The Motoring News for November 2007
November 2007
Men are more than twice as likelyas women to risk injury while working in the garage, according to research by car care specialist, Comma. When it comes to releasing a jammed, rusty bolt, 40 percent of men’s advice amounted to: “Just hit it with something!”While 6 out of 10 women say they would ask for help if they were having trouble moving a bolt, 40 percent of men would tell them the best way to solve the problem is to apply a bit of brute force. And it seems that men are keen as ever to maintain their macho image, with a further 44 percent preferring to risk injury by putting all their weight on a spanner to move it, and another 6 percent kicking it before they ask for help. Women are less than half as likely to resort to brute force as men, with only 18 percent saying that they would hit a spanner and the same number using all their weight. the full story
Prancing horsesA veritable stable of Ferraris was on offer, the star of which was arguably the 1973 365 GTB/4 Daytona. the full story
Self-Storage brought to the doorstepEverybody has a need for extra space from time to time, whether it is for de-cluttering in order to achieve a property sale, archiving, renovating a property, or even, unfortunately, emergency or disaster storage. the full story
More than 26 million UK motorists use headlights incorrectlyOver half of Brits (54 per cent) admit they’ve accidentally driven without headlights at least once in the past year and over 1 million motorists admit to having crashed, made a sudden manoeuvre or had a ‘near miss’ because they had forgotten to turn their lights on. the full story
Birmingham based company A Edwards & Sons Ltd, who operate a nationwide pre purchase vehicle inspection service through their website www. auteco.co.uk, have become an official sponsor of Championship Football Club West Bromwich Albion for the 2007-08 season. the full story
The new ‘Alcolock 500’ tests driver’s alcohol limit before it allows engine to be started Alcolock can be fitted to cars, buses or trucks and available to fleet and private drivers European legislation could make Alcolock a legal requirement As the latest Christmas drink driving advertising campaign reminds everyone of their responsibilities when driving during the festive season, and the morning after, a new product - the Alcolock 500 - is now available that could help reduce the thousands of alcohol-related accidents and casualties that still occur each year. the full story
Supermarket Car Parks and Multi-Storeys Can Cause Hundreds of Pounds of Damage, Says GEM Motoring AssistIt is unlikely to result in a write-off, or major damage, but the cumulative effect of collecting scratches, dents and dings and dongs from careless fellow users in public car parks can really devalue your car says GEM Motoring Assist (GEM), the road safety organisation that has worked for the benefit of all road users for 75 years now. Formerly known as the Guild of Experienced Motorists, GEM says that parking with a little more thought and care rather than rushing into a vacant space could save your shiny pride and joy having its body work abused. Chief Executive of GEM David Williams said: “We have seen research that 30 to 35 of company car insurance claims arise from parking incidents, but many people do not bother to report the minor dents and scratches that come from doors being opened into your vehicle by a neighbouring parked car driver or passenger or scratches from carelessly pushed shopping trolleys. ”GEM member and driving expert Richard Butler claims people miss ways of making matters easier. the full story
For those hunting the ultimate in gifts this Christmas, here’s one Santa won’t be taking the credit for. the full story
Christmas is coming early for classic car enthusiasts as BCA stages its special Vintage & Collectors’ sale at the Blackbushe auction centre on Tuesday 27th November at 12 Noon. BCA will offer a superb selection of vehicles spanning the years of motoring history - and being Christmas - there will be something to tempt the most discerning of palates. the full story
Richard Burns was an inspiration to people within the world of rallying and beyond while his memory lives on in the Richard Burns Foundation. And for 2008, women involved in all aspects of rallying have joined forces for the Pacenotes & Pearls charity calendar to raise money for the foundation. Calendar stars include the world’s greatest ever female rally driver Michel Mouton, WRC co-driver Gemma Price, Natalie Barrett and Pauline Gullick. the full story
Haynes, the world's foremost publisher of car manuals, is supporting the Right to Repair Campaign - created by the independent automotive aftermarket to combat potential changes in European legislation which could drive all repair work into the vehicle manufacturers' franchised dealerships. the full story
Leading risk management company has a ready-made fix Foreign truck drivers using UK roads are now responsible for a disproportionate number of on-road collisions, a fact that should be sending a shudder down the corporate spine of any British organisation whose supply chain is heavily dependant on overseas nationals. the full story
Do you know of a great technician who not only deserves recognition and reward but is an inspiration to others? Top Technician 2008 is open for entries and we would like you to help spread the word. the full story
The show, owned by Clarion Events NEC, had around 300 trade stands as well as over 180 classic car clubs showcasing rare and unusual cars from all eras and from all over the world. the full story
An exclusive parade of 20 cars from the GROUP20 SuperCar Club stable, with a combined value of around £2 million, will be seen all over England next week as part of a special fundraising drive for Children in Need. The campaigning cavalcade will include some of the world’s most exclusive four-wheeled exotica, including an Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GTC, Ferrari F430, Porsche GT3, and last but by no means least a rare Pagani Zonda F Roadster – one of only 25 in the world, handmade in Italy, and worth around £600,000. GROUP20 Associate Simon Grantley said: “This is probably the first time Pudsey has featured on the bonnet of such exclusive machinery, and we are hoping to raise a substantial amount of money for Children in Need from collections en route, as well as special evening auctions over the four-day event. ”The launch event and the first auction in aid of Children in Need will take place at the GROUP20 head office in Rochester, Kent, on Tuesday evening November 13th. the full story
March may be a long winter away, but the “race” to “track” down a personalised 08 registration will get underway this month with DVLA Personalised Registrations releasing its next number series to view from Monday 12th November 2007. The timing gives potential buyers the opportunity to peruse the DVLA Personalised Registrations website and tailor their own combination of numbers and letters from the millions available - and see what they look like on a car or motorbike of their choice - before they go on sale on Tuesday 4th December 2007. the full story
The iconic 1974 Ford Cortina that featured in the hit BBC TV series Life on Mars will be landing on the Live Stage at this year’s Classic Motor Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 9th to 11th November. the full story
The Ministry of Justice published its annual report on motoring offences and breath test statistics for England and Wales earlier this afternoon. the full story









