestion at all. The petition on the Prime Minister's website said:"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to reduce the need for office-based workers to commute to work each day. ""Millions of unnecessary daily journeys to work could be eliminated through effective use of broadband technologies, virtual private networks, home working and also flexible working hours. the full story
Published on: 22nd Mar 2007
Dirty Budget Attacks Clean Euro IV Cars
The ABD today castigated Gordon Brown for his Budget in which he announced that road tax on so-called 'gas-guzzlers' would nearly double to £400 for clean but large engined Euro IV cars by April 2008, and petrol tax would rise by nearly 6p/litre (26p/gallon) over the next three years. "This is just old-fashioned politics of envy and car hatred wrapped in a transparent green veil. the full story
The ABD today castigated Gordon Brown for his Budget in which he announced that road tax on so-called 'gas-guzzlers' would nearly double to £400 for clean but large engined Euro IV cars by April 2008, and petrol tax would rise by nearly 6p/litre (26p/gallon) over the next three years. "This is just old-fashioned politics of envy and car hatred wrapped in a transparent green veil. the full story
Published on: 22nd Mar 2007
Gas guzzler' budget penalties will not ...
As 4x4 owners braced themselves for Gordon Brown’s anticipated ‘anti gas guzzler’ budget, CAP revealed they are already suffering worse depreciation than owners of most other car types. the full story
As 4x4 owners braced themselves for Gordon Brown’s anticipated ‘anti gas guzzler’ budget, CAP revealed they are already suffering worse depreciation than owners of most other car types. the full story
Published on: 22nd Mar 2007
Brown Presents Golden Opportunity For ...
Vehicle fleet managers have a golden opportunity to make significant cost savings and demonstrate their green credentials, according to EurotaxGlass’s, following Gordon Brown’s announcement of changes to rates of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The rise in VED for vehicles in band G (those emitting more than 225g of carbon dioxide per kilometre) to £300, then to £400 in 2008, affects one in seven of all new vehicles on sale, and these models are typically bought by fleets rather than private buyers. the full story
Vehicle fleet managers have a golden opportunity to make significant cost savings and demonstrate their green credentials, according to EurotaxGlass’s, following Gordon Brown’s announcement of changes to rates of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The rise in VED for vehicles in band G (those emitting more than 225g of carbon dioxide per kilometre) to £300, then to £400 in 2008, affects one in seven of all new vehicles on sale, and these models are typically bought by fleets rather than private buyers. the full story
Published on: 22nd Mar 2007
Budget 2007 - Chancellor Continues To ...
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) comments on today’s budget: Chancellor Squeezes Motorist, But Fails To Invest In Transport ‘The Chancellor has attacked the motorist with the increase in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for 4x4s and other large vehicles, but has failed to offset this by any extra investment in transport. the full story
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) comments on today’s budget: Chancellor Squeezes Motorist, But Fails To Invest In Transport ‘The Chancellor has attacked the motorist with the increase in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for 4x4s and other large vehicles, but has failed to offset this by any extra investment in transport. the full story
Published on: 22nd Mar 2007
The STMMT's response to budget
The motor industry has welcomed moves in today's budget to cut corporation tax and extend R&D tax credits. the full story
The motor industry has welcomed moves in today's budget to cut corporation tax and extend R&D tax credits. the full story
Published on: 22nd Mar 2007
Keeping The Kids Happy This Easter
Alamo Rent A Car Offers Top Tips and Great OffersAlamo Rent A Car is offering customers the ultimate Easter gift to help them get out and enjoy the first signs of Spring. the full story
Alamo Rent A Car Offers Top Tips and Great OffersAlamo Rent A Car is offering customers the ultimate Easter gift to help them get out and enjoy the first signs of Spring. the full story
Published on: 21st Mar 2007
British Motorists Don't Trust Their ...
68 per cent don’t trust their friends and family to drive their car 26 per cent say this is because of their lack of driving experience 11 per cent don’t trust their best friends to drive their car New research from car insurer Liverpool Victoria (conducted by YouGov1) reveals that most Brits (68 per cent) don’t trust their nearest and dearest to drive their cars. the full story
68 per cent don’t trust their friends and family to drive their car 26 per cent say this is because of their lack of driving experience 11 per cent don’t trust their best friends to drive their car New research from car insurer Liverpool Victoria (conducted by YouGov1) reveals that most Brits (68 per cent) don’t trust their nearest and dearest to drive their cars. the full story
Published on: 21st Mar 2007
LV= Launches Its First TV Advertising ...
LV=, insurer of over half a million British motorists, has launched its first ever TV advertising campaign for car insurance entitled: “You’ll love LV”. the full story
LV=, insurer of over half a million British motorists, has launched its first ever TV advertising campaign for car insurance entitled: “You’ll love LV”. the full story
Published on: 21st Mar 2007
Proteus Has Been Acquired By Rival ...
Prototype design for ‘C-Type’ Coupe to feature at Race RetroProteus Cars has been acquired by rival sports car manufacturer Enduro Cars. the full story
Prototype design for ‘C-Type’ Coupe to feature at Race RetroProteus Cars has been acquired by rival sports car manufacturer Enduro Cars. the full story
Published on: 21st Mar 2007
Jaguar C-Type Coupe
Tracker
Tracker Leads Rotherham Police To ...
TRACKER, the UK’s leading stolen vehicle recovery system operator, led Rotherham police to a record haul of heroin and crack cocaine, a machine gun and ammunition. Officers hunting a stolen Volkswagen Golf followed the TRACKER signal from the car to a lock-up garage containing the vehicle. the full story
TRACKER, the UK’s leading stolen vehicle recovery system operator, led Rotherham police to a record haul of heroin and crack cocaine, a machine gun and ammunition. Officers hunting a stolen Volkswagen Golf followed the TRACKER signal from the car to a lock-up garage containing the vehicle. the full story
Published on: 21st Mar 2007
Wake Up To Whiplash!
Car manufacturers have finally woken up to the dangers of whiplash injuries – but the British public aren’t yet using their heads to save their necks – a report from Thatcham the insurance research centre will reveal. More than 125,000 drivers and passengers in the UK could be being injured in accidents annually purely because they have not adjusted their head restraint properly. New figures show that the majority of car seats now offer passengers protection in the event of a rear end impact – with 80 per cent of new European vehicles rated as good or acceptable. Crash test dummy testing shows a dramatic improvement in the quality of protection offered by many manufacturers following years of pressure from the engineers and analysts at Thatcham. But there is growing evidence that motorists and their passengers fail to use the equipment properly. A survey carried out by Thatcham shows that more than 63 per cent, of drivers have their head restraint set in the wrong position – making them vulnerable to injury. the full story
Car manufacturers have finally woken up to the dangers of whiplash injuries – but the British public aren’t yet using their heads to save their necks – a report from Thatcham the insurance research centre will reveal. More than 125,000 drivers and passengers in the UK could be being injured in accidents annually purely because they have not adjusted their head restraint properly. New figures show that the majority of car seats now offer passengers protection in the event of a rear end impact – with 80 per cent of new European vehicles rated as good or acceptable. Crash test dummy testing shows a dramatic improvement in the quality of protection offered by many manufacturers following years of pressure from the engineers and analysts at Thatcham. But there is growing evidence that motorists and their passengers fail to use the equipment properly. A survey carried out by Thatcham shows that more than 63 per cent, of drivers have their head restraint set in the wrong position – making them vulnerable to injury. the full story
Published on: 21st Mar 2007
Too Much Automation On The Road = Too ...
Over recent years there has been a trend for manufacturers to load cars with automated features. Many of these can be useful, some can be lifesaving. the full story
Over recent years there has been a trend for manufacturers to load cars with automated features. Many of these can be useful, some can be lifesaving. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
BRAKE takes another wrong turn
Road safety charity BRAKE is claiming that in-car satellite navigation using on-screen maps distracts drivers and should be banned. the full story
Road safety charity BRAKE is claiming that in-car satellite navigation using on-screen maps distracts drivers and should be banned. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
Hey Minister, Leave Those Clocks Alone
BRITISH summer time begins on Sunday March 25 and road safety champion GEM Motoring Assist (formerly The Guild of Experienced Motorists) is renewing its campaign to force the government to make it the last time clocks are altered. the full story
BRITISH summer time begins on Sunday March 25 and road safety champion GEM Motoring Assist (formerly The Guild of Experienced Motorists) is renewing its campaign to force the government to make it the last time clocks are altered. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
Victory For Drive & Survive In The ...
Major customers also receive industry plaudits. Leading UK driver risk management specialist, Drive & Survive, has won the 'Best Risk Management Company' category in this week's prestigious 2007 Fleet News Awards. the full story
Major customers also receive industry plaudits. Leading UK driver risk management specialist, Drive & Survive, has won the 'Best Risk Management Company' category in this week's prestigious 2007 Fleet News Awards. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
Hummer Comes To The UK
The HUMMER brand is arriving in the UK with the opening of the first dedicated HUMMER showroom this week. the full story
The HUMMER brand is arriving in the UK with the opening of the first dedicated HUMMER showroom this week. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
Hummer Comes to the UK
Hummer H3
The New Right-Hand Drive HUMMER H3
HUMMER H3 Since the beginning, HUMMER vehicles have been in a class of their own, with extreme style and capability, unmatched by the competition. the full story
HUMMER H3 Since the beginning, HUMMER vehicles have been in a class of their own, with extreme style and capability, unmatched by the competition. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
Potholes are ripping tyres apart
Holes in the UK's roads are putting motorists at serious risk Badly maintained and unfinished roads are putting driver safety at significant risk more than ever before according to TyreSafe, Britain’s foremost tyre safety organisation. the full story
Holes in the UK's roads are putting motorists at serious risk Badly maintained and unfinished roads are putting driver safety at significant risk more than ever before according to TyreSafe, Britain’s foremost tyre safety organisation. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
New Registrations lead to Bumper Taxi ...
Monthly sales of the new TX4 taxi, launched by manufacturer LTI Vehicles last October, are expected to top 400 for the first time in March. the full story
Monthly sales of the new TX4 taxi, launched by manufacturer LTI Vehicles last October, are expected to top 400 for the first time in March. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
Taxi TX4
North Lanarkshire Council Turns To ...
North Lanarkshire Council is stepping up a gear in its bid to improve the efficiency, and reduce the emissions, of its vehicle fleet. the full story
North Lanarkshire Council is stepping up a gear in its bid to improve the efficiency, and reduce the emissions, of its vehicle fleet. the full story
Published on: 19th Mar 2007
RAC Foundation Supports Launch Of The ...
Road crashes could be reduced by more than 20 per cent, especially in wet or icy conditions, by cars being fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), according to the RAC Foundation. the full story
Road crashes could be reduced by more than 20 per cent, especially in wet or icy conditions, by cars being fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), according to the RAC Foundation. the full story
Published on: 13th Mar 2007
School Trip Safety A Priority For GEM - ...
WHEN you send your child off on a school trip or organised group visit how certain can you be of their safety?As the season of school and club journeys gets underway, this is the key question posed by GEM Motoring Assist, the organisation formerly known as the Guild of Experienced Motorists that is concerned with the safety of all road users. It has produced some pointers and important questions to be asked of tour operators by those responsible for putting an educational or activity visit together to ensure they are not fraught with danger. David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM, explained: “A well run operation will guarantee the best transport arrangements using well equipped coaches that benefit from having the latest safety features. “You may well believe that as long as safety belts are provided that this is enough. the full story
WHEN you send your child off on a school trip or organised group visit how certain can you be of their safety?As the season of school and club journeys gets underway, this is the key question posed by GEM Motoring Assist, the organisation formerly known as the Guild of Experienced Motorists that is concerned with the safety of all road users. It has produced some pointers and important questions to be asked of tour operators by those responsible for putting an educational or activity visit together to ensure they are not fraught with danger. David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM, explained: “A well run operation will guarantee the best transport arrangements using well equipped coaches that benefit from having the latest safety features. “You may well believe that as long as safety belts are provided that this is enough. the full story
Published on: 13th Mar 2007
TyreSafe And RoadSafe To Work Together ...
Joint safety awareness actions planned to target all driversTyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety body and information provider, has become the latest organisation to support the work of RoadSafe - a road safety partnership of leading companies and road safety professionals. the full story
Joint safety awareness actions planned to target all driversTyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety body and information provider, has become the latest organisation to support the work of RoadSafe - a road safety partnership of leading companies and road safety professionals. the full story
Published on: 13th Mar 2007
Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics Introduces Blackbird
Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd today introduced Blackbird (PMD-B100P), a new portable navigation device (PND) with a unique system docking capability and built-in traffic receiver, to the European market. Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics system supplier and an ISO certified global corporation, specialised in engineering and manufacturing products for mobile media systems that include audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and connectivity solutions. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U. S. , Alpine is the automotive specialist for premium sound systems and vehicle navigation for both aftermarket and OEM factory installations. the full story
Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd today introduced Blackbird (PMD-B100P), a new portable navigation device (PND) with a unique system docking capability and built-in traffic receiver, to the European market. Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics system supplier and an ISO certified global corporation, specialised in engineering and manufacturing products for mobile media systems that include audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and connectivity solutions. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U. S. , Alpine is the automotive specialist for premium sound systems and vehicle navigation for both aftermarket and OEM factory installations. the full story
Published on: 12th Mar 2007
Alpine Electronics Redefines In-Dash ...
As more and more consumers shift their preferences from CDs to digital tracks, the demand for automotive products to meet those needs is on the rise. the full story
As more and more consumers shift their preferences from CDs to digital tracks, the demand for automotive products to meet those needs is on the rise. the full story
Published on: 12th Mar 2007
Alpine
Car Sickness Survey Throws Up ...
One quarter of drivers claim that they have been stressed or distracted by a car-sick passenger, and over 60 per cent have resorted to dangerous behaviour as a result. the full story
One quarter of drivers claim that they have been stressed or distracted by a car-sick passenger, and over 60 per cent have resorted to dangerous behaviour as a result. the full story
Published on: 12th Mar 2007
Lada Looks To The Future With ...
Could Lada ever make a comeback to the UK? It’s not impossible - and a new concept car on the Russian manufacturer’s stand shows that the company’s next-generation of cars will be a far cry from the old Communist-era Rivas and Samaras of the past. The Lada C is an aggressive-looking C-segment three-door hot hatch, powered by a 2-litre petrol engine, and is the first fruits of Lada-maker AvtoVAZ’s new alliance with contract manufacturer MagnaSteyr. the full story
Could Lada ever make a comeback to the UK? It’s not impossible - and a new concept car on the Russian manufacturer’s stand shows that the company’s next-generation of cars will be a far cry from the old Communist-era Rivas and Samaras of the past. The Lada C is an aggressive-looking C-segment three-door hot hatch, powered by a 2-litre petrol engine, and is the first fruits of Lada-maker AvtoVAZ’s new alliance with contract manufacturer MagnaSteyr. the full story
Published on: 12th Mar 2007
5 Million British Cars Driven On Under ...
Kwik-Fit today urged Britain’s motorists to get their tyre pressure regularly checked after a nationwide spot check* carried out by the company found that millions of car drivers are putting themselves and others at risk by driving on under inflated tyres. the full story
Kwik-Fit today urged Britain’s motorists to get their tyre pressure regularly checked after a nationwide spot check* carried out by the company found that millions of car drivers are putting themselves and others at risk by driving on under inflated tyres. the full story
Published on: 12th Mar 2007
Drivers' Group Condemns BBC Radio 2 Vote
Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show are currently giving the public the chance to vote one of eight categories of road user off the roads. the full story
Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show are currently giving the public the chance to vote one of eight categories of road user off the roads. the full story
Published on: 9th Mar 2007
Cars NOT Carbon
The LowCVP is launching the 'Cars NOT Carbon' marketing challenge, a competition to promote greener motoring marketing. the full story
The LowCVP is launching the 'Cars NOT Carbon' marketing challenge, a competition to promote greener motoring marketing. the full story
Published on: 7th Mar 2007
Bird Poo Pelts Britain
”Bird drops keep falling on my… car” Britons, especially Scottish women who drive black cars and park under trees, should watch out - because they’re most at risk from bird poo[1]. the full story
”Bird drops keep falling on my… car” Britons, especially Scottish women who drive black cars and park under trees, should watch out - because they’re most at risk from bird poo[1]. the full story
Published on: 6th Mar 2007
Low Emission Cars Are Failing To ...
Tony Blair and hard-hitting news headlines may be trying to battle global warming, but when it comes to choosing their next car, low C02 emissions are as low on motorists’ list of priorities as their chic new motor’s ability to tow a caravan. Only 3 of motorists look for a car with ‘green credentials’ compared to 23 who want something reliable and 13 who are simply looking for a car that is cheap to buy according to research carried out by Alliance and Leicester. the full story
Tony Blair and hard-hitting news headlines may be trying to battle global warming, but when it comes to choosing their next car, low C02 emissions are as low on motorists’ list of priorities as their chic new motor’s ability to tow a caravan. Only 3 of motorists look for a car with ‘green credentials’ compared to 23 who want something reliable and 13 who are simply looking for a car that is cheap to buy according to research carried out by Alliance and Leicester. the full story
Published on: 6th Mar 2007
